tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79111052265961034422024-02-19T06:16:04.229-05:00WEBINAR CAREER COACHINGWEBINAR CAREER COACHING
military to civilian career transition; social media strategies for job search; webinars, SKYPE social media coaching
Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.comBlogger267125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-63511968394599257892015-03-09T19:08:00.004-04:002015-03-09T19:10:36.829-04:00The Dark Secret to Getting Knock-out Recommendations- Finally Revealed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfT5LGbA0AYpPz33PBIaBCbCmw6zTTENLJmwdzTOw2NbS9sFDQHIwiHeJF3my_7qMmF4NxQNA9LPYqVIVFZOW-SULnp2KFgJsR2it3bSbrAeAvOaHgKBtAirOpEiT0iUTscJnLr73ZmI0L/s1600/images.letter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfT5LGbA0AYpPz33PBIaBCbCmw6zTTENLJmwdzTOw2NbS9sFDQHIwiHeJF3my_7qMmF4NxQNA9LPYqVIVFZOW-SULnp2KFgJsR2it3bSbrAeAvOaHgKBtAirOpEiT0iUTscJnLr73ZmI0L/s1600/images.letter.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Doesn't it drive you nuts when less qualified people get the
opportunities that you deserve more? It doesn't have to be that way... if you
know the secret to getting the kind of recommendation letter that really opens
doors.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Most of know one or two people who aren't particularly good
at what they do, and yet they always seem to be the ones who get ahead in life
or receive a promotion. Wouldn’t you say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They advance, while everyone else has to sit and watch. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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It wouldn't be so infuriating if they were the most
deserving, the most intelligent, the most skilled, or the most hard-working.
But it rarely seems to work out that way. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The simple fact of the matter is that it takes at least <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">two types of skills to get ahead in the
world</b> today: the ability to do a good job and - what is becoming
increasingly important - the ability to land a good opportunity in the first
place. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately for most of us, our teachers only taught us
how to perform well; they didn't spend a whole lot of time showing us how to
stake our claims - how to make sure we get the credit, rewards, and
opportunities we deserve. That was supposed to be automatic. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Well, it's not! It's a jungle in the civilian world sometimes!
</div>
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Throughout your life, you can expect that you will be out
there too - over and over again - fighting for your place in the world. It's
not enough to be another skilled candidate; successful candidates know they
must stand out in a crowded field. They must get noticed before they can ever
hope to get offers. </div>
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That's why <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">letters of
recommendation</b> are more important now in the job search process than ever
before - often more important than your resume. If you've ever been involved in
hiring, then you know it doesn't take long before all those resumes start
sounding alike. Resume after resume - the whole pile starts to become a blur. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I often tell my <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">coaching
clients </b>that employers don’t like to hire “generic employees.”</div>
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They would rather hire a candidate based on a referral,
reputation or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">RECOMMENDATION</b> from
someone. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Letters of recommendation are unique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hard-hitting, objective opinions from
real-life professionals that have actually worked with you can communicate more
about what you offer than you could ever get across in a resume... that is, if
you can get the right letter. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PROBLEM</b>: Getting
good recommendation letters isn't easy - even when you deserve them! </div>
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People are often reluctant to write letters of
recommendation - even when you are more than deserving. Why? Well, a typical
excuse is that they are too busy. After all, doing a letter of recommendation
can take some time - especially if you don't do them often. </div>
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Even so, often lack of time is just an excuse; it isn't the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">real reason why most people don't like
writing</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">recommendation letters</b>.
A more common reason and more embarrassing, is that managers are reluctant to
write reference letters because THEY don't think they can do a good job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, they fear that the letter they write
will be so bad that it will make them look unprofessional. What’s the
consequence? You and the recipient of the letter<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>will lose respect for the letter writer and
the organization he/she represents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Of course, they won't tell you that; you just won't ever get
your letter. Clearly, though, some people have figured this out. They are able
to secure the kinds of letters that opportunities that people can only dream
of. </div>
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How do they do it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Are they just better than everyone else? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Do they work harder? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Are they smarter or better educated? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the vast majority of cases, the answers to these
questions are no, no, and no! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They're not better or smarter; they just know the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">secret.</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their approach is as simple as it is effective: They <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">write their letters of recommendation
themselve</b>s! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You've probably seen glowing letters of recommendation
that... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- get people to stand up and take notice </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- impress recruiters and colleagues </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- provide the most effective competitive edge available in
the war for fast-track opportunities! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Am I saying that these letters are essentially just
advertising - as biased as anything else - written by the candidates
themselves? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes! That's exactly what I am saying, and for a very good
reason... it's absolutely true! It's the dirty little secret that all the most
successful candidates already know. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now think about this: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How can you possibly compete without doing the same thing
yourself? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The answer is: you can't! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are serious about landing the kind of opportunities
you really deserve in today's competitive environment, then you have no
option... you must take the initiative. It takes real nerve to write your own
letter of recommendation for someone else to sign, but it's the way the real
movers and shakers make things happen.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Two quick solutions</b>:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Contact someone on Linkedin (preferably a first
level contact) who can write you a recommendation in a paragraph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell your contact what contact you would like
to include (such as your reputation; past performance reviews; major projects
on which you worked, etc).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Send the
paragraph to your contact.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Once your recommendation is done, make sure you
get at least two others per role you had. So that adds up to three in total. If
three recommendations are impossible to get, try to get two and then start
asking for “endorsements,” a relatively new feature on Linkedin.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once you have completed your recommendations, write
something like “Please see my recommendations on my Linkedin account.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Employers will take notice!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-90261580043448440262015-03-09T18:46:00.004-04:002015-03-09T19:10:13.125-04:00How to overcome being "overqualified"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How to Overcome Being "Overqualified"</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A common
complaint I hear from clients I’ve coached in the military or corresponded with
in my <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Linkedin group, military to
civilian employment <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>is: “They
(civilian employer) told me I was overqualified.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you
ever gone through the interview process, felt confident that you'd performed
extremely well, and then heard those dreadful words?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I'm sorry, but we feel you're
overqualified for this position." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"Arrggh!!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here's how to prepare for and avoid the
negative perception of being "overqualified" for a job.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I was
told that after an interview, several thoughts went through my
frustration-fogged mind... What kind of crazy excuse is that for not hiring
me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what if I'm 'overqualified' --
don't employers always want to hire the person with the best qualifications? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(NO....you’d be surprised, it is something
deeper than that!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If I'm
willing to take this job, overqualified or not, why is that a problem? This
isn't fair! What's the real reason they don't want to hire me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When interviewers say you are
"overqualified," here's what they are concerned abo</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ut:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You'll be bored in this position;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(2)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
won't be satisfied with the salary they're offering;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(3)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You'll leave as soon as you get a better opportunity;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(4)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They'll have to go through the time-consuming and expensive process of
hiring and training someone all over again.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The above
reasons may or may not make you feel better about being
"overqualified," but admittedly, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>those are legitimate concerns from the
civilian employer. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you get
the "overqualified" excuse once, you'll be wary about getting it
again. So if you apply for other jobs that may be at a lower level than
warranted by your <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">background</b>,
skills, education and experience, you may be tempted to "dumb down"
your resume and omit things like college degrees or advanced training. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But lying about your background is NOT
recommended. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here's a
better strategy:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>address it
head-on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be the first one</b> to raise the "overqualified" issue with
a potential employer. If you bring it up yourself, you can discuss it openly
and convince the interviewer that it won't be a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They key --
as with every job interview issue -- is to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">anticipate
and prepare</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before you go to the
interview, think about what you'll say and how you will convince them that they
should hire you, even if you are "overqualified."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a basic <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SALES principle</b> called “overcoming objections.” </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After
explaining how you will be a great asset for their company, tell them <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">why</b> you are applying for a lower-level
position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my experience with coaching
military members, a certain percentage who transition into the civilian
workforce purposely select a “lower level” of responsibility or an “entry level
job” if they are changing careers entirely. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is
nothing wrong with being selective.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I myself
have had the opportunity to advance or be a “manager” of some sort, but I like
to work FRONT LINE in the “trenches” to coach clients.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do not sa</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">y, "I can't find anything else
and I really need a job."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Though that
may be the case, this approach is a little too honest and will reinforce the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">employer’s fear</b> that you will leave at
the first opportunity. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Say
something like, "You can tell that I've worked at a higher level before,
but this position is exactly what I'm looking for."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then,
depending on the job and your circumstances, explain why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example: </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">* "I've
always wanted to work for your company [or in this industry], and I'm willing
to take a lower-level position to get that opportunity."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"It (the job opportunity) will allow me to use my skills and expand
my experience in a new field."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"I'm looking for something a little less stressful, with fewer
responsibilities, so I can spend more time with my family."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"This position provides the stability and long-term growth
potential I'm looking for." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"The salary is not my top priority. I'd have no problem with
earning less than I've earned in the past."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Be very
enthusiastic about the job. Explain how you can <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">meet the employer’s needs now</b> and in the future as the company
grows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And most important of all,
convince them that you will not quit as soon as something better comes
along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are
convinced that this job would be worth it, you might even try this: offer to
sign an agreement stating that you will stay on the job for a minimum of 12
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether the hiring manager
actually takes you up on that offer or not, it will definitely make a very
positive impression!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Right now, I
am helping a former military member (signals operator) transition into the
workforce and he wants a simple job at a supermarket or stocking shelves at
night at Walmart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For my <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">military client</b>, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is a personal choice; he realizes that he must
plan for the possibility of being viewed as “overqualified”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>after <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">twenty-five
years in the military</b>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you
anticipate the "overqualified" issue and address it up front, it will
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not be a drawback</b> to your success!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Need a certified career coach to help you with a career transition strategy?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Please email me at melissacynthiamartin@gmail.com</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Twitter: @melissacmartin </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.military2civilianemployment.com </span></div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-66011072196774989762015-03-03T18:48:00.000-05:002015-03-03T18:48:33.507-05:0010 ways to use speed networking in your job search<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The following article is one I wrote when I was an approved career expert on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogs/~careerealism">Careerealism.</a><br />
I have revised it for you to reflect current trends..<br />
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Regardless of whether you are married or with a significant other, no doubt you've heard of "speed dating."<br />
The goal is to talk to many potential dates as possible, in a tight time frame, with just enough time to say your name and see if there's any chemistry (or <i>chimie</i>, as we say in French), with the other partner.<br />
<br />
No matter what your opinion is, speed dating and trying to find chemistry with a potential employer who shares commonalities. Now that commonality has transitioned into a trend called <b>speed networking. </b><br />
Here's what to do before attending a speed networking event:<br />
<br />
<b>1. Despite the brevity of time you may have with a potential employer, first impressions do count.</b> Invest in (not just make) a first impression that you will make you memorable, inviting and enticing to develop the next stage - a possible meeting or screening interview.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Mind your manners.</b> Despite the many modern technical devices that impede communication, social etiquette and emotional intelligence give you a noticeable advantage over someone who doesn't have the foresight to know manners are sought by employers. Those in a <a href="http://www.careerealism.com/interviewer-competitive-intelligence/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">job search</a> who have gracious social etiquette are more likely to receive referrals and establish rapport quicker than those who have poor deportment (something highly prized in the military).<br />
<br />
When I attended a seminar on a military base with Catherine Bell, I distinctly remember how she taught the audience to shake hands correctly. This custom in itself sets a tone from the job seeker to a potential employer. A handshake can represent an accurate confidence rating on the part of the job seeker. (I must confess despite the high profile of women in the workforce, some still have the tendency to have a "limp" handshake, which conveys a lack of confidence).<br />
<br />
<b>3. Take notes while you chat with contacts.</b> It is wise to "break the ice" with an employer, even for a moment, to resist the temptation to "dive into" a self-serving conversation. Your objective is to build rapport by engaging in benign small talk before advancing to your prime objective - to generate chemistry between you and the employer. Sure, speed networking is time sensitive, but building rapport can be done in a quick timeframe. It can "make or break you" in terms of giving a positive, professional profession. <br />
<br />
<b>4. Bring calling cards or business cards with your online and offline co-ordinates.</b> For example, your LinkedIn account or a link to your blog. Especially advantageous is proof of affiliations to which you belong or memberships of some kind. Just remember not to do what I call "drive by networking" or collecting cards and doing a disappearing act-this is discourteous and impolite.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Communicate what you can offer.</b> I often use the terms ROI (return on investment) and USP (unique selling points) to demonstrate your value to employers.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Communicate more like a consultant or solution-finder than a job seeker.</b> In the course of your conversation, albeit it brief, try to find out what the company's challenge or problem is. (Remember, all employers have problems to solve. Perhaps you can be the remedy by being hired by that company!)<br />
<br />
<b>7. Articulate your expertise.</b> Don't give too general information. Be specific about how you can help employers.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b>8. Ask questions to probe and reveal answers.</b> If you're really tactical with questions, you might just find out what the company's "hidden agenda" is or forthcoming plans for hiring or for expansion, as in offering a new product or service.<br />
As we career coaches will attest, good questions generate good answers. Especially "mini" ones which connect to one another.<br />
<br />
<b>9. Be flexible with the employer's plans.</b> Perhaps there's an area you didn't consider in your realm of experience.<br />
<br />
<b>10. Follow-up with all of the contacts promptly.</b> Many business decisions are made within three business days. "Strike when the iron is hot," especially if you've developed chemistry or even a "prime impression" with contacts at the speed networking event.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><i><b>Melissa C. Martin is a </b><a href="http://webinarcareercoach.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>bilingual career coach</b></a><b> who specializes in military to civilian career coaching. .</b></i></span></div>
Download <b>my FREE report, Turbocharge your job search</b>: 16+ sizzling tips to be irresistible to employers on military2civilanemployment.com<br />
<br />
<br />
Follow me on Twitter @ravingredhead and @melissacmartin (bilingual)<br />
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-91371158383328597432015-03-03T18:23:00.002-05:002015-03-03T19:06:07.497-05:00How to conduct an executive Job Search: 3 Ways to Find a Job Faster<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Are you encountering a difficult
problem in your job search</span></b></a></div>
<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null">
</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps a lack of networking contacts? Or
trouble answering interview questions?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well,
you've got company. Problems in a job search are more common than you might
think. BUT ... have you ever written your problems down on a piece of paper? </span></a></div>
<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null">
</a>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">When you
write down problems, you take an immediate, huge leap towards solving them.
Think about it: Every great invention or solution was worked out on paper <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">first.</b></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Why not solve
your employment problems the same way? </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Here's a three-step method that will
help you do it L</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Start by asking the right questions</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVKnx0pJ2pNCQyFF-ll2MERvSq2P37kIeGieVcZE_l12pUrk_y1G8QqpDPWImDyLm8HhuZuW5AWrLoQ6l0auIrML3knIVzpd4kOTlj3uK7TJwCax-A5AO8aY9VmkLEgn82inlZstwe9Mb/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVKnx0pJ2pNCQyFF-ll2MERvSq2P37kIeGieVcZE_l12pUrk_y1G8QqpDPWImDyLm8HhuZuW5AWrLoQ6l0auIrML3knIVzpd4kOTlj3uK7TJwCax-A5AO8aY9VmkLEgn82inlZstwe9Mb/s1600/index.jpg" height="146" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Most job
seekers put themselves behind the eight ball in their job search by asking questions
that are depressing and “demotivating.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Questions like, “Why won't anyone give me a
job?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or “ How do I network when I don't
know anyone?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Does that
sound familiar to you? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Instead,
start asking questions that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">motivate and
inspire you</b>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Better
questions to ask are</b>:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">* How could I
give people a reason to call me with job leads?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">* How did my
10 closest friends find their current jobs? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">FACT</b>:
You are more likely to get your next job by meeting or contacting someone, or
being referred. Employers do NOT like to hire strangers). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">* How could I
brainstorm with them and use their methods in my job hunt?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">* What worked
in my last job search? The job search before? How could I do that again?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Important: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ask questions that you yourself can solve.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">NEVER depend
on others to do this for you. Because, once you give up responsibility for
solving problems with job search (or anything else), you become a prisoner of
outside forces. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">When you ask
the right questions, however, you're halfway to the answer. So write down at
least five empowering questions about your job search right NOW.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, you're ready for step two:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">2) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Brainstorm at least 20 possible answers</b>.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">After you
write down five good questions, circle the one question that looks most promising.
You're going to use it to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">get hired
faster</b>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let's say you write the following question
down atop a clean sheet of paper:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could I give people a reason to call me
with job leads?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Write a number 1 below it. Write a possible
answer next to that number. Then move on to number 2 and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> 3 </b>and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> don't stop until you
have at least 20 answers to your question</b>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Not </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">15 or 19, but
20 answers -- or more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This requires rigourous thinking. Like bench
pressing, thinking is strenuous work, no matter how good it may be for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But don't let your head off the hook. Don't
stop until you </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">get 20
possible solutions. Brainstorm as if your career depended on the outcome. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Because it
does.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Most of
your 20 answers won't be very good</b> -- that's OK. Your best answer may come
right after the most “odd balled” one. By forcing yourself to write out 20
answers, you're flushing the creative pipes while going deep into your subconscious
mind to dredge up a winner.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't knock it until you try it! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">3) Take action on one solution today. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Choose the
most promising from your list of 20 answers. Then, get started -- today -- to
make it happen. No excuses.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let's say the most actionable of your
solutions is to throw a networking party where you can meet friends, family and
acquaintances, and let them know about your job search.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">what do
you need </b>to do to make this party happen?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Well, you
have to make the guest list, send invitations, get the food, etc. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So write down
all the sub-goals necessary for the party to be a success. Check each sub-goal
off your list as you complete it. Before you know it, your networking party
will be a reality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that, take the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">next most-promising solution</b> from your list of 20 and make that one
happen. Repeat until hired.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Here's why
these 3 steps work when it comes to solving problems -- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">clear thinking plus continuous action equals results. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA311ms2nlIPc_kPNnbBnmqSYPbXw9ik948Jfrn3hC0OBvznKr-a2cYRlLNoSRpgZ60ljJnpDCCal0H4YXFHdN4qRXvZ6jaHHAiXa-LSK-T7sBlreMDs6GkgjxSn2q1geeeHZ6ZOZMqxV0/s1600/index3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA311ms2nlIPc_kPNnbBnmqSYPbXw9ik948Jfrn3hC0OBvznKr-a2cYRlLNoSRpgZ60ljJnpDCCal0H4YXFHdN4qRXvZ6jaHHAiXa-LSK-T7sBlreMDs6GkgjxSn2q1geeeHZ6ZOZMqxV0/s1600/index3.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If you're
struggling to find a job, write down <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">clear,
empowering questions of your situation</b>. Then, brainstorm at least 20
possible solutions and take action on the best one today. When you do, you'll
be that much closer to getting the job you really want, faster.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, go out take back control of your job
search!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Melissa Martin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Bilingual career coach</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">military2civilianemployment.com</span></div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-29308949261818809632015-02-22T16:17:00.000-05:002015-02-22T16:17:40.421-05:00Tips on how to stay engaged and motivated in your job search<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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2010 is drawing to a close. Contrary to popular belief, this is a SMART time of the year to be on the job hunt. Just as there's less traffic on the road because of the holidays, so is there less competition amongst job seekers. It is wise to nurture contacts and make new ones for the upcoming year, if you haven't already done so.<br />
<br />
Some quick tips on <b>how to stay engaged and motivated in your job search</b>:<br />
<br />
-<b>celebrate the small steps</b> you have taken in your job search. For example, if you have decided to push the computer chair away and do fewer online job applications, bully for you! Online job postings only yield a 1-3% success rate.<br />
<br />
-<b>celebrate small victories</b>. For instance, if you have been called for an interview for the first time in a month, that's one more interview invitation than you had last month. Small victories can lead to big victories in the long run. Track your results. The electronic job tracker, <a href="http://www.jibberjobber.com/">http://www.jibberjobber.com/</a> is a good start to do just that.<br />
<br />
-arrange some <b>informational interviews</b>. Sometimes the most informal meetings give you rich results. And the more informational interviews you have with prospects, the more likely you will feel a sense of hope and energy, two things you really need in a stalled job search.<br />
<br />
-while unemployment is high, <b>focus on what is within your control</b>. You cannot control the number of hires an employer makes, but you can control the number of contacts that you have made in your job search.<br />
<br />
<i>Fortune favours the bold</i>, Virgil, ancient Roman writer<br />
<b>Melissa Martin</b>, bilingual career and social media specialist and ebook author, How to use social media in your job search<br />
<br />
<br />
http://www.military2civilianemployment.com <br />
<br />
<br />
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-54947330327276337222015-02-22T16:16:00.000-05:002015-02-22T16:16:40.820-05:00Want to wow an interviewer? Use competitive intelligence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Want to really "<b>wow" the interviewer</b>? <br />
<br />
In the job search, use <b>competitive intelligence. </b> The term refers to pre-information. How does this apply to job seekers? Competitive intelligence is valuable information that you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have foresight about their product, service and company. Let's suppose that you're applying for a position at a top retailer. You find yourself on an interview panel, and the inevitable question is posed by the interviewer:"WHY do you want to work for OUR company?" In your mind, you compose yourself in the heat of fire and formulate a response that represents competitive intelligence. <br />
<br />
Whether you are crafting a "sales letter," cover letter or are promoting your USP (unique sales points) during an interview, find out essential points about your desirable company or business such as:<br />
<br />
-competitors' distinguishing features, products and services<br />
-competitors' strengths and weaknesses (For example, if you preparing for an interview, be a sleuth and visit the employer to evaluate what they're doing and not so well. This is not unlike a "mystery shopper." In military terms, it's doing a "recce," by paying a visit to the siite). If a visit is not possible, visit an employer's web site and FB fan page and then go to the competitor's web pages and see what they are lacking.<br />
<br />
-after doing preliminary research on the competitor, tell your desirable employer what YOU can offer and how you would improve upon what the competitor is doing<br />
-present these findings briefly during an interview and then discuss what you would propose to do in the first 90 days of your hire (Peggy McKee refers to this as the "30/60/90 day" sales technique). Use your competitive intelligence information to apply the ABC (always be closing) tactic to get you hired.<br />
<br />
If you take this approach, employers will take you seriously as a candidate. Even better, you will hold enough sway for employers to evaluate you or advance to the second round of interviews.<br />
<br />
Use competitive intelligence to your advantage and slay your competitors!<br />
<br />
This is just one of my tips in my free report: Turbo charge your job search: 16 tips to irresistible to employers and promote your brand. I would like you to have a FREE copy on my site,<br />
www.military2civilianemployment.com<br />
<br />
Need a certified coach to help you transition to the civilan workforce?<br />
email me at melissacynthiamartin@gmail.com. <br />
<br />
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-29829093310699471262015-02-22T16:12:00.000-05:002015-02-22T16:12:54.933-05:00How to convince skeptical, civilian employers about your valuable military experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0fxTey3kKrt6HpZorAOGT-GKIs4ANgMDnwqRCVNYBfv0kCvNdoB842mw-FL083TCbyEA_X7yPu20u0ainGLEpFhqCE_zUFtqT567ZZYojSfxbpyQwNcBBXADiy4ZG4D6mP2sW4zAYmUD/s1600/download.military.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0fxTey3kKrt6HpZorAOGT-GKIs4ANgMDnwqRCVNYBfv0kCvNdoB842mw-FL083TCbyEA_X7yPu20u0ainGLEpFhqCE_zUFtqT567ZZYojSfxbpyQwNcBBXADiy4ZG4D6mP2sW4zAYmUD/s320/download.military.jpg" height="104" width="320" /></a></div>
<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442"><br /></a>
<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442">I am in the midst of developing an online "bootcamp" course aimed at military members transitioning to the civilian workforce. This is why I started to develop my site, military2civilianemployment.com Speaking as a proud military spouse and former employment counsellor at a military base, the<b> passion for helping the military </b>remains intact!</a><br />
<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442"><br /></a>
Just this morning, I was interviewing a retired navy sub lieutenant who shared his experiences with seeking employment on "civvie| street. Frustrated would be an understatement. This former military member, Stephen," gave me some valuable insight on convincing civilian employers that you can deliver the goods:<br />
<br />
Stephen identified the 3 biggest challenges military members face, while entering the civilian job market:<br />
1. <b>Lack of contacts-</b>Once you identify your job target (don't proceed with anything until this is done. I speak from experience-fifteen years' experience of assisting the unemployed!), cultivate your contacts.<br />
Build your Linked in profile. Join groups and share your expertise as a subject matter expert. Start discussions and then start to follow people on groups who share your values, interests and common experiences. Seek out hiring managers. Contact people who work or <u>used to work </u> at your desirable employer.<br />
Gather <b>physical copies </b>of your performance evaluations and make contact with the person who wrote them.<br />
Set up informational interviews with companies.<br />
Start blogging about your expertise and allow comments to be published on your blog.<br />
<br />
2. <b>Civilian employers' presumptions about military experience</b>-I witnessed this firsthand when I worked at two military bases. SOME employers cannot make the connection between what military members faced and experienced and how those experiences can be brought to the table. Ideally, the "solution builder" to solve a company's problems does not register. Retired military members, including Stephen, whom I just interviewed, presumed that civilian employers would show interest in them, only to receive "lip service." Stephen added that employers needed to be taught that military members' training can save and make money.<br />
<br />
3 <b>Military training is often disregarded or not regarded with the same stature in the civilian world.</b> In many cases, I have to agree. For example, some trades or military experiences either are too hard or cannot be "proven" to civilian employers (ie leadership or management, even though a Master Corporal may have managed a platoon). In other words, the civilian employer needs to have "tangible" evidence, such as a diploma or degree, in order to be considered, in some instances. I used to call it "credentialism," when I worked at the military base. Employers preferred that coveted piece of paper and ruled out the military equivalent. (That explains in part why employers believe they must upgrade or retrain once they leave the military, because, rightly or wrongly, they have no other options (not true by the way!)<br />
<br />
How can military members attract civilian employers? By bringing "qualitative" skills and prove they have the credentials to fulfill the civilian employers' requirements?<br />
<br />
These are just some of the observations I have recorded and seen. I would love to hear your opinions on how to transition to the civilian workforce. What are your experiences? Please email me at teacher10@hotmail.com. Your observations may be included in my upcoming online "bootcamp" course.<br />
<br />
Upcoming article: Top transferable skills that the military needs to sell to employers<br />
<br />
<b>Melissa Martin</b><br />
Bilingual military to civilian employment coach<br />
military2civilianemployment.com<br />
Follow me on Twitter: @ ravingredhead and @melissacmartin</div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-49606470228111361422015-02-22T16:11:00.001-05:002015-02-22T16:11:51.035-05:00For veterans entering the civilian workforce<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442">Greetings everyone,</a><br />
Here is a <b>guest post f</b>rom Dr. Harry Croft<br />
<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442"><br /></a>
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The unemployment rate among military servicemen and women in the civilian workforce is much greater than for their non-veteran counterparts. <br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Harry Croft M.D., a former
Army doctor and a psychiatrist who has evaluated more than 7,000 veterans for
PTSD, and is author of the book I Always Sit With My Back to The Wall, offers
this advice</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">:</span></a></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931"><u><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></u></a><a expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">For Veterans</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></a><a expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">- Recognize what your skill sets
are. Your military training proves you’re able to learn, work in groups,
</span></a><a expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">accomplish a mission, be a strong leader and be dedicated to what you do.
</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></a>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></a><a expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">- Understand the differences
between the military community (your former job) and the civilian community
(job you’re going into). The military recognizes you by your rank,
time-in-grade and job description. The civilian community is different:
people dress alike, socialize with co-workers, and things are looser and not
always by the book. </span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> - If you suffer from PTSD, learn
everything you can about it and better understand why you do what you do.
It’s important to know what your symptoms are, what triggers them and how
to cope. Without the knowledge, you’re likely to get in trouble and be
misunderstood.</span><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></a><a expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">- You’ve received the best
leadership training in the world, but understanding and being able to explain
how that translates to the civilian workforce is the key in your resume or
during an interview.</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></a><a expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">- Get yourself a support system.
It can be on the web, a mentor, coach, or group of local veterans who are
also returning to the workforce. </span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></a><a expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">For Employers</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></a><a expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">- Understand the veteran, his or
her skill sets and the differences in military and civilian culture. Hire
veterans in pairs or groups because they’re used to working that way. </span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><br />
<div dir="RTL" style="direction: rtl; text-align: right; unicode-bidi: embed;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></a><u><a expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">- </span></a><a expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></a></u><a expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Learn about PTSD so if you
hire a veteran dealing with it, you know what the symptoms really are.
This will help you understand that the vet is not trying to be
disrespectful or obstinate and will help you understand the reasons they
sometimes behave the way they do. </span></a><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></a><a expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">- Don’t give into the myths, mystique
and stigma about veterans with PTSD. Never will someone with PTSD behave
like Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, the soldier accused of killing 16
Afghanistan civilians. He was suffering from much more than just PTSD
alone. </span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><a expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> - Offer veterans you hire
someone to talk to in confidence or a situation or way that might enable them
to deal with their symptoms more effectively.</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></a><a expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">- Ask yourself why you want to
hire a veteran? It shouldn’t be because it’s a tax break, the patriotic
thing to do, good for business or because you feel sorry for them. They
don’t want to be treated like charity, but given opportunities because they are
the right person for the job.</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931">
</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_624720931"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></a><a expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Croft says if both sides understand where the other
is coming from, veterans can make for some of the best employees in an
organization.</span></a><br />
<br />
Need a certified coach to help you transition to the civilian workforce?</div>
<div>
<b>email me at melissacynthiamartin@gmail.com</b></div>
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<b>www.military2civilianemployment.com </b></div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-33374197975293583622015-02-22T16:11:00.000-05:002015-02-22T16:11:31.659-05:00Guest post: Resume errors are costly say senior managers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello job seekers,</div>
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The following guest post is yet another example of being vigilant about proofreading your resume. </div>
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The article is written by Accountemps, the parent company of Robert Half. </div>
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"In today’s employment market, job seekers have to be ultra-vigilant when it comes to preparing their resume: 56 per cent of senior managers interviewed for an Accountemps survey said one or two typos in a resume would remove applicants from consideration for a job. The results show that despite the times, employers’ tolerance of errors hasn’t changed much in the past five to eight years.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Full survey results and an infographic can be found here:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1356229/-i-am-graduating-this-maybe" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt;" target="_blank">http://www.newswire.ca/en/<wbr></wbr>story/1356229/-i-am-<wbr></wbr>graduating-this-maybe</a></div>
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<i>Survey: Majority of Managers Pass on Job Candidates for One or Two Resume Mistakes</i></div>
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Even in an era of typo-ridden texts and tweets, making a goof on your resume can still prove costly, according to a recent survey by <a href="http://www.accountemps.ca/" rel="nofollow" style="border: 0px; color: #ff7b00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Accountemps</a>. <b>Fifty-six per cent</b> of Canadian senior managers said just one or two resume typos would eliminate an applicant from consideration for a job. The results show that despite the times, employers' tolerance of errors hasn't changed much in the past five to eight years: <b>25 per cent</b> said a single snafu would land a resume in the "no" pile now, compared to <b>23 per cent</b> in 2009 and <b>27 per cent</b> in 2006.</div>
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The survey was developed by Accountemps, the world's first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals, and conducted by an independent research firm. It includes responses from more than 300 Canadian senior managers.</div>
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Senior managers were asked, "<b>How many typos in a resume does it take for you to decide not to consider a job candidate for a position with your company?</b>"<b> </b>Their responses:</div>
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<tr style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><td align="left" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;"></td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;"><b>2014</b></td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;"><b>2009</b></td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;"><b>2006</b></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><td align="left" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;"><b>One</b></td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;"><b>25%</b></td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;"><b>23%</b></td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;"><b>27%</b></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><td align="left" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;"><b>Two</b></td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;"><b>31%</b></td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;">28%</td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;">34%</td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><td align="left" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;">Three</td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;">22%</td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;">22%</td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;">16%</td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><td align="left" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;">Four or more</td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;">16%</td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;">19%</td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;">15%</td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><td align="left" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;">Don't know/no answer</td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;"><u> 6%</u></td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;"><u> 8%</u></td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;"><u> 8%</u></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><td align="left" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;"></td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;">100%</td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;">100%</td><td align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px;">100%</td></tr>
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"Job seekers should draw a clear line between professional writing for the job application process and the text message or social media shorthand of today's communication methods," said <span class="xn-person" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dianne Hunnam-Jones</span>, Canadian district president of Accountemps. "Attention to detail is as important as ever when it comes to crafting, proofreading and submitting resumes to prospective employers, regardless of the method by which they are being submitted."</div>
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Hunnam-Jones added, "A level of care and precision is required for most jobs and failing to demonstrate that skill on a resume can impact the chances of landing a job."</div>
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The following real-life resume blunders collected by <span class="xn-person" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Robert Half</span>, parent company of Accountemps, serve as cautionary tales of what <i>not</i> to do when applying for a job. These are actual excerpts from job application materials:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">"My last employer fried me for no reason."</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">"I am graduating this Maybe."</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">"I am looking for my big brake."</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">"Referees available upon request."</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">"My talent will be very a parent when you see me work."</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">"Objective: To secure a challenging position and accell in the accounting industry."</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">"My three biggest hobbies are cars, racquetball, golf, and reading."</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">"Work experience: academic tudor."</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">"Earned a diploma from a very repudiated college."</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">"Looking for a bass salary of <span class="xn-money" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">$40,000</span>."</li>
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Find more amusing resume mistakes on <span class="xn-person" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Robert Half's</span> <a href="http://blog.roberthalf.com/topic/resumania?utm_campaign=Press_Release&utm_medium=Link&utm_source=Press_Release" rel="nofollow" style="border: 0px; color: #ff7b00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Resumania blog</a>.</div>
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<b>About Accountemps</b><br />
<i><a href="http://www.accountemps.ca/" rel="nofollow" style="border: 0px; color: #ff7b00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Accountemps</a>, a <a href="http://www.roberthalf.ca/" rel="nofollow" style="border: 0px; color: #ff7b00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="xn-person" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Robert Half</span></a> company, is the world's first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. The staffing firm has 340 locations worldwide. Follow Accountemps at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/RobertHalf_CAN" rel="nofollow" style="border: 0px; color: #ff7b00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">twitter.com/RobertHalf_CAN</a> or visit the <a href="http://blog.accountemps.com/?utm_campaign=Press_Release&utm_medium=Link&utm_source=Press_Release" rel="nofollow" style="border: 0px; color: #ff7b00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Accountemps blog</a> for workplace new</i></div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-79229320998189934892014-07-29T19:16:00.000-04:002014-07-29T19:16:08.066-04:00Are you really ready for a job search <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> EMPLOYMENT READINESS QUIZ</span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PREPARATION</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have identified and/or chosen a <b>TARGET job </b>or a few target industries that interest me.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I know what <b>motivated
me in past jobs</b> (i.e. skills I was using; tasks that energized me;
customers and coworkers, etc). to identify patterns that will help me in the
future.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have identified my <b>top
5 skills, strengths, values and interests</b> that will uncover ideal job
opportunities.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have developed a <b>personal
brand</b> that features my USP (unique selling points) and ROI (potential
return on investment to employers).<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have identified <b>numerous
job search strategies</b> and minimized my online job search to 1 hour daily or
20% of my job search activities.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My work history has helped me to decide how I am a <b>fit for an employer</b>, industry or
organization, after reviewing my successes in past jobs.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I understand what kind of “<b>corporate culture</b>” is the best for me (public, non-government; big,
medium or small sized businesses; slow, medium or fast pace; variety or
routine; regular or occasional direct feedback from boss/supervisors; products
and services are acceptable).<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I know what my criteria are for deciding <b>to accept a job offer</b>. (SWOT
analysis: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats or uncontrollables).<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have developed an <b>employment
plan</b>, which includes daily action steps to achieve my goals.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">1 <span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have identified a
“bucket list” of at least <b>10 desirable
employers</b> or industries.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">1 </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">have identified<b> a plan
B</b> in case my preferred employers or industries are not hiring right away
(i.e. make a the sacrifice of accepting a “bridge job” that will lead me to my
eventual job goal). This means taking <b>risks</b>.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">RESUME<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US">BEFORE creating a tailored resume</span></b><span lang="EN-US">, I
have researched the company web site, created Google news alerts for companies
I wish to work for and used 3<sup>rd</sup> party sites such as Glassdoor.com to view former employees’ opinions about
working for a specific company.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">I have a resume that includes
at least <b>70% accomplishments and
achievements</b> and does NOT read like a job description or “laundry list” of
what I have done in the past.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">INTERVIEW<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">I have identified possible
interview questions (i.e. behavioural)</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">I have identified <b>mini-stories and STAR’s</b> (situations,
tasks, actions and results I took in pervious jobs or training) to mention in
my interview.</span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">I have identified questions
that I wish to ask interviewees.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">NETWORKING<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">I have pledged to tap into <b>my
internal network</b> (primary, secondary and tertiary) to practise the “six
degrees of separation” and gather contacts and job leads.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">I have sent <b>networking
letters and emails</b> to my network of contacts, asking them to connect me to
other potential leads and contacts in my desired field.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">I have created at least <b>1
social media/networking account</b> (i.e. Twitter, Linkedin, Ning, etc) so that
recruiters and hiring managers can find me online.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Using<b> social media</b>, I
have networked with “people of influence” such as subject matter experts (i.e.
recruiters, reputable people in my desired field, etc) to help me move forward
with my job search.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">I have developed a <b>60 second
“elevator</b>” pitch that tells other people what my USP (unique selling
points) are, so I can accumulate contacts and get a job FASTER.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Are your READY? Contact me
on how your job search is going. Email me at melissacynthiamartin@gmail.com</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Melissa C. Martin <a href="http://www.military2civilianemployment.com/">www.military2civilianemployment.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b><span lang="EN-US">blog: webinarcareercoach.blogspot.ca</span></b></div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-26744182450502690222014-07-02T19:54:00.005-04:002014-07-02T19:54:55.400-04:00How mantras can help your job search<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I subscribe to an international fitness and wellness magazine and came across an article about using <b>mantras</b>. Recently, I offered a life coaching session to a client, as a welcome break to career coaching and thought of the link from the fitness magazine. This client wanted to revitalize her motivation and return to the gym.<br />
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It struck me.<br />
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With virtually ANY change that we want to make, we need to rev up our intrinsic (inner motivation). The comparison with using mantras for fitness and job searching are so transferable! The next time your job search hits a wall, tap into some mantras to get your inner mojo working<br />
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<div style="background-color: #f5f8f9; color: #252525; font-family: Tahoma, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 8px; padding: 0px;">
The secret to going faster, stronger, and longer: fitness mantras. To create yours, think of the three p's: personal, positive, and powerful. Your mantra should be something that stirs you into action when things feel tough, so it should hit on the deeper reason you're exercising, says Jeff Halevy, a behavioral health and fitness expert and the star of Veria Living's<em> Workout from Within with Jeff Halevy</em>. Need inspiration?</div>
<div style="background-color: #f5f8f9; color: #252525; font-family: Tahoma, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 8px; padding: 0px;">
<strong>WHEN:</strong> You've had no results in your job search for the past month (no interviews, no calll backs, etc) and feel like giving up. l<br /><strong>THINK:</strong> This past month has been tough, but I know it is only temporary. </div>
<div style="background-color: #f5f8f9; color: #252525; font-family: Tahoma, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 8px; padding: 0px;">
Yes TEMPORARY. The psychologist/professor who certiified me in solution-focused counselling and coaching always said, "No problem is 24/7 except for chronic pain." </div>
<div style="background-color: #f5f8f9; color: #252525; font-family: Tahoma, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 8px; padding: 0px;">
Takeway: tell your mind's eye that the setbacks, disappointments and dismal results are just temporary roadblocks, so change the course in your mind!</div>
<div style="background-color: #f5f8f9; color: #252525; font-family: Tahoma, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 8px; padding: 0px;">
<strong>WHEN:</strong> Your to-do list has you tempted to abandon a multi-tiered job search. </div>
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Takeway: the excuses are winning and your resolve is waning. Recharge and revamp your job search by drastically reducing your online job search, in favour of identifying at least TWO activities that you have never done in your job search before (create a social media profile on Linkedin; writing a job proposal; sending a "worknetting" letter to reach out to your contacts; taking a free or online course to upgrade your education).<br /><strong>THINK:</strong> Setting SMART goals will allow me to retrieve my physical and mental energy, necessary for a proactive job search. </div>
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<strong>WHEN:</strong> You are losing physical energy and no one is calling you for an interview.<br /><strong>THINK:</strong> I am powerful, I am unstoppable. Tomorrow, I will devote my energy effectively and aim at concrete results that I can track by the end of the week.</div>
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<strong>WHEN:</strong> You say there's no way you’re going to look for work today. <br /><strong>THINK:</strong> 30 minutes of effort, lifelong rewards</div>
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<strong>WHEN:</strong> You feel defeated that your job search is taking longer than you anticipated.</div>
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Takeway: the average job search in the U.S. is 33 weeks; it's slightly shorter in Canada.<br /><strong>THINK:</strong> Strong, focused, determined</div>
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Does your intrinsic motivation need a tune-up? Start creating powerful mantras that you can internalize and apply to your goal and action plan.<br />
<br />
email me your mantras melissacynthiamartin@gmail.com<br />
Follow me on Twitter: @ravingredhead and @melissacmartin<br />
military2civilianemployment.com<br />
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-83877781840559227442014-04-22T18:02:00.000-04:002014-04-22T18:09:44.294-04:00Banish the 'P word" in interviews<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm approaching 15 years in employment assistant services and have served on interview panels in military and civilian environments. Yet I still hear the same refrain when an interview asks the job candidate how to describe him or herself. The P word emerges...<b>.perfectionist</b>. Cringggggge!<br />
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For your next interview, here's a short lesson:<br />
Perfectionism is an absolute term. It is a figment of one's imagination. The P word also denotes rigidity and lack of compromise. Instead, opt for a replacement, such as <b>excellence</b>. Can you see where I'm going with this point? Excellence is flexible and negotiable, two valuable traits that you already want to present in an interview. Procrastination hinders progress and progress, (in other words, change, which in my field often means returning to work). Excellence, on the other hand, <u>rewards</u> change.<br />
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Have you ever uttered the P word in an interview? Now, you'll think twice before choosing that word which is often dismissed straight away by interviewers.<br />
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Get my FREE 32 page report, "16+ sizzling tips to be irresistible to employers" on military2civilianemployment.com<br />
<br />
<b>Melissa C. Martin</b><br />
bilingual career/social media strategist<br />
www.military2civilianemployment.com<br />
Approved career expert on www.secretsofthejobhunt.com<br />
<br />
T: @ravingredhead and @melissacmartin</div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-12783074208257459662014-04-18T11:22:00.001-04:002014-04-18T11:31:12.699-04:00Sell your deployment skills to employers, BRAG<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: black;">If have you have been in the military for at least seven years, chances are that you may have had a deployment overseas. Is that true in your case? </span></a><br />
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It can be tricky to communicate to employers the "value" of your deployment to civilian employers. In the grand scheme of things, deployment can turn into an asset if you're competing against job-hungry candidates in the civilian workforce. Apart from the military or those who in a career devoted to social service, the majority of the population would resist the feat of being sent to a foreign country and facing potential combat action? (Here's where you could use a deployment experience as a strong response to a conflict management question in an<b> interview!</b>) I have a simple acronym to help you, known as BRAG.<br />
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<b>B</b> stands for "barriers you overcame."<br />
While in theatre (the centre of action), you likely overcame seemingly endless barriers such as the opposing faction, lack of resources (physical and human), danger, communication in a foreign country, fatigue affecting the ability to problem solve and make decisions, etc.<br />
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All of the above barriers can be highlighted in an interview to set you apart.<br />
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<b>R</b> refers to "results you generated."<br />
In your military career, think about how you made an impact. Examples may include how you provided leadership in deeply troubling circumstances, under highly stressful conditions or how you improved communications and relations with the local population.<br />
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<b>A</b> signifies achievements.<br />
Take the time to think about your career milestones over the last few years. Would roles did you take? Were you promoted to a higher rank? Invest some time in figuring out what precise achievements led to your promotion.<br />
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<b>G</b> refers to groups you directed or supported.<br />
Teamwork is the hallmark of military service. Platoons, companies and units all convey the notion of getting the job done via a teamwork framework. Currently, many civilian positions involve some level of teamwork that supports a company's mission statement and strategic planning.<br />
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The takeaway? Whether you are still active in the military or about to transition to the civilian workforce, use the BRAG acronym to your advantage.<br />
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Need a professional to provide you with interview coaching? You can email me at melissacynthiamartin@gmail.com or head to <b>www.military2civiilanemployment.com</b><br />
<br />
<b>Melissa Martin</b><br />
bilingual career/military to civilian transition coach<br />
T: @ravingredhead and @melissacmartin<br />
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-89350039886738271312014-03-31T13:14:00.000-04:002014-04-22T18:03:27.722-04:00Study: Job seekers fooled about position during interview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_965199766" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Hello job seekers,</span></span></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_965199766" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Here is a guest post from Robert Half : </span></span></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_965199766" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tomorrow</span></span> is April Fool’s Day which means many of us will be on high alert to not fall for the pranks played by friends, family and even coworkers! According to a new survey by Robert Half, job seekers should also be on guard when it comes to believing what a hiring manager says about a position during an interview. <b>Forty-three per cent of workers surveyed</b> said the role they accepted at a company was different than what had been outlined to them during the interview process. <u></u><u></u></div>
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There may be a difference of opinion between millennials and their more tenured colleagues – 55% of workers aged 18-34 said they’ve had a job that was not what they expected, while only 34% of workers aged 55-64 felt they’ve been led astray by a new position.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Of those who were fooled, job duties (74%*) topped the list, which also included corporate culture (44%*) and job hours (32%*) as reasons why they felt the joke was on them! (*multiple answers were allowed)<u></u><u></u></div>
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A local expert from Robert Half can discuss how job expectations differ across the generations and offer some of the following tips to job seekers who don’t want to take any chances at accepting a job and then finding out it is not what they expected:<u></u><u></u></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><u></u>Research the company in advance of the interview. Knowledge is power.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><u></u>Ask questions to reveal the story behind why the role is being filled – is it because someone left the company or got promoted?<u></u><u></u></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><u></u>If the opportunity presents itself, take time to talk to your future coworkers. They will have the inside scoop.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Need one-to-one interview coaching? Contact me at melissacynthiamartin@gmail.com or on my site, military2civilianemployment.com</span><a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"></a><br />
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Melissa Martin</div>
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Bilingual career/military to civilian transition specialist</div>
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T: @ravingredhead and @melissacmartin (bilingual)</div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-41569786225986721632014-02-24T11:14:00.001-05:002014-02-24T15:49:04.048-05:00How to create a military to civilian employment timeline<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In my previous seminars at two military bases, the general, collective wisdom is to embark on a P& P (planning and preparation), roughly 18 months before your departure from military service.</div>
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Take the time to compile a checklist, to expedite your transition strategically from military service to “civvie street.” The 18 month timeline allows for identifying any barriers to employment, or uncovers gaps in your educational background (it’s possible that you may have to upgrade your education before your transition date).</div>
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18 months prior to your departure date<br />
Start to gain clarity about what you want to do (NOT what you can do) in your upcoming civilian career. It’s important to choose 3 skills that you want to use.<br />
Do some career self-assessments with the help of a career professional. The essential points are:<br />
Your interests<br />
Your passions<br />
Your work style and personality<br />
Your transferable skills<br />
Your motivators<br />
Your intuition (one of the best indicators of career success). What is your intuition telling you to do? Similar job that you did in the military (it is highly unlikely that it will be the same). Different job? Similar industry, field or occupation?<br />
Unless you devote ample time to knowing yourself through self-assessments, you will likely be unsuccessful in career planning. Self-awareness is the first step; don’t overlook it.<br />
Take a personal inventory<br />
Record your milestones and accomplishments in the military. Refer back to performance evaluations (PER’s in Canada) and look for any patterns in key words that led to your successes.<br />
• Start career goal setting and action planning</div>
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• Subscribe to career and job search blogs. The nature of the 21st century has changed exponentially, especially in the last decade with the proliferation of social media and a shaky economy impacting the growth of jobs. My blog is http:// webinarcareercoach.blogspot.com</div>
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The current civilian workforce is the most competitive ever! Soak up all the information you can about the current civilian workforce. </div>
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6 – 4 months prior to your departure date from military service<br />
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• Seek out recruiters, headhunters and employment counsellors to help your planning and goal setting, on and off line. You can find recruiters, headhunters and hiring managers on Twitter and Linkedin. Start to follow a number of these individuals. As for employment counsellors, they generally work at MFRC’s (military family centres in Canada) and Fleet and Family Support Centers, Army ACAP, and Airman & Family Readiness Centers in the U.S.</div>
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In the U.S., reputable recruiters include Lucas Group, Orion International and Bradley-Morris.</div>
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Equally helpful is to get a mentor, who has already made a successful transition into the private or government sector. Mentors offer the unique advantage of imparting invaluable information, such as familiarizing with “civilian/corporate culture.” The difference between civilian work culture is vastly different from the military equivalent. As a transitioning military member, it is in your best interest to become familiar with the “new” culture you are entering (more on that later, especially in relation to civilian job interviews).</div>
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4 months prior to your separation date<br />
Seek out a certified career coach to act as an accountability partner and help you achieve your short-term and long-term goals. Research has proven that hiring a career coach for a set period of time will result in landing a satisfying job or career faster, than the usual route of “going it alone” in a job search</div>
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With the rise of accessibility to social media sites, look for webinars and teleseminars which you can view in the comfort of your home.</div>
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In the same vein, invest in professional development by taking classes and courses online. Some are free, low cost and are university courses. I recommend online courses on www.udemy.com or www.coursera.com. The course subjects are limitless, and can only benefit you by showing potential employers that you understand the current trends, expectations and issues that affect the civilian workforce. There is also MOOC, which stands for “ massive open online course.”</div>
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As we speak, I am taking a brilliant coaching course on Udemy.com, delivered by a highly successful coach in the U.S.</div>
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<b>3 months before departure date</b></div>
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Start removing your military uniform “mentally.”<br />
By this I mean, come to terms with the fact that you are either making a choice to enter the civilian workforce or you are releasing from the military for medical reasons. Leaving the military is likely to affect you from psychologically, from the standpoint that it has been your identity for 20-30 years. In North America, identity is closely aligned to one’s occupation, so creating a “new” professional identity needs to be considered.</div>
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Attend workshops to “demilitarize” your military resume. Don’t shoot the messenger here! While working at 2 military bases, I developed a “how to de-militarize your resume workshop.” Nothing exited before I spent months preparing resources to develop such a workshop, which led to dozens of military members requesting individual appointments to create an appealing and powerful civilian resume.</div>
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<a href="http://military2civilianemployment.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/images.jpg" style="border: 0px; color: #6a6565; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="images" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-228" src="http://military2civilianemployment.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/images.jpg" height="159" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; clear: both; color: transparent; display: block; font-size: 0px; height: auto; margin: 5px 20px 20px 0px; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" width="318" /></a></div>
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It is imperative that you create a resume that a civilian employer can understand. All too frequently, civilian employers do not understand buzzwords, acronyms or abbreviations that are specific to the military. In the worst case scenario, well qualified military applicants are passed over because their military resume contains y jargon that is too complex for civilian employers to understand.</div>
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Attend a workshop and work with a career professional one-on-one to highlight your unique selling points (USP, speaking of acronyms!). Consider at least two resume formats for attracting civilian employers.</div>
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If you are unclear about what job titles represent what would did in the military, check out www.Onet.org (US) or www.workingincanada.gc.ca to find equivalent job titles.</div>
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• Likewise, attend as many career transition workshops as you can, while you are still on base. The most popular ones I delivered were:<br />
Emotional intelligence<br />
How to use social media in your job search<br />
SurvivAbility (TM): career strategies for the world of work<br />
Interview preparation</div>
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<b>Start preparing for civilian interviews</b></div>
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Clearly, the 20-30 minute military interview is diametrically opposed to the format that civilian employers use. Be prepared for the “behavioural interviewing” format, whereby employers ask questions related to the past that may help them decide what your present or future performance may be. Practise your answers with a career coach or career professional at your local military centre and inquire about interviewing strategies that will set you apart from your competition.</div>
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Research potential employers by checking Google News, setting up Google alerts about desirable companies and using Linkedin to network and get introduced to current AND past company employees. Find out what the competing company does (known as “competitive intelligence”) and glean that valuable information during your civilian interview.</div>
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<b><span style="border: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Melissa C. Martin</span> </b>is a bilingual career/military to civilian career coach and military spouse.<br />
For almost 10 years, I worked as an employment counsellor and seminar leader at 2 military bases. In the last 4 years, I have specialized in mental health as a vocational rehabilitation counsellor. Recently, I started my own business, military2civilianemployment.com.<br />
Presently, I offer on-on-one career coaching. (Coming soon, group coaching and webinars!)<br />
<br />
Check out my blog at webinarcareercoach.blogspot.com<br />
Follow me on Twitter @ravingredhead and @melissacmartin<br />
Need a certified career professional to help you achieve your career goals?<br />
Email me at melissacynthiamartin@gmail.com<br />
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-82274448547793704082014-02-05T13:06:00.003-05:002014-04-22T17:59:24.902-04:00What is the best advice to share with someone on a first job interview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Recently, I had a conversation with a job seeker, Susan, via Klout.<br />
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If you're not familiar with Klout, take a look at my profile.<br />
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<b> http://klout.com/#/ravingredhead</b><br />
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It's another way to promote your brand, be recognizable and be seen as an SME (subject matter expert).<br />
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I helped Susan with suggesting interview technniques.<br />
<u><br /></u>1. <b>Q A Q interview technique</b><br />
<u><br /></u>Instead of the usual "Spanish inquisition" method of attending an interview and responding to questions and then answering, I suggest the Q A Q method. What are the benefits:<br />
-it helps build a CONVERSATION<br />
-puts you back in control while interviewing<br />
-demonstrates confidence to the interviewer that you can build a dialogue in the stressful situation where you must "think on your feet." See more below.<br />
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What is the best advice can share with someone on a first job interview?</div>
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Thank you Melissa Cynthia for your succinct reply and GREAT advice. I've never heard of the Q answer Q technique and though I think I know what you mean, I will go look that up later tonight! Again, amazingly good points that you raised and I had forgotten about STAR as a way of dealing with behavioral interview approaches which is where I feel a certain weakness or rather insecurity. How'd you know that? Someone else reminded me of the fact that I'm going to interview to gather information as well so I am going in fully armed on Friday. 🌹Gratefully leaving you with much appreciation in my ❤️now , signed --Susan </div>
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Soo glad to help you and instead of wishing you "good luck," I will use what my military husband says,"Go in and win!" on Friday! If you cannot think of a STAR, there is also PULL, which stands for personal experience, unpaid and paid experience (volunteering), life experience and learning.</div>
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0/14/2014 at 6:35pm</div>
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Please let me how your interview turns out.</div>
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I promise to do so. Thanks for PULL tip. I have volunteered quite a bit in the past and it could help me in my responses. You're an especially nice lady. Thank you for being a mil spouse and please say thank you to your significant other for his service to our country. Blessings!</div>
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0/24/2014 at 10:46am</div>
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I made the short list and have another interview Tuesday 1/28. May need to make some kind of presentation. Sort of nerve wracking but I've taken public speaking courses in the past and recently joined Toastmasters so I'm hoping this will give me an edge over the other two candidates. Thanks again for your initial advice. It helped to alleviate my anxieties.</div>
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0/24/2014 at 7:15pm</div>
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Sooo glad Susan that you have gone to the second round. I would love to help you beforehand-perhaps via SKYPE. Please consider my offer! If not, here's what I recommend:</div>
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<li class="activity-item answerer" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"> prepare your slides with the them, 30/60/90. In other words, present what you would do in the first 30 days, 60 days and 90 days (with suppositional language that you will be hired!) Hope this helps Susan! Cheers, Melissa PS May I post your kind words (essentially your testimonial in your last email ) on my web site?</li>
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0/26/2014 at 9:09am</div>
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Yes you may post my thanks and good luck with the new business venture, I'm sure you will be very successful because it's obvious to me that you are passionate about career and other types of coaching. </div>
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0/27/2014 at 8:28pm</div>
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Good evening Melissa, I found out today that the first part of tomorrow's interview involves some kind of test but wasn't given further details so I spent the day reviewing PowerPoint and Excel. I truly appreciate your support. Thank you so very much. Susan</div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-73741396884751290042014-02-05T10:17:00.003-05:002014-04-21T16:25:29.104-04:00What to do if you're had two rounds of interviews and get no calls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4;">A job seeker sent me the following question: </span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4;">"</span><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4;">Twice now, I’ve gotten through 2 rounds of interviews (with 2 separate companies) and was never called back. No e-mail, no phone call, not even a ‘thanks but no thanks’ form letter.</span><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4;"> </span></h3>
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<br />
I know that standard policy these days is no contact unless you score an interview (which I think is bogus but that’s another story), but is not hearing back after 2 interviews just as rude as I think it is? I’ve felt each time the interviews went well but I guess I am wrong. It’s hard enough to get an interview, then get called back just to be ignored.<br />
<br />
Company 1, re-posted the job and wouldn’t return my calls/e-mail. Company 2, took 2 weeks to hire someone else and I found out from my temp agency manager. I end up with a bad taste in my mouth from these experiences which is problematic because I live in a small city where options are slim.<br />
<br />
Rude companies? Or am I naive? "</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>My response:</b><br />
<br />
Dear job seeker,<br />
<br />
You are<strong> not</strong> naive. This question reminds me of a previous conversation with a client.<br />
<br />
It's what I call the "grim reality" of interviewing. Lack of feedback or tardy feedback, represents one of those vagaries of the job search and getting hired. You don't need another rejection, while you are job searching.</div>
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<br />
Sometimes, employers also do not practise "<strong>emotional intelligence</strong>" in hiring all the time. EI is used extensively by big employers, such as the military to "measure up" candidates, so employers ought to set an example). In addition, employers do forget etiquette at times! And admittedly, there are overwhelmed with the number of applicants, given the fierce competition and fragile economy.<br />
<br />
Take heart. Here are some common reasons for not receiving a callback, within the parameters of hiring:<br />
<br />
1. National statistics show that the average time period to hire is <b>eight weeks</b>. That includes the time when the vacancy became available; the decision to advertise a job ad internally or externally (25% toward being hired); setting up interviews; getting called for an interview (50% mark); possible second or third interviews; checking references (75%) and then the written job offer (which can be nullified in the eleventh hour).<br />
<br />
The exception to the eight weeks, typically is government hiring, contract hiring (more on that shortly) and temporary hiring (depending on a company's temporary, immediate needs). But bank on eight weeks.<br />
<br />
2. As I told my client yesterday," We don't know what lurks beyond closed doors," when it comes to the hiring manager (s). Hiring needs can change in a New York minute, particularly recruiters' needs (just ask prominent recruiter David Perry, co-founder of <strong>Put America back to work</strong>).<br />
<br />
3. Funding to hire can evaporate for a number of reasons. New companies, manufacturers and non-profits are particularly vulnerable in this area. I can bear witness to the fact that the hiring manager had the intention to hire, but h/h intention was thwarted.<br />
<br />
4. Sometimes companies decide to hire from within to protect/increase their bottom line. It's a fact-businesses are in business to improve their bottom line.<br />
<br />
5. Hiring is costly. Typically in North America, to hire a f/t employee can cost from $7,000-14,000 in one year, as well as calculating benefits, training, etc.<br />
<br />
6. The hiring manager's decision may be upstaged by the "big boss." Having worked for two non-profits, a board of directors may intervene and favor a particular candidate over the other. I have also seen a candidate "parachuted" into positions in the blink of an eye.<br />
<br />
7. Some sectors deliberately have a series of interviews. (For example, in my area, Goodyear Tires has at least seven, to the best of my knowledge). Why? They want to protect their ROI (return on investment).<br />
<br />
Though these are harsh realities, job seekers need to insulate themselves from further rejection, that in the final analysis, some uncontrollables (called "threats, if you are familiar with the SWOT strategy of decision making) inevitably exist in the hiring process.<br />
<br />
Press on and progress with your job search, no matter what the outcome.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kJuZiNANSzbjIbsyrGiCNBYynQ-M9afSkVuQ9NNVSzhFWlXAYXNYCrD7Ojja1xfCsgxC6ZTZEmeyHpCAElyF89nl1Jqg31BOKZ9OUjIjvno4XaMO2vZY-mDVGgydgUdl86mgDp6MOYkI/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kJuZiNANSzbjIbsyrGiCNBYynQ-M9afSkVuQ9NNVSzhFWlXAYXNYCrD7Ojja1xfCsgxC6ZTZEmeyHpCAElyF89nl1Jqg31BOKZ9OUjIjvno4XaMO2vZY-mDVGgydgUdl86mgDp6MOYkI/s1600/images.jpg" /></a><br />
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In closing, in the last Olympics, Canada's team had a neat 2 word slogan for their athletes' media campaign: " <strong>I believe</strong>." Believe in yourself, and you will reap the rewards of being hired!<br />
<br />
Focus on what you can control within your reach:</div>
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-sending up a "follow-up| letter" or call to the potential employer if you haven't received a response (yes! It has worked! And it worked for me years ago when I was interviewed as a teacher!)</div>
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committing to on and offline networking activities</div>
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- promoting your brand on social media sites</div>
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- polishing your interviewing skills and developing your mini-stories or STAR (situation, task, action, result, action) techniques for behavioural interviewing</div>
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-developing your 2 minute elevator pitch (resist others career experts' feedback to start chronologically; instead, find a theme or pattern and embed it into your pitch)</div>
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-hire a career coach to keep you motivated and accountable with your job search activities</div>
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I am available to meet your coaching needs.</div>
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"<b>Fortune favours the bold</b>" the ancient Romans said.</div>
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Best wishes,<br />
<br />
<b>Melissa C. Martin </b><br />
bilingual career/military to civilian employment coach<br />
www.military2civilianemployment.com</div>
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Approved expert on www.secretsofthejobhunt.com</div>
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and www.careerealism.com</div>
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Twitter: @ravingredhead and @melissacmartin</div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-55220708224153627832014-01-21T19:04:00.000-05:002014-01-21T18:10:38.811-05:00The OTHER side of professional burnout: What is your UV index?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Careerbliss.com </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">wrote an
excellent post recently on careerealism, “ where I serve as an approved career expert entitled, "Overworked? Five ways to avoid job
burnout.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’d like to address <strong>another kind of burnout</strong>, which
typically, is not discussed online, at least to the best of my knowledge!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Being UV (<strong>undervalued)</strong> </span>Professional burnout can<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>happen when you are emotionally and
physically exhausted, because you no longer feel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>valued or appreciated at work;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to put it simply, when your skills set,
talents and experience are not or barely being used at your current
employer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some signs include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-total exhaustion (see above) at the end of the workday<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-increased moodiness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-difficulties in making decisions, concentration , focus and
(intrnisic) motivation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-inordinate sleep patterns (usually broken, erratic or
minimal)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-more work-related dreams versus joyous dreams<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-visible decrease in intrinsic motivation to keep your job<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-increased absenteeism (calling in sick, to put it bluntly)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-caring less about performance and focusing more on an exit
from the immediate circumstances<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In North America, the numbers bear out that employees,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are generally dissatisfied with their jobs,
as opposed to their careers-what a shame! However, as a <strong>certified solution-focused
career</strong> <strong>counsellor</strong>, the answers and resources lie within ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, here are some suggestions to
consider,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>before “abandoning the ship.”
Remember that this is the most competitive workforce ever, so don’t be tempted
to given into <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>emotional thought (“informed
decisions, as we say in mental health), as opposed to rational thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And stay tuned for my “knock it out of the
park” (A hockey-crazed Canadian I am, but I choose to use an American analogy
about baseball!) strategy…….!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Seek out a confidante immediately</strong>. If<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>believe no one is trustworthy, then consider another resource, which is…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> <strong>
</strong></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Consult an EAP</strong> (employment assistance or
employment wellness counsellor ) at your workplace. Many employers offer this
as a free, confidential service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep in
mind that because your employer is paying for this that your EAP sessions will
be limited. (Tiime=money).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the end of the workday, <strong>fill your time with
something pleasurable</strong> to keep up your spirits, such as a hobby, pastime, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> <strong>
</strong></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Think about what main skills, talents or
experience you are NOT using</strong> on the job, and figure out a way to retain
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Volunteering , blogging or
Tweeting could be an immediate way to showcase your USP (unique selling
points).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Market yourself on your USP on your social
platforms</strong>, but being mindful that your current employer make be on the same SM
sites! Vala Afshar, CEO of Boston-based Enterasys recently commented:" The web is your CV and social networks are your references." SO true!</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Start making <strong>plans now</strong>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ex: Set up 15 informational interviews or
coffee chats within 2 months;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>make a deadline
of 6 months to change jobs (realistically speaking, because the average job
search is now 33 weeks in the U.S., and about 27 in Canada).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Set up <strong>employment targets</strong>. Keep track of your entries regularly, refresh and revise, if necessary.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Send proposals to your employment targets</strong> ,
offering to ease their business woes with you as potential, fresh talent!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>If you “can’t be ‘em, join ‘em</strong>!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read a post today from a career expert on
college graduates who suggested the purchase of a failing of fledging web site
that could be resurrected<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and then
marketed as a “self –starter owner.” There are sites on which you can purchase
an “entry level” web site and build it up to your liking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And NOW, the kicker strategy provided to me from an EAP counsellor:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Write down “<strong>I SURRENDER</strong>” on sticky notes. Put
them all through your home. “I surrender” means that you will NOT surrender to
negative or unhelpful behaviours, such as emotional eating, drinking, or <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tossing and turning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at night for twenty minutes, without getting
up and physically leaving your bedroom <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(BOY do I know that one intimately!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What are your “I surrender”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>ideas when faced with a professional burnout? I would love to hear your thoughts!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Melissa C. Martin</strong>, B.A., B.Ed., is a certified counsellor <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and educator with 15 years’ experience in
employment services. She has counselled "burned out" professionals in the military, business and healthcare fields, using <strong>solution-focused counselling</strong> and<strong> motivational interviewing</strong> training techniques.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She was rated among the “<strong>top 100 inspiring, excellent career
coaches on Twitter</strong>” in 2011 by onlinedegree.net<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">T: @ravingredhead and @melissacmartin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Site (in progress): military2civilianemployment.com<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blog: webinarcareercoach.blogspot.ca<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-46046403838963489102014-01-05T09:28:00.001-05:002014-01-05T09:28:54.661-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #222222;">January 5, 2014</span></h2>
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<a href="http://webinarcareercoach.blogspot.ca/2011/10/enlightenment-youf-7-day-programme-to.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Enlightenment: your 7 day programme to positive thinking</a></h3>
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It's 2014 and time to be renewed and refreshed, as we embrace the new year.</div>
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With the onset of a new year, I want to encourage you, dear readers, a more encouraging path toward your job search or career.<br /><br />Let's start with a challenge. Do you have a bright idea hidden somewhere in the back of your mind that you have been meaning to test? What has been holding you back, say in 2013, to move forward? Time to reprogramme your mind (in mental health, we call it "reframing"). </div>
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<br />It's always best to set up a personal goal where you can accomplish the most in record time. What ideas come to mind> Maybe making five new contacts on Linkedin or Twitter. I like what Linkedin trainer <strong>Greig Wells</strong> of <a href="http://www.befoundjobs.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">www.befoundjobs.com</a> says about goals: "Goals must be things that you can control 100 percent." So true. Unless your goals are realistic and achievable, nothing else matters.<br /><br />Here are some tips to make it through your upcoming week, especially if you are still biding your time and can't get motivated. Having a bit of positive thinking can help you realize things that are never thought possible. Thinking big is indeed the North American way and that's what makes us rich and prosperous.<br /><br />1. <strong>Take passionate action towards living your life by design</strong>. Talk is cheap. Action = deposits in the bank of a passionately authentic future. Without the activity of creating an authentic future, passion is void. Dreams are often made when you start by tinkering with your mind, then with your hands. And if the idea weakens, you can always go back to it later until you finish it.<br /><br />2. <strong>Commit to yourself, as well as those you love, to create powerful life you can love</strong>. Instead of reacting, commit to creating from your heart and soul, out of love rather than fear. Dramas will always be there, but a dream will still be a dream without motion. Be amazed as the transformation begins.<br /><br />3.<strong> Recognize and embrace the thought that each moment is perfect regardless of its outcome</strong>. Every time you hit on something that may appear too extreme, why not give it a shot and see if it will work. You will be surprised to see of there are other ways to get the task done in time. If you are not pleased with the outcome, decide to use that moment to learn from and make the appropriate shift.<br /><br />4. <strong>Dwell completely in a place of gratitude</strong>. Learn to utilize what you have in your hands and make use of it in the most constructive way. Slipping into neediness will become less of a habit when you repeatedly shift towards gratitude, away from poverty consciousness.<br /><br /><br />5. <strong>Use a Passion Formula of Recognize/Reevaluate/Restore</strong> in place of the Shoulda/Woulda/Coulda whirlwind. The former is based on increased knowledge and abundance; the latter focuses on scarcity. While you face people or tasks that may seem harder than scaling the summit of the Himalayas, allow yourself to realize that the task is of prime importance.<br /><br />6. <strong>Keep humour at the forefront of thought- laugh at and with yourself</strong> when possible. You may find yourself quite entertaining when you loosen up! I have yet to see a comedian ever go hungry even though his jokes are outdated. Life has so much to offer to allow you to mope around in self-pity. Humur is very attractive, very passionate and life-giving.<br /><br />7. <strong>Believe that you are the architect of your destiny</strong>. No one can take your passionate future from you except you! Create your life authentically. As long as there's still breath in your body, there is no end to how much you can accomplish in a lifetime. The concept of thinking big is all about enjoying your work, which would lead to celebrate a discovery that is born within your hands. Watch everything flow into place with perfect, passionate precision.<br /><br />The moral in this lesson? Instead of wallowing in negativity, choose your path of developing a positive attitude. If you are a job seeker, keep in mind that unemployment is temporary.<br /><br />Need some englightenment in your job search? Tweet me!<br /><br />Melissa C. Martin</div>
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www.military2civilianemployment.com</div>
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<br />Please follow me on Twitter:<br />@ravingredhead and @melissacmartin (bilingual)</div>
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<br />approved expert on www.self-growth.com</div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-65463546123709412192013-12-30T19:40:00.002-05:002013-12-30T20:27:44.393-05:00Moving forward with your job search in 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In the <b>mental health field</b>, encouraging clients to move forward with employment is no easy feat. The obstacles are plentiful, no matter what. Then the new year dawns and another obstacle presents itself.<!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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The negative self-talk is unleashed: " I can't get motivated."</div>
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" No one will hire me...I've been out of the workforce for sooo long!"<br />
" I don't have the confidence to face an interview in the new year."</div>
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And my <b>military clients</b> have lamented:" Civilian employers don't understand what I do...so why bother getting ready for civvie street?"</div>
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And the clincher: "I can't get motivated when it's freezing cold outside..."</div>
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What's really going on here? </div>
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<b>No goals.</b></div>
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<b>No motivation.</b></div>
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<b>No plan.</b></div>
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Returning to work, whether after an injury (in the case of a military member, for example, or a lengthy absence from the workforce IS tough, but NOT insurmountable. So what's stopping people?</div>
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A commitment to <b>change</b>.</div>
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Any major change means hard work. Knowing you should change something (returning to work) and actually desiring to change are two separate issues. As I read in the book, <u>Feel the fear and do it anyway</u>, the "antidote" to fear requires <b>action</b>. And action begins with setting goals.<br />
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But wait a minute. Without making the commitment to change and without the commitment to do some hard work won't reap people the rewards.<br />
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How many times have you heard of people making New Year's resolutions, only to falter (notice I do not use the "F" word fail) 30 days later. (I see this every year at my local military gym; the "keeners" sign up in early January and dwindle quickly by Valentine's day!) <br />
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Let's replace a <b>resolution </b>to have a job with <b>adjustmen</b>t-something that can be done gradually, according to the job seeker's own rules.<br />
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How can you <b>move forward</b>?<br />
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1. <b>Identify one change or adjustment that you'd like to make in 2014</b>.<br />
Updating your resume?<br />
Seeking the advice of a career coach to set your goals?<br />
Practising interview strategies to make the cut?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW92gsscgX6SGLufI5xu3ujMk6NAP86D5HxseuyZL8xHNDdxMew9rc2nLFBoSTeJ_WAxSCFB68eK86sxkNvsTlPKvCHdg2kIWo9zlXYWcpcHKJcV_c0Bxqq5oKsG0rHoFqF5yLu2qg2xKM/s1600/images3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW92gsscgX6SGLufI5xu3ujMk6NAP86D5HxseuyZL8xHNDdxMew9rc2nLFBoSTeJ_WAxSCFB68eK86sxkNvsTlPKvCHdg2kIWo9zlXYWcpcHKJcV_c0Bxqq5oKsG0rHoFqF5yLu2qg2xKM/s1600/images3.jpg" /></a><br />
2. <b>Once you identify one change or adjustment, create a mantra.</b><br />
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The mantra will be your a short, daily statement in your mind's eye. Repeat the mantra daily at least three times, upon rising and upon retiring for the day. Infuse the mantra into your subsconcious.<br />
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"I will get a job in 90 days."<br />
" I will gain confidence to attend an interview."<br />
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3. <b>Identify small action steps to help you reach your goal.</b><br />
Continue to practise your mantra in the meantime. Then identify small steps to get there.<br />
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4. <b>Figure out what will be one small sign that you are making progress</b>.<br />
<b>"</b>By mid-February, I will have taken action in my job search by attending two seminars in my community." Progress is purely subjective, you define progress in your own terms.<br />
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5.<b> Because job searching is fraught with disappointments and rejection, focus on recent or past successes.</b><br />
Make sure you record those successes, especially when your level of motivation is sinking like the Titanic. To achieve the end goal of <b>attaining a job</b> involves a flurry of ups and downs. By recording your successes in written form AND in your mind, you are essentially "reframing" the negativity of job searching (as in constant rejection or no responses).<br />
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In this context, <b>Tom Hopkins</b>' quotation is powerful:" I am not judged by the number of times I fail, but by the number of times I <b>succeed</b>."<br />
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Keep on moving forward!<br />
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6. <b>Get support.</b></div>
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Hire a career coach, seek an employment counsellor or find a confidante or mentor during your job search.<br />
Check progress regularly. Diagnose what's not working and brainstorm alternative solutions.<br />
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7. <b>Reward yourself for every success.</b><br />
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Congratulate yourself along the way and practise some "self-care." Whether it's a walk in the woods to connect with nature, a movie or a rare treat of some kind, you've earned the right to acknowledge that change is necessary before moving forward.<br />
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What's your <b>adjustment</b> or <b>change </b>going to look like in 2014? Drop me a line at melissacynthiamartin@gmail.com<br />
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<b>Melissa Martin</b><br />
bilingual career/social media/military to civilian specialist<br />
www.military2civilianemployment.com<br />
www.self-growth.com<br />
T: @ravingredhead and @melissacmartin</div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-16470777038018158612013-12-07T11:25:00.000-05:002013-12-07T11:33:52.601-05:00Guest post: Online Identity Expert on How NOT to Ruin that Job Prospect This Holiday Season <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">When looking for a job, you know all the right things to do. You have
double checked your resume and researched organizations. However, in today's
competitive job market market there is a lot that could come back to haunt you.
92 percent of employers run criminal background and credit checks on potential
employees. Much like running a check through the three credit bureaus, not all
background checks are created equal and some become quite costly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Employers are
quick to forgive past criminal history. Now, employers don't have to worry
about spending time checking Facebook, LinkedIn, along with gathering different
credit reports which can be a real cumbersome process. In a matter of seconds,
one site promises to be that quick repository of information and can collect
'dirt' on your potential new hire.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">"Employers are looking you up, and what they find can often lose
you the job," said Erik Knight, founder of <a href="http://dirtsearch.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">DirtSearch.org</span></a>,
an online background search site that fields . "This is really worrisome,
because oftentimes background checks pull out-of date or incorrect information.
A great way to ensure your record is clean is by doing a basic free search and
finding anything that a potential employer might find and some figures say a
national criminal record database has a 41 percent error rate." <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Erik Knight, entrepreneur and owner of <a href="http://dirtsearch.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Dirtsearch.org</span></a> (<a href="http://www.dirtsearch.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.dirtsearch.org</span></a>),
comments on the current state of the job market and what employees do wrong or
what employers can do better when screening job candidates for the first of the
year. Knight gives the following suggestions for not making a mistake when
making that new hire: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Do your due diligence: Run a background check on yourself. Sites
like <a href="http://dirtsearch.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Dirtsearch.org</span></a> uses an algorithm to pull
all the places your name shows up on the internet for free. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Talk to all your references. You need to make sure all your references
are on the same page. You don't want an employer to call a reference only to
find out your reference doesn't remember you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Customize. Customize. Customize. Instead of doing 200 job applications.
Do 10 applications. Research the company, and make sure every resume is custom
and unique. Have bullet points to customize what that employer is looking
for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Curate your social media -- Remove more sensitive photos or comments but
do post pictures of your artwork, charitable work that you are doing -- things
that give the employer a sense of your personality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Get a postal address in the particular state/province you are applying for a job
if you think the employer would be sensitive to the location. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Reflect on and if necessary change your email address. Do not use <a href="mailto:PartyGirl675@Gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">PartyGirl675@Gmail.com</span></a> or <a href="mailto:SexyKitty@hotmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">SexyKitty@hotmail.com</span></a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Avoid checking in at bars and strip clubs at social media and by all
means don't check in at the ball park on a Tuesday when you are
looking for a job and if you do, take advantage of the filters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Get recommendations from colleagues and past employers on
LinkedIn. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Research before the interview. Come in with a binder and highlight
questions and find everything you can possibly find on the organization. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Kelly Walsh, president 1 Smart Life and human resource expert,
"The last thing you want to do is invisible on the internet. You
want an employer to be able to find you on LinkedIn." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Erik Knight is an online identity expert, has been quoted in top tier
sources and is available for immediate interviews to discuss 'how not to blow that
job prospect' this holiday season. Please let me know if you want to interview
Erik. We also have a career expert that can comment on what employers are
seeking from the HR perspective. </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Happy holidays!<br />
Melissa Martin<br />
bilingual career/social media coach<br />
www.military2civilianemployment.com<br />
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-6824652526223230032013-11-04T21:05:00.003-05:002013-11-04T21:07:59.397-05:00The elephant in the room: talking about mental health<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442">For over three years, I have worked as a bilingual Vocational Counsellor in mental health. What an extraordinary learning curve!</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9H9h9MSxwMosxlQ8HiFPt2vGbILwB9gx5QcOY3pPtpegquw3SlmTSFtvgd6_MiM23rWUlt8WJOxNXeIpsXRNx3xI_HBHdFftwn3U5bKg21MrQp86kYfYg08V1X9dJW2J8xEz2CSru2xj/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9H9h9MSxwMosxlQ8HiFPt2vGbILwB9gx5QcOY3pPtpegquw3SlmTSFtvgd6_MiM23rWUlt8WJOxNXeIpsXRNx3xI_HBHdFftwn3U5bKg21MrQp86kYfYg08V1X9dJW2J8xEz2CSru2xj/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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Last week, I attended a session called "Let's talk about the elephant in the room: mental illness in the workplace," hosted by the Mood Disorders Association of Southeastern Ontario. I walked away with new knowledge about reducing stigma and walked away with a blue elephant for a keepsake. Now anyone who comes into my office can be assured a safe spot to talk about mental illness.<br />
<br />
The presentation focused on three target groups:<br />
1.<b>Employers</b><br />
The statistics are staggering about how many people will be diagnosed with a mental illness in their lifetime. Depression/bipolar are the most common MI's. It is imperative that employers deal with this, because depression is the number one reason why people go on disability insurance. They are overwhelmed and don't know where to turn for support and resources. But now, with people choosing to talk about mental illness, we have an open forum.<br />
<br />
2. <b>Co-workers</b><br />
By providing a friendly ear and a watchful eye on your colleagues' behaviours, you can play a role in detecting if someone is different about your co-worker. With education, you can begin to learn about the symptoms of mental illness which ultimately affect not only one's mental health, but also their performance in the workplace. Imagine a depression that is so devastating that the easiest and quickest coping strategy is to call in sick, pull over the covers and avoid contact with the outside world. Or how about the person whose voices are so deafening that hopelessness remains constant.<br />
<br />
Faced with these symptoms, the phrase "walk a mile in my shoes" is very <i>à propos.</i><br />
<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442">You don't choose your coworkers, but you can choose to respect them and support them with a lending hand.</a><br />
<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442"><br /></a>
<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442">You can make a stand and fight against the stigma of having a mental illness. It takes courage for anyone to go to work with a severe and persistent mental illness. That person could be serving you in your local supermarket or retail outlet, unbeknownst to you. </a><br />
<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442"><br /></a>
<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442">3.<b> If you have a mental illness</b></a><br />
Back to the statistics again. A certain percentage of people either never ask for help, nor get a formal diagnosis because the societal stigma is so strong. Get the treatment you deserve. Put away your pride and seek help. Your mind will thank you for it.<br />
<br />
Tell others about your plight. Confide in someone you trust. If no one seems trustworthy, investigate if you have a company EAP (employee assistance service) or call a local mental health helpline or crisis line. It's a starting point.<br />
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Once you have sought treatment, be a champion yourself! Keep feeding the elephant by educating others to speak about mental illness and set the example of someone focused on the journey to recovery.<br />
<br />
What's your story? Email your comments to me.<br />
Melissa Martin<br />
bilingual career/social media strategist<br />
military2civilianemployment.com<br />
Approved career expert, careerealism.com<br />
<br />
Follow me on Twitter @melissacmartin and @ravingredhead<br />
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-39334493500921300332013-10-10T20:30:00.004-04:002013-10-10T20:31:54.660-04:00What Miley Cyrus needs to learn about disabilities and the workplace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7911105226596103442">Recently, I was listening to a radio interview about Miley Cyrus and I was taken aback...No, it has nothing to do with her talent, or her antics. It was her online behaviour, specifically toward Irish singer Sinead O'Connor. Cyrus and Sinead were exchanging heated Tweets recently, concerning O' Connor's past mental health iessues. Here's one link, http://thebea.st/GCuCCH, that gives a history of Sinead and Miley's online unpleasantries. </a><br />
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<b>Not cool and not acceptable</b>, especially as it applies to someone who is struggling to hold a profession, keep a job or re-enter the workforce. I know this intimately as a mental health professional who helps clients return to work. Let's consider the statistics about the relation between mental illness and employment. In the latest study that I read today, 90% of people with mental illnesses are unemployed. 90%! That could be your neighbour or person you connected with at a networking event. Now apply that to the workforce. You may be working with an employee who already is struggling with a mental illness, but hasn't disclosed his or her disability. Why? Stigma runs rampant. The stigma is decreasing, but this is an issue that society owns as a problem.<br />
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Luckily, in parts of Canada, certain provinces have anti-harassment and zero tolerance policies towards discrimination and disabilities in the workplace. Thank goodness, because it protects people from facing discrimination, by virtue of their disability. And that takes into account that a disability can be visible OR invisible.<br />
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The lesson here? Miley will be hard pressed to erase her inappropriate comments about Sinead's mental health issues. We should always be mindful that once we tweet or post something on social media platforms, it is extremely hard to erase forever. "Digital dirt" is usually the bane of people's existence, IF they have a conscience and IF they have remorse about what they post online.<br />
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On the front page of my blog, you will find a link for SM$MH.com, or stand up to stigma against mental health. Be a leader. Stand UP to stigma and fight back against stigma involving people who struggle with mental illnesses. You would be surprised to know famous people who experienced a mental illness, but they succeeded in their work pursuits. Standing up to Miley's message is not unlike to fighting back against bullying. We are, after all, sentient human beings....<br />
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Melissa Martin<br />
bilingual career/social media strategist<br />
www.military2civilianemployment.com<br />
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-42495755562812856492013-08-26T20:25:00.002-04:002013-08-26T20:25:43.540-04:00Cover letter that landed a client with a disability an interview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="">Hello job seekers:</a><br />
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<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="">As you know, I am passionate about helping people transition into the workforce. Looking through my archives of actual clients' cover letters, I wanted to share this one. By no means is it the ultimate. I adapted it from two fabulous sources, <b>Jimmy Sweeney </b> and the Q letter, often mentioned in www.quintcareers.com</a><br />
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<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="">Glenn "job seeker" had a history of sporadic employment over the years, by virtue of his mental health disability and misfortune. In short, "Glenn" had been absent from the competitive workforce for over 15 years. When he identified retail as an employment target, we created this "sales letter. For anyone with a disability, intellectual, mental, or otherwise who casts doubts on re-entering the workforce, take heart that there is always hope! That's what we career counsellors and coaches do best-to share with clients that they have hope!</a><br />
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<a class="addthis_button" expr:addthis:title="data:post.title" expr:addthis:url="data:post.url" href="">The employer is a major retail chain in North America called Best Buy, which sells electronic products. Enjoy!</a><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #244061; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Glenn Jobseeker <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #244061; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1 Job Savvy Avenue Kingston, ON K7K
3H2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #244061; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">613---------- GlennJobseeker @--------.com<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">August 20, 2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Best Buy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">890 Gardiners Road<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Kingston, ON<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Could your company use an <b>experienced</b> <b>sales person</b> with a passion for electronics? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Let me show you my
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<u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Your Requirements</span></u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> <u>My
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1. responsible,
detail- oriented, organized Top ratings from current/former
supervisors with strong problem solving skills I am a natural negotiator <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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curious and have a passion for electronics Brand name awareness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">3. thrive on
building long term relationships with As a talented bargain hunter, sourced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">consumers who
are passionate about technology
the most reasonable deals to <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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save money<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Please
call me for an interview at 416-540-0000 or you may reach me on my cell at 613-------
You won’t regret it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Glenn
Jobseeker<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">P.S</span></i></b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">. During an interview, I will tell you how I won
a customer service award at a busy fast food location. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">PPS</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">. <i> My former supervisor once called
me “Speedy Gonzales” for doing things fast!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Melissa Martin</b> bilingual career/social media strategist</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">webinarcareercoach.blogspot.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">www.military2civilianemployment.com</span></div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911105226596103442.post-58020324198480701812013-06-12T21:10:00.003-04:002013-06-12T21:10:39.826-04:00Military: signs of PTSD and how to get help<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a data-mce-href="http://military2civilianemployment.com/military-signs-that-you-have-ptsd-and-how-to-get-help/ot-support-our-troops-070824" href="http://military2civilianemployment.com/military-signs-that-you-have-ptsd-and-how-to-get-help/ot-support-our-troops-070824" rel="attachment wp-att-61" style="color: #1b8be0; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="ot-support-our-troops-070824" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-61" data-mce-src="http://military2civilianemployment.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ot-support-our-troops-070824.jpg" height="220" src="http://military2civilianemployment.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ot-support-our-troops-070824.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); color: inherit; cursor: default; font-style: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1.625; margin-top: 0.4em; max-width: 97.5%; padding: 6px; width: auto;" width="220" /></a>As someone who works in<strong style="color: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625;"> mental health</strong> and assists military members transitioning into the civilian workforce, it may seem obvious that<strong style="color: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625;"> PTSD</strong> obviously exists, but the signs may not be so obvious. What I have observed, in working with service members, is that the "culture of the strong" is alive and well. That means that military members still experience stigma (to some extent from external sources, but also it is self-imposed).</div>
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One solution is to recognize the signs of <strong style="color: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625;">PTSD</strong> and then seek professional help.</div>
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The following checklist is not exhaustive; it is an excerpt from the National Center for <strong style="color: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625;">PTSD</strong>, Boston, Behavioural Science Division, 1991. When looking at the questions, ask yourself if the response is 1. Not at all 2. A little bit 3. Moderately 4. Quite a bit 5. Extremely</div>
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F. W. Weathers, J.A. Huska and T.M. Keane, compiled these questions. Check your responses based on the above ratings.</div>
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1. Repeated, disturbing memories, thoughts, images of a stressful experience from the past?</div>
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2.Repeated, disturbing dreams of a stressful experience from the past?</div>
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3. Suddenly acting or feeling as if a stressful experience were happening again?</div>
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4.Having physical reactions (i.e. heart pounding, trouble breathing, or sweating) reminded you of a stressful experience from the past?</div>
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5.Loss of interest in things that you used to enjoy?</div>
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6. Trouble falling or staying asleep?</div>
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7. Having difficulty concentrating?</div>
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8. Being "super alert" or watchful on guard?</div>
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9. Feeling distant or cut off from people.</div>
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The complete list includes 17 questions.</div>
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Now look at your responses. If you have many "quite a bit" or "extremely" ratings, there's no time to use. Get HELP. Put away your pride. Asking for help is NOT a sign of weakness, despite what the military culture may suggest.</div>
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Some resources:</div>
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A MUST read by Water Staples,<strong style="color: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625;"> May the healing begin. </strong>Written by a former Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Force, psychologist Dr. Staples wrote an insightful book about "powerful strategies to overcome depression and despair." PTSD is covered in his book. www.doctorstaples.com</div>
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National Institute of Mental Health (US).</div>
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Canadian army site, www.army.forces.gc.ca</div>
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www.MentalHealthHelpline.ca (Canada)</div>
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OSISS (operational stress injuries support for dealing with the "invisible wounds" associated with warfare, www.osiss.ca (Canada)</div>
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Padres, chaplains, social workers, doctors and psychologists and medics on bases</div>
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Peer support from others, such as support groups, who are/have experienced <strong style="color: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625;">PTSD</strong></div>
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CFMAP (confidential telephone line for Canadian military members) www.forces.gc.ca/health-sante</div>
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Integrated personnel support centres (various bases across Canada)</div>
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One government report in 2007 stated that "some veterans and other individuals with PTSD waited up to eight years before seeking treatment," (House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, M. Rossignol).</div>
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Don't let that be you!</div>
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Take charge and take action!</div>
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If your PTSD is severe enough, your <strong style="color: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625;">employment readiness</strong> is in jeopardy.</div>
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Melissa Martin B.A., B.Ed.</div>
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Bilingual career/social media strategist</div>
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blog: webinarcareercoach.blogspot.ca</div>
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<span style="color: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625;"> Linkedin: </span><a data-mce-href="http://ca.www.linkedin.com/in/melissacynthiamartin" href="http://ca.www.linkedin.com/in/melissacynthiamartin" style="color: #1b8be0; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625; text-decoration: none;">http://ca.www.linkedin.com/in/melissacynthiamartin</a></div>
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Melissa worked for almost 10 years at Canadian Forces Bases Kingston and Trenton, providing employment services to CF members and military spouses and delivering seminars.</div>
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Melissa C. Martin Career Coachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10093156905198935052noreply@blogger.com0