Today’s Job Market Requires Flexibility

There are countless articles on the Web and in print media today which suggest the only people being hired, in this recovering job market, are those with the "exact" set of skills sought by the organization. Recruiters only want to see resumes that perfectly match the specific requirements of the open job. Many companies use software to scan resumes for the keywords that perfectly match the position to be filled. Interviews are only scheduled with candidates with recent, highly relevant experience.
Conversely, we read that workers with skill sets, which were too specific, were the first cut as companies downsized during this past recession. This makes some sense. If you have fewer workers or managers remaining, they are going to have to take on expanded roles - not only completing their previous assigned responsibilities, but perhaps manage unrelated departments or jobs as well.
But wouldn't it also make sense for lean companies just starting to expand their workforces out of the depths of recession to hire well-rounded individuals who have the capability to do a specific job but also the wherewithal to assist or manage other areas?
That's the dilemma for job seekers today. Do I pigeonhole myself into a position vis-à-vis my resume and the interviews and get pitted against others with those exact skills? Or do I let my broader experience shine through and risk being labeled with less than the concentrated practice they are searching for?
The experts say that college graduates should keep a broad based focus since the changing job market requires flexibility. Workers who already have gained practical experience in a field may be encouraged to add a MBA to their repertoire, to enhance their value to a company, therefore, their survivability.
The reality is that smart, progressive companies - the ones we all aspire to work for - are going to opt for the person with more than just the expertise to perform the job at hand. You probably want to pass on the opportunity if the company is so compartmentalized that they don't want you to think outside of your specific role. The balancing act is to get through the screening of your resume and the gauntlet of preliminary interviews by "playing the game" with your "exact fit" for the job. Once you have an audience with senior management you can address your well-honed transferable skills - as well as the ability to excel in the posted job. It will require nimbleness, but that's what today's job market is about. If the key hiring manager doesn't feel confident of the additional value you will bring to the organization, you may not get the job but at least you will be able to showcase all of your acquired skills. A forward-thinking organization should look beyond that one position and give you the opportunity you seek.
Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track 2nd Edition now available on Amazon. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place. http://www.5necessaryskills.com

How Networking Can Help Our Careers

Networking is one of the most used and misused buzzwords of our times. Many people confuse “networking” with the mere act of connecting with people via social media on sites such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. While these sites can be used for networking – effective networking is so much more.

Napoleon Hill, a famous motivational author of the past century, had this to say about networking, “You have to give before you receive.” And Tom Hopkins, author and one of the top sales guru’s of all time, takes it a step further: “When people use networking, they are taking advantage of a basic law – the Law of Reciprocity. The law basically says, if I do something good for you, you will feel obligated to do something good for me.” This is what effective networking is all about.

There are countless articles about “networking to find jobs,” currently on the Internet. Unfortunately, many of these bestow the readers with the wrong mindset for networking. If you charge off with the attitude that you must find someone to help you land a job, you are missing the critical component of effective networking. A sound mindset would be: I have quite a few friends when I think about it: current circle of friends, co-workers, former co-workers, college friends, extended family, church acquaintances, sorority sisters, trade association contacts, softball teammates, etc. I have a great deal in common with most of them – whether it’s our children, past schools or jobs, athletic interests, or careers. I wonder who could use my assistance or advice on the best smart phone to buy, good books to read, selling their products, or advice on people they should know to advance their careers. Once you have ongoing dialog and mutual trust and respect established, then and only then, can you ask for their assistance. Social networking sites can be great “mediums” to use to extend your reach to establish or re-establish connections with old friends to rekindle relationships.

Guy Kawasaki, author of Art of the Start and entrepreneur, suggests two degrees of separation is as far as you should go in recommending someone or asking someone for their help with your job search. Assisting a friend of a trusted friend should not be a concern, but the friend of a friend of a friend is stretching it and could have negative consequences for your reputation.

Networking is not just something to do externally, but within your own company as well, to enhance in your career. Being known as the person in your company who others can go to for assistance with a project, for advice, or even a sounding board will open “internal” doors for you. You will learn about openings in other departments firsthand and perhaps get recommended; hear about the “true” state of your company and it’s long-term viability; find out about new projects; and an exciting new product team you may want to join. Volunteer for company initiatives and projects to meet the people who can assist you – but always keep in mind, what can you do for them before requesting their help.

Two very important components of networking I have learned are “create and nurture your network before you need it” and always “give a sincere thank you to the person(s) who provide you assistance.”

Richard S. Pearson recently published his second book, 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track 2nd Edition, with an added focus on social media to find jobs, mentors, and networking -- available on Amazon. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place. He is an avid bicyclist, fly fisherman, and skier residing in Colorado. http://www.5necessaryskills.com

Career Success: Doing What You Love To Do

"Do what you love to do and you will never work a day in your life."

Confucius

To do something well, you most likely have to like doing it. Here is a recent post on a medical student/resident Web site: "Honestly, I don't even see being a doctor as a job, because it is such a great gift to be able to help and heal someone." I have also heard from some teachers who find teaching a real joy when they connect with difficult students-and see them fully grasp new concepts and exhibit a desire to learn. It has to be rewarding for a teacher. You also hear that firefighters, pastors, and even some airline pilots rank their jobs at the top of the "happiest" scale. Gurcharan Das, the Indian CEO for Proctor and Gamble, has been quoted on numerous occasions about what it is like to contribute all of your effort to the job at hand by being totally immersed in what you are doing. He says, "It is absorbedness-total contentment in work so engrossing that you don't even know that you are working. It may be working early morning hours without even realizing the time going by because you are so content in what you are doing."

The thought about doing the thing you most love to do, I believe presupposes a certain period of time. To eat a gourmet meal at a fine restaurant in Paris or sail around the Hawaiian Islands on a beautiful warm day (to most of us) is something we would love to do more than any job. So I think Confucius would agree that he meant what would give you the greatest satisfaction and pleasure over time - not for the moment.

I've known some graphic artists and programmers who say they love what they do and would never have to be asked to stay after 5 PM to finish a project. (Many would stay through the night if you bought the coffee). Most entrepreneurs and inventors get so caught up in what they are doing-totally immersed-that they lose sight of time, sleep, and even others who may not have the same passion.

Fund raisers for major charities, Peace Corp volunteers, veterinarians, ski instructors, actors, etc. have satisfying days but, I'm sure, also have ups and downs. The true test of whether someone loves what they do (his or her chosen profession) probably has to do with compensation. Would they be doing the same thing if they weren't making a decent wage doing so? Some attorneys do pro bono work for the disadvantaged or for the public good, but must have paying clients for their country club dues and house payments. An artist I know works on a particular painting for months without a chance of selling it for (much or any) profit, but that doesn't seem to discourage her. This must qualify for doing something you love. We could define "doing something you love to do for employment" as making a positive contribution - without starving to death.

In reality, you do not walk out the college doors and into the job of your dreams - one you will love, unless your love is raising horses and your family is ready hand over the reigns (pun intended) to the family ranch. If you have a passion about helping other people you might want to join a non-profit organization, start medical school, work for a political campaign, work for a homeless shelter, join the Peace Corp, etc. If you are a finance wiz, perhaps a job on Wall Street is your cup of tea, or working for one of the Big Four accounting firms. If you love travel and tourism, maybe American Express Travel, Expedia, American Airlines, or your state tourism department should be on your list. If you are a great cook, hair stylist, or florist and want to own your own restaurant, boutique shop, or franchise, there are skills you need to acquire to run a business (and be successful) no matter how much you love what you are doing. The point is that you are, in all probability, going to have to get an education, attain practical skills, and take intermediary steps to get to the point of doing what you love. Some of these steps may be drudgery but you've got to continuously look toward the end result.

Here's some practical advice I wholeheartedly agree with from Penelope Trunk, of Brazen Careerist. "Do not what you love; do what you are." Many tests have been developed to highlight your strengths and weaknesses, such as Myers-Briggs, which provides a list of jobs where you would likely excel based on your strengths, experience, and education. Penelope goes on to say, "Relationships make your life great, not jobs.

But a job can ruin your life - make you feel out of control in terms of your time or your ability to accomplish goals - but no job will make your life complete." Do what you love and perhaps money won't matter quite as much. In reality, by chasing the dream of what you love to do, you tap into an inner energy that propels you to do the best, most extraordinary work you are capable of. This will get you recognized and, if there is any money in your chosen field, you should be compensated accordingly. To do something well you most likely have to like doing it was my opening statement. Focus on your strengths. Contemplate the tough issues of where you have been, where you are now, where you would like to be. Develop a (realistic) plan to get you there. Unless you are proactive, outline and complete the intermediate steps (and overcome the challenges), you won't end up where you want to be.

Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track available on Amazon. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place.http://www.5necessaryskills.com

Make a Move - To a New Job or Promotion Now

We've pretty much hit rock bottom in the job market. Yes, some layoffs will continue in 2011 and beyond - there will always be downsizing - but the unemployment numbers will start dropping, as smart, well-managed companies have already begun to prepare for a sustained economic upturn. If you work for one of these forward thinking companies, you better start to jockey for position to replenish management ranks, as they bring new people on board to fill vacant and expansion positions held over from the deepest recession in decades.

This is similar to the wisdom imparted by a good stock market advisor, buy low and sell high. As we know in the market, many investors jump on the bandwagon trying to catch waves already cresting, then end up selling on the down slope. Companies have shed almost seven and one-half million jobs since the recession started, kept inventories at minimal levels, and stripped advertising budgets to the bone. They must now reposition themselves to take advantage of the economic upturn - even though the jobs piece of the equation is still on a somewhat slippery slope. This presents a great opportunity - in the trough of the jobs market - to advance in your career by riding the wave as recruitment begins in earnest.

Now is the time to gain maximum visibility in your company. Volunteer for new assignments, process improvement committees, to assist other departments, charity drives, even the holiday party planning team. Position yourself as the "go to" person in your department or division. Network within your company, with your manager, mentor, or any other connection, that you are ready for more responsibility. Update your resume and highlight your skills and experience, which have prepared you for more challenge. Why should your company's management look outside the organization, incur recruiting expenses, have questions if someone will fit into the company's culture, etc. when you are a proven asset? But it is up to you and your allies in the organization to communicate this. Your immediate boss, department manager, mentor(s), and others you interact with should be enlisted to sing your praises. Ask other departments, human resources, and your boss to keep you in the loop on jobs before they are even posted - to give you the first crack at them.

If your company does not have near term growth prospects for you, begin looking outside. Now is the time to re-evaluate your skills, education, and experience to begin the search for your dream job. Will you require some intermediate steps like going back to school for an MBA or other course work in your field? Do you need more experience in a particular discipline before you are qualified for your ultimate job? At the same time, evaluate if this dream job is in a field that is expected to continue to have above average growth in the coming years? Will it require a move to another part of the country? Do you have enough savings to make a move - since many companies have cut down on relocation reimbursements? All of these questions need to be answered as you take proactive steps to move forward down your career path.

If the chosen profession has limited growth and therefore upward movement, it may be time to look for a position in another field where your skills and experience will also apply. The US Labor Department has forecast the highest growth occupations through 2018, and may help you in your decision of where to look. Network systems and data communications positions will grow by over 53%; personal and home care aides by 50%; home health aides by almost 49%; computer software engineers by over 44%; and veterinary technologists by 41% to name a few. This information can be found, as well as fast growing cities, on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site.

A few words of caution - do not ignore any of your current job responsibilities as you look ahead, down your career path. And for heaven's sake don't tell co-workers you are looking elsewhere, as this will spread like wildfire and could damage chances for an internal promotion. Do your research away from the office, on your own computer and phone, and schedule interviews or meetings over lunch or take a vacation day.

It is up to you, and only you, to seize these new career opportunities, whether inside or outside of your current company. Timing is in your favor, as companies announce their expansion plans and flocks of transitional workers begin tossing their resumes into the hat. Go for it!

Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track available on Amazon. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place.http://www.5necessaryskills.com

Long-Term Employment Secret

Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most notable architects in the last century, once stated "Business is like riding a bicycle. Either you keep moving or you fall down." The same can be said about jobs. If you are stationary - not progressing - you are actually slipping backward as the world passes by you in our fast-paced society.

The secret to maintaining employment even in a tough job market is to be proactive. Too often we cruise on autopilot and accept what a company or job hands us. We are not noticing what's going on around us in our company, industry, or the economy in general - let alone the corner office. How is my performance compared to co-workers? Am I looked upon as a go to person - someone who gets things done? Do I anticipate the needs of customers before they have to ask? Do I seek out new assignments before my manager has to delegate them?

In the macro sense, we have to study industry trends. Are our products/services still going to be viable in 5 years? If you are in an industry or particular position in your company that is losing its relevancy, start now to make a change to a new department, a new company, or even change careers. You've got to always consider how stable will my job be in an economic slump? Don't do anything rash - use you current job to fund your effort to find a new long-term endeavor. But make sure you are still giving your current employer 100 percent of your time and effort. Don't give your boss a reason to hand you walking papers.

It's too easy to accept the status quo until it's too late. Someone makes the decision for you - and that is usually unemployment. Make a change on your terms and timeframe. Start actively networking to see what other career choices exist. What do friends and colleagues say about their jobs and companies? What research are you doing about your company or a prospective employer? There is a great deal of public information available especially on publicly traded companies - both long and short term business risks. Information is power - power you need to ensure job stability.

What other skills do you possess? What would additional schooling do for your career - either an advance degree or additional course work? We must continually be educated on new and changing job requirements or we are slipping behind. Act now if you see red flags in your company or industry. Take the bull by the horns and direct your own career and life!

Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track available on Amazon. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place.http://www.5necessaryskills.com

How Do I Land a New Job in 2011?

As we inch back to full economic recovery in 2011, companies will begin adding new employees. But it will take time for business owners to regain confidence that the country is really in a sustained growth mode. There are still five unemployed workers vying for each job opening – but that is an improvement from the 6.3 per open job a short time ago.

First, let’s deal with the magnitude of the bad news: If you are currently part of the 15 million unemployed, the 9 million forced to work part-time because of no full-time work, or the 2.5 million discouraged workers who have (at least temporarily) given up looking, there is no absolute, guaranteed method to get you back into the mainstream workforce. Add to this the fact that a 2010 survey found that one-half of US workers believe they are in stagnant jobs and the 3 million new workforce entrants – graduating from high school and colleges annually – and you are going to find fierce competition in the jobs marketplace, as people jockey for newly created positions.

Now for some good news: We are seeing signs of jobs creation – perhaps some of the residual growth promised by the stimulus plan – but most likely because the tax cut issue was settled and business owners can better forecast their company and personal liabilities (for the next couple of years). Small businesses have been the jobs growth engine of our economy for the past two decades – creating about three-quarters of all new jobs – and this will get them back in the expansion mode.

In any crowded marketplace, you must differentiate your product from the masses to get noticed and make your sale. There are some proven steps to take to set yourself apart from others in your field and get you in front of hiring managers.

The first thing needed to fast track your job search is to re-tool your resume. Keep in mind it's not about you - but about the skills required by a potential employer, with your skill set overlaid to determine the most qualified candidate. You will want to tweak your resume to mesh with the unique job requirements of each position you are interested in. You've heard it before but it's worth repeating - always maintain an up-to-date resume. The last thing you want is for a friend or colleague to "open a door" for you and ask for your resume, then not receive it for a week or two. It needs to be in their hands while you are in top-of-mind awareness.

Secondly, just about everyone reading this article can find a volunteer position directly or indirectly related to their career, within a week or two. If you have financial services experience, volunteer with a community agency to help people repair their credit scores, as an example. With a human resources background you could assist in a job services center helping workers get back into the labor force. Construction workers would be welcome at Habitat for Humanity. Who knows, you might end up pounding nails with a CEO or city councilmen - not bad connections to do some networking. There are three primary reasons to volunteer: It gives you a "story" to tell a potential employer about what you've been doing; it may provide the opportunity to network and find a new job; and it will build up your self-esteem - utilizing your skills and doing what you do best - giving you the confidence you need to project on the interviews you land.

Networking is where you will find your next job. I do not mean to rush out and join Twitter and see how many followers you can get in 60 days, or friends and family on Facebook. These are just “mediums” to meet people. Networking is reciprocity – always offering assistance to others before asking for help yourself. You will not get any introductions until others get to know you and feel confident in recommending you to their networks. LinkedIn is the most professional social networking site, so join if you have not already done so. Use your newly crafted resume to fill out your profile and search for friends, classmates, and former colleagues to re-connect with. You do not want to appear desperate. Don't ask for a job. Ask about what they are doing. Offer any help you can in getting them connected to others for their own careers or for a work project. Tell them about your volunteer work while you are looking for a new career position. Let them offer to assist you. This is effective networking.

Research companies where you see a logical fit. Don't waste a great deal of time on job search sites, which are more or less the "help wanted ads" of the digital age. You can find sites that will let you drill down for a particular field and by city and region, but you will be competing with hundreds or even thousands of others for these positions. Seek out the companies which employ people with your skills - by reading annual reports, searching their web sites, trade associations, press releases, etc. Then use LinkedIn, or similar more professional networking sites, to find out which ones are hiring; current and former employees you or one of your connections might know; and who can make an introduction for you to get directly to the hiring manager. This is the best way to stand out from the crowd and ensure you will be brought in for an interview.

With small businesses adding three-quarters of all new jobs, focus your attention on that segment. Target your efforts on those that may have been the recipient of outsourced business in your field or a closely related one. You may very well find that one of the large corporations you contact now outsources your specialty. Ask whom they outsource it to - perhaps get them to forward your resume to them (a great way to open the door). When connecting with a small business, you may want to use your large corporate experience to your advantage by suggesting how you can get more companies to outsource to them.

Be prepared to become a contract worker. Almost one-half of all jobs are now filled with contingent workers - consultants, contractors, part-time, or temporary employees. Find a staffing company or two, specializing in your field, and let them go to work and find you an interim position either in your field or a closely related one. Over a third of these jobs become full-time positions and you get the opportunity to experience the company's culture firsthand and they see how you blend in with their existing workforce.

There are no guarantees in life, but following these steps can stack the deck in your favor to land a new job in the shortest time possible. Good luck on your 2011 career quest!

Richard S. Pearson is the Author of “5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track” available on Amazon. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place. http://www.5necessaryskills.com