Keep Your Career on Track

Today’s Job Market Requires Flexibility

2011-05-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

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

2011-02-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

"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

2011-02-08T11:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-01-28T08:52:00.001-08:00

Long-Term Employment Secret

2011-01-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

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!

How Do I Land a New Job in 2011?

2011-01-04T06:58:00.000-08:00

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

Where Are the New Jobs?

2010-12-14T18:20:00.000-08:00

The American economy is gradually regaining strength and, in due course, the sorely needed new jobs will follow. But when is the big underlying question? And, what occupations will return the strongest, adding the greatest number of employees? What retraining of workers will have to take place for these jobs and who will do the training? What additional course-work will be required to prepare those just entering the workforce? What regions of the country will emerge as the recipient of these jobs and what migration of workers will be required – so they are in the right place at the right time?

We are probably all aware that there are about 15 million people unemployed at present, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), equaling about 10% of the total labor force. It is imperative to note that this figure does not include the approximately 11 million people who have either expended all unemployment benefits and/or have given up looking for jobs - many out of work for years. So the critical challenge will be to matchup these 26 million workers (in total) and the new entrants to the labor pool each year (of which there about 3 million) to these jobs, in the locations where they will emerge.

The BLS states that there are twenty occupations which will account for more than one-third of all new jobs between now and 2018. It is remarkable to note (due in a large part to the aging of the baby-boomers) that one-half of the fastest growing occupations are related to the healthcare industry. Some of the occupations, which will add the most new jobs in this period, are: Registered nurses 581,500; Home health aides 460,900; Customer service representatives 399.5; Personal and home care aides 375.8, Retail salespersons 374,700; Office clerks (general) 358,700; Accountants and auditors 279,400; Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants 276,000; Postsecondary teachers 256,900; Construction laborers 255,900, and Elementary school teachers 244,200. The remainder can be on the BLS’s Web site.

The twenty fastest rate of growth professions (not the largest number of employees added but highest growth rate) are Biomedical Engineers, Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts, Home Health Aides, Personal and Home Care Aides, Financial Examiners, Medical Scientists, Physician Assistants, Skin Care Specialists, Biochemists, and Biophysicists. These jobs will require an associate degree or higher for 12 of the occupations; whereas 6 are in the on-the-job training category; 1 is in the work experience in a related occupation; and 1 in the postsecondary vocational degree category. Eleven of these occupations earn at least $10,000 more than the National annual median wage, which was $32,390 last year. Nine of the occupations earned at least twice the National median wage.

There is some good news in that many of the occupations that will add the most new jobs are "people" related, e.g. healthcare, retail sales, customer service, office clerks, etc., which will be added in large, urban centers and will not necessitate the costly movement of people from across the country. The “specialty” professions may require a move, but moving costs are more likely to be reimbursed by the recruiting company. As mentioned, 12 of the professions with the highest growth rates will require associate or higher degrees. So the unemployed or underemployed workers may want to consider adding a degree or certification to their resume and set their sites on one of these fields of interest. This may be much easier said than done, as it's difficult to pay for more education when you are at the rock bottom of your earning potential, but it may crucial to do once you start a new or temporary job. There may be some government grant money available for retraining under one of the current jobs recovery acts.

All employees in the future are going to have to be more “proactive” than they have been previously. You will go nowhere by saying it would be wonderful to be a Network Systems Analyst and then hope positions become available – and somehow you find out about them. You must research an occupation first, for its’ range of opportunities, and then set a goal to get the required education completed. You should also focus on a specific organization (or three or four) and perhaps get to know them (by taking a lesser or temporary position). This will give you much needed visibility with them as well.

The rule of all job searches is to network with colleagues, former colleagues, classmates, trade association members, and civic organizations to learn of opportunities in field(s) of your interest and in the area you want to live. In the networks you develop, there is bound to be someone who knows an insider in a company you have targeted. Your resume can be presented to the recruiting department head and not just be placed in a stack of the hundreds received.

There is an entrepreneur in many of us and quite a few of the professions listed provide new opportunities for small companies or employment contracts. These include the fast growing occupations of computer consulting, network administration, home health aides, personal and home care aides, information technology, and others. The large company trend of outsourcing services gives you the opportunity to create a new business around one of these services, where you have expertise. You have to take charge of your own career. Jack Welch, author and former Chairman and CEO of GE states, “Take charge of your career of someone else will.” It is more important than ever to be proactive in planning, networking, and getting the best educational experience you can - for securing jobs now and in the future.

Richard S. Pearson is the Author of “5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track,” available on Amazon.com. 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

Politicians Lack Vision and Common Sense for Tax Break Compromise

2010-12-14T10:03:00.000-08:00

The definition of compromise is “something accepted rather than wanted.” The self-interests of politicians trump what is good for the country (in many instances) and nets, us the citizens, something not wanted and not in our long-term interests. Politicians are typically so tainted with their own agendas (of getting re-elected) that they see issues only in “black or white.”

Let’s take the debate on extension of the Bush tax cuts. Both Republicans and Democrats are so hell-bent on winning that they have failed to see the real issue and best-interest compromise for the country. There are 25 million businesses in this country – with only 27,000 having more than 500 employees. These medium and large-size companies, as a whole, have been stagnant in job growth over the past two decades. Where new jobs have come from, and pulled the country out of the past recessions, is from small businesses. From entrepreneurs who have ideas for businesses, start small, and then add employees as their businesses begin to make money. This “sweet spot” of job creation is generally funded by the founder, perhaps with some loans, but typically not by the so-called rich folks.

The “black and white” issue addressed here is that there is a big difference between a small business owner moving up in tax brackets, to a combined income of over $250,000, compared to people earning $1 million a year all the way up to tens or hundreds of millions a year. If the small businessperson knows the government is going to take half his earnings in taxes (combined state and federal), he or she has no incentive to grow their business. When George Soros, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, or Bill Clinton espouse the position that the rich should be taxed more, I doubt there is anyone who would disagree – even coming out of a recession. Because they don’t typically invest in small businesses – their holdings are in large corporations – the business segment that hasn’t had a net gain in jobs in two decades.

There is an obvious compromise here, so easy to see by anyone who has studied the job market and jobs growth history. It is to realign the tax brackets. What makes lumping the combined wife/husband income of $250,000 in with the same tax bracket of George Soros sacrosanct? Why not give the small business owner the ability (funds) to grow their business and add employees? Why not keep the tax cuts in place for those with incomes below $500,000 or even $750,000 to give them the confidence to reinvest in their businesses? And terminate the tax cut for higher incomes (the true rich in our society), who invest in big business – which has shown no signs of job growth, in the aggregate, for decades?

The American public is solidly behind the premise of not burdening our children and their children with a national debt that will erode their quality of life, and perhaps be so deep that we (nor they) can never dig our way out of it.

Politician’s need to study our own Department of Commerce statistics on jobs creation and make a common sense compromise – not one (illogically) perceived to get their party re-elected.

Finding a Job and Keeping a Job Require Mastery of 5 Skills

2010-05-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

Whether you've been out of work for quite some time, long-term in a position, or looking for a career change you will need to master some business and life skills to progress in your career.

The philosopher and poet, Dante writes in the 12th Century: The secret of getting things done is to act! This is the same lesson carried forward by Stephen R. Covey in many of his books - what he coins as proactivity. You, and only you, are ultimately responsible for your career. To leave something this important in the control of a manager, with many other interests and employees, a company, a union, school or to only react to circumstances that befall you can be a mistake of a life time. The best advice in the world won't do you any good unless you take the information and proactively do something with it.

In my book, "5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track," I outlined the critical skills to survive and to get ahead in the toughest of employment markets. You must develop the ability to be cognizant of your surroundings - of your co-workers next door and your boss in the corner office - but also your company, industry, products, competitors, and the health of the local and national economy. This will make you a more knowledgeable and useful employee and give you the insight to better position yourself and company in the marketplace. If you are looking for a job or wanting to make a career change, you need to research what occupations are growing and what companies are positioned to prosper. No use becoming a deckhand on a sinking ship or venturing into a shrinking, dead-end industry.

Being proactive will assist in all of your business and career endeavors; whether its getting that report out on time, contemplating your customers needs, or implementing a beneficial, new procedure before your boss mandates it. It's recognizing changes in your industry or organization that aren't positive for you personally or your company - and to start the process to make a change, on your timetable and terms. It is to be continually educated and re-educated in your chosen profession and the economic outlook in general. If you are not gaining knowledge on new and changing processes you are actually slipping backward and losing your competitive edge to contemporaries.

Learning to deal with many management styles and degrees of professionalism (or lack thereof) will give you an edge over your co-workers. You need to develop honest and straightforward dialog with bosses, so you know their expectations for you. Getting along with other employees in your workplace is going to be a challenge at times. Recognizing cultural differences and unique work styles and keeping communications open and positive will only help. Complex jobs, especially in the era of downsizing where new tasks have been handed to the survivors, have made it critical to work well with others to get projects completed. If a boss becomes unbearable to deal with, only you will know when its time to move on to another company. But if you are still gaining valuable knowledge and moving ahead in the company, you might want to hold on a little longer until timing is right for a change - when you have another position lined up.

A mentor can be very beneficial in advancing your career. Mentors aren't just people in more senior levels within your company, but can be life coaches, ministers, family friends, or colleagues from a professional association. They may be able to assist you to navigate the corporate "land mines" and position you to move ahead in your organization or help in a quest for a new job. The more information you have at your disposal, and the ability to bounce things off another and get a second opinion, the better equipped you are to handle challenges that arise. Many companies now have formal mentoring programs, but even without one many more tenured employees are willing to take you under there wings if asked.

Networking with industry colleagues, old college friends, professional associations, church groups, or any potential employers will increase your knowledge of the job market and improve your marketability. Social networks are mediums to connect with others but still must be used effectively to develop into good networking relationships. LindedIn is, in my opinion, the best professional site. But remember the cardinal rule of networking - you have to give before you receive. You are taking care of yourself, your career, and building your self-esteem all at the same time by maintaining contact with friends and colleagues. Networking is the most efficient way of finding a new job or to get promoted in your existing company.

Many people are only reactive, and sit back expecting someone else to look after their interests, when a monkey wrench gets tossed into their career. Often the damage is done and its too late to repair the situation. The people who have the best careers are the ones who are proactive and stay ahead of the game - the go-to people in their organizations - who know how to get projects completed 100% of the time. The key is to acquire all of the knowledge you can about an organization, its management, and its products/services then act on the information. If you are currently working for that organization and prospects don't look good long-term start making a plan to move on. Conversely, only apply for positions in companies which are well-managed and in growth industries. Do your homework - then act on it!

Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track. 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

Employment As We Knew it Has Changed - Accelerated by the Recession

2010-05-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

The nature of employment in this country will never be the same again. Yes, businesses will still need workers but how they go about recruiting, screening, and hiring is new - and even if they will add workers at all or outsource the particular task or project to another company.

Over one-half of all workers in the US are not in "traditional" jobs; under an employer - employee defined relationship. Decades ago, corporations found that many "specialty" functions could be outsourced more cost-effectively than performed on their own. Things like advertising, accounting, legal, public relations, shipping, and even design and product production have been contracted out to other firms for half a century. But the idea of the virtual corporation has really taken hold and accelerated, as companies cut costs to the bare bone to survive this tough recession. Organizations like UPS have become complete logistics companies, not just shippers. Many companies no longer conceive, design, product test, quality control, produce, market, warehouse, package, distribute, or even handle customer service calls after the fact. And the trend is to more outsourcing. Companies won't even consider managing their own information technology, communications systems, logistics, production, finance/investment, and not just advertising but frequently all marketing and sales functions any longer. This is one of the main reasons for the growth of small businesses and why they have created almost three quarters of all new jobs in the past couple of decades. The big challenge this has created for job seekers is find companies willing to retain business functions they are qualified to handle, or go find the organization it has been outsourced to and apply there.

The good news is that with the Internet and all of the electronic jobs' sites, it is easier to locate those jobs by inputting information on your skills and matching up to job openings. The bad news is that thousands of others are doing the same thing - and from all over the country, not just your local area. So this is a double edge sword. Now, instead of having your resume sit on a stack on someone's desk, it sits in a database, most likely many times larger than the paper stack. It then becomes the age old problem of getting noticed in the crowd (a problem in the paper and electronic world). Worse yet, the recession and subsequent shrinking of companies have them so focused on hiring the person with the "exact" set of skills that they electronically scan resumes for key words and don't even look at those which are not absolute perfect matches. Combine that with the fact that over half of senior level positions are not even posted outside of companies and rely on recruiters to find candidates - and this becomes a daunting challenge.

The real dichotomy for job seekers is that during the recession the first ones to be laid off were the workers so specialized that they couldn't take on additional tasks or projects outside of their area or expertise. So the generalist - who could perform multiple job functions - were retained. But if you position yourself on your resume or in interviews as anything more than the "exact fit" you may not even get to first base. Surely, companies will wake up and realize that you are the better candidate if you can perform the exact work they desire but have many more skills? Probably not - until you get beyond all of the initial resume scans and screening interviews and get in front of the hiring manager(s). What you have to do is research the posted and not published job requirements of the position you are applying for and make your cover letter and resume match those specifications to a tee. Once you get beyond the screeners - that is where you let those doing the hiring know what else you bring to the party.

What is critical in today's job market to "get noticed," find the management jobs not posted, and to uncover the precise requirements a company is looking for. The most effective method to accomplish all of this is through networking. Networking has become the critical skill to master in the new job market. I don't mean getting a thousand followers on Twitter - that is not networking - it's just tweeting. Effective networking is best described by the famous author Napoleon Hill, "you have to give before you receive." You have to have a relationship established with colleagues in your field, former classmates, trade association members, former co-workers -- whomever you come in contact with, and be willing to assist them in any way possible before you can call on them for help. Once you have your network established then by all means connect on LinkedIn, or another social network, and ask your network if they know someone with knowledge of the company or position you are trying to get information about. LinkedIn has a great feature that lists where people used to work, and you are typically only a degree or two away from someone who can get you information about a position or even get your resume to the the top of the stack, in front of the hiring manager.

Employment and how we go about finding jobs won't go back to the way it was. Who you know will be critical. The new jobs will mainly be generated by small businesses, as that trend will continue. So the era of the corporate position, with all the perks, will still be there albeit in much fewer numbers as more and more corporations downsize and become mere shells of their former entities. This will be especially pronounced with the manufacturers as the US becomes even more of a "service" economy. Job seekers will need to be prepared to be contractors selling their own services, paying their own payroll taxes, paying for their healthcare costs, and socking way funds for retirement. Of the 25 million firms in the US, 19 million are sole proprietorships with no payrolls, and only 17,000 have more than 500 employees (the Dept. of Labor cut-off size for small business classification). The job market has changed and we have to adapt and most likely create our own job security going forward - without dependence on a company.

Networking - It's How You Will Find Your Next Job

2010-03-09T06:57:00.000-08:00

Employers have done a good job at belt-tightening the past few years out of shear necessity (for survival). This translated nationally to a 6.2% rise in productivity in the fourth quarter. A negative consequence of this is that they - especially small businesses - are reluctant to start hiring again, for fear of a slow recovery. This is leaving about 6 unemployed people vying for each job opening, not the odds you are looking for if you are on the job hunt.

How we have to go after jobs has changed dramatically over the last decade, in the digital age. This presents some benefits and some challenges. Many people have a misconception of Internet job search and social networking sites. A recently published article on Yahoo! HotJobs, has a career "expert" suggesting "use social networks to, well, network." This is her complete advice on networking and use of social networks - which tells me she doesn't have a clue about how to effectively network. Social network sites are simply mediums to connect to others, just like the telephone, email, snail mail, or face-to-face meetings - and nothing more. They do give you broad reach to a great many people (the positive benefit) but only if used for (effective) networking. And job search sites - they are just the electronic equivalent of printed job posts in the newspaper of yesteryear, only digitized. The benefit is that you can search for jobs across a broader geographic region - easier - since it would be difficult to pick up help wanted ads from neighboring newspaper markets. They also allow you to send a resume online versus print and mail to each job post you are interested in. The downside is that thousands of others can do the same thing and your resume usually ends up in a digital "pile" on someone's desk - many times buried without so much as a cursory review. They normally receive so many resumes because of the reach of the Internet that they almost always refuse follow-up phone calls and don't respond to emails.

Social network sites can connect you to complete strangers, who you would not (should not) recommend for anything - if they are more than two degrees of separation away. This is advice strongly espoused by the networking guru of our time, Guy Kawasaki, author of Art of the Start and several other top-selling books. This means if your immediate circle of contacts, good friends, former colleagues, and school mates (1 degree) tell you they are good friends (1 degree) with someone they introduce to you (physically or electronically), and you have complete trust in their judgment, you can also recommend that person. But never a friend of a friend's friend - after all your reputation is on the line. Online social networking is the equivalent of more traditional networking, such as at a chamber of commerce meeting or industry tradeshow, where you meet someone you haven't met before. Here is where the Law of Reciprocity comes into play. It basically says, "if I do something good for you, you will feel similarly obligated to do something good for me." But you have to give before you receive. You must get to know this person first. Listen, listen, and listen some more to what they have to say and establish some common threads of interest and people you know. Only when this rapport is established and you offer them advice or assistance, can you ask for the same. This is not likely to occur on this first meeting, which is why follow-up is critical to the success of networking. This "meeting" can also take place online but it's much tougher to "get to know" someone and usually should only be done through introductions by someone you know.

This brings us to effective networking - which is the best way to land your next job, sell your product, or complete complex tasks in your current job. The majority of middle to senior management jobs are not posted outside the company or selectively given to recruiters to fill. The only way to find out about these jobs is through the network you have established. (The best advice I can give you is to always establish and nurture your network before it is needed!) You will find you have greater reach with your network than you think when using (the positive benefits of) social networking that make it so easy to keep connected to former school mates, business associates, extended families, and other shared interest groups. When one of these "friends" is offered assistance and then asked for assistance, you open up their networks. When they know the position you are qualified for, they can get the word out and "open doors" for you. The best scenario is for your resume to be walked into the hiring manager without ever having the job advertised to the masses. Minimally it gets you on the top of the stack for a guaranteed review. Networking can similarly get you past the "gatekeeper" to the right contact if you are selling a product or if you need expert advice on a project you are tasked to complete - a whole new avenue of resources.

How you position yourself to a prospective employer is also critical to getting past the resume review and through the interview process. We have seen in the economic downturn that companies have retained more "generalist" employees who could not only do their own jobs, but also extend themselves and take on tasks previously handled by others who were laid off. But it is interesting to note that employers now are being extremely selective in who they hire. They will not even look at candidates who do not match "perfectly" the job skills for the position they are filling. So you must research the requirements of the job you are applying for and lay your resume out to completely satisfy a HR screener that your "skills" meet those requirements. Even if you can bring a great deal more to the position, do not go down that path until you get by the resume screeners and preliminary interviews. Once you get the opportunity to sit with the hiring manager, you will want to convince him or her that you not only meet all of their requirements but you also bring so much more to the position.

It's a new world with new challenges, but not too complex to handle once you sort through the hyperbole and master the art of networking.

Help! Where Will I Find My Next Job?

2010-02-23T16:32:00.000-08:00

The US economy and the US worker are both resilient. The economy will eventually bounce back and so will badly needed jobs. But what occupational sectors will return the strongest, adding the most new workers? Will workers have to be retrained for these jobs and, if so, who will do the training? What additional education will be necessary to prepare those just entering the workforce? What regions of the country will be the recipient of the jobs and what migration of workers will be required so they are in the right place at the right time?

Keep in mind that there are approximately 15 million people unemployed currently according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or about 10% of the total labor force. It is important to note that this figure does not include the roughly 11 million people who have either expended all unemployment benefits or who have given up looking for jobs - many out of work for years. So the "challenge" will be to match these 26 million (total) workers and the new labor pool entrants to these jobs, in the locations where the positions will emerge.

According to the BLS, there are 20 occupations that will account for more than one-third of all new jobs between now and 2018. It is interesting to note that one-half of the fastest growing occupations are related to healthcare - due in a large part to the aging of the baby-boomers. Some of the occupations, which will add the most new jobs in this period, are (in thousands): Registered nurses 581.5, Home health aides 460.9, Customer service representatives 399.5, Personal and home care aides 375.8, Retail salespersons 374.7, Office clerks (general) 358.7, Accountants and auditors 279.4, Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants 276.0, Postsecondary teachers 256.9, Construction laborers 255.9, and Elementary school teachers 244.2. The entire list can be found on the BLS Web site.

The 20 occupations with the fastest rates of growth (not the largest number of jobs added but highest growth rate) will require an associate degree or higher for 12 of the occupations; whereas 6 are in the on-the-job training category; 1 is in the work experience in a related occupation; and 1 in the postsecondary vocational degree category. Eleven of these occupations earn at least $10,000 more than the National annual median wage, which was $32,390 as of May 2008. Nine of the occupations earned at least twice the National median in May 2008. These fastest growth occupations are Biomedical engineers, Network systems and data communications analysts, Home health aides, Personal and home care aides, Financial examiners, Medical scientists, Physician assistants, Skin care specialists, Biochemists, and Biophysicists. The remainder of the list can be found on the BLS Web site.

The good news is that many of the occupations that will add the most new jobs are "people" related, e.g. healthcare, retail sales, customer service, office clerks, etc., which will be added in population centers and will not mandate the costly movement of people from other parts of the country. The specialty fields may very well require some movement of people, but by nature of the positions moving costs are more likely to be borne by the hiring company. As noted, 12 of the occupations with the fastest growth rates will require associate or higher degrees. So the large number of currently unemployed or underemployed workers may want to consider adding a degree or certification to their portfolio and target one of these occupations of interest. I agree this is much easier said than done. It's tough to fund more education when you have temporarily lost your earning power - but nonetheless it may be the most important thing you can do once you begin a new or temporary job. There is also some grant money available under the last "stimulus act" for several occupations and groups of people.

Net, net, the workers of the future are going to have to be generally more proactive than they have been in the past - and leave less to chance. For instance, you will not want to just say I think it would be great to be a biomedical engineer and then hope there are positions that become available. You must research a field first, for future opportunities, and then work toward getting the requisite education completed. You should, at the same time, target a specific organization, or two, and get your "foot-in-the-door" by taking a lesser or temporary position to get to know them - and so they can get to know you.

The same cardinal rule applies to all job searches - network with colleagues, former classmates, trade or civic association members, etc. - to find the occupations of interest in the region where you want to live and work. When someone, in the network you develop, knows an insider in an organization you have targeted, your resume can be presented to the hiring manager - and not just be tossed in the pile of the hundreds received.

For the entrepreneur in each of us, many of the occupations listed provide "new business" opportunities for small companies, sole-proprietorships, or contractual employment. These include such booming occupations as Home health aides, Personal and home care aides, information technology, computer consulting, and network administration occupations. The trend for large companies to outsource services presents an opportunity to create a business around one of these services, where you happen to have expertise. Take charge of your career now by being proactive in planning, researching, networking, and getting the education you need - all necessary for securing jobs going forward.

New Employment Dynamics - The Nature of Jobs is Changing in the 2010's and Beyond

2010-02-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

In the 2010's and beyond, there will be no return to the "customary" jobs market and "traditional" exist from recessions. In the past, we could always depend on the creation of new small businesses to pull us bootstrapping out of recessions. After all two-thirds of new jobs in the past two decades were generated by this entrepreneurial segment. But there is a perfect storm against it this time: The lost decade of the stock market, the housing bubble burst and corresponding loss of personal wealth, and the deepest recession of (most) of our lifetimes have depleted the financial well-being of our nation's families. These conditions have almost eliminated risk-taking as workers are postponing retirement, frantically rebuilding savings accounts, and scrimping to fund their children's college education. Coupled with the unwillingness of the banking industry to fund startup operations, the small business pathway to success is all but blocked for working professionals and young entrepreneurs.

The government, despite its intent, is not really doing much to better the situation. Tax credits for small businesses hiring new workers is a commendable idea, if you happen to have remained profitable during the past two-year business bloodbath, and actually have profits and taxes to pay. But worst of all, is the huge deficits the government is projecting for the rest of the decade. We, as a country, cannot keep spending two times the tax revenue taken in - just as families cannot overspend their incomes for long. The day to "pay the piper" will come. Foreign governments and businesses will not continue to feed the "black hole" called the US National Debt. Therefore, the government will not be able to flood the market with stimulus dollars in the future (nor have these programs created anywhere near the number of jobs projected). Net, net, things will never be the same. We are on our own to provide job security going forward.

Charles Handy, in "The Age of Unreason," predicted in 1989 that just after the turn of the century less than half the work force in the industrialized world would be in "proper" full-time jobs in organizations. If you tally the 26.5M unemployed/fallen off benefits/given up looking, 27.7M part-time, 17.6M sole proprietors, and the 5.3M stay-at-home parents it equals just over one-half of the 153M US workforce. Plus included in full-time jobs you will find 11.4M temp company placement workers and an untold number of direct contract workers - so Professor Handy was right on target. This trend will continue away from the traditional employer - employee relationship. We will see virtual billion dollar corporations in the future with a half-dozen employees - with the bulk of their businesses outsourced to other firms or individuals. Corporations for decades have outsourced legal, advertising, marketing, logistics, shipping, travel planning, R&D, manufacturing, design, investment, facilities, accounting, etc. Much of this outsourcing has given rise to the increasing number of small business startups, as recipients, during periods of economic growth.

Where does this leave the American worker? How should he or she prepare for the future? How will they support their families going forward? First, you must get in the mindset that it is okay to work as a contingent worker on contract or temporary assignment. Get weaned off the dependence of the bi-weekly paycheck and benefits package offered to full-time employees, because those positions are increasingly going away. (More and more firms are reluctant to hire permanent workers because of doubts about the durability of the economy.) As many people have learned the hard way over the past two years, it takes approximately one month for each $10,000 of annual income to replace a job, e.g. ten months to land a new $100,000 job. Get your finances in order, with savings to cover any period of unemployment. This is easier said than done. But the number one reason workers stay in stagnant jobs and don't progress in their careers is that they cannot afford to quit and are afraid to risk their current positions to look for a new one.

Do a thorough analysis of your skills - those mastered during your career so far - because that is what companies will be looking for, not the job titles held. Make sure these skills are highlighted on your resume - backed up by the positions you have mastered and your education. Speaking of education, it is a never-ending process. If you are not gaining knowledge and progressing in your field - simply maintaining the status quo - you are actually slipping backwards. You risk loosing ground to co-workers and competitors. Seize every opportunity for additional training and take courses to broaden your perspective. Become an expert in something(s) and plan for your future, whether it be to start your own business or consultancy someday, or just to be the best you can be as an employee or contractor for a company.

The only job security you will have going forward is the knowledge of how prepared you are for the future; how financially sound you are to weather employment storms; how current your education is and its relevancy; and the skills you have mastered to create value for an organization.

Hiring Decisions Put on Hold - Business Belt Tightening Raised Productivity

2010-02-08T09:53:00.000-08:00

Companies have cut their head-count to the bare bone to survive The Great Recession. This has actually improved their productivity - nationally rising by 6.2% in the fourth quarter. So when will they begin to hire again? Many, after squeezing more output from their existing workforce, are downright paranoid about adding new positions because of a lack of confidence in the sustainability of the recovery.

Let's face it, American businesses have gone through a painful experience, just to weather the economic downturn, and are understandably reluctant to add new employees. Especially when they discovered they could do more with less - less employees that is. What does this do to the current job market?

The Labor Department released the latest (estimated) unemployment number of 9.7% - a slight decrease from 10% at the end of last year. But, at the same time, they revised the number of jobs lost last year upward by 930,000. Since the beginning of the recession, the number of jobs lost has also been revised from 7.2 to 8.4 million. The Labor Dept. unemployment percentage doesn't take into account the 6.3 million long-term unemployed who have expended benefits nor the discouraged workers who have given up looking. Labor experts believe the "true" rate of unemployment is now 16.5%. Most don't expect the problem to get better any time soon. It is estimated that there are an average of 6 people searching for each available job opening.

We are in a classic Catch 22 situation: with 70% of our economy driven by consumer spending, we must see the demand for goods and services increase where businesses will be stretched beyond existing capacities. They will have to hire additional employees to keep up with the new demand. But that could be a slow process with almost 1 in 5 workers unemployed - most likely eliminating any discretionary consumer spending, which our system is so dependent upon.

Workers can only be pushed so far before the added stress of more hours and higher production rates takes a toll. It has been argued that the left-behind workers, who have been forced to take on added workloads of the workers laid off, have it the roughest. They are forced to work longer and harder causing stress - leading to depression and even physical illness. Not only are they stretched near the limit, the "unknowns" of their jobs possibly being cut next adds to the stress, and can be debilitating.

If employed in a company pushing you to the limit, you must begin a dialog with your manager that you are giving your all - but it cannot go on forever. The company has kept you around for a reason - perhaps you have become the "go to" person, as well as performing your job well. This certainly will help solidify your position, but should also give you the respect to yell "uncle" when the workload becomes too heavy.

Unemployed and looking at a company from the outside, first do your research on the company and determine it is a good fit for you. Use your network to connect with someone (or someone who knows someone) inside the company that interests you. Find out if they are stretching their employees to the limit or preparing to hire from the outside. You might even suggest doing some contract work for them, so they can keep up with their demand without the long-term risk of adding full-time employees in this time of uncertainty. This will give them exposure to you and your set of skills - and gives you a peek into their culture, management style, and the long term viability of the company. It can be a win-win situation.

Jobless Recovery - An Oxymoron - the Depth of Unemployment in Perspective

2010-01-23T15:45:00.000-08:00

The widely-used buzzword, "jobless recovery", is the ultimate oxymoron. There is no recovery without the creation of new jobs. Seventy-percent of the US economy is consumer driven and if unemployment remains high, consumers will hold back on purchases. Consumers stick to the staples if they are marginally employed, unemployed, or in fear for the stability of their own jobs.

We get so jaded by enormous numbers tossed around the media these days from bank bailouts, stimulus packages, the national debt, etc. - seeing trillions, billions, or millions of something or another that we totally lose perspective of the size and scope of things. Let's put "real numbers" to the human side of unemployment. Each week just about one-half million people file for FIRST TIME unemployment benefits. To put that in the proper frame of mind, this is roughly the population of cities the size of Boston or Denver proper. It is difficult to fathom the numbers and human misery as a result of job loss. But think of every man, woman, senior citizen, and child in Boston - that number of people - losing their job each week. Now think of two very populous US states, Illinois and Ohio, about 25 million people combined. That is roughly the number of people on the unemployment rolls and those men and women who have expended their unemployment benefits and given up on finding jobs in this tough job market. The best estimates put this number at 17% of the total US workforce, not the 10% or so published by the Dept. of Labor, which is only the number currently receiving unemployment benefits. Again, contemplate the entire populations of these two populous states, not just the working age folks, but the entire populations -- out of work! This is mind-boggling! And these people are not buying new cars, flying to Florida for Spring break, or remodeling their spare bathrooms.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) has created some new jobs, but at a high price of $800 billion (yes, that's billion with a B) - and future generations will (unfortunately) be picking up the tab. The number of jobs saved and created has not met the Obama administration's projections, so Congress has proposed another stimulus package - throwing more good money (which we have to borrow from other countries) after a marginally successful program. Now our government, in its infinite wisdom, has decided to count the jobs created differently. "The White House says it will no longer keep a cumulative tally of jobs created and saved by the stimulus. Instead, it will post only a count of jobs for each quarter. And instead of counting only created and saved jobs, it will count any person who works on a project funded with stimulus money-even if that person was never in danger of losing his or her job." On this last point, one of the stimulus programs funded required the purchase of 3000 vehicles from Chrysler. The workers who build these vehicles along with tens-of-thousands of others will be counted as new jobs, even though they were employed before this order and will remain employed after. And some of the stimulus money was used to give pay raises (unbelievable how that can be justified). Then there is the $247,000 spent on road signs in Colorado, stating particular projects were funded by ARRA. I would have rather seen that money spent on hiring 5 full-time workers!

So here we sit in a recovery-less, jobless recovery, wondering what the future will bring.

Bad Advice for Jobseekers - So Called Career Experts Out to Make a Buck Off Unemployed

2010-01-14T07:47:00.000-08:00

Career advice experts are popping up all over social and traditional media with varying claims of expertise. Many lack "real" experience in career counseling or employer/employee relations and are merely opportunistic. I do not believe there is ill intent with most, but I find bad advice or incomplete advice to be worse than no advice at all. I also have a real problem with those out to exploit unemployed people - many desperate - who are down to the last of their savings or unemployment benefits.

The only thing recession-proof in today's job market recovery is the career advice field, with seminars, publishers churning out career books, and personal coaching businesses springing up in every nook and cranny of the Internet. A story in a large metropolitan newspaper on one of these self-proclaimed experts goes something like this: Susan Smith (name changed) was a free-lance writer in the entertainment industry when her career hit the skids. She needed a career makeover and decided she was a career expert and used her writing skills to get a career advice book published and launched her own blog. Poof! Now she's a full blown career coach. And many of these self-proclaimed experts are commanding fees of $500 to $1500 a month per client - not bad for a brand new profession!

An example of an ill-conceived, half-baked article recently appeared on a top Internet jobs site. It goes through eight steps to "gift yourself employment." What a powerful concept - I wish I would have thought of just gifting new jobs - it would save a great deal of effort.

Her first point, finding a job takes time and available space to conduct the search - she even suggests a local restaurant. The latter proposition is horrible advice. Restaurants are noisy, by definition you're not going to be organized well, and the restaurant and other patrons will love having you there (not). Set up a home office or a private room of a library where you can use the phone. And finding a job will take time - a simply brilliant assumption - but gives no clue about average times to find a job! Which, by the way, is roughly one month for each $10,000 of annual income you have earned e.g. eight months to replace an $80,000 job.

Second, you're going to face competition in today's tough job market - another stroke of genius. But she does offer some good advice about the possible use of your background skills and talent in a different field - thinking outside the box.

Third, put updating your resume on the "to do" list. Terrible advice. Until you update your resume and figure out your complete set of skills you can't even contemplate her advice of finding a related out of the box field to conduct your search. You can't post your resume (since it's outdated), send it to anyone, nor interview with it. This is job search 101 and the very first thing you must do. Get your resume up-to-date focusing on your skills and accomplishments and always keep it updated.

Fourth, "use social networks to, well, network." Social networking sites are strictly mediums to find names of other people, hopefully in related fields or who can connect you to potential new jobs. She says nothing about how to effectively network, which is building relationships with the people you meet online, offering to give them assistance, discovering similar interests, and common friends. This is networking. Just because you found someone's name online does not mean you can ask them for a job or to recommend you to someone else. This would be like meeting someone on the street and asking them for a job. A new online contact would be extremely foolish to recommend you to anyone until they know and trust you.

Fifth, post your resume. Not bad advice, but your resume should always be customized to highlight your skills (and key words) to the particular job you are going after. Although posting your resume on job search sites, is the electronic equivalent of adding your resume to work wanted printed ads of yesteryear - with thousands of competitors. Yes, creating your own Web site will help you to stand out - some good advice - but where you will most likely find a job is through effective networking not a job site. I have read where up to 90% of senior manager and higher jobs are not even posted outside the company and most likely involve a recruiter. This is where networking comes in to connect with someone inside a company who knows of a particular job which your qualifications are a good fit. Perhaps even getting your resume on a hiring manager's desk before anyone from the outside hears about it - eliminating competition.

Sixth, join career or job clubs. The camaraderie is good for moral support but they won't find you a job.

Seventh, hit the streets. This is some of her worst advice unless you are applying at Joe's Plumbing Supply. Professional businesses do not want you "dropping by" to hand deliver your resume, nor calling, and they state this in their HR Web sites.

Her eighth point, and last one, is probably her best - Consider something temporary. As she suggests, find a temporary employment firm that specializes in your field of work. Many times contingent work leads to full-time employment, but more importantly it gives you a story to tell potential employers about what you've been doing. It shows them you are industrious, and willing to think outside the box.

My advice is to check out the backgrounds of career counselors before you buy their products or services. Find people with real-world experience and study their material first to see if what they espouse makes common sense. I've reviewed thousands of resumes and personally recruited and hired hundreds of people, and have a couple of decades of experience with large corporations and start-ups. My experience and what I believe I can do to help countless floundering people in this tough job market is the reason I wrote a book on careers - not I'll write a book and then become a career expert.

Get a Job in 90 Days - The 2010 Recovery

2010-01-05T07:46:00.000-08:00

While there is no silver-bullet available to get you back into the full-time workforce, there are proven methods that will expedite the process. The rule of thumb for the time to find a job (and it has held true during this recession) is one month for each $10,000 of annual income you have earned. For example, if you made $90,000 in your last job it will take you roughly nine months to find comparable employment, a year if you made $120,000, etc. But things are different as we start the new '10's decade. While we are in a recovery, don't expect the job market to return to the way it was a few years back. We now realize how fragile our national economy is; how closely tied we are to the world's economy; and that our government cannot jump in and "save the day," as we have witnessed its inability to create jobs other than government jobs. And on this last point, that is exactly what we do not need - a bigger, bloated government which created a national debt greater than the combined debt of all the other countries of the world - sapping available funds from the credit markets that are sorely needed for private enterprises to grow and add jobs.

The jobs growth engine of our economy for the past two decades has been small business, which (depending on the source you follow) has created between 70 and 80 percent of all new jobs. It can be argued that this growth came as large corporations downsized and outsourced more and more of their functions. This trend will continue as these corporations become even more risk adverse.

I will bet that just about everyone reading this article can find a volunteer position directly or indirectly related to their past employment, within one week. 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 as you land interviews.

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 MySpace or Facebook. That is not sophisticated networking - just because someone's name showed up. But do join LinkedIn, the most professional social networking site, 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.

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. Do research on 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 professional 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 ensure you will be brought in for an interview.

With small businesses adding three-quarters of all new jobs, focus your efforts on those which 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 what your specialty is. Ask who 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 use your large corporate experience to your advantage by suggesting how you can get more companies to outsource to them. Almost one-half of all jobs are now filled with contingent workers - either consultants, contract, 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 closely related. Over a third of these jobs become full-time employee positions -- and you get the opportunity to experience the company's culture firsthand and they see how you blend in with their existing workforce.

While there are no guarantees in life, following these steps can stack the deck in your favor to land a new job in the shortest time possible. Good luck!

Holiday Blues - Jobless and Underemployed Questions and Answers - To Crack the Career Code

2009-12-02T15:00:00.000-08:00

I've been through two major corporate layoffs in my career and guess when they occurred? You are right, just before the holidays - the worst possible time of the year. Holiday shopping, parties, or schussing down the ski slopes just can't shake the blues. Worrying about where and when your next job will materialize is about as stressful as it gets. So we put on a smile (as phony as it may be) and try to maintain a positive attitude so we don't ruin this time of year for friends and family. No one wants to be around someone in a funk - especially during this special season.

No matter how prepared you are, other than a start date at another company already confirmed, you cannot be totally equipped to hear the words, "unfortunately I am going to have to let you go because of a workforce reduction." Yes, you feel betrayed. "Why me?" you ask. It's one of the toughest psychological challenges we have to deal with and it gives you serious doubts about your self-worth. You have every right to be pissed that some third-party arbitrarily upended your life as you knew it! Similarly, if you've had to accept a part-time or meaningless job - replacing a real career position - just to pay the bills, the season is anything but joyous.

The worst thing you can do (the first stage of grief) is deny it happened to you. Just pretend nothing changed. Keep buffing your plastic like there is no tomorrow. Buy those expensive holiday gifts you thought about when you were gainfully employed. Drink heavily at holiday parties, to show friends and family that you're not going to let this minor speed-bump slow you down. Go into hock for the weekend in the Bahamas - what the heck. All bad ideas. It's better to be angry this whole damn thing happened to you - followed by being real depressed for a couple of days - then pick yourself up and begin the most important marketing assignment you'll ever have - to market YOU. Surround yourself with close friends and family - not for whining about how you were wronged but for understanding about how you feel. This will hopefully help move the grieving process to acceptance (not that you have to like what happen to you, but it did occur and to millions of others this past year). So get over it. Don't go into debt on holiday gifts or extravagant dinners. Your close allies will understand and appreciate a well-thought out gift - whatever it costs. They will appreciate your intelligence to think ahead and plan for the immediate future. We all know people who have gone through this same thing and all know it could happen to us.

Evaluate your skills: who you are, where you have been, and what you have accomplished. Next, identify where you want to be in a couple of years and how you are going to get there. Create a strong resume focusing on your proven skills, supported by your work experience and education. Network, network, and network some more. One of the best bits of advice I have heard is to build your network before you need one. Get on LinkedIn, if you haven't already done so, and figure out who you know and who they know and what jobs are available. Certainly, check out the big job sites, network through Twitter and social media sites, and use other traditional job search tools. But real networking with people you know - people in your field - is most likely where your next job will come from. Jump into your network with both feet and focus your energy on connecting with colleagues and researching companies over the remaining holidays. As a byproduct, it will occupy your days and leave you less time to fall back into the holiday blues.

As the economy heats up, companies will start hiring again - many should start that process right after the first of the year. Be ready, with your homework done, to position yourself (with the help of your network) for your next new challenge. Going forward your only job security will come from your own preparedness: How sound financially you are to weather a storm, a strong network of friends and colleagues, continuous education to keep on the top of your field, and having and executing a plan for the future.

Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track. 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 of facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place. http://www.5necessaryskills.com

Slacking Off For the Holidays - Not a Good Idea - Instead Position Yourself For a Promotion

2009-11-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

It's been a tough year. Bank collapses, mortgage foreclosures, and job losses add up to major stress. How we cope with the stress can have far reaching consequences for our careers. Psychologists say that the fear of the unknown - not knowing if your position will be cut - actually can cause more stress than getting a pink slip.

One method of coping might be to back off the intensity and drive you put into your job and just try to chill out for the holidays; to regroup, take time off with family and friends, and enjoy holiday parties. While it is healthy to put the job aside and have a life outside of work, it could cost you a big opportunity to move ahead in your company. Many companies, which have cut their workforces to the bone, will start hiring again after the first of the new year. Why let these new hire positions go to outsiders when you could be perfectly capable of stepping up your game and taking on added responsibility and the corresponding salary increase? Not to mention that if your company is still weeding out people they believe are not valuable contributors, you could find yourself on the chopping block.

Stress can be deadly. It weakens your immune system and can lead to all sorts of related physical illnesses, and even depression. To fight stress and the fear of the unknown, stack the deck in your favor. Become the go-to person in your company. Volunteer for new assignments, gain exposure to other departments through internal company networking, and find and nurture a mentor relationship - with someone who can help you navigate the corporate minefields and get you face time with more senior executives. Mentors are not hard to find - most are found right under your nose, someone you know you can go to for tough questions or help in completing projects. Since your boss provides day-to-day support it should be someone out of your direct chain of command to truly give you impartial advice. Just ask if this person might have time to meet with you and provide some guidance from their experience. Many executives are willing to share their knowledge and experience by taking a more junior employee under their wing. Be sincere and always thank them for their time and you will be amazed at how willing they are to advise you.

The more value you add to your job and the more indispensable you become, the less likely your position will be cut and the less stress you will experience. It can be a self-fulfilling prophecy - not only easing the job-related stress but helping you land a promotion as your company begins hiring again.

Once you have positioned yourself as described, then let your hair down for some well-deserved holiday down time feeling secure in your career. One caution, always be professional at holiday parties - you never know who might be watching!

Make Your Move - Get a New Job Or Promotion Now, As Companies Begin Hiring Again

2009-11-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

We've hit rock bottom, or soon will, in the job market. Yes, layoffs will continue into 2010 before the unemployment numbers start dropping, but smart, well-managed companies have already begun to prepare for the 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.

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 boss, her manager, your mentor, 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 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 2016, 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.

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, before companies announce their expansion plans and flocks of transitional workers begin tossing their resumes into the hat. Pick up a copy of my new book to walk you through the process. Go for it!

Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track. 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 of facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place. http://www.5necessaryskills.com

Job Loss Warning Signs - How Will I Recognize the Signs Given

2009-10-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

What are the warning signs you will be replaced or your position will be cut in a company staff reduction? Some of these cryptograms are not really a secret language at all but quite easy to discern. One rather obvious one is when your boss doesn't support you when things go wrong - even tries to distance herself from you. Then there is the assignment she gives you, but never follows up on your progress or even that it was done at all. This kind of sounds like busy work, not something she would assign to someone she considers a valuable employee, and probably should arouse your suspicion. Another is the boss who normally is mild-mannered who starts acting paranoid and needs to know everything you're doing and micro-managing your every task. He may turn what has been positive performance reviews into nitpicking sessions focusing on a few small details, while ignoring overall stellar performance.

There are the secretive, closed-door senior management meetings, which should be taken as a serious sign of pending cuts, especially when sales or profits have fallen behind previous years. If your company is lagging behind its industry competitors in product innovation, new technology, or marketing savoir-faire something must give. Since labor costs are typically at or near the top expense line on a company budget, they probably will look at reducing the headcount.

The more subtle signs are things like having a boss start making sarcastic jokes or teasing in not so nice ways. Or he could make conclusions, with little or no facts to back it up. Guy Kawasaki, a leading business author, says, "Does the boss accept criticism or blame when the going gets tough? Be wary of people who constantly dish out criticism but can't take a healthy dose themselves." A boss distancing herself from her team may be her mechanism for coping with what she knows is going to be a tough decision to let part of her staff go. This may involve less eye contact. Not seriously listening to you or your suggestions - just paying you lip service when you are trying to improve the service of your department.

If you are trapped behind an inept manager who doesn't know how to plan or prioritize tasks, or one who believes if it's not her idea, it isn't a good idea will be a difficult career challenge for you. As Stephen R. Covey says, "Don't let yourself become a victim of your bosses weaknesses." Someone in senior management may be listening to your manager and have very little knowledge of what you contribute to the organization.

What can you do if you think you are in danger of unemployment? When you have a lousy manager whom you know will only be protecting his or her own skin while leaving you out to dry? Start by always having an up-to-date resume. Always volunteer for committees, project teams, sports teams, holiday party planning group, or educational seminars your company has to offer - to get you exposure to other departments and managers to get out from underneath your questionable boss. Become the go to person in your company - someone who can always be depended upon. This makes you too valuable to lose or, in the event of a decision to let go you or another employee, this becomes a tiebreaker in your favor. Build up a network of friends, colleagues, classmates, church members, sports team buddies, extended family, etc. who you can count on to give you advice and help if ever needed to find a new position.

If you recognize the warning signs and see them all around you, start making plans to get out of the organization. Talk to your mentor or other trusted senior adviser, but do not tell a sole in your department because word will travel like wildfire, especially if someone in your team believes it will save their job to let the boss know you are looking elsewhere.

Don't give your present employer a reason to fire you. Do your job and do it well, but in your off hours and weekends begin the job search in earnest. Potential employers will understand if you can only meet over lunch or for coffee prior to the start of the business day. They will respect you for giving your all to your existing employer. Heed consumer warnings about online jobs or job placement sites that require a fee to join. Use your network of friends and colleagues to find the jobs before they are even posted.

The key is to recognize the warning signs of pending change in job status and to take action. You must be proactive and take care of yourself - no one else has the same motivation you have.

Stress, Anxiety, Depression - The New Workplace, Cause or Effect

2009-10-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Even companies thought to be bulletproof from layoffs, such a Google, have had to reduce their workforces in this long, deep recession. The Obama Administration says it's going to get worse before it gets better, with unemployment rising above 10% before it inches back down later in 2010. The reality is that there is no such thing as job security any longer and basically everyone should have a healthy dose of concern for their livelihood, that is unless they are independently wealthy and don't really need to be employed. For the rest of us though, worrying about making house payments, putting food on the table, and gasoline in the family car, angst is rampant. So where is the happy median of a healthy concern for our jobs as opposed to being stressed out to the point of it causing major health problems, including depression?

Sarah Burgard, a sociologist at the University of Michigan, in an article published by LiveScience says "In fact, chronic job insecurity was a stronger predictor of poor health than either smoking or hypertension in one of the groups we studied." She goes on to say that "Based on how participants rated their own physical and mental health, we found that people who were persistently concerned about losing their jobs reported significantly worse overall health in both studies and were more depressed in one of the studies than those who had actually lost and regained their jobs recently."

How can this be? When you think about it, the stress of the insecurity about the next paycheck, medical benefits, retirement plans - all tied to our jobs - has to take a toll on us. Everywhere you turn today you see family, friends, and colleagues either out of work or in fear of a forced career change and it's the major focus in much of the media we see. If you get laid off or otherwise terminated from your employment, at least you know where you stand and you can channel your anxiety into action to network and search for another job. Not that this is without its' own stressfulness but at least the uncertainty and helplessness of waiting for the ax to fall is relieved.

In the US, the average savings rate as a percentage of income is lower than the rest of the industrialized world. This leaves us vulnerable in light of job cuts - especially now with 6.2 people competing for each available open position. Most workers lack the wherewithal to maintain their standard of living when hit with a job loss and go through the (sometimes) long process of securing a new one. It will take you an additional month on average to find a new job of equal pay, for each $10,000 of income, e.g. if you make $80,000 it will take eight months to find a replacement position. This includes getting your resume together, networking, the search, getting called back, the preliminary interviews, the final interviews, checking references, making the offer, you accepting the offer, and actually starting the new job. This could be a painful period with meager unemployment benefits.

What happens to your job performance if you are at unhealthy stress levels, which weaken the immune system leading to physical illness and even depression? Your work suffers. You are not upbeat and motivating to your subordinates, teammates, and even customers. You probably have more sick days. This lack of positive contribution can even be your downfall - setting yourself up for a target in the next round of layoffs and can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Yes, the insecurity you feel in your job can cause you to lose it.

What can workers do to remove themselves from this vicious cycle? Start by always having an up-to-date resume and keep an eye open for your next position. Be forward thinking so that you are cognizant of your standing with your employer and the market position of your company, so that you can be proactive and make a change if need be. Help create a healthy work environment in your job where teamwork is encouraged and satisfaction is achieved. You should add value to each task you undertake. Always take the opportunity to continuously re-educate yourself and network with the people in your industry and community who have knowledge and offer guidance. Keep pace with new technologies. Religiously build your savings account for a potential rainy day; that will add a great deal to your security. Being overly dependent on a company can destroy your ability to take risks or make changes when you know they are necessary. You need to prepare for the future by putting these practices in place. This will be your security going forward.

Recession: It Ain’t Over Until It’s Over (in the immortal words of Yogi Berra)

2009-10-06T09:03:00.000-07:00

Samantha, a laid off 29 year old clothing store manager, says, she’ll know the recession is over when she gets a new job. A cartoon (satirical humor) in The Denver Post shows a long line of unemployed workers waiting to get into the unemployment office, when one person leans over his shoulder and says, “the recession is over, pass it on.”

Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke recently stated that the US recession is “very likely over.” The same day the Dept. of Labor announced first time unemployment claims for the week came in at 550,000. It’s hard for any of us to grasp what this means. Think about it, each week over one-half million people (the population of a city the size of Denver or Boston proper) file for unemployment benefits for the first time! And this is compounded, week after week, which is why we have roughly 15 million unemployed in the country. About one-half of these people have depleted their unemployment benefits. Imagine the disrupted families, which at about four per household means 60 million people are directly impacted in total. It is not a pretty picture to think of these parents scraping together money to get school supplies and school clothes for their children starting the new school year – let alone food on the table and gas in the car for the job search.

Then we add in the indirectly impacted folks. The workers at Office Depot, whose sales of school supplies are down, causing management to sack another employee or Macy’s pink-slipping a clerk because the school clothes season didn’t meet expectations. It is a vicious cycle we’re caught in. Our economy is built on consumer spending, which accounts for about 70% of our economic engine.

This recession isn’t going to end until jobs are created in sufficient numbers to get laid off workers back on the job – and the bloodletting of job cuts comes to a screeching halt. It’s not going to end until consumer confidence builds to levels not seen for many years. Several recent articles have pointed to the damaging impact of “stress” on our lives and much of that today is caused by not really knowing if our employment is stable for the long-term. Unless American workers again acquire confidence in our system, that the housing crisis, financial crisis, healthcare mess, and government overspending is behind us, we won’t begin discretionary consumption as needed to create new jobs. This is the only way we can begin an upward spiral out of this recession.

Americans are resilient people. Hopefully we have learned something from this economic morass and will never again get too deep in debt and proactively stay a step ahead in the job market. We have learned that we have to take responsibility for our own lives and careers – that we can no longer depend on corporate America, our government, or educational system to take care of us. Our own preparedness is our only security going forward. This means always accepting new challenges and assignments in the workplace – become the go to person. It places even great emphasis on maintaining a solid network of colleagues and friends, so they will be there if needed. It’s recognizing what’s going on within your company or industry: are they making a profit or losing out to competition, are they introducing new products, is your position redundant, or is your boss a tyrant adding unbearable stress to your life? Then to proactively do something about it, such as apply for a new position within your company or start looking at a new company or go back to school for another degree. It’s up to you!

Women Rule - Women Overtake Men as Dominant Gender in US Labor Force

2009-09-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

Women now hold more jobs in the US than men for the first time in history. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) this Fall the number of women in the labor force surpassed men. Women held only 30 percent of jobs in 1960 and have steadily increased, as a percentage of the total workforce, decade after decade to the present time. The recession has caused major employment reductions in many fields once ruled by men, like construction, manufacturing, finance, and information technology. Whereas, fields like education, healthcare, and government have been adding workers and women increasingly dominate these fields. In local governments this is especially pronounced. BLS data indicates 167,000 women were added to their ranks during this latest recessionary period while 86,000 men were given walking papers - contributing to the gender shift to a work force of over 50 percent female.

Now for the bad news. Women who worked full time earned only 80 percent of what their male counterparts earned, and 77 percent when part-time positions are also factored in. Part of this disparity is because men still control the ranks and higher pay of executive level positions. But nonetheless, there still exists a disturbing gender pay disparity. Women now earn a majority of associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees but experts believe it still may be decades before gender equality in pay is achieved.

Middle-aged men seem to be paying the highest price for their long time favored status, as the so called breadwinners, which they have enjoyed over women and minorities. In fact, men aged from 35 to 54 are almost twice as likely to lose jobs in a permanent layoff as in previous recessions. The pay scale bias that these men have enjoyed is now working against them when companies bent on cost cutting eliminate these higher paid jobs.

The BLS forecasts that males will again be the majority gender of the labor force when jobs are added as the recession subsides. They may not come back in manufacturing and construction in numbers great enough to absorb the recent losses, but jobs will be created in other industries such as network systems, data communications, computer software, home care aids, and others.

It is a historic time for women in the work force, after an epoch journey - and what must follow is gender pay equality. It must become a national priority.

The New and Perplexing Paradigm In The American Job Market

2009-09-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

There are countless articles in the media today which suggest the only people being hired, in this tough job market, are those with the “exact” set of skills the organization is looking for. Recruiters only want to see resumes that perfectly match the specific job requirements. 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 are too specific, are being cut as many companies continue to downsize. This makes some sense. If you have fewer workers or managers to do the job, 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 in 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 go 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 an 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 out of the box. 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 showcase your well-honed transferable skills – as well as the ability to do the posted job. It will require nimbleness, but that’s what today’s job market is about. If the key decision-maker doesn’t feel confident of the additional value you will bring to the organization, you will not get the position. But you now have a margin of control over your own destiny at this point.

Recognize the Warning Signs - Your Job May Be in Danger

2009-09-11T06:14:00.000-07:00

With all of the job loss reports splashed across newspapers and Yahoo!, one would think that workers would do a better job at recognizing the warning signs of pending job cuts. Yet most are not recognized or ignored all together. The national unemployment rate just hit a 26 year high of 9.5 percent. Just waiting for the ax to fall is probably the stupidest thing you can do. In this tight job market, you should not only be constantly on the hunt for your next job, but the one after that as well. If you are a part of a large reduction in staff, you will be forced to compete against all of the others in the same predicament! Be a step ahead of your co-workers when cutbacks occur by getting your resume out and starting your search at the first signs of trouble in your company.

What are the red-flags of pending layoffs? They are presently all around us. Consumer spending and confidence are down. The US economy has contracted for yet another quarter. Your state and local economies are most likely in the dumpster. Stimulus Package - or not - jobs aren't going to rebound anytime soon. What about your own company? Are you bringing in new business? Do you work for a profit center or a cost center? Is there a chance you'll be replaced by an automated system? Does your boss tell you your skills are essential to the company and adding to your responsibilities - or are projects taken away?

In your own company always accept the opportunity to serve on committees, Six Sigma, re-engineering task forces, planning teams, or any other group selected by management or co-workers. This can provide valuable recognition of your contributions to the organization. It can also give you tremendous insight into what's going on in the company -- on subjects like new product lines, new company directions, rightsizing, plant closings, process changes, etc. which could very likely affect your job. Whenever additional training or educational seminars are offered be the first to volunteer. It will put you a step ahead of others who choose to sit on the sidelines.

Red-flags - or not - you should always have an updated resume fine-tuned with all of your skills. That is what prospective employers want to see - not just time on a job. One of the best pieces of advice I have read recently is to develop your network of friends, colleagues, associates, etc. before you ever need one. You must nurture your network, both online social networks and career specific, so it will be in place when it is needed. Plan ahead and determine what you want to be doing in 3 to 5 years. What is your dream job? What do you have to do now from career change and educational perspectives to progress toward that ultimate job you desire? Then it's up to you and only you to take action.

How To Maintain Employment In The Toughest Job Market

2009-08-26T16:48:00.000-07:00

It's all about being proactive and realizing you are ultimately responsible for your actions. So often we are in a mindset that we are trapped in a job and therefore cruise along on autopilot, at the mercy of our employer. With the current high unemployment numbers, it is easy to see why so many people believe they better stay put and not make any waves. But this mindset leaves you vulnerable to your employer's whims especially if you hunker down and "just do your job." This mindset says don't question processes already in place, go with the status quo, and don't come up with new ideas or products for risk of outshining or offending your boss. But you could be setting yourself up for a headcount reduction.

There are 5 skills which can be instrumental in maintaining continuous employment through good times and bad. There are no guarantees in life, but you can stack the deck in your favor by developing these skills. More important than any job, is maintaining your self-worth. If you develop and practice these five proficiencies, you will be a step ahead of the game. Not only will you feel more secure about your future and how you make a living, but you will exhibit confidence and be a more productive employee. The upward spiral of your career can be set in motion by adoption of these skills.

The ability to recognize what's going on around you gives you a better understanding of your industry, products, competitors, and the economy in general. This will make you a more well-rounded, knowledgeable, and valuable employee and give you the insight to better position your company, and its products, in the marketplace.

Being proactive helps in all of your business dealings; whether its getting a report done on time, thinking of your customers needs before they do, or implementing a beneficial, new process before your boss asks you to.

You are going to have a bad manager or self-centered company officer now and then. Learning to deal with lousy managers gives you an edge your co-workers may not have. If it becomes unbearable, only you will know its time to move on to another organization. But if you are still learning and progressing in the company, you may want to manage the situation a little longer until timing is right for a change. The key to maintaining continuous employment is taking charge of your own career and making the change on your timing and terms versus your employers.

A mentor relationship can assist you to navigate the corporate minefields and position you to move ahead in your organization. A good mentor can be your sounding board for the twists and turns that come your way and she can give advice from her own experience. The more information you have at your disposal the better equipped you are to handle everyday situations and you will be better prepared for any and all changes along your career path.

Lastly, networking with industry colleagues, old college friends, church groups, fellow parents of your daughter's soccer team, or any potential employers, can only increase your knowledge of the job market and enhance your marketability, if or when you need to make a job change.

By being proactive, you are looking out for your own interests (first) while taking care of yourself and your career. As a byproduct, you are building your self-esteem making you more productive as a person and adding value as future opportunities are presented.

Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track. 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 of facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place. http://www.5necessaryskills.com

I Hate My Job [But Not Doing Anything About It]: Take Charge of Your Career

2009-08-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

How many times have you heard a friend, colleague, or relative say “I hate my job?” It seems to be a reoccurring topic with many people – one that can be very tiresome. “I only have ten years to retirement and I can’t wait to get out of this place.” “I despise my boss – I know she is out to get me.” “This job totally stresses me out, it’s ruining my life.” There are many variations but it’s the same old theme. You can’t help but recognize the tone of helplessness in their voices. Is it a societal issue that we are not responsible for what happens to us, somebody else always has to bear the blame?

Too often we cruise on autopilot and accept what a company or job gives us. Especially in today’s tough job market, you will hear “jobs are scarce and I can’t afford to risk making a change.” But these are usually the same people who complain a lot, and shoulder stress, without taking action even in prosperous times. Stephen R. Covey states, “Many people wait for something to happen or someone to take care of them. But the people who end up with the good jobs are the proactive ones who are solutions to problems, not problems themselves, who seize the initiative to do whatever is necessary, consistent with correct principles, to get the job done.”

Does anyone really believe that they are going to get a tweet on Twitter, a FaceBook message, an email, or knock on the door stating, “we’ve been on an extensive search looking for someone just like you.” The fact is you are responsible for your career choices. Only you have the power to be proactive and take the initiative to make a change, if change is needed. If you have a horrible boss or work environment, you have to take responsibility to either work with team members to improve the situation or start making plans to move on.

The key is to make a plan. This doesn’t necessarily involve quitting your job. It may very well be setting your sights on a different position within your company and proactively going after that job. Don’t do anything rash – half the battle is recognizing there is a problem – then developing a conscious plan to do something about it. This should be a written plan and shared with a trusted mentor or respected friend to get another viewpoint. You need to look within and determine what you really want to be doing. Because you can’t have a real plan, until you establish the goal. What can you become totally immersed in and enjoy going to work to do? This is usually easier said than done. It must be practical and reasonably attainable, but nonetheless what you really have a vision of doing. We can’t all venture off to Africa with the Peace Corp. on a humanitarian mission, as we have other life commitments. It may require several intermediary steps, like going back to school for an advanced degree, getting a shorter term well-paying job to save money to start your own business, or getting an entry level job in the field of your dreams to allow you to work toward the position you desire.

Take control of your career (and life) by not accepting the status Quo until it’s too late. Life is too short!

Hottest New Jobs Markets

2009-07-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

Here are the hottest markets for new job postings per 1000 population as posted on Indeed.com:
1. (1) Washington, D.C.
2. (2) Baltimore
3. (3) San Jose, Calif.
4. (7) Austin
5. (6) Hartford, Conn.
6. (9) Seattle, Wash.
7. (8) Salt Lake City
8. (11) Denver
9. (5) Boston
10. (4) Las Vegas (Note: Charlotte, N.C. shared the same number of postings per capita as Las Vegas)

You might want to check out these markets for your field -- perhaps a move is in the cards for you.

Fastest Growing Professions

2009-06-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

The US Dept. of Labor predicts the following professions will have the greatest percentage increase between 2006 and 2016:

Occupation

Network systems and data communications - 140,000 new jobs +53.4%

Personal and home care aides - 389,000 new jobs +50.65

Home health aides - 384,000 new jobs +48.75

Computer software engineers, applications - 226,000 new jobs +44.6%

Veterinary technologists and technicians - 29,000 new jobs +41.0%

If you're thinking of a new career or going back to school you might want to consider one of these fast growing fields.

Importance of Networking for Job Security

2009-06-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

It's important to have an internal network within your company to give you more information about what's going on around you and potential risks for your job. Information is power - it let's you take charge of your employment future. External networks should include trade association colleagues, friends, online social networks, college classmates, church groups -- any organization where you can meet people -- online or off-line. Then it's up to you to build a relationship and maintain it, so your network will be in place before you ever need it. Always seek advice and practice your listening skills -- that is the surest way to get offers of assistance and guidance perhaps leading to a new job.

Take Charge of Your Career

2009-06-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

The secret to maintaining employment even in this tough job market is to be proactive. Too often we cruise on autopilot and accept what a company or job gives us. We are not noticing what's going on around us in our company, industry, or even the economy in general. We have to study the trends -- are our products/services still going to be viable in 5 years? If you are in an industry that is losing its relevancy, start now to make a change to a new career - perhaps in a new industry. Don't do anything crazy, but use your current job to fund your effort to find a new long-term endeavor. It's too easy to accept the status quo until it's too late. Someone makes the decision for you. Take the bull by the horns and direct your own career -- and life!