Central Valley Professionals

Monthly Newsletter
March 2014

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Page

To Contact CVP:
1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 10 3302 N. Blackstone Ave., Suite 225 Fresno, CA 93726 (559) 230-4063 cvpfresno@gmail.com www.cvpfresno.org CVP Coordinator: Annette Wholaver (559) 230-3628 Edited by:
Darlene E. Lobkowski darlenelob@gmail.com & Roselyn Walker roselynwalker@aol.com

About Central Valley Professionals Members Who Got a Job this Month CVP Committees, Meeting & Facilitator Training Times Upcoming Events to Put on Your Calendar Leadership Job Fair Photo and March Seminar Class Photo Committee Communications Article How to Turn Fired into Hired! Article How to Explain Being Fired Article Apollo 11: The Computers that Put Man on the Moon A Special Note of Thanks and Recognition Happy St. Patricks Day!

About Central Valley Professionals

Central Valley Professionals (CVP) is the local chapter of Experience Unlimited, a networking group of unemployed and/or underemployed mid- and upper-level technical and managerial job-seeking professionals, which is sponsored by the Employment Development Department (EDD). The EDD provides our active members with the resources and guidance on job search activities, which meet and conform to the State and Federal laws, Equal Employment and all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws. CVPs mission is to provide a supportive environment to allow active members to assist others and obtain employment and return to work as soon as possible. All our services are free to new and active members, as well as all Central Valley employers. Listed below are the services that CVP provides: Classes/workshops/training sessions for job searching Computers, printer, Internet and Wi-Fi access Telephones, fax and copy machines Employee job listings and referrals Resource library Guest speakers that speak at a seminar once a month

Congratulations!
Got a Job: Barbara May Silvia Montoya-Gomez Arturo Rodriguez Additional February Jobs: Sue Schramm Melanie Marquez Sandy Martinez Paula Parker

Central Valley Professionals Committees

ADMINISTRATION: This committee creates and catalogues all forms and flyers used by CVP to make sure the content is approved. They maintain membership files, create name badges and produce the Rsum Book. This committee is also responsible for presenting semi-weekly Orientation sessions, maintaining the CVP calendar of events, and preparing the Newsletter. COMPUTER SERVICES: This committee maintains the CVP member database, provides reports to the CVP Coordinator, and provides member information to other CVP committee chairs and co-chairs. They also provide computer assistance to members who need it. INFORMATION & RESOURCE: This committees primary responsibility is communication. They use the web and social media to connect employers with people seeking employment. They maintain the CVP website. INTERVIEW: This committee offers practice interviews to new members. They videotape the interview, if the member gives consent. Practice interviews are done on the first Thursday after seminar week. MARKETING: This committee builds and maintains a positive image of CVP. They create and deliver a message of value for the membership, clients and community. They network with local media, businesses and organizations to promote the message of CVP. RSUM: This committee reviews rsums for inclusion on the website, CD and Rsum Book, as well as reviews and edits new member rsums. They work together to ensure that CVP members have a resource for developing their best rsums. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT: This committee is responsible for facilitator training, scheduling speakers and workshops, preparing handouts and putting on the monthly CVP seminar. They provide administrative support as requested by seminar guest speakers and maintain the training room during the seminar.

Facilitator Training
(Now presented as a Workshop during Seminar)

CVP Committee Meeting Times

Administration: 11:00 a.m. - Tuesdays Computer Services: 9:30 p.m. - Tuesdays Information & Resource: 9:30 a.m. - Fridays Interview: 11:00 a.m. - Thursdays Marketing: 9:30 a.m. - Fridays Rsum: 9:00 a.m. - Wednesdays Training & Development: 9:30 a.m. - Wednesdays

NO

Committee meetings during Seminar week, except the Computer Services and Rsum Committees.

Upcoming Events
Check these dates and mark your calendar
Rsum Reviews:
Call David Silva, Chair, of the Rsum Committee to schedule your appointment time or submit your rsum to cvpresume@gmail.com; be sure to use the appropriate subject line: CVP-Resume Initial Submission or CVP-Resume Revised Submission.

Practice Interviews:
Call Robert Bob Croeni, Chair of the Interview Committee, to schedule an appointment time.

Job Fairs:
Mar. 20: 9 12 2014 Spring Job Fair Madera County Workforce Assistance Ctr. And City of Madera Parks & Community Services Pan American Comm. Center, 703 E. Sherwood Way (corner of Sherwood & Austin), Madera, CA

Mar. 26: 10 2 Fresnos Biggest Job Fair Annual Dept. of Social Services, Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 S. Chance Ave., Fresno, CA Apr. 10: 9 2 at West Hills College in Lemoore, CA (Highway 41 north of Highway 198)

May 29:

9 2 at Clovis Veterans Memorial Bldg., 453 Hughes Ave., Clovis, CA (5th and Hughes)

We need members to volunteer for our upcoming job fairs, and this is a good way to help you get your monthly hours in. Please contact Jamie Rowland or Paul Ventura if you are interested in working at one of these events.

Look for flyers on these job fairs at the CVP office.

Wednesday Workshops at 10:30 a.m.:

Mar. 19 Mar. 26 TBA Rescheduled due to big Job Fair at Fresno Fairgrounds today

Apr. 2
Apr. 16 Apr. 23 Apr. 30

Surviving the Difficult Interview by Barbara Beckerley

Creating & Managing Passwords by Terry Zody Cutting Expenses by J. Rudy Crook Opening the Closed Aged Door by Robbie Cranch, et al

Please check our website calendar or one of the printouts in the CVP office for other upcoming dates and times.

Veterans Job Fair

Jamie Rowland, Chair of IRC & Marketing Cmtes. (back right) checks out an employer at the Veterans Job Fair held at the American Legion Hall Post 509 on Thursday, February 20, 2014. Photo from The Fresno Bee article

2014 CVP Seminar Class - March

Graduates (L - R): Tod Harris, Barbara C. Barkley, Lisa de Brito & Frank Stoff.

From the Marketing Committee

Business Cards
When you go to an interview, please ask for business cards (two) so you can keep one and you can then place one in the large glass jar by the CVP SIGN-IN LOG. Be sure to print your name on the back of the card for us for future reference. It is our plan to follow up with the companies to: Develop a relationship with each enterprise Network for future job placement opportunities Establish a wider presence in the Fresno/Clovis area The idea is to keep an ongoing listing of these businesses for future communication.

Changes in Leadership
Information Resource & Marketing Committees Chair Jamie Rowland Co-Chair Edna Collins Rsum Committee Chair David Silva Co-Chair (vacant)

The Executive Council

Articles of Interest to Job Seekers How to Turn Fired I n t o Hired!

In this tight economy, is it possible to turn fired into hired? YES! But its all in how you craft your response. Heres a quick how-to In this tight economy, is it possible to turn fired into hired? Find out Caution: There will be a test! But this is better news than you think. When you understand what youre being tested on, its easy to prepare. I used this trick all through college. If I could get a feel for what my professors expected, I would know exactly what to study. I didnt become a subject matter expert, but I became a great test-taker! Thats your role during an interview. Your objective in answering the fired question is to score an A on your job interview, not to deep dive into the details of your previous termination. Your objective is to pass the test. applicants dwell on the details, argue their cases, or cast blame, your well-prepared response is going to shine in contrast.

How do you craft a response?

Obviously, get clear on what really happened. Dont sugarcoat. At this point, just relax. Were not interviewing yet; were just reflecting. You cant fake honesty (your body language and your reference checks will give you away). Spend your time getting comfortable with the truth, not rewriting it. Now, write your one- to three-minute story. It has three short parts: before, what changed, and where I am now. Before: What did you love about your job before things went downhill? State this in a single thought such as, I loved working directly with customers and helping them visualize what they wanted to see in the end result. Change: Over time, my role turned into 90% paperwork and only 10% customer interfacing. Im not a bad writer, but my real passion is people and my lack of ambition in my new role was evident. I was wrong for not recognizing this sooner, but Ive recently taken a career profile test and I now understand where I perform and what areas I could improve. Now: Now, share what you learned or why your future employer can expect their arrangement with you to end more positively than your last one. You would explain like this: Thats why I am here. Ive researched your company and this position. It greatly resembles my original role at XYZ Company. Im excited about the opportunity here to team up with a requirements writer and think well make a great team. If my role here should change, Ill be the first to speak up and discuss it. See how this formula speaks directly to the interviewers concerns about you, succinctly and sufficiently with maturity and professionalism?

What is your interviewer looking for?

Think of it this way: How you answer the question of being fired reveals more about you than the details of the firing do. In short, your answer is more important than your reason. Most people have been fired at least once in their careers. Your interviewer has probably seen both sides. Firing is not the issue, but discussing it is a great way to unveil potential character flaws or undesirable personality traits like dishonesty or cynicism. When other

How do you prepare for the actual moment?

Allow plenty of time! You need to be able to do this without emotion and without missing a beat. Confidence and clarity is everything. In this case, practice makes perfect.

Write your 3-step story and recite it until youre repeating it in your sleep. Even if you are asked followup questions (not likely), youll have a solid outline to refer to. Youve already addressed the past, youve explained the reason and your involvement in it, and demonstrated new behavior by taking a class or career test to improve your performance. If you havent taken steps like these, do it! Even if the firing wasnt your fault, youre going to look like a rock star. Dont forget to practice nonverbal responses, too. Hold your posture and your gaze when the question is first asked and while you are responding. Anticipate the question and youll be less likely to slouch, sigh or sweat when it comes up! Keep still and hold your voice steady (remember, youve rehearsed this a thousand times). Also, dont take the question or responses personally. Passing an interview with flying colors is less about

your job skills and history, and more about your ability to market yourself and to respond with maturity in difficult situations. You are essentially selling yourself as the best possible candidate. If you practice these things truthfully, youll feel confident and it will show. Youll probably be more comfortable than the person asking the question! December 26, 2013 by Sandy Neumann Photo Credit: Shutterstock Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/turnfired-into-hired/#mzpfSkv15tl31hKi.99

How to Explain Being Fired

J.T.: However, why you left your last job remains a crucial question, one that could determine the outcome of the interview. You need to highlight what you loved about the job and then be objective about what ended it. Something like this: For four years I loved my job as a teller. In the final months, a new manager was brought in. Im not sure why, but we didnt connect. I did my best to support him, but nothing seemed to work. Eventually, I was let go. In hindsight, I shouldve realized we werent meshing and looked for a new job. I held on in the hopes that I could fix it. Now, I want to find a place where I can get back to doing what I love caring for customers.

Dear J.T. & Dale: I loved my last job as a teller at a bank. I was there for four years when they brought in a new manager. Instantly, I could tell I wasnt going to last long. Nothing I did made him happy, and I went home in tears most nights. Finally, I made a mistake he could use, and he terminated me. Do you know how to explain being fired? No matter what I come up with, it makes me look bad. - Jessica DALE: First off, lets put being fired in perspective. Harvey Mackay, best known for his book Swim With The Sharks, devoted a later book, Fired Up!, to stories of people bouncing back from being axed. He writes, If youre under 30, the likelihood youll be fired in the next 20 years is 90 percent. That sounds a tad high, but the point is that the person interviewing you probably has gone through the experience. Remember that, and youll relax into the topic.

DALE: Well said. Resist the temptation, Jessica, to say more. Just be so positive and upbeat that your attitude says: Hey, it happens. No big deal. Not a problem. 2012 by King Features Syndicate, Inc. Feel free to send questions to J.T. and Dale at advice@jtanddale.com or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019. February 10, 2013 by J.T. & Dale Photo Credit: Shutterstock Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/explainbeing-fired/#kz9HxO33mFx0jSWc.99

Apollo 11: The computers that put man on the moon

Cliff Saran It is hard to appreciate the technical challenges involved in putting a man on the moon, but 1960s computer technology played a fundamental role.
By today's standards, the IT Nasa used in the Apollo manned lunar program is pretty basic. But while they were no more powerful than a pocket calculator, these ingenious computer systems were able to guide astronauts across 356,000 km of space from the Earth to the Moon and return them safely. The lunar program led to the development of safety-critical systems and the practice of software engineering to program those systems. Much of this knowledge gleaned from the Apollo program forms the basis of modern computing.

The so-called Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) used a real-time operating system, which enabled astronauts to enter simple commands by typing in pairs of nouns and verbs, to control the spacecraft. It was more basic than the electronics in modern toasters that have computer controlled stop/start/defrost buttons. It had approximately 64Kbyte of memory and operated at 0.043MHz. The instruction manual for the AGC shows the computer had a small set of machine code instructions, which were used to program the hardware to run various tasks the astronauts needed. The AGC program, called Luminary, was coded in a language called Mac, (MIT Algebraic Compiler), which was then converted by hand into assembler language that the computer could understand. The assembler code was fed into the AGC using punch cards. The AGC was designed to be fault-tolerant and was able to run several subprograms in priority order. Each of these subprograms was given a time slot to use

Apollo Guidance Computer

The lunar mission used a command module computer designed at MIT and built by Raytheon, which paved the way to "fly by wire" aircraft. Amazingly, the code listing for the AGC program can be downloaded as a PDF file. There is also an equivalent program for the lunar lander.

the computer's sparse resources. During the mission the AGC became overloaded and issued a "1202" alarm code. Neil Armstrong asked Mission Control for clarification on the 1202 error. Jack Garman, a computer engineer at Nasa (pictured below left), who worked on the Apollo Guidance Program Section, told mission control that the error could be ignored in this instance, which meant the mission could continue. Apollo 11 landed a few seconds later. Experts cite the AGC as fundamental to the evolution of the integrated circuit. It is regarded as the first embedded computer. The importance of this computer was highlighted in a lecture by astronaut David Scott who said: "If you have a basketball and a baseball 14 feet apart, where the baseball represents the moon and the basketball

Goddard Space Flight Center used IBM System/360 Model 75s for communications across Nasa and the spacecraft. IBM Huntsville designed and programed the Saturn rocket instrument unit, while the Saturn launch computer at the Kennedy Space Center was operated by IBM. An IBM System/360 Model 75 was also used at Nasa's Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston. This computer was used by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to calculate lift-off data required to launch the Lunar Module off the Moon's surface and enable it to rendezvous with Command Module pilot Michael Collins for the flight back to Earth. At the time, IBM described the 6Mbyte programs it developed, to monitor the spacecrafts environmental

and astronauts' biomedical data, as the most complex software ever written. Even the simplest software today would far exceed the technical constraints the Apollo team worked under. The Apollo program was pre-Moores's Law: In 1965 Intel co-founder Gordon Moore wrote his vision of how the performance of computer hardware would double every 18 months for the same price. That a USB memory stick today is more powerful than the computers that put man on the moon is testimony to the relentless pace of technological development encompassed in Moore's Law. However, the Apollo program proved that computers could be entrusted with human lives. Man and machine worked in unison to achieve something 40 years ago, that has yet to be surpassed. http://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Apollo-11The-computers-that-put-man-on-the-moon

represents the Earth, and you take a piece of paper sideways, the thinness of the paper would be the corridor you have to hit when you come back." While the astronauts would probably have preferred to fly the spacecraft manually, only the AGC could provide the accuracy in navigation and control required to send them to the Moon and return them safely home again, independent of any Earth-based navigation system.

IBM computers on Apollo 11

Along with the AGC, mainframes were also heavily used in the Apollo program. Over 3,500 IBM employees were involved, (pictured below). The

Carl Popstein Training & Development Committee Chair

Its been my pleasure to work with Carl as part of our CVP Leadership team for some time now, and he is dedicated to Central Valley Professionals. As a former member of the Rsum Committee, he compiled the booklet distributed at the monthly Seminar during that committees presentation. Last year he transferred to the Training & Development Committee and was elevated to Chair when Bob Wilburns job necessitated his relinquishing the chairmanship. Carl has done a great job taking over the reins of this committee and striving to make our presentations more professional. He continues to donate the colored paper used for various documents utilized during the Seminar and has done an excellent job in showing the daily schedule on our white board by using the blue pockets that he attaches to it in the seminar conference room each day. Thank you, Carl, for the great person that you are and your service to our country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era!

Darlene Lobkowski, Admin. Committee Chair

10

Central Valley Professionals

Monthly Career Advice Articles
October 2013

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Page

To Contact CVP:
3302 N. Blackstone Ave., Suite 225 Fresno, CA 93726 (559) 230-4063 cvpfresno@gmail.com www.cvpfresno.org CVP Coordinator: Annette Wholaver (559) 230-3628

Fearless Networking Connect for Results 9 Tips for Becoming a Successful Networker 10 Things You Need to Know About Job Searching Top 8 Tips for Job Fair Success LinkedIn Headlines: What Not to Do Edited by
Darlene E. Lobkowski darlenelob@gmail.com

1 3 4 6 7

Roselyn Walker roselynwalker@aol.com

FEARLESS NETWORKING CONNECT FOR RESULTS

In my last article, I covered some basics of LinkedIn networking and I had a really good response. So many people REALLY struggle with networking and I get it. To be honest, when my business partner and I attend a networking event together, she always tells me not to follow her around because she wont talk to me. I hate that! First and foremost, as an introvert who covers it up well, I would rather have my teeth pulled than network with strangers. However, I find that once I get rolling, it really is no big deal. So, why do so many of us dread networking and how can we work around it? For most of us, if we think about it, we can start by realizing that we find out about jobs, gain clients or make money by knowing the right people. So, how do we meet those right people are? Your right people might be completely different than my right people. Identify who you need to meet. If you are in transition, you already know that you must have a list of your target companies. Find professional associations and universities in your area that host networking events. Talk to current and former co-workers; try a Chamber of Commerce event. There are many ways to get out there and start meeting the people who can help you move towards your goals. Now, you know where the right people are, why are we so uncomfortable with taking the next step and actually meeting them? For me, its one, if not all, of the following:

I dont want to be rejected I dont want to sound stupid I have nothing to say I sound very salesy

I know I wouldnt want to talk to someone who clearly wants something from me! This would be a good example of what you shouldnt say (and its typically what I hear being said).

My name is Susan and I am currently in a job transition. I met with your colleague on Tuesday and she suggested I connect with you. I was laid off from my previous employer, COMPANY X, at

the end of January, so I am in the market for a job again. I am seeking out the following types of positions: Director, Software Implementations Senior Business Analyst Director, Business Systems Implementations At COMPANY X I managed the implementation of a proprietary membership management/scheduling/ point of sale system for 21 sites and also played a lead role in their PeopleSoft Financials implementation. I would like to get back into this type of work.

In my business, which is all about networking and teaching people the importance of networking, we call this the show up and throw up approach. I think that visual speaks for itself. If I am the recipient, a few things have most likely taken place. My eyes have glazed over and I am thinking about what I am going to have for dinner OR I have a plastic smile on my face and am searching for the nearest exit. Why is that? Because you are violating the Golden Rule of Networking!

The Golden Rule of Networking

Networking and building relationships is about giving, not getting. Okay, so we have established the most fundamental rule about networking and you find yourself at an event. What, then, are the steps to an effective plan for networking that takes the fear out of the process? Now, here is the important piece. LISTEN! Youll begin to hear clues about how you can help.

The Offering
After you have discovered their challenge, issue or opportunity, offer to help. Sounds great, but how? Give them a suggestion, resource, tip, tool, lead or advice; anything that will advance their cause. Good things to give are referrals, Websites, books, potential hiring managers, upcoming events or a contact. This is your chance to take the relationship to the higher level.

The Search
Start meeting people. Prior to the event, see if you are able to obtain a listing of attendees. If you can, start with a familiar face; that person can lead you to a new contact. If you are at a breakfast or lunch event, introduce yourself to everyone at the table. Go early, stay late great opportunities exist. Talk to someone standing alone; they are feeling uncomfortable as well, I guarantee it! My favorite, though, is volunteer to check people in at an event. You will get to meet everyone!

The Promotion
Now, its finally your turn! This is your chance for a quick 10-second introduction and a brief idea of what you do, how you help people and what you are looking for. Make it simple enough, but specific enough that it will spark an idea in the mind of the listener. This is your chance to build a rapport that can lead to referrals, leads, new contacts or other networks. A colleague of mine uses a wonderful adage; To be specific is terrific, to be vague is the plague. Once someone engages in a true give and take dialogue with you, its VITAL that you be very clear about what you are looking for. What does this mean? Your intro needs to be clear on how you are different. Have a list in your head of at least two or three target companies. If you tell the listener, I am a financial professional and am interested in working for a small- to mediumsize company, that is not likely to spark any sort of lead because the statement is too vague. A better statement would be, I am a financial professional and have had quite a bit of success in identifying inefficiencies that hurt the bottom line of a companys profitability. I have been researching

The Discovery
This is the tricky part, what do you say once you have introduced yourself. Open up with a statement, question We havent met yet, Im Susan. What brings you to the event today? Or I havent attended this event before, have you? After an introduction What is your role at your company? (What are they involved in or what is their profession, etc.) I havent heard of your organization; can you tell me more about the services they offer? Think about the topic that will be covered at the event and go prepared with a pertinent question. What do you think about

several companies and I would love to learn more about Companies X, Y and Z. By being clear, you have opened the door for the listener to think about what contacts he or she might have that can be of use to you.

Here is the kicker, this is the point where 90% of people drop the ball. Be the 10% who actually follow up. It says a lot about who you are and helps cement the relationship. So, thats it five essentials to effective networking. You can do it and you can be successful at it. Understand the process: Find an event where your right people are, have an idea of how to open a conversation, be prepared to give before you get, know who you are and what you need and be able to articulate it succinctly, follow up.

The Close
Finish it up with an exchange of business cards and information. Tell them that you will follow up on what you said you would do. Jot a short note about your conversation and what you have committed to on the back of their card. SHAKE HANDS! Reach out and thank them. You are there to connect with several people, so a great break-away statement is It was a pleasure to meet you. Thanks for telling me about what you do. I am going to let you meet more people here. I will follow up with you tomorrow on what we talked about.

Ok, now, you are ready! Start networking!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock Article from: http://www.careerealism.com/fearlessnetworking-connect

9 TIPS FOR BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL NETWORKER

Whats the secret to being a successful networker? Well, we all know how important it is to balance the online and offline networking and connecting what we are doing now. We cant only live online or offline anymore. Each one is mutually interdependent and inter-related. They work so well in tandem. Both have their importance, purpose and value. We know being online is simply smart and essential because that is where people converge, gather and interact. But, offline is where the true personal connections are made to explore the mutuality and develop the relationship. If you are not in physical proximity with someone, what are some of the ways and things you can do to accelerate relationship building? Are you meeting, picking up the phone or Skyping regularly when you make new social friends?

How to be a Successful Networker

Here are nine things you can do that will help you develop some warm connections, stand out and be remembered. 1. Share Your Passion, Authenticity and Story
People really connect with your real side and everyone has a story. Its the new elevator pitch.

2. Target Your Audience

Learn about the community where you are meeting. Research and find out about them on websites, blogs and through others that may know about them or are members of the group.

3. Know the Guest List

When you know some specific people that will be there, that you will want to meet, do your homework and find out about them. Company, awards, community activity, accomplishments. This is great fodder for conversation. How would you feel when someone you didnt know yet, approaches you and says, I loved the blog post you wrote on how to be a Mom and grow a business? It certainly says something to me about them.

8. Ask HCIHY (How Can I Help You?)

This is the new benchmark for networking. Not what can I sell you, but how can I serve you. Serving is the new Selling. When people know you are in it for the right reasons and motives, the relationship naturally grows. Building trust, by freely sharing knowledge and being who you say you are takes time. Invest and commit to it with people you feel good potential with and demonstrate a mutuality with you.

4. Work the Room

Mix and mingle, and try to have several warm interactions. Dont monopolize or be monopolized. Engage and encourage mutual conversation and include others into it.

9. Follow Up
Follow up promptly and with purpose with those warm connections you made. Lunch, coffee, guest blog, mentor, referral, Skype, phone call, collaboration, link swap are only a few reasons to reach out and continue. Relationships take time, effort and commitment. Some grow, some go, but you wont know which until you take the actions. Networking is a natural extension of all our interactions and communications today. We are pretty much networking all the time now, arent we? What are some of the successful ways you have used in your networking? Photo Credit: Shutterstock Article from:
www.careerealism.com/9-tips-succeessful-networker/

5. Pair Up With a Mentor

Find someone who knows the crowd and group and rely on them to introduce you around. Coming with someone others know and respect says something about you. You are judged by the company you keep, is the quote, isnt it?

6. Set Goals
Have goals for what you want to accomplish and come out of the experience with: five warm connections, new friends, someone you can refer business to.

7. Be Inclusive
Be inclusive and see how making connections for others makes sense both at the event and after. I have been amazed at how encouraging commonality and synergy can work with complementary businesses.

10 Things You Need to Know about Todays Job Search

Job search has changed dramatically in the past few years thanks to technology. Are you up-to-date on the best job hunting strategies? Here are 10 things todays job searchers need to know:

1. Google Has Replaced the Rsum

Recruiters are now using Google and LinkedIn searches to find talent, instead of paying for job board or talent databases like they used to do. In fact, many

companies are even mandating that every new application go through a Google screening process. So that means the first page of your Google results matter much more than they ever did before during a job search.

2. A Summary is Enough
Today, the rsum is used mostly in the screening process while actual decisions are made after interviews. And because there are so many candidates competing for each job, HR people (or hiring managers if they are tasked with recruitment) often scan rsums very briefly. In fact, the average time on a rsum is 30 seconds.

7. Dont Mind the Gap

Large gaps in your rsum are not as important as they used to be. Not only do employers today realize that millions of great and wonderful people got laid off, they also appreciate it when candidates showed initiative and tried to start their own thing.

8. Nouns are the New Currency

Screening software and LinkedIn talent searches have introduced an unexpected element to the way a rsum should be written. Because these tools rely on nouns or keywords to deliver search results to recruiters, the rsums with the right combination of nouns often win. If you want to succeed in todays job search, make a commitment to learn how to research keywords and how to use them appropriately on the page.

3. Social Proof is a Must

Social proof, testimonials or recommendations seriously reduce the perceived risk of you as a candidate. The most costly mistake a hiring manager can make is to hire the wrong person. Some say that if a new hire leaves within three months, it costs the organization one and half that persons annual salary. And with the economy as tight as it is, you can understand why hiring managers are so risk averse.

4. Rsums and Cover Letters are not Read on Paper Anymore

Most organizations are not receiving paper rsums and when they get them via email or their application system, they dont print them. So expect your rsum and cover letter to be read on a computer screen. This means you have to format your documents in a way that makes screen scanning easy.

9. Everyone Has a Personal Brand Yes, Everyone

Ten years ago, not many people knew what a personal brand was, let alone was having one really that accessible. These days, even if you dont know what it is, you still have one. And because recruiters and hiring managers are just looking for red flags, inconsistencies in your image or messaging will prevent you from passing screening. Even if you never touched a computer in your life, you have a personal brand as well as an online reputation. So you have to decide, will you be in control of your image or will someone else?

5. Relationships First, Rsums Second

Rsums are not used as introductory documents much these days. In fact, send me your rsum is often an afterthought after an introduction is made. And if an introduction is made online, then your online profile offers much more information than a rsum. So shift your priorities from, Oh crap, I have to get my rsum done! to, Oh crap, where can I meet some more people today?.

10. Typing Isnt a Skill Anymore

Being able to type used to be a skill people would highlight on their rsum. Now, you have to know how to type just to have a rsum. What really matters is how well youve prepared yourself for the application. You have access to more information about a company then generations past. As a result, expectations for preparedness are much higher. To really shine, focus on customizing each rsum and cover letter. Its better to send off a few very targeted applications then it is to spray and pray.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

6. Employers Only Care About What They Want

In years past, a rsum or job application was focused on what the job seeker wanted. This is not true anymore. Now, an application, rsum, or cover letter must speak to what value the seeker can bring to the organization. How can you bring value to the company and how soon can the company realize that value.

Article from: www.careerealism.com/job-search-solution/

TOP 8 TIPS FOR JOB FAIR SUCCESS

Walking into a job fair may seem like a daunting task. You may be one of hundreds of candidates vying for a recruiters attention, but you can earn an advantage over the competition by following these top tips for job fair success.

1. Do Your Homework
Most companies have to pre-register if they plan to have a booth at a job fair. This information is generally made available to participants. See which companies are hiring people with your skill set and then make an effort to visit those recruiters first while youre still fresh and have copies of your rsum available. In many cases, the job fair organizers will provide participants with a floor plan or map of the company locations. Since job fairs can be overwhelming, bring a highlighter or pen with you to mark the places you need to visit first. You should also mark off the companies that you speak to, so that you can remember to follow up after the event.

in excruciating pain because of u n co mfo rtab le footwear. Most job seekers dress professionally for job fairs and you should do that, too, but make comfortable businessappropriate shoes a priority.

6. Bring a Bottle of Water and Hand Sanitizer

Youre going to get thirsty from talking to all those recruiters, so bring a bottle of water to refresh yourself. While many job fairs provide refreshments to participants, its not a given. Youll feel much better if you can hydrate yourself during the event. Hand sanitizer is also a great thing to bring to cut down on passing germs back and forth with all the handshakes youll be doing. Using hand sanitizer is also a good way to prevent sweaty palms if youre nervous.

2. Arrive Early
Recruiters are at their best at the beginning of the job fair, too, so plan to arrive when the event begins to attract the most attention. Be prepared to answer some brief interview questions on the spot or fill out applications for some employers.

7. Just Say No to Giveaways

Its perfectly acceptable to take some company literature if youre interested in a company, but try to stay away from taking giveaways and extra items from all of the employers. These items weigh you down and make you tired. Remember, youre there to find a job, not to get a new stress ball. If you must take items, consider bringing a messenger bag or briefcase with a shoulder strap to put the items into so your hands are free for sealing a conversation with a firm handshake.

3. Bring Extra Copies of Your Rsum

Even though you have target companies that youll want to visit, bring extra copies of your rsum in case you see an employer or position opening that appeals to you the day of the job fair. You dont need to hand out your rsum aimlessly, but bring at least a dozen extra copies above what you need for your target companies.

8. Follow Up Within 48 Hours

Recruiters meet lots of candidates at job fairs. If you want to set yourself apart from the competition, take business cards and send thank you e-mails after the event. In your e-mail, you should reference when and where you met and the position that interests you. You most likely wont receive a response from the recruiter, but it might help move your rsum to the top of the pile. Photo Credit: Shutterstock Article from: www.careerealism.com/prepare-job-fair/

4. Practice Your Elevator Speech

In this economy, job fairs attract hundreds of candidates. In order to be noticed and remembered by recruiters, you should have a 30 second or less pitch about who you are and what value you would add to the employer. It takes a while to perfect your pitch, so write it out, revise it and practice several times before the job fair.

5. Wear Comfortable Shoes

This may seem like a no-brainer, but participating in a job fair can be grueling both emotionally and physically. You wont be able to be your best self for the recruiters if youre

LINKEDIN HEADLINES: WHAT NOT TO DO

mail, or comment in a group, your headline appears below your name. So, assuming your first impression with a recruiter is probably going to be on LinkedIn, those first 120 characters must have sufficient impact and clarity. In reviewing many LinkedIn profiles over the years, and more recently getting to know the recruiting industry well, I can tell you the key points you need to know when writing or editing your headline.

There are certain areas that always seem to cause controversy when training people on using LinkedIn. The first area of controversy is about profile pictures. But the second, and I think most misunderstood area, is your professional headline. Your headline is the area just below your name in the top-most blue box of your profile. Every time you send an invitation to connect, or send an E-

LinkedIn Headline Basics

First, there is no magic formula. Ive seen LinkedIn trainers build apps and even invent mix-and-match charts to help you write your headline. Its not that hard if you think about this from the point of view of your audience. After all, when you use social media, you are a publisher!

Write for Impact

While its important to clearly state your job title, there is no way your title will take up all 120 characters available to you in the headline area. And because the headline is your first impression, you have to find a way to differentiate yourself with a little personality. For example lets take our earlier headline and spruce it up a bit: Senior Marketing Executive experienced in go-tomarket planning in the software industry with a knack for adding excitement to business solutions Are you addressing a need? All this creative work is great, but it goes only so far if you havent uncovered the needs of your target organization. In our example, although its a great LinkedIn headline, it would fall short if this persons target company doesnt need a strong go-to-market strategy what if what they need is a marketing analyst? Avoid the two extremes of too simple or too creative and give those recruiters a break. They will thank you for it! Photo Credit: Shutterstock Article from: www.careerealism.com/linkedin-headlines/

Write With Clarity

Remember recruiters are busy. Some headlines are so nebulous and non-specific that its hard for me to understand precisely what that person does. A vague or overly creative headline causes two major problems. One, a creatively written headline probably lacks certain keywords or phrases that recruiters search for. Two, people looking to fill positions are busy people. They dont have the time to translate the meaning of I help companies with go-to-market planning. Youve got less than 10 seconds to get them to click on your profile from a search results page with a long list of your competitors. Heres the fix: clearly and concisely state your job title as it is described by your target organization. If you are currently employed, you should also note this in your headline.