Job Searching Shouldn’t Be A 24/7 Activity

January 15, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

Looking for work is a job all its own.  But like when you worked, you didn’t work all day every day.  You had time off to enjoy family, friends and hobbies.  Doing so is just asimpsharing desert stuart milesortant as ever, maybe even more so now.  Relieving stress and staying positive requires some distraction from the job search.  However, diversions can be expensive, but a little creativity will go a long way in making this time as enjoyable and productive as you can make it.

 There are free events you can attend for entertainment and enrichment; you just have to change where you go and what you do.  By doing a little research online, you can keep yourself quite busy doing interesting things.  Another place to look for free events is in your local newspaper.

 Below are a few possibilities to start you thinking about what you can do for low or no cost entertainment.  Start brainstorming to come up with more ideas.

 Family nights:  Instead of dinner and a movie, make a pizza and watch the videos you have taken  of the family over the years.  Have a theme for the videos–birthday parties, sporting events, school activities, to name a few.  Or get out the photo albums and look at all the photos you have snapped.

 Socialize with friends.  Invite friends over for a pot luck.  It isn’t about the food; it’s about the company.  You can talk, play charades, play cards or share family movies.  If everyone brings something, no one person will have to provide for all.

 Check out your local library:  Did you know many libraries have passes to museums, free DVDs, music CDs, and artwork available to take out in addition to books, newspapers and magazines?   Call your local library to see what passes they have and to make arrangements to borrow them.

 Community events:   Check the listings in the local paper for free activities such as lectures and concerts.   Many colleges and universities offer free concerts and lectures to the public.  Join a community theater group, choir, or orchestra.

 Sight-see in your own city/town:  Your own city/town has a history that is hidden in plain view.  Visit your local historical center to see what your city offers and then go see them.   If there are statutes in your city, do some research on the subjects they depict.  Take a walking tour of your city/town to see what other people come to see.

 Learn a new skill:  Find a friend who has the expertise you would like to learn and exchange lessons by offering to teach them a skill you have.  It is a win/win for both.  Trade with several people to expand your skill set.  Not only can you teach/learn computer skills but cooking, arts and crafts, sports, or anything that interests you.

 Do you remember a time before TV when families gathered around the piano and sang songs while someone played?  Or when people gathered at the bandstand in the park and listened to the community band perform a concert?  No, neither do I, but I have seen movies on TV where people did that and it looked like fun.  Everyone looked so happy and engaged.  It was a time when most people had library cards, and the only things at the library were books, newspapers and magazines. Our parents and grandparents remember.  It was how they lived through the Depression and WWII.  Whether it was the lack of money during the Depression or rationing in WWII, they shared, they saved, they mingled with people, and they were less stressed than we are now.  Give it try for yourself and see what happens.

Posted in career transitions, free activities, learn a new skill, Postive Thinking, take care of you | 4 Comments

Cover Letters: To Send or Not to Send, That is the Question.

January 14, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

flipping a coin patpitchaya

Whether you send a cover letter or not can depend on the of flip a coin.  I recently read two separate articles about the importance of cover letters.  In one article, 86% of the surveyed said the cover letter wasn’t necessary.   In the other article, 86% of the sample said the cover letter was an essential part of the hiring process.  I think it’s amusing that both studies came up with 86% for or against. 

 Hiring managers’ opinions about reading cover letters can be placed in three categories.  One group of hiring managers won’t look at a cover letter.  A second group will look at the cover letter after they read the résumé and find it intriguing.  The third group of hiring managers will look at the résumé only if the cover letter gives them a reason to do so.

 

It’s up to you to make the decision whether or not to send a cover letter.  Below are some arguments  on both sides to help you make your decision. 

Send it–Yes: 

  • When companies ask for a cover letter, send it.  They are looking to see if you follow directions.  Not doing so eliminates your application.
  • The structured format of the résumé doesn’t allow for explaining such things as gaps.  The cover letter is the perfect place to explain the gaps.
  • A cover letter is a good place to mention anyone you know in the company.
  • They are part of the application package.  While they may not be read, hiring managers expect to see one.
  • They encourage some readers to read the résumé if the cover letter captivates them.
  • Employers who read the cover letters do want to see a cover letter.
  • It allows you to explain 2-4 things that you want to highlight from your résumé.
  • When applying to associations and not-for profits, you want them to know you support their cause.
  • Online applications may or may not have a place for a cover letter.  If there is a place for one, send it.
  • In a tough economy,  it will set you apart from the others if it’s well written.

 Send it–No:

  • Some people think it’s an out dated practice.
  • Recruiters spend only a few seconds on the résumé.  If that is the case, it’s hard to believe they will bother with a cover letter.
  • When sending a résumé by email, the résumé should be the only attachment.   A short compelling email will serve as the cover letter.
  • Some positions, such as part-time positions, don’t require a cover letter.
  • There are industries that would prefer a portfolio of sample work, a PowerPoint presentation, a marketing plan, or design drawings with a résumé.
  • If the employer said not to send one, follow the directions and don’t send one.
  • If your cover letter is less than outstanding and flawless or if it only restates your résumé, it isn’t going to help make your case.

 What do I think?   Here’s a story from my childhood that will explain my thoughts.  When I was a child, my mother would always tell me to take a sweater.  Many times it wasn’t needed.  But she explained that if I didn’t need it, I didn’t have to wear it.  But if it got chilly and I had my sweater, I could put it on.  It’s better to have a sweater and not need it, than to need it and not have it.  It’s better to  have your cover letter not looked than have your résumé tossed out because you didn’t send one.

Posted in application tracking system, cover letter, don't send a cover letter, Job Search, keywords, Resume, send a cover letter | 5 Comments

5 Tips to Beat the Gray Ceiling: Get Hired at 50+ Part 2

January 13, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

stockimages man at desk on phone

Yesterday I told you how groaning and grimacing when you sit down can ruin your job search.  There are companies that are supportive of 50+ workersand networking is an effective way to get a job. Today, I will continue with the last 4 tips and finish with the list of Best Employers for Workers Over 50.

Stay informed and current.  Keep your skills and expertise up-to-date. Take relevant courses, watch how to videos, search out and join professional groups in LinkedIn and participate in the discussions.  Know about current technology in your industry and in what is used today-iPhone, iPod’s, tablets, eBooks, Wi-Fi, etc.  Talk to teens about what’s in.  Nothing says old like a type written resume on soft pastel resume paper.  There have been numerous changes in the job search process in recent years.   Use state-of-the-art job search strategies.  Learn the age bias red flags and what you can do about them.

Age proof your résumé and cover letter.  Limit your relevant experience to 10 to 15 years.  Don’t include anything past 15 years.  Don’t lie.  Remove dates from your résumé, including graduation dates.  Focus skills and experience relevant to the position. Highlight your achievements based on percentages and dollar figures rather provide a simple list duties.  Use the keywords throughout.  Consider using a functional or combination resume instead of a chronological.  Avoid terms, like mature, experienced, seasoned, etc.

Prove yourself at the interview.  Prepare for the inevitable age questions. One good way is to point out your up-to-date skills. Be able to back up your skills and achievements with PAR (problem, action, results) stories.  Emphasize how well you work in teams and alone.  Express you interest in the position.  Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Keep the salary issue out of the conversation as much as possible.  If it does come up, concentrate on the opportunity not the dollar amount. Use examples of how you made money, saved money or saved time in your previous positions.  Avoid the following: over selling, you run the risk of overwhelming or intimidating the interviewer; saying things like “back in my day” and using outdated jargon and terms; appearing desperate or depressed.

Update your appearance and stay healthy.  This doesn’t mean you need to dye your hair to its original color.  It means you need a flattering style that suits your face and a modern hair style.  Gray isn’t all bad.  Think Jamie Lee Curtis with her short, gray hair. When it comes to make up, less is more.  Your wardrobe should be age appropriate but current as well as your glasses.  Shoes need to be comfortable but stylish.  Today there are many such styles to choose from in different price points.  Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising are the best ways to maintaining a natural healthy glow.  If you have health issues, monitor and take care of them.

You can break the gray ceiling.  It’s been done, and you can do it.  I know you can!

As I promised you yesterday the Best Employers for Workers Over 50 for 2011 are:

Scripps Health

Cornell University

National Institutes of Health

First Horizon National Corporation

West Virginia University

The YMCA of Greater Rochester

Atlantic Health System

Mercy Health System

Bon Secours Richmond Health System

The Aerospace Corporation

WellStar Health System

MidMichigan Health

City of Glendale, Arizona

Massachusetts General Hospital

Pinnacol Assurance
Stanley Consultants

Central Florida Health Alliance

National Rural Electric Cooperative Assoc.

The Univ. of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Ctr.

Brevard Public Schools

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Pinnacle Health

TriHealth, Inc.

Cianbro Corporation

Securian Financial Group, Inc.

 Lee County Electric Cooperative
Manheim

Monongalia General Hospital

George Mason University

Nevada Federal Credit Union

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

Michelin North America

Saint Vincent Health System

University of Massachusetts Medical School

University of Southern California

Cabell Huntington Hospital
Virginia Commonwealth University

Ochsner Health System

FCCI Insurance Group

Saint Barnabas Health Care System

ACUITY, a Mutual Insurance Company

S&T Bank

University of Pittsburgh

West Virginia University Hospitals

Eastern National

Avera McKennan Hospital & Univ. Health Ctr.

DentaQuest

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind

Kaiser Permanente

 

 

Posted in 50+ job search, AARP, age bias, age discrimination in job search, Best Employers for Workers Over 50, eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of sleep, getting a job, gray ceiling, Interviews, Job Search, networking, Resume, state of the art job search | 4 Comments

5 Tips to Beat the Gray Ceiling: Get Hired at 50+ Part 1

January 12, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

Ambro older woman archetect I don’t remember where I heard or read this story, but it sets the stage for this blog and the one that follows.  It seems that a man was going to see a career coach about his difficulty finding a job.  He was over 50 and felt the gray ceiling hovering over him.  As the man sat down in a chair, he groaned audibly and grimaced.   No sooner had the man sat down, the career coach told the man to go home and don’t come back until he could sit in a chair without groaning.

The man left and returned a few weeks later, this time he sat down in the chair without a sound or grimace.  Now they could work on the job search strategy.   He had removed the biggest deterrent from getting hired.

If you are over 50 and are looking for a job but feel like your age is working against you, you‘re not alone.  There is a subtle or not so subtle gray ceiling that prevents you from getting hired.  You experienced the gray ceiling if you have been told you are overqualified.  Or maybe you are not the “right fit”.  Those two terms are used to tell a candidate they didn’t get hired.  Both are vague and in this litigious time can’t be quantified. 

If you are discriminated against by a company for your age, do you honestly want to fight it?  Even if you could fight it successfully, the company culture would be hostile toward you. Rather than go through that and then find yourself in a job search with a stigma against your name, concentrate on companies that welcome older workers.  Every year AARP publishes a list of Best Employers for Workers Over 50.  The entire list will appear tomorrow at the end of the 5 Tips to Beat the Gray Ceiling: Get Hired at 50+  Part 2

 

The 5 tips you  to get hired if you are over 50 are use your network, stay informed, age proof your resume and cover letter, prove yourself in the interview, and update your appearance and look healthy. These tips will help you compete in today’s job market.

 

Networking is the most effective way to a new job.  Regardless of your age, networking is responsible for over 80% of all obtained jobs.  Network with friends, relatives, former colleagues, former managers, customers, suppliers, competitors, and people you come in contact with every day.  Manage your network with LinkedIn.

Coming up tomorrow learn how to stay informed and current, age proof your résumé and cover letter, prove yourself in the interview, and update your appearance and look healthy. Along with the list of 50 Best Employers for Workers Over 50.

Posted in 50+ job search, AARP, age bias, age discrimination in job search, Best Employers for Workers Over 50, career coaching, career transitions, getting a job, gray ceiling, unemployed | 14 Comments

Prepare to Ace Your Interview.

January 11, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

Senior businessman holding two thumbs up in agreement, isolated on white backgroundThe interview has to be the most stressful event in a job searchers life. In an earlier post,  I compared it to a root canal without Novocain But it doesn’t have to be.  By planning ahead of time, you will ace it.

Preparing for you interview begins when you find the job ad and decide you want to submit your résumé.

  • Set up a folder on your computer with the name of the company and position.   Create a document with the complete posting including all contact information you have.  Put your résumé and cover letter you send for this position in the folder, as well.  Set up a Google Alert for the company and store the information in the folder.  Also include any press releases, articles about the company or employees.  Any correspondence you have with the company should find it’s way into this folder  and if you have a phone screen, include your notes.  Make folders within the main folder and information will be  easier to find.
  • Prepare questions you can be asked.  Do an internet search for questions that can be asked for the specific job title.  Beware of illegal questions and how they can be twisted to sound legal.  Look over the list every day and think about what your answer.
  • Prepare questions you can ask.  At the end of the interview,  the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions.  Yes,  you do.  Again, an internet search will provide you with excellent questions.  The last question should be inquiring about the time line of the process.
  • Brush up on the qualifications.  If you have been unemployed and haven’t done the job in a while, brush up on the updates and changes since you were in the position.
  • Assemble your outfit.  You should be dressed appropriately for the position.  If you have questions, ask the person who set up the interview.  You don’t need expensive clothes, but they should be clean, pressed and in good repair.  Shoes should be clean and polished.  Don’t wear any scent.  Limit makeup and jewelry.
  • Do a dry run the day before.  Go to the location of the interview the day before, find parking, and time how long it took you to get there.  Do this at the same time of the day as the interview.
  • Pack for your interview.  Bring extra copies of you resume, a pad folio, a working pen, breath mints.  If you take your cell phone, turn it off.   Not on silent mode.  Off.
  • Arrive about 10 minutes ahead of time.  Plan to arrive about 10 minutes before the interview.  If you arrive earlier, wait in the lobby or in your car.  Don’t be late under any circumstance.
  • Be courteous to everyone you meet from the moment you step foot on company property.  The interviewer isn’ the only person you have to impress.  Everyone you meet has the potential to have input on your candidacy.
  • Practice guided imagery.  Relax and imagine your acing the interview.  Answer the questions you have prepared to answer while relaxed.  Picture yourself getting the good news you have been hired and doing the job.

There are many things you need to do to prepare for the interview.  This post only skims the surface of all the possibilities.  Future posts will go into detail about individual items and what to during and after the interview.  To your success!

Posted in business cards, career transitions, Interviews, Resume, think positive, unemployed | 4 Comments