Why Do You Need a Pitch When You Are Job Hunting?
A pitch is your commercial or advertisement about you. It states in 30 seconds to no more than 2 minutes who you are, your best skills, an accomplishment and what is your job target. How and when do you use your pitch? 1) When you meet someone for the first time – whether you are at a networking event, social event,or job fair your pitch is your introduction. Smile. Shake hands and state your pitch – 30-60 seconds is best for this type of situation. 2) In your cover letter – When you apply for a job the pitch forms part of your cover letter as a brief introduction to you. 3) During the interview– When you are asked to “tell me something about yourself” the pitch is the perfect way to answer the question. 4) In the follow up – After your interview when you write the follow up email your pitch is another way to emphasize who you are and what you can do for the company. Craft your pitch with a particular job target in mind. You can always refine it. (c) 2019 Amy Geffen All rights reserved — GEFFEN C A R E E R S www.geffencareers.com GetFive Certified Coach Amy Geffen, PhD geffena108@gmail.com cell 347-853-4616Why Do You Need a Pitch?
Overcoming Ageism in Your Job Search
Everyone knows there is ageism. Whether blatant or subtle, it exists. You could be in your 50’s or 60’s and get laid off because they want to hire a younger person for much less money. You could be in your 70’s and still want to work What to do? 1) Be Prepared – Make sure your technology skills are up to date. If you don’t know the latest software application in your field, you are a dinosaur. Take a free course at the public library or if you’re a senior audit a course at any one of the CUNY campuses. Be specific about your job target. If you have had many different jobs, you must zero in on one particular job title for each company you want to work for. 2) Craft your resume – Prepare to re-write your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn Profile to highlight key skills and accomplishments. Overcome the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) that will kick you out by including key skills, key words and accomplishments directly related to the job description. 3) Be prepared for the interview questions such as Why do you want this job (if you have been at a higher level)? Won’t you be bored? Why would you want to work for less money that you were making before? Emphasize your interest and passion for the field or the specific roles and responsibilities. Remember, you need to say “I really want this job!” Free presentation at SIBL March 6, 10:00 AM on “Overcoming Ageism In Your Job Search” — GEFFEN C A R E E R S www.geffencareers.com GetFive Certified Coach Amy Geffen, PhD geffena108@gmail.com cell 347-853-4616
What is Your Job Target?
Do you have an objective on the top of your resume? If so, that is old school. No one knows what you are aiming for with a long objective. It usually sounds expansive and full of generalities with no distinct job title. Instead, choose a job target. What is a job target? It consists of three things: 1) Job Title – Based upon your past experience and your skill set, choose a very specific title. For example, if you are interested in film, film is the industry. The job title might be scriptwriter, sound engineer, wardrobe assistant, gaffer or best boy grip. Want to work in finance? Do you want to be a financial advisor, wealth manager, financial analyst or a trader? 2) Industry – Where have you been working? Do you want to stay there or switch? If you switch you need to do research and talk to people to see how your skills are transferable..Are you interested in finance, pharmaceutical, film or any other industry. You may want to look into several different industries. 3) Geographic Location – Ask yourself, do you want to say in your local area? New York City metro area or are you willing to move to another location? Chicago? Washington, D.C. or Silicon Valley? Spreading your job search to a wider area say 10-50 miles is easier than moving to another city. Remember, that your resume must reflect the specifics of the job title you choose. You may have more than one job target – you may have two or three You may need to change your resume for each job target. (c) 2018 Amy Gefffen All rights reserved — GEFFEN C A R E E R S www.geffencareers.com GetFive Certified Coach Amy Geffen, PhD geffena108@gmail.com cell 347-853-4616What is Your Job Target? Log in to use Ginger Limited mode Washington, D.C. ×
New Year = New Job Search Strategy
Happy New Year! Are you ready to turn over a new leaf? Or try a new job search strategy to et your next job? Remember, if you keep doing the same thing – don’t expect different results. Here are some new strategies to try: 1) If answering ads on the internet is not working for you, try this: You need to write directly to hiring managers at companies where you would like to work. Then you have real person to follow up with, write to , call and meet. 2) If working with a search firm is not working for you, say you are getting interviews, but no offers, try this: Search firms work for their clients, not you. Try working with a different search firm, or two or three. Try the next two strategies. 3) Expand your network – You have heard this before, and it really works. But it is not enough just ot meet new people at professional or social events. You need to follow through with a one to one meeting over coffee or lunch. You need to stay in touch with them over time, monthly, and build your relationsips so when an opening becomes available they think of you. 4) Write directly to companies to the poel in a position to hire you if there were a position. Don’t waste time answering ads or wiritng to info@ or human resources@. Your resume will go into a black hole with no chance of a response.. 5) Differentiate yourself from the competition. Write about, talk about, skpread the word about your accomplishments to show that you can get results. Job descriptions are all alike. They are the same for everyone who has held the same job title. What distinguishes you from the other candidates are your accomplishments. Sounds like too much work? The more time you spend on your job search, the faster you will get hired. If this sounds like a bit too much, then hire a career coach to help you through the process, keep you motivated and accountable. (c) 2018 Amy Geffen All rights reserved — GEFFEN C A R E E R S www.geffencareers.com GetFive Certified Coach Amy Geffen, PhD geffena108@gmail.com cell 347-853-4616
How to Spot the Signs that the Honeymoon is over in your current role
You’ve been at your job for a while now, whether that means one year, two years, 5 or even 10 years. You feel you are stagnating. How do you spot the signs that it is time for a change…before you either are fired, or, you quit in frustration? 1) You don’t get the raise – If no one is getting a raise, then it’s just bad timing, or the revenue numbers are down, or the budget was not met. If you are the one not getting a raise and others are, then that is a sign of rough waters ahead. 2) You don’t get the promotion – If you were promised a promotion or change of title when you were hired and then someone else is brought in over your head, that is a sure sign that they are not going to keep their commitment to you. 3) You are being ignored by your boss or at meetings, or worse, you are put down in meetings for your ideas. It sounds like your input is not valued and that is not a good sign. 4) You are left out of the loop of important new developments…a merger…a new project…If you feel you are the last one to find out about changes in the company, that is not a good sign. 5) You are not sought after for your advice. If you have been with one company for long time and you are seen as the seasoned expert or guru in your field, people at all levels should be coming to you for advice. When that stops, then that is a clear sign that you are no longer considered the expert. The best time to start looking for your next job is while you are still working. It may take longer than you expect given that there is a tight job market and fewer openings. That means employers are pickier and looking for the ideal candidate. So there is no better time than now to start your job search in earnest. www.geffencareers.com
Differences between Your Resume and Your LInkedIn Profile
So you have a resume or maybe you have two or three, one for each job title or industry you want to work in. You have only one Linkedin Profile. Can you have more than one Linkedin profile? The answer is no. So what are the differences and how do you brand yourself in each medium?. 1) Tone: The resume is written in a formal tone using the 3rd person whereas LinkedIn Profile is written in the first person. You never use “I” in a resume. You want to do use it in the summary section of your LinkedIn Profile Show you are passionate about a particular aspect of your job or your industry or your clients. Be more informal and show something of your personality. 2) Photograph: The resume does not have a photo – Linked In profile has a photo. Use a professional photo, not a selfie or a cutsie one with your dog or your kid…save that for Facebook. It is worth the time and money to hire a professional portrait photographer and pose for your photograph. 3) References or recommendations – Years ago it was required to add the names and contact info of references. Now no one does except, perhaps, in academe on the C.V. But your LInkedIn Profile will increase your visibility with three recommendations from former supervisors, colleagues, or people who know you and your work well. Skip the endorsements which are relatively meaningless. Anyone can check off your skills but not just anyone can give you an outstanding recommendation. You can, and should, have more than one resume if you are looking for two or more different job titles. Each resume needs to pinpoint accomplishments specific to the job title you are going for. Each must reflect the key words of the job title, the industry and the company you are targeting. The LinkedIn profile has to combine all your skills, key words, and accomplishments so it shows the breadth and depth of your experience. www.geffencareers.com
Time Management in Your Job Search
So you are working full time and want to find a new job. How can you fit in all you need to do in your week? We have only 168 hours in a week. We cannot save it or bank it so how can you make the most of it? You need to spend 10-15 hours per week on your job search. That means 2 to 3 hours a each day or 15 hours on the weekend, or some combination of the two. Here’s an example of how to structure your week. 1. Monday. Plan your week by conducting research on potential companies. Write your direct mail letters to companies or organizations where you would like to work. 2. Tuesday. Call the companies from your direct mail list that you emailed yesterday to set up in-person meetings. 3. Wednesday. Attend a networking meeting or professional association event. Then follow up with emails to set up coffees, breakfast or lunch. 4. Thursday. Go to the in-person meetings with people from your direct emails. Meet a colleague or newly found friend for coffee or lunch or breakfast. 5. Friday. Follow up with an email to each person you met earlier in the week. Start planning for next week by doing research. Use your time wisely. Keep sending emails, calling companies (it may take several calls to reach the hiring manager). Meet at least one new person each week and have at least one in -person meeting each week. www.geffencareers.com
How to Deal with Rejection in Your Job Search
A job search is a lot like roulette. There are lots of numbers but the ball will only fall in one of them. What can you do to keep yourself motivated over the next few months? A job search consists of getting a lot of “no’s”. How do you deal with your emotional reaction, your disappointment after each “no.” 1. What is worse than a “no”? It is not hearing back from an email, an online job posting or a meeting. Don’t take it personally. You need to follow up. Don’t wait to hear back. 2. You need to keep hope alive by having 6-10 things in the works…that means writing directly to companies, answering ads, working with a search firm and networking. Keep writing. Keep calling. Keep getting meetings. Follow up after each meeting with each individual. 3. Make a poster with 99 “nos” and one “yes”. After each rejection – you write a letter and get no response, you make a call and get a no, you go on an interview and get a rejection, cross out one more no. Each “no” gets you closer to “yes.” 4. The “no’s” are not about you…so don’t take it personally. There are hundreds if not thousands of people looking for the same type of job you are looking for. Let’s say you get an interview and a second interview but don’t get the job. Don’t take it personally. Maybe they have an insider who got the position, maybe they have a friend or relative who got the position. Maybe they changed the requirements after interviewing a number of people. The best way to deal with rejection is to put it behind you and keep moving forward. As it is said, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. You need to keep a half dozen things in the works and follow up with each one. That way, you are not totally invested in only one open position. (c) 2018 Amy Geffen All rights reserved To unsubscribe to this blog, reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line. www.geffencareers.com
How to Deal with Rejection in Your Job Search
A job search is a lot like roulette. There are lots of numbers but the ball will only fall in one of them. What can you do to keep yourself motivated over the next few months? A job search consists of getting a lot of “no’s”. How do you deal with your emotional reaction, your disappointment after each “no.” 1. What is worse than a “no”? It is not hearing back from an email, an online job posting or a meeting. Don’t take it personally. You need to follow up. Don’t wait to hear back. 2. You need to keep hope alive by having 6-10 things in the works…that means writing directly to companies, answering ads, working with a search firm and networking. Keep writing. Keep calling. Keep getting meetings. Follow up after each meeting with each individual. 3. Make a poster with 99 “nos” and one “yes”. After each rejection – you write a letter and get no response, you make a call and get a no, you go on an interview and get a rejection, cross out one more no. Each “no” gets you closer to “yes.” 4. The “no’s” are not about you…so don’t take it personally. There are hundreds if not thousands of people looking for the same type of job you are looking for. Let’s say you get an interview and a second interview but don’t get the job. Don’t take it personally. Maybe they have an insider who got the position, maybe they have a friend or relative who got the position. Maybe they changed the requirements after interviewing a number of people. The best way to deal with rejection is to put it behind you and keep moving forward. As it is said, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. You need to keep a half dozen things in the works and follow up with each one. That way, you are not totally invested in only one open position. (c) 2018 Amy Geffen All rights reserved To unsubscribe to this blog, reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line. www.geffencareers.com
How to Deal with Rejection in Your Job Search
A job search is a lot like roulette. There are lots of numbers but the ball will only fall in one of them. What can you do to keep yourself motivated over the next few months? A job search consists of getting a lot of “no’s”. How do you deal with your emotional reaction, your disappointment after each “no.” 1. What is worse than a “no”? It is not hearing back from an email, an online job posting or a meeting. Don’t take it personally. You need to follow up. Don’t wait to hear back. 2. You need to keep hope alive by having 6-10 things in the works…that means writing directly to companies, answering ads, working with a search firm and networking. Keep writing. Keep calling. Keep getting meetings. Follow up after each meeting with each individual. 3. Make a poster with 99 “nos” and one “yes”. After each rejection – you write a letter and get no response, you make a call and get a no, you go on an interview and get a rejection, cross out one more no. Each “no” gets you closer to “yes.” 4. The “no’s” are not about you…so don’t take it personally. There are hundreds if not thousands of people looking for the same type of job you are looking for. Let’s say you get an interview and a second interview but don’t get the job. Don’t take it personally. Maybe they have an insider who got the position, maybe they have a friend or relative who got the position. Maybe they changed the requirements after interviewing a number of people. The best way to deal with rejection is to put it behind you and keep moving forward. As it is said, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. You need to keep a half dozen things in the works and follow up with each one. That way, you are not totally invested in only one open position. (c) 2018 Amy Geffen All rights reserved To unsubscribe to this blog, reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line. www.geffencareers.com