Are you going through a long and difficult job search? Most of us have had to deal with this situation at some point in our life. It’s scary, frustrating, and very depressing.

I want to suggest one positive use of this extra time. While you must continue looking for employment everyday, I recommend that you implement a self improvement project. Pick the one area that if you mastered would bring the most value to your future employer. This could be becoming a good public speaker, or mastering Microsoft PowerPoint.

Pick your topic and then find a training resource. You could use anything from a book to a local class. It doesn’t matter what you use, what matters is that you dedicate an hour each day to your project. You will be amazed at how quickly a weekness becomes a strength.

Kenneth Lowrey
www.myjobsearchtips.com

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My wife was on the Good Morning America show a few weeks ago. Good Morning America was putting on a job fair in Hollywood Florida and my wife was one of the expert resume reviewers. It was a really cool experience, but one thing stuck in my mind.

Someone from Good Morning America was interviewing a job seeker and asked “What kind of job are you looking for?” The job seeker replied “at this point I’ll take any job I could get”. This comment made my skin crawl.

I understand getting into job search hell, and getting desperate. However, one of the biggest mistakes that I see people make, during the job search process, is to become unfocused. They tell me they have no idea what kind of job they want or that they will take any kind of job that comes along.

This is a mistake. This is like getting onto a plane and saying “I don’t know where I want to go, just take me anywhere”. People live there life this. They sit behind the wheel of life and they don’t bother to grab the steering wheel.

To be successful in your job search you must have a target job/career. Generally the more specific you can be the better your job search prospects will be. This is true regardless of the level of employment you are seeking.

So if you are looking for a job and are having difficulties you need to assess the job market and your skills, and pick an appropriate job target. Then focus all of your job search energies toward this direction. You will have just greatly increased your changes of finding success in the job search game.

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Once again, a great article… “7 Signs Your Interview Went Well!”, this time on U.S.News & World Report.

As someone who does workshops on “How to Have a Successful Interview”, I tell the job seekers some things they can look for to know if the interview went well, just like this article states.

Additionally…here are some interview tips”

1.Be Prepared, Know the Company!

2.Don’t be on time, Be Early!

3.Write down and practice possible questions!

4.You never get a second chance to make a first impression! Dress for

Success!

5.Do not talk too much!

6.Be enthusiastic and positive!

7.Check in when arriving to the Interview

8.Answer Briefly

9.Look Them in the Eyes, watch body language!

11.Talk about specific achievements!

12.Think of an Interview as a First Date

13.Explain Why You Left your previous job

14.Your References- make sure they are solid

15.Know What You Offer

16.Prove What You Could Do

17.Sell Yourself

18.Do not forget to listen

19.It is OK to be nervous

20.Follow the interviewer

21.Emotional preparation

22.Ask Questions

23.Be honest!

24.Be you!

25.Thank the Interviewer

So you’ve had your job interview, and, as you wait to hear from the company, you keep replaying the interview in your mind and wondering how you did. But is there any way to know until you get an offer or rejection? No signs are 100 percent foolproof, but here are some indicators that the
interview went well:
1. The interviewer gives you a clear timeline for when a decision is expected, rather than being vague or noncommittal.
2. The interviewer asks about your timeline.
3. The interviewer tries to sell the position or company to you.
4. The interviewer spends a lot of time answering your questions.
5. The interview runs over the allotted time
6. After you’re done, the interviewer introduces you to others or shows you around the office.
7. You hear from your references that the employer has called them.
Again, none of these are foolproof. An interviewer might do one or two of these without meaning anything. And of course, the interviewer can be very interested in you and still ultimately go with a different candidate. But when you start to see a pattern of the things above, you at least know that you’re not out of the running.

Good luck!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey

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I love to see reputable websites write articles on resumes, especially when they are right! In a recent article published on Forbes.com, titled “How to Write a Killer Resume”, they indicated there are seven steps to a killer resume, but four steps are key.  I could not agree more and here they are:

1. Know your objective.  Not an objective statement, but what position are you looking for?  This is key to knowing how to structure your resume.  If you are not focused and have a general resume, chances are your phone will not be ringing off the hook.  Imagine the person reviewing those resumes…they do not have the time to figure out what you are qualified to do, you must tell them.

2. Add a summary. You must figure out, what you are all about.  What are you known for?  Do you specialize in a specific area or field?  Are you licensed or certified?  Do you speak a foreign language?  There are many things you can incorporate in this summary. Be specific, even unique. 

3. Focus on accomplishments.  Every time I review resumes, I run into this problem.  Clients write down their responsibilities or duties, instead of their accomplishments.  What did you do for your last employer that had a significant impact? What were the results?  Did you implement, create, or establish something?  If yes, what? Be specific, but do not blabber on.  Short, crisp, clear, and concise bullets.

4. Length and format. I agree with Forbes, .com that it can be longer than one page, especially if you have ten years of experience.  I would not go more than two pages, unless you are in specific industries that warrant it like government or medical.  Formatting is also key.  Again, I like saying…have your resume look crisp, clear, and concise!  Of course error free!

Don’t forget the keywords!

Remember, your resume is the first impression the potential employer receives of you.  This is your marketing tool, so be professional. 

If your phone is not ringing, your resume may be the problem.  Have a certified professional resume writer review your resume.  The job market is very competitive.  If you would like an advantage, you should invest in professional resume services.

Q: What are the main benefits to hiring a “pro?”

A: By hiring a professional, you’ll gain access to:

§         Expert resume writing/editing/design skills.

§         Needed objectivity and expertise to play up your strengths, downplay your weaknesses, and position you for interview success.

§         The precise know-how to target your career and industry correctly.

§         Winning resume, job search, and interviewing strategies.

§         Their commitment to the profession by obtaining ongoing training.

For more information about resume services or to sign-up for our free professional development newsletter go to: www.myjobsearchtips.com

Happy job hunting!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey

A Plus Professional Resumes, Inc.

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You have seen the Chamber of Commerce in every city, but have you ever attended any of their events, educational seminars, joined committees, or volunteered? 

Did you know that at the Chamber of Commerce you can network with all types of business owners, executives, members of charitable organizations, elected officials, and everyday people like you and me looking for a job? Yes, it’s true!  If you have never attended, I encourage you to look up your local chamber and check it out.

My local Chamber of Commerce that I am a member of is the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.  Currently, I serve on the WOMENS committee and I am the Co-Chair of the Preparing Youth for Industry Committee.  Also, I am a graduate of Leadership XXIX. This is a great program to get to know your city and how it operates. Remember the chamber is also a great resource when relocating for a job. You can also call them to see if they know of a company that is hiring.

The Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce represents local business interests, promotes economic growth, provides leadership in community affairs and delivers services and programs for its business members.

There are three primary functions of a Chamber of Commerce:

• To act as an advocate for the business and professional community, translating into action the thinking of its members.
• To deliver specific services that can be most effectively performed by a local organization both to its members and to the community as a whole.
• To promote quality of life for the people of Hollywood.

So, your next employer may be attending the next chamber event!  Get involved! For the next Hollywood Chamber of Commerce event go to: www.hollywoodchamber.org

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If you answered yes to the question above, please read on…

The Hollywood Junior Chamber of Commerce (also known as the Jaycees) is an organization of young men and women, ages 18 through 40. Our focus is on charitable involvement, social activities, and developing business opportunities.

The Jaycees offer young men and women an opportunity for further personal development and leadership. Major efforts are directed to finding solutions to problems within our communities. Hollywood Jaycees play an integral part in our community and take pride in developing tomorrow’s leaders. This idea of providing “leadership training through community involvement” has been the basis of the Jaycees since the organization’s beginning in 1920.

As an active member of the Hollywood Jaycees, you will have the opportunity to plan, organize, conduct, and participate in projects and programs which benefit the people in the Greater Hollywood area, and learn from your activities and experiences.

I have been involved with the Junior Chamber since 2000 and this year I am the Individual Development Vice President.  My role is to help members develop professionally through trainings, seminars, workshops, and preparation for competitions.  Also, this year I am the Pageant Director for the Miss. Hollywood and Miss. Hollywood Teen Pageants. 

How would you benefit by becoming a member?  First, you would meet new people and once again, develop your networking skills.  The trainings that are offered to members are for public speaking, debate, event project training, writing and more! 

The best thing about being involved with the Jaycees is that you can get involved in as many projects as you would like.  There is something for everyone.  To name a few we are involved in most of the parades in Hollywood, Relay for Life, Back to School Shopping, Thanksgiving Baskets for the Needy, Summer Concert Series,  BBQ’s for Lincoln Manor, Valentine’s Day Cards for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Center, Miss. Hollywood Pageants, Bachelor/ette Auction, Pub Crawls, and more.  You see, you can incorporate learning, giving back to the community, and having fun in one organization!

Please come out and join us!  www.hollywoodjaycees.org

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I have been advising people that are searching for that new job opportunity to think outside the box and get involved in the community.  Networking is a huge part of that and one of the organizations that I am involved with is Junior Achievement (JA).

What can you expect by getting involved with JA?  I started by attending a social networking event. These networking socials take place every 2^nd Wednesday of the month.  I have met so many people including CEO’s, politicians, college students, and of course many professionals in various industries.  You too can meet these people!  Just imagine, that one person you meet can change your life.  The socials take you to the many venues in South Florida. The Board members, volunteers, and staff of JA welcome you to the event in a professional and friendly manner. You can have some appetizers, a drink, and talk to a new person. Many professionals have done business at these events, found jobs, and even encountered a social aspect. Once you are hooked on the socials, the desire to volunteer is natural. I was so impressed with the mission of JA that I became a volunteer in the Broward County Public Schools. To give you some background… 

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs.
Junior Achievement programs help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace. Students put these lessons into action and learn the value of contributing to their communities.
JA’s unique approach allows volunteers from the community to deliver our curriculum while sharing their experiences with students.

I have taught Success Skills in the high schools and many programs to elementary students.  To say I had fun is an understatement!  All of the students and teachers are so appreciative of your time, experience and dedication that you feel great when you leave, and are excited to be there next time.  When I taught the 2^nd graders, there were really cute, very attentive, and they even sent me thank you letters and drew me pictures! 

So, for me JA is a great organization where I have met new people, shared good times with friends, volunteered, made business contacts, and most of all MADE A DIFFERNECE! Oh, and most importantly, I met my husband at a JA event five years ago and now we have a beautiful baby boy named James Alexander (JA).

Come see what JA is about at our next social and for information on volunteering. www.jasouthflorida.com  Make sure you find me and say hi! 

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What are you doing tonight?  How about Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday?  You get the picture right?  Well, I hope you answered by saying you are going to a meeting, networking event, charity function, or volunteering!  If not, then we need to talk.

On a daily basis if you call me and say, “Hey Violet, what are you doing tonight?”, you will get a response like. “I have a Junior Chamber of Commerce meeting, I have a board meeting, I am going to a networking social, I am going to volunteer for Junior Achievement”, etc.  I am always doing something. Why?  One of the main reasons, I like to be involved in many organizations.  I like to give back to our community, socialize, and of course, get business!

So you say networking is not for you when you are looking for a job, WRONG!  It is absolutely for you.  Imagine, you are at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast and you are sitting at a table full of bank managers, CEO’s, corporate HR professionals, and recruiters. Mrs. Jane Doe turns to you and says, “How are you?  What is your name and what do you do?”, your response…”Hi, my name is John Smith and I am currently seeking a new opportunity as a Wealth Management Portfolio Manager.” “Oh really, well I am the CEO of ABC Bank and we have just added five positions in the wealth management division of our company. Here is my card. Please send me your resume so we can set up a time to meet.”   

WHAMMO!  Guess what…an opportunity you did not see coming!  Why, you stepped out of the box and went to network. 

By the way did you know that 80% of jobs are found this way?   

If you are sitting at home, just plastering your resume to various job boards, you are missing the boat!  If you do not have the skills or qualification necessary to do your dream job, get involved in an organization where you can volunteer and get those skills. I know you are thinking like what…for example, if you would like to go into HR and you have no experience, call your local Human Resources organization and ask if they have any volunteer opportunities or ask to speak to someone on the board about their job and how their acquired their skills.  Broward County’s local HR organization is HRABC.

Have you ever felt uncomfortable going to an event?  If yes, take someone with you or get involved in an organization that will boost your professional development skills like the Hollywood Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) or Toastmasters.  These organizations often have trainings, workshops, and guest speakers at their meetings on various topics.   

My whole point is…if you are having trouble finding a job, you need to be creative and step outside the box.  Get involved; give back to your community, and who knows who you will meet and what opportunity will come your way.

Remember, be positive and visualize your dream job! Stay tuned…everyday we will feature a different organization! 

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Are you trying to win the job search game? Have you found the process of finding your next opportunity a real challenge? Are you unhappy with your current job and considering pursuing other opportunities? Are you wondering what kind of resume will get your phone ringing. Do you wonder why some people always to get the great job or promotion? 

If want the answers to these and other job search related questions please join us for the exciting new webinare “Winning the Job Search”. Join our newsletter for additional information.

Happy Job Searching

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Sometimes people get all sorts of crazy college degrees to avoid something. I’ve seen people spend five years getting a bachelors degree only to go back and get a Masters degree in basically the same subjects. Thousands of individuals finish their Masters and decide to go on and get a PhD. All of this money, time, and effort is sometimes spent  avoiding one simple question.

That question of course is “what do you want to do with your life?” People, do you realize how short life is? Its way to short to spend one more day working toward a degree in order to avoid facing the fact that you don’t know what you want to do with your life. If I’m describing you then here is what you need to do. Find a career coach who can help you figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life. Instead of wasting your money and time getting often useless advanced degrees, spend some time and money trying to identify which career path is most likely to make you happy.

I say this as someone who doesn’t offer career coaching, however I get calls from clients all the time that are unsure of what they want to do, and it kills me when I see them using the persuit of a masters degree to avoid facing their fears.  I guarantee that if you face this issue head on you will have a much greater chance of finding happiness and success in the short time we have on this spinning marble.

P.S. Please contact me HERE and I can refer a world class career coach to you.

Happy Job Hunting

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