Are you in a job search rut? The solution just may be stimulating your mind in a different way. Take the focus off of your search for a bit and dive into new possibilities. I’ve come across this fabulous website TED – whose mission is ‘spreading ideas’. Here you can find a world of information, inspiration and creativity. From their website:

The annual conference now brings together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes). This site makes the best talks and performances from TED available to the public, for free. More than 200 talks from our archive are now available, with more added each week.

I watched Benjamin Zander’s talk and came away with the feeling that anything is possible. What an incredible speaker and inspiring leader. His enthusiasm is infectious.

So, take a break from your rut and stimulate your vision…give your entrepreneurial genes a rush!

From Benjamin Zander ; “Imagine if Martin Luther King had said “I have a dream…but, I’m not sure they’ll be up to it”.

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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Came across this weekly radio show created by Diane Danielson and Anita Bruzzese of Downtown Women’s Club. This particular show is spent with Alexandra Levit who has written a new book “How’d You Score That Gig?” I haven’t read the book yet, but the radio show is great – good tips on how to find your dream career, ways for the different generations to work in partnership, etc. Lots of good information included. There are plenty of other shows to listen to surrounding career information such as; negotiating, how to use blogging successfully, networking, what to do with linkedin, and more at Blog Talk Radio.

Good stuff!

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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If you’re digging around in research mode trying to find out more about great places to apply your skills and talents you might want to take a look at San Jose Magazine’s issue on ‘50 of the best places to work’. In this issue they focus on the top companies in the Bay Area “who offer incredible benefits, great camaraderie, cool perks, free food, and even soothing onsite massages”. Now who doesn’t need that??

Yes, of course Google is in there, as are Apple and HP (we would expect those). But, there are others who get less mention in the media, such as: Lam Research in Fremont, Linear Technology Corp. in Miliptas, Fortinet, Inc., in Sunnyvale and DemandTec in San Carlos, etc. - the list goes on.

Mainly technology companies (that’s to be expected since they are measuring Bay Area companies), but there are also others such as Perkins Coie LLP, The Trium Group and SRI.

It’s worth reading to get an idea and some balance around what you’re getting now vs. what’s out there with regard to other job perks. You’ll find the article here - you may need to scroll through a few of the articles, but it is in the Nov. ‘07 issue (a few months old, but good information).

Posted by Robin Ogden - FiredUP Careers

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I was reading an article in Fast Company that referenced a site I haven’t been on before – Upcoming.org

Great site to find out what’s going on in any location you desire. I found the Women’s Wellness Forum event (see info. below) coming up in San Francisco on June 2, put on by Invent Your Future and numerous other organizations as noted.

Invent Your Future “is a professional development company that is accelerating the success of the next generation of corporate and entrepreneurial women leaders.” They have a great site with lots going on – from online events to partnering events, conferences and loads more.

Here’s information on the Women’s Wellness Forum from their site:

Join Microsoft, Sutter Health, Burke Williams Spas and Clif Bar & Company at
The Invent Your Future Women’s Wellness Forum

June 2, 2008, 12pm-6:30pm

Microsoft Conference Center
Westfield Center
835 Market Street, Suite 700
San Francisco, CA 94103

FEATURING

Dr. Nancy Snyderman, Chief Medical Editor, NBC News, Author of “Medical Myths That Can Kill You.”
Margaret Sabin, CEO, Sutter Health Partners; Vice President, New Product Development, Sutter Health
Sheryle Bolton, Brain Fitness Software Entrepreneur, Former Chairman & CEO of Scientific Learning Corporation

DISCOVER THE CONNECTION BETWEEN YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR SUCCESS

o Learn how to keep you and your team healthy and productive

o Foolproof ways to reduce stress at work

o Life-changing strategies to maximize brain power

Why do we need a Forum on Women’s Workforce Wellness?

o More days are lost annually for sick leave in the US than in any other country;

o “Job/career” has replaced “finances” as the leading cause of stress for most people

o The US spends more than $2 trillion on health care annually and those costs will continue to accelerate if we don’t change
the way we take care of ourselves;

o More companies are getting serious about improving the health of their workers;

o Wellness programs have measurable success, cost savings and documented outcomes;

o Women are the catalysts for disseminating healthcare information in their offices, homes and communities;

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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In Michael Watkins’ book - The First 90 Days - he states that “The actions you take during your first three months in a new job will largely determine whether you succeed or fail”. So, why do so many people go into this period of time so unprepared? Better yet, just what can one do to best prepare for their first 90 days?

For the purposes of this particular blog post let’s focus in on some tips for those who are beginning a job with a new company – unfamiliar territory.

Here are five tips to get you off to a good start:

Prior to your first day: Make sure you research your new company; its products, competitors, news releases, staff. Read up on anything and everything you can find about the company. Much like you would have done before heading in to the interview. Review all your research and any new materials you can find. If this is the first time you have performed the position you have been hired for, take more time to research information about the position and check your network for anyone who currently performs a similar position – ask questions and get informed. Don’t take on a ‘sink or swim’ attitude, leave sinking out of it all together and plan to ‘swim’ – keep your mind focused on success.

Build your network: Introduce yourself to everyone you come across in the organization – don’t isolate yourself expecting others to take the first step. You must take the first step. The sooner you get to know people the sooner you can begin to build your ‘internal network’ and gather allies to your success.

Orientation: If your company has an orientation process that’s great. Write down questions you may have come across in your research and get them answered – either by the HR team or your manager. Make sure you find out what departments you will be interfacing with and who the management teams are. Make a point to introduce yourself to these people specifically.

Image: Take time to acquaint yourself with what’s expected with regard to dress and image. Don’t make drastic changes from the ‘you’ they got to know during the interview process. Although you may not need to don a suit daily, stay on the conservative side. Let them notice your work and your success before they notice a change in your appearance.

Side note: this reminds me of the time that I was hiring an administrative assistant. She was the epitome of professional – interviewed in a conservative navy blue suit, very polite and soft spoken; a real gem. She was hired. Within the first week I was in total shock – she cut her hair into a version of a Mohawk – with one bald side and one shaggy. She came in wearing huge baggy overalls rolled up to the knee to show her multi-colored striped socks, which rose above her army boots. A real shocker – to say the least.

Listen and discover: Make sure that you are a listener and not always the one jumping in with the answers. Show respect to your team members by listening to all they have to say. Don’t take on a ‘been there, done that’ attitude. Get to know what your coworkers are doing and the challenges they face.

These are just a few tips for you to incorporate. The list is numerous and you should research and consider all the points you want to put into action during your first 90 days. Create a success plan and check list to be sure you stay on track.

Good luck!

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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Whether you’re looking for a job or not (but ‘especially’ if you’re looking) you will need a text resume that is up to date and in style/current with today’s marketplace.

Here’s a quick tip: If the top of your resume contains an “Objective Statement” that reads something like: Looking for an opportunity where I can apply my expertise in XYZ in an environment that offers growth and advancement”… you’re in the dark ages. Get that thing updated! You must build an objective statement that tells the employer what you will bring to ‘them’ – not what you want them to provide for you. Today’s career marketplace is no longer about what’s in it for you – you’ve got to stand out by telling the employer what’s in it for them if they hire you. A strong entry statement on your resume is a must.

Here’ a better profile/objective sample that I came across in The Gallery of Best Resumes:

A creative graphic design/illustration professional with more than seven years of proven talent; expert in designing graphics and illustrations for textbooks, catalogs, magazines and Web pages coupled with an amazing understanding of composition and color usage. Excellent project management skills. Ability to establish rapport with individuals at all levels, analyze needs and develop appropriate materials within project scope.

Ok – if I’m looking for a graphic designer this entry paragraph tells me quite a bit about this person. More than likely I’ll read more of the resume because I can see right up front that there are several areas this person can contribute to in my organization. I’d be curious and want to read more. And that’s what you want your text resume to do - keep ‘em reading and get you in for an interview…right?

If you’re stuck on how to update or what to say to make your resume stand out in the pile contact our resume expert – Christine, she has helped thousands of individuals with their resumes and will provide you with a ‘free’ resume review. You can’t lose!

Either way, the number one rule is to keep your resume up to date at all times, whether you’re actively looking for a job or not. You never know when you’ll need it and you don’t want to miss out on prime opportunities.

Posted by Robin – FiredUP Careers

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One of my instructors once said “judgment of your overall competency and credibility can be made in an instant, in other words big impressions can be made out of little things – so, watch those typos.” Although he was referring to term papers you can attach the same remark to a resume, blog post, advertisement or any other written material. The point here is that we do make judgments about individuals based on how they present themselves in writing. I’ve had recruiters comment to me that if they see a typo in a resume or cover letter it gets tossed, or deleted. They just don’t have time to be correcting grammar or passing on poorly created materials to their clients – in essence, they consider it a reflection on who they are and how they represent themselves and their business.

My point here is that you must make sure that your written communication to an employer is ‘squeaky clean’. I know that sometimes when we have spent so much time on something our eyes go buggy, but that’s why you’ve got friends and/or mothers (they always like to put their two cents in…hey, what am I talking about, I am a Mother!). Seriously, have someone review your materials for typos before you send them out. If you don’t have someone that you trust (or you don’t want anyone to know that you’re looking), pass your resume by our resume expert – she is terrific and gives a ‘free’ review.

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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A colleague of mine sent this link over to me the other day and said I should check it out and I’m glad I did.  A huge part of our professional lives is supported, if not determined, by our ability to network and build relationships. 

The site, Meetup (with about 2.5 million members) is a terrific place for people to join and/or start meetup groups.  So, if you have an interest you can find a local group in your area and meetup with them.   These groups cover just about any topic and/or hobby that a person can think of.  In the career & work topic there are 195 topics with 3,814 meetups – just check the city listing near you. 

From work-at-home moms, to network marketing to entrepreneurs – there is a meetup group for just about everyone.  And, if you don’t find one to match your interest just go ahead and start one.  Check it out - expand your network and increase your visibility.

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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As more and more employers turn to rich media to present themselves to you, it stands to reason that they will soon be expecting you to do the same. One of the ways that you can demonstrate your savvy in this arena is to create a video resume (aka: video introduction) that recruiters and employers can view. Your video resume will enable viewers to get to know the side of you that does not show up on your text resume. Your video resume is used as a compliment to your text resume, not a replacement.

One of the challenges with a video resume is the importance of getting the viewer to continue watching the full video. Knowing how quick we jump around on our computers, it is critical to catch your viewer with a strong presentation and not “a day in the life” approach, which will just bore them not to mention irritate them as a time waster.

So, knowing this tip it is imperative that you develop a strong, compelling script – practice that script until it flows naturally and keep your video intro under 2 minutes in length (a minute or so is ideal). Also, we all have a very different opinion of something we create ourselves. So, with that in mind have some of your friends and colleagues review the video and be open to suggestions. Attracting the viewer is one thing – getting them to continue watching is another story.

If you would like a professional opinion on your video you can also take a look at our ‘video review’ service, which is laser focused on ensuring that your message speaks to the employers needs and provides them with a great picture of who you are and what it would be like to work with you.

So, update yourself by learning more about rich media and how taking this approach can help market YOU.

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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If you’re a college student (or will be entering college) and are still wrestling with what you want to do with the rest of your life, perhaps a gap year is just what you need. But, then of course that brings up another question – where to go?

Gap Year is a great website that may help you through some of the decisions you will be confronted with if you plan on taking a year off and actually doing something with it besides hanging around your home town. The site has information on just about any adventure you can dream up. From events jobs in London to ski resorts in France to diving in South Africa, there’s something for everyone.

So, if you’re thinking about a gap year, check out all the information available at gapyear.com

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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