Michelle A. Riklan

Certified Resume Writer, Career Coach, LinkedIn Profile Writer, Trainer, Facilitator, Author, Columnist, Speaker

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Career Newsletter
Volume II, Issue  6                                                             June 2012

Riklan Resources, LLC
522 Highway 9 North #290
Manalapan, New Jersey 07726
(800) 540-3609
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Greetings!

Welcome to June's career newsletter!

 

toolboxAs Father's Day approaches and images of the ever standard "toolbox" gift comes to mind, I ask my readers, "What is in your toolbox?" Are you in job-search mode? Are you prepared if unexpectedly you need to make a change in employment? How about if you meet someone at an event who might have a fabulous opportunity for you to explore? Maybe it's time to take a look at what tools you have, what tools you need, and what tools need sharpening. Below are three suggestions:
 
 1. Everyone should have an updated resume. Keep in mind that your resume is a marketing tool. You are the product.Take this quick quiz to see if your resume is effective:
 
 2. Are you on and utilizing LinkedIn? Today's job-search is not just about looking for a position, it is about putting yourself out there to be found by potential employers. Read "If You Are Not LinkedIn, You Do Not Exist."
 

 3. Do you have a bio? Biographies can be used for several purposes including business plans, VC firm submissions, consulting, public speaking, networking, and to augment your career portfolio and general executive marketing documents.

If your toolbox is empty or your tools are dull and useless, then it's time to assess what you need and take action to ensure that you are prepared to compete and ready for the unexpected.

 

Kind regards,

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Our list is growing! If you would like to advertise in future issues, please send an e-mail to robin@riklanresources.com.

 

Please feel free to send suggestions for improvement and additional areas that you would like to see covered in future issues to michelle@riklanresources.com.

 

Your Resume: Save or Trash?

by Michelle A. Riklan, ACRW, CPRW, CEIC

  

If your resume is not winning quality interviews - then consider that what you are sending out is ineffective. Your resume has approximately 6 seconds to make a lasting impression. 5-4-3-2-1. That's it! Then it's either in the trash can or in the "save" to call for an interview pile. Below are 3 quick questions to see if your resume can pass the 6-second "save or trash" test: 


 

1. Can your reader read it? If the font is too small and the reader needs reading glasses to see your phone number, do not expect a call.

 

2. Did you define yourself? I recommend a header that makes it clear who you are, and how you want to be perceived. (Chief Marketing Officer, Director of Food and Beverage, Entry-Level Public Relations, etc.) If your reader needs to dig to see where you might fit into their organization, they will not bother and your resume is in the trash can.

 

3. Have you immediately indicated the value that you have to offer? The profile is one of the most important components of a resume. If yours is filled with generic statements such as "Hard-working individual with 5 years of marketing experience...", then you are headed for the "NO" pile. Employers want to know what you have to offer them and what you bring to the table. Your profile must be unique and quickly convince your reader that you are an exceptional candidate that can add value.


In 6 seconds or less, can you convince a reader to keep reading? Re-read your resume and ask yourself if your document passes the "save or trash" test.

 

 
It Isn't the Work - It's the Place...How to Figure Out What it Might be Like to Work There Before You Work There!
by Kimberly Schneiderman, CLTMC, NCRW, CEIC 

 

kimberly schneidermanHave you ever started a new job that was supposed to be great only to discover that while the work was fine, the place was just awful? Perhaps the budget for marketing was nil. Maybe the boss gave no direction...or too much direction! Did they move from downtown to uptown within a couple months? 

 

Wouldn't it have been nice to know some of these things before you accepted the job offer? Here are some questions you can ask, along with the reasons why you want to ask them and how to interpret the answers.  

 

1. What has been the biggest challenge in finding the 'right' candidate for this position? 

 

The answer to this question will help you understand what the company is really looking for in a candidate. It might surface information on the qualifications, experiences, and education the company wants for the position. Once you have their answer you can respond with the ways you align with those needs, or you can decide that their goal for the position is really out of line with your strengths and bow out from the running before wasting anyone's time. 

 

2. What are the company's biggest challenges right now? 

 

The interviewer may be able to tell you about key problems expanding into a new market. Or perhaps they are working hard to keep up with client demands. Or perhaps there is a lot of change in the industry and they are finding that adjusting to new regulations is taking a lot of effort. Based on what they say you can offer ways that your experience will help the company tackle those challenges. Do some industry and company research, then think of as many ways as possible that the company might answer this question and strategize your response. 

 

3. Why is the position available?  

 

If you hear that they have had 3 people in this position in the last 2 years and no one is "working out" that could be a clear sign of a few things - and none of them good! Either the company is not hiring the right kind of people for the job, they do not have solid processes in place to support new employees, they are not realistic about what the job entails, or they are not clear on their needs and find themselves with under/differently-qualified professionals in the job. Consider the answer to this question carefully. Just as some of the aforementioned problems might be present, there could also be excellent reasons the position is open also. If the last person was promoted or moved on after 3 - 5 years that could mean solid growth potential for you.  

 

4. What are the deliverables and their deadlines? 

 

This is important. Is the company clear about what they want from you? Can they articulate expectations for your job? You can also ask what is expected in the first 30-60-90 days to see how much thought they have given to the immediate needs for the position. Ask yourself if the expectations sound realistic. You might ask follow up questions about the resources made available to get things done. This could reveal how much training they provide or how they allocate financial resources in the company. 

 

5. How have other managers succeeded in this position? Failed? 

 

The answer to this can be a huge indicator of what it takes to be successful in the position - specifically the skills it takes that do not fall under functional areas. You might find out that the people in the position were not tenacious enough in their jobs. Maybe the person before you was so successful that the company holds a torch for that person and no one that follows will ever be looked at in the same light. You might also ask "What advice would you give someone like me just coming into this position?" to elicit deeper information. 

 

6. How would you describe the company's management style? 

 

By asking this question you should be able to find out if the company makes decisions quickly or if there are a lot of processes in place to "control" things. No matter what the answer, consider what it might mean for your work and working style. Do the styles mesh? Do you like 100% autonomy or would you rather have someone to bounce ideas off of? Will there be a constant butting of heads if you are someone that likes to move quickly on initiatives and the company has 10 layers of decision-makers that an idea has to be vetted through first? 

 

7. What do you like about this organization? 

 

Ideally, the answer to this question brings up a whole host of positive feedback about the company that aligns with your values and priorities. If it doesn't, you will have to weigh the information against what you really want in your 40+ hour per week home! 

 

In addition to the words the interviewer uses to answer your questions, pay attention to the non-verbal cues you get. Do they seem squeamish answering the question about "challenges the company is facing?" Does that raise red flags for you? Are they prepared to talk about the company, in addition to the position, or do they seem surprised?  

 

The overall theme here is that work isn't just about the job itself. Work involves personalities, processes, and a myriad of other influencers that sway our opinions of our job. Knowing as much as possible before you accept a position will help you prepare for the new environment.  

 

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Do you want more help with interviewing and job search strategy? Contact me now to get all your questions answered! Kimberly@citycareerservices.com or 917.584.3022. I look forward to working with you to help you achieve your goals! 
  

 

Suggested Reading: No Winner Ever Got There Without a Coach
By Bob Kantor

Book by Bob KantorI've made arrangements with my colleague, Bob Kantor, to offer you a free copy of his new book, "No Winner Ever Got There Without a Coach," where some of the nation's top coaching experts share their knowledge and experience to help you win in life and business. Please go to the link below to download your free copy in either Kindle or PDF format. (FYI, the Kindle version is currently for sale at Amazon for $8.43).

 

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If you have a favorite career book to suggest or an article that you'd like to submit for our upcoming issues, please send your information to newsletter@riklanresources.com. 

 

 

101 Job-Seeking Tips for College Grads & Ways to Avoid Job Search Sabotage!
By Michelle Riklan, ACRW, CPRW, CEIC

job-seeking e-bookThis is a great gift for anyone who is just graduating from college, or is new to the workforce. With such valuable information, anyone who is actively seeking a new position, can benefit from this product.


"Entering the workforce in a challenging job market can be... well, a challenge. Today's career climate just isn't easy, but you do not have to travel this path alone. We have gathered 101 top experts in career services (universities, career coaches, CEOs, etc.) who were willing and excited to share their expertise. This book will encourage, inspire, and guide you on your journey to procure and actualize your career objectives."

  

To get your free copy, go to http://tinyurl.com/101Job-SeekingTips and put 2012Grad in the coupon code so that your copy is 100% FREE.

 
Grab your copy NOW!  This free offer goes away at the end of June.

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If you have a favorite career book to suggest or an article that you'd like to submit for our upcoming issues, please send your information to newsletter@riklanresources.com. 

 

 

101 Great Ways to Enhance Your Career
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-  7 Secrets to Financial Freedom
-  MORE on the Art of Cultivating Professional References
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Click here to order the complete collection of 101 insider secrets that show you how to instantly and positively enhance your career

Join our LinkedIn Group!

 

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Do you have a career related product or service that you would like to promote in our upcoming newsletters? Contact us at  robin@riklanresources.com for more information.
 
 
In This Issue
Featured Article: A Proactive Job Search
Guest Article: It Isn't the Work - It's the Place
Suggested Reading: Stop Peeing On Your Shoes
101 Great Ways to Enhance Your Career
Quick Links


In the Media
Conquer Your Biggest Goals with Jack Canfield 

Jack Canfield has been helping people achieve their goals for years. And now, more than ever during tough economic times, it's imperative that you stay on track to achieve yours. During this one hour recorded teleseminar, Jack gets your biggest goal rolling in the right  direction! 

---Link to download: 
http://selfgrowth.com/audio/jackcanfield.mp3

Inspirational Thought
"Don't confuse having a career with having a life."
--Hillary Clinton
About Riklan Resource

 

Riklan Resources offers the following services:
  • Resumes that land on the top of the pile!
  • Coaching that puts you ahead of the competition.
  • Training that ensures career advancement.

We want you to reach your top potential!