Mark Hoven, Executive Leader in Melbourne, Australia, on JibberJobber and Empowerment

Mark Hoven, Executive Leader in Melbourne, Australia, on JibberJobber and Empowerment Mark Hoven is a sharp senior level executive based in Australia.  Heres part of an email he recently sent me: JibberJobber has been a very helpful organisational tool for me over the past 3 years I have been using it. Your tool is a great reference, forces a discipline to my search and documentation efforts, and provides a small sense of control over proceedings which can make a big difference in those dark moments when you wonder if anyone values your professional skills any longer. I love how he says JibberJobber forces a discipline to his job search and documentation efforts. Many professionals who start a job search are frustrated by the lack of systems and accountability in their job search, wonder if they are doing the right things, and get lost in all of the freedom and choices they have to make.  JibberJobber helps alleviate this a bit with structure and tools to accommodate the job search system that works for you.  (this means that some people are extremely structured, some have aggressive metrics, others have less time and less data to manage JibberJobber accommodates any job search system) I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how he talks about the dark moments, which Ive blogged about repeatedly, and especially this statement: JibberJobber provides a small sense of control over As a job seeker we feel like we have little-to-no control.  Many times we feel like we are spinning out of control.  Do this (network) but dont do that (apply online).  Oh wait, someone just applied online and they got the job that we are more qualified for ?  I dont get it!  Im confused! Going from a JOB where you are in control of so many things (you might not realize this until you dont have a job anymore), to unemployed and looking where you are at the mercy of so many things (peoples vacation schedules, the economy, weather, your ability to pay for help/services, etc.), you feel out of control. When I started JibberJobber, eight years ago, I knew I wanted to EMPOWER job seekers and professionals.  I wanted to make this bigger than just a spreadsheet-like tool.  I wanted to make the features much richer than what you would get in your homemade spreadsheet.  I wanted to give you stuff you didnt even think about, but stuff that first class citizens (that is, people who have jobs) would expect. I want to take away your sense of being out of control and replace it with a sense of EMPOWERMENT. If you dare to use JibberJobber, thats just what youll get.  Empowerment.  Control.  A peace of mind.  No more am I forgetting something??? What a difference that would have made in my own job search! Thanks for sharing, Mark! Mark Hoven, Executive Leader in Melbourne, Australia, on JibberJobber and Empowerment Mark Hoven is a sharp senior level executive based in Australia.  Heres part of an email he recently sent me: JibberJobber has been a very helpful organisational tool for me over the past 3 years I have been using it. Your tool is a great reference, forces a discipline to my search and documentation efforts, and provides a small sense of control over proceedings which can make a big difference in those dark moments when you wonder if anyone values your professional skills any longer. I love how he says JibberJobber forces a discipline to his job search and documentation efforts. Many professionals who start a job search are frustrated by the lack of systems and accountability in their job search, wonder if they are doing the right things, and get lost in all of the freedom and choices they have to make.  JibberJobber helps alleviate this a bit with structure and tools to accommodate the job search system that works for you.  (this means that some people are extremely structured, some have aggressive metrics, others have less time and less data to manage JibberJobber accommodates any job search system) I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how he talks about the dark moments, which Ive blogged about repeatedly, and especially this statement: JibberJobber provides a small sense of control over As a job seeker we feel like we have little-to-no control.  Many times we feel like we are spinning out of control.  Do this (network) but dont do that (apply online).  Oh wait, someone just applied online and they got the job that we are more qualified for ?  I dont get it!  Im confused! Going from a JOB where you are in control of so many things (you might not realize this until you dont have a job anymore), to unemployed and looking where you are at the mercy of so many things (peoples vacation schedules, the economy, weather, your ability to pay for help/services, etc.), you feel out of control. When I started JibberJobber, eight years ago, I knew I wanted to EMPOWER job seekers and professionals.  I wanted to make this bigger than just a spreadsheet-like tool.  I wanted to make the features much richer than what you would get in your homemade spreadsheet.  I wanted to give you stuff you didnt even think about, but stuff that first class citizens (that is, people who have jobs) would expect. I want to take away your sense of being out of control and replace it with a sense of EMPOWERMENT. If you dare to use JibberJobber, thats just what youll get.  Empowerment.  Control.  A peace of mind.  No more am I forgetting something??? What a difference that would have made in my own job search! Thanks for sharing, Mark!

The Dos and Donts of Resume Writing

The Do's and Don'ts of Resume WritingIf you've never thought about the do's and don'ts of resume writing before, then that might be a good thing. No matter how good you are at the craft, there are some things you need to know in order to make sure you are being effective in your resume. By knowing what to look for, you can avoid making common mistakes and truly turn your resume into an unforgettable piece of document.The first thing you want to avoid is hiring someone else to do it for you. Resume writing services cost money, so you want to make sure you are really getting your money's worth. To avoid getting charged unnecessarily for your resume services, just make sure that the person or company you hire is experienced and qualified.Secondly, you want to ensure that you write properly. Many times when a student or newbie is hired as a resume writer, they're not writing their own resume. Instead, they will take a one-page resume that has already been written by someone else and twea k it slightly to suit the needs of the employer. This is not the way to go.If you want to avoid making the do's and don'ts of resume writing mistakes, the first thing you want to do is make sure you write your resume correctly. You don't want to be using keyword stuffing tactics that might get you in trouble with the agency you have the job with. Instead, you want to have a clear and concise resume that lists your career accomplishments and skills in a very condensed manner.In addition, you also want to make sure that you include the proper keywords, as well as other important facts and end-user background information in your resume. Be sure that you are using both the short hand and longhand versions of the same words, as this will give you a better chance of getting the correct job. For example, you might use 'Acting Supervisor 'Assistant General Manager' instead of just 'Supervisor 'General Manager.'Another tip you should avoid if you want to avoid the do's and don'ts of resume w riting mistakes is if you know that you have difficulty writing your own resume. When it comes to resumes, knowing that you can't write one is almost as bad as not knowing you can't drive. This is why it's a good idea to hire someone else to take care of the writing process for you.Finally, you want to make sure that you are clear and concise in your resume. Using words like 'recommended,' 'qualified,' or 'employable' is usually the worst type of information you can list in your resume. Instead, try to use terms that convey your job experience and responsibilities such as 'paid annual vacation,' 'experienced illness in the past,' or 'has held several management positions.'These tips should help you avoid the do's and don'ts of resume writing mistakes that you might otherwise make. Now that you know what to avoid, don't forget to check out the website below for more tips and pointers on how to make your resume stand out from the rest. You might find it helpful to become part of the s olution, rather than the problem.

Top 5 LinkedIn Profile Makeover Tips for Recruiters [SLIDES]

Top 5 LinkedIn Profile Makeover Tips for Recruiters [SLIDES] n 23 October we partnered up with LinkedIn to man their Profile Makeover booth at the annual Talent Connect conference in London. The three of us (Laurence, Jorgen and Laurent over from Paris especially), had over a hundred  people coming for profile makeovers, including some of the keynote speakers. Almost all of our attendees were part of their companys HR community and as such they are ambassadors of their employer on social media and LinkedIn. We feel that its important to lead by example on LinkedIn, by having a strong profile that promotes both the individual and the company it can inspire other employees to do the same. As we only had about 5 minutes for each person, in the slide deck you will find the top five recommendations we gave our attendees. If you have any other questions regarding LinkedIn profiles, groups, company pages just get in touch! Top 5 LinkedIn Profile Tips for Recruiters from Talent Connect Europe in London from Link Humans Ltd Were you at Talent Connect Europe? Please let us know what you thought of the day!

How to Network at Networking Events

How to Network at Networking Events In my  first of three networking articles here on Classy Career Girl, we learned that networking leads to 80% of jobs and how to gain confidence by researching and planning prior to a networking function. It is vital, however, that I share the number one rule to networking to build and to sustain relationships by genuinely helping others. Heres an example for you. When ending a conversation with someone you just met, ask them, “How can I best help you?” Not only do you want to ask this question but you truly do want to assist, and follow-up in any way you can. By being authentic; in return, you will receive authenticity. After all, people do business with people they know, like and trust. In light of the above, are you still in fear of networking functions? Don’t worry because below you will learn what to do during networking  events, including helpful conversation starters. Youll also learn how to break free from a conversation, how to remember names, and how to balance your food and drink  when trying to give a handshake at the same time! Quick Guide: How to Network at Networking Events 1. Check appearance first. Check hems, shoes, and remove gum. 2. At registration, place your name tag on the right side. This creates a visual line of sight that correlates to your handshake.   Also, it is a good visual aid for those who struggle remembering names. 3. Social anxiety is real and one’s body can react as though it has completed a cardio exercise. Breathe in and out, and for some, thinking of your power word or a motivating song will empower you. 4. Enter the room, step to the right, and observe who is where (remember those you already put on your goal list to meet). Get your game plan ready in your head.   Also, it never hurts to smile genuinely. 5. This is the time to be bold, authentic and listen. Start meaningful networking with those on your list first. However, if it makes you feel more comfortable, greet those you already know first briefly, including the host or hostess. 6. Refresh yourself on general tips about posture, eye contact and handshaking. 7. The distance between you and others is called proxemics. In America, we like our personal space approximately two feet between each other.   When there is a significant height difference, the shorter individual will benefit from more distance. 8. Always keep your right hand free for shaking hands. 9. The key to small talk is listening and genuinely asking open-ended questions, such as, “What brought you here?” 10. On average, it is best to converse with someone for ten minutes. Ask those you have met, “How best can I help you?”   Have your own strong (well-thought out) answer! 11. If possible, always stand when introduced. In business, introductions are based on power and hierarchy; persons of lesser authority are introduced to persons of greater authority. For example, Mr./Ms. Greater Authority, I would like to introduce Mr./Ms. Lesser Authority.“   The client always takes precedence.   Including a “connector” facilitates conversation, such as, “You both love golf. Bob is a member of Woodland Country Club.” 12. Remembering names is a sign of respect in relationship building. Put forth extra care and effort.   Repeat the new person’s name at least three times upon initial contact.   If unusual, ask for spelling and if saying you are saying it correctly.   If it is visual, write it out in your head.   Word association helps.   Kindly admit if you have forgotten someone’s name by saying something like, “Of course, I remember you, but your name has slipped my mind. We met last year at John and Alice’s party, right?” or, “Please remind me of your name?” 13. Have your business cards accessible in your business card case. The proper time to exchange business cards is when one is asked for his/her business card. Avoid giving out your business cards like you are a card dealer in Las Vegas. The giver is to present his/her business card to the recipient with the words facing him/her. The recipient is to take the card in her hand and review it for ten seconds as a sign of respect. Place business card(s) in your case. Do not make notes on the card in the presence of the individual. 14. When breaking into an existing conversation, groups of three are ideal. Check their vibe and pace of conversation and listen first to non-verbal communication. Then introduce yourself. 15. Breaking free from a conversation can be awkward. It’s best to state a pleasantry, such as, “It is was so nice meeting you, and I’ll send you that article.” while in the midst of walking away. 16. Limit alcohol to one drink. Due to social anxiety, one alcoholic drink is equivalent to three drinks. 17. Avoid standing in the food or bar area as you are inclined to eat or drink more. Avoid being near the walls and put yourself out there to practice gaining confidence as well as to help others. 18. When it is time for drinking and/or eating, place your beverage and napkin and/or your appetizer plate and napkin in your left hand at waist height due to height differential. There are two ways in which to balance food and drink: 1) stack beverage on top of plate with thumb holding glass/cup with napkin under plate or 2) hold your glass/cup in between your thumb and index finger and plate in your hand with napkin under your plate. At home, practice and determine which is best for you. Once determined, practice, practice, practice.   You will thank me and smile when you have mastered it!   Select manageable finger foods ideally with toothpicks and eat one bite at a time. After each bite, use your napkin. 19. If you haven’t already introduced yourself to the organizer of the event, do so prior to departure, and thank him/her. By practicing and putting the above guidelines in place during networking events, you will become more confident, genuine, and authentic. Helping others and being authentic allows you to form more substantial connections and to build long-lasting relationships.   Remember, people do business with people they know, like and trust. Companies are looking for persons who can network effectively and adapt to a variety of social and business situations. Do you need a speaker on “Mastering Your Mingle-Ability: How to Improve Your Networking Skills!”   For more information, email Beverly at info@beverlyrandolph.com.

Google Docs and Resume

Google Docs and ResumeGoogle Docs is a great tool to include your resume with. You can easily type up your resume and then include it in the Google Docs along with the other documents that you have already listed in the form. This will help you have the opportunity to insert any data or information that you may have regarding the job you are applying for.You can actually add a cover letter, but not a resume with Google Docs. This is helpful if you are submitting a resume, but you do not want to have a resume that has a cover letter included. This works to help you add a cover letter as well, and once you do this, it will be saved. It can be edited and moved into a new spreadsheet if you wish to make some changes.Another thing to consider is the date of your resume. If you are applying for a position that is going to be starting soon, you will want to include this information with your resume. This will make your resume look more current.With Google Docs, you will be able to put your personal information onto your resume. This can be anything from a cell phone number to your address. You can add this as well as your contact information in this document, along with other information like your education, work history, and your job history. This will give you the opportunity to add everything that you may want in your resume and save it into a Google Doc.With Google Docs, you will be able to add data and information regarding your personal information. This could include your contact information, phone number, or address. This will help you get this information for your resume and then edit and organize it.When you are completing your resume with Google Docs, you will need to do this in an organized manner. You want to make sure that all of the information is in the correct place. This is important when you are editing the resume, as well as being able to move data from one sheet to another.With Google Docs, you will be able to add the information that you may want in your resume. This will help you make your resume appear more professional. With Google Docs, you will be able to get your resume on a job sooner than if you were using a paper resume.Creating a resume with Google Docs will help you get your resume out there faster than if you were using paper. The information that you can include with Google Docs makes it very easy to write a resume. You will also be able to add additional information with Google Docs which will help you create a more professional looking resume.

Create a New Years Vision Not Resolutions

Create a New Years Vision Not Resolutions New Years Day. A fresh start. A new chapter in life waiting to be written. New questions to be asked, embraced, and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery. Today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. Only dreams give birth to change. Sarah Ban BreathnachYou are today where your thoughts have brought you. You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.We get what we focus on.   Take time this New Years to envision the year you want.   If you do, youll not only find greater success in following your dreams but have an easier time doing it.   Unfortunately this year end, Ive been focusing too much on whats not working and whats getting in the way of my happiness.   I know no one is to blame and that this kind of mindset isnt going to create the life of my dreams.SoIm taking a new approach, creating a New Years Vision.Vision definition: a detailed day in the life of everything working in your life the way that you want, written in the present tense as if its already happening.Why it works: When you write a vision and keep it top of mind, your brain begins to filter information, thoughts, words, and actions so that you start to create the vision you seek.   Ive seen this happen time and time again for my clients and their testimonials attest to it.   We vision as part of their Soul Search work.   Then they get to Researching and Job Searching and voila, their visions play out in their daily livesThe exact words they used in their visions show up in the job descriptions of their new dream job and/or Their new office digs match exactly what they described months earlier in their visions.   Its not a fluke. A detailed vision sets you on the path to the reality you seek. Forget resolutions, create your dream vision for 2015 easily find people and situations to support you in making your dream a reality.   Listen to my latest podcast for inspiration to envision and cr eate a career with more meaning and purpose this year.Happy New Year Always Follow Your Dreams,-Maggie

Life Lessons We All Should Learn

Life Lessons We All Should Learn Can I be so bold as to say that Benjamin Franklin was the Steve Jobs of his day! His inventions have changed how we live and work! Who would have thought that the life lessons shared by good old Ben would still be applicable in 2012? Take a look and see! First, let me give credit to the source of thisand this is why you have to love social networking! I saw it on LinkedIn Todays News which took me to Business Insider which credits the original source, Dumb Little Man.   Talk about having legs. This post may never have gotten the attention/traffic without the power of social networks.   Still not a believer in social? Imagine what it could do to give you and/or your business a wider audience? 1.   Less Talk, More Action “Well done is better than well said.” 2.   Don’t Procrastinate “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.” 3.   Be Prepared “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” 4.   Don’t Fight Change “When youre finished changing, youre finished.” 5.   Get Moving “All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are movable, and those that move.” 6.   Avoid Busywork “Never confuse motion with action.” 7.   Give Yourself Permission to Make Mistakes “Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out.” 8.   Act Quickly on Opportunities “To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.” 9.   Continue to Grow “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” 10.   Keep Going “Diligence is the mother of good luck.” 11.   Know Yourself “There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know ones self.” 12.   Don’t Self-Sabotage “Who had deceived thee so often as thyself?” 13.   Don’t Give Up “Energy and persistence conquer all things.” 14.   Wise Up “Lifes tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.” To view the full post by Thea Easterby on Dumb Little Man (with further explanation of each of these 14 points) go to 14 Action Inducing Lessons From Benjamin Franklin If you could impart this wisdom on others, which point do you think is most important? Can you pick just one?