Mythbusting

Through the

Professional Career Workshop

Relax, listen, absorb, just ask me for a copy

Contact informationAsk me for a copy of this presentation by sending me an e-mail:

dgoates@yahoo.com

Myth #1: “Nobody is Hiring.”There are lots of jobs available today, in fact,

many, many more since January. Many companies sit on their openings until

the start of the new year. Budgets are flowing after January.

Larger publicly-traded companies are less likely to be hiring now, but smaller companies (less than 100 employees) rarely turn away recognizable talent.

“Utah 100 List,” “Utah Fast 40,” “Utah 40 under 40,” “Silicon Slopes List” – fabulous, dynamic, growing Utah companies that aren’t advertising.

Myth #2: “It’s harder to get a job today.”Utah is better (7.1% unemployment) than

America (9.7%) -- 1.17 million Utahns remain employed .

In many cases, it is easier. Employed people have stopped looking.

There may be more people in the resume pile, but you are more qualified. Believe it, look around. . .

Remember: “The earth is full, and there is enough and to spare.” (D&C 104:17). God created abundance.

Companies are taking a little longer to find the right person (it’s a buyer’s market) – be patient.

Myth #3: “I need a one-page resume.”If you have been around the block more than

once, you need a longer resume.Because most resumes are electronic, no one

knows how long yours is.If you are looking for a higher level position,

a short resume is an insult to the company.This is your chance to let them know what

you have done, and what you can do. Do you have a portfolio of your work?The more competitive the job, the more

essential it is.

Myth #4: “It’s who you know.”It’s not who you know, it’s who you get to

know.The vast majority of new jobs are found by

networking into or cold calling on a company you target.

Companies are paying employees for referrals.

Those out doing the work are getting the jobs.

My resume will sell me. WRONG! You’ve got to get in front of somebody for an interview.

You are more convincing in person than the best resume.

Offer a short-term consulting gig to prove your worth.

Find your StrengthsList at least two of your major accomplishments

you want to tell people about.Write down at least two strengths that helped

you achieve the accomplishment.Listen to the Spirit – Heavenly Father will

remind you just how awesome you are!Finish the following sentences:

I am…I have…I can…I like…I love…

Focus on your strengthsOn your report card, where do you focus: A’s

or C’s?Companies only pay you for your strengths.Tell them how you will make them more

profitable.Demonstrate it from your past experiences.Manage around your weaknesses. “My

greatest weakness is ___________, but I learned. . .”

Build yourself every day:Read (15 minutes per day)Continual LearningAssociationServe others

The Foundation:Power StatementsHeadlines of your career that emphasize your

value.Elements of a Power Statement:

Identify a Strength or skill

Give an Example

Show the Result

The key is to QuantifyIdentify your accomplishment.Where did you start.Where did you finish.What is the difference in the two?What is the most powerful way to show the

difference:MoneyPercentNumber

Where to use Power StatementsResumeInterviewMe-In-30 SecondsNetworkingIn a long lineIn an elevatorAt a church meetingCold callingEVERYWHERE -- Dizzy Dean said: “It ain’t

braggin’ if you done it!”

Power Statements in InterviewsIt sets you apart.It answers the question, “What can you do for

my company?”Become a possibility. Say something that will

be remembered.The results are tangible, not theoretical.It gives the committee something to use

when they are trying to finalize the decision.Power statements will differentiate you from

the pack.Practice, practice, practice your interviewing

skills

Power Statement ResumesStart with your accomplishments.Identify the strengths that achieved the

accomplishment.Show the experience you have earned.Where were you educated.What other honors or awards have you

received.What are the key words to describe you.Remember, only leave your resume behind after you have secured and held the interview.

Keys to a Clean ResumeSerif font (Times New Roman)12-point typeUnderline and italicizeEdit and proofDetailed and specificTest your resume on the Internet (getting

results?)Careerbuilder, Monster, Craigslist.orgMothers-in-law, your most severe critic, or your

job coach – don’t do this on your own!!

Swallow Hard and Tell PeopleWho do you know that knows?“Who should I be talking to?”Follow the 100 card method – Diligently and

faithfully.Informational Interviews

Employed: 2 per weekUnemployed: 5 per week

Job interviewsEmployed: 1 per weekUnemployed: 4 per week

Researching CompaniesSpend no more than 2 hours per day looking

on the Internet.Explore industries and then companies.Join groups on LinkedIn and talk to other

members about their industry and company.Go to the library and look at trade

publications.Record the names of companies you see as

you drive down the street.GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. Keep your head

in the game.

Getting Informational Interviews“I am looking for information and I was told

you were someone I should talk to.”“I am reaching out to learn more about your

company.”“I am not looking for a job right now.”“I would like to ask you a few questions.”“I only need about 15 minutes of your time.”“When would be a good time for you,

Tuesday or Wednesday?”Remember: FACE-TO-FACE is always better!

During the Informational Interview“How did you get into this line of work?”“How did you get into this particular job?”“What do you like most about this job?”“What do you like most about this company?”“Who else would you recommend I talk to?”“Thanks for buying my lunch today. . .”

(When you are unemployed everybody will pay for your lunch, so schedule lunches, then sit on your wallet).

Who are you listening to?The media don’t know what is happening,

they are just looking for headlines.If someone starts out negative, they will stay

that way.Get some new friends.Work with people that believe in the positive

like you do.If you start getting negative, do something.Change is all about spotting new trends, so

don’t get stuck looking for your lost job – it’s still lost!

Get a routineGet up and go to work in the morning.Set goals for the day/week/month.Have a routine that you follow.

What days to phone and set appointments.What days to interview and visit.

Take the weekend off.Be sure to schedule time with your family, just not

all of it.Track activities in your

calendar/notebook/computer.Stay organized so nothing gets missed.