Volume 7, Issue 2

April-May, 2015

Page 1 of 11

It seems that every time I read a web-posted article on job searching, it is filled with statistics. Some are useful and

some are probably included to give the reader the impression that the author is more knowledgeable than reality would prove. Some statistics appear to be believable especially if they seem to support our personal beliefs or general impres-sions. However, they often are stated without any reference to their source or proof of validity.

Determining listing dates of internet-posted information may not be possible, so information presented this way may be outdated. There is no requirement that only true, certified information be posted. Often even well-meaning individu-als “research” the web and repeat information from unchecked sources and their viewers assume the information is accu-rate. Utilizing the web to obtain accurate statistical information to determine a job hunting strategy almost can prove challenging.

So, to save you some time searching for seemingly significant but actually useless ”facts” I present some here:

4 out of 5 people represents 80%. A glass that is half full is also 50% empty.

It is estimated that 100 people a year choke to death on ball-point pens.

Pie charts can be useful as a graphical representation of a statistics’ breakdown. But can they be more re-liable when they are used to show the breakdown of a bakery product?

It has been said that 1 in 4 people is insane. Look at your 3 best friends and if they are all OK…..

The point? Just because on-line articles have statistics do not mean that they are up to date, meaningful, accurate, or pertinent to your objectives. At any rate, they just may be numbers disguised as “facts.” While statistical analysis can be useful in determining trends or analysis of current situa-tions, relying on unconfirmed statistics to determine the best job hunting strategies can be uncertain. To get a position, your best bet is still to follow the basics and treat yourself as the CEO of your business. A good CEO checks facts before acting.

Volume 7, Issue 2

April-May, 2015

Page 2 of 11

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK April 5, 2015 – Happy Easter!

May 10, 2015 – Happy Mother’s Day! These are the two of my favorite holidays! These holidays are celebrated around the world with much preparation, happy anticipation, and joyful festivities. Have you ever wondered how these holidays come into observance? Wonder no more, I would like to share with you the fruits of my research regarding their origin.

The legend of the Easter Bunny bringing eggs appears to have been brought to the United States by settlers from southwestern Germany. The German tradition of the Easter Bunny or “Oschter Haws” migrat-ed to America in the 1800s, likely accompanying German immigrants, many of whom settled in Pennsylvania. Over the past 200 years, the

Easter Bunny has become the most commercially recognized symbol of Easter. In the legend, the Easter Bunny, also called the Easter Hare and the Spring Bunny, brings baskets filled with colored

eggs, candy, and sometimes toys to the homes of children on the night before Easter, in much the same way as Santa Claus is said to deliver presents on Christmas Eve. The Easter Bunny will either put the baskets in a designated place or hide them somewhere in the house or garden for the children to find when they wake up in the morning, thus giving rise to the tradi-tion of the Easter egg hunt.

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/easter-bunny-eggs.html#ixzz3UsMoTYNL

Mother's Day Story: Struggle of Anna Jarvis A loving daughter from West Virginia, Anna

Jarvis is recognised as a 'Founder of Mother’s Day' and 'Mother of Mothers Day.’ Anna kept the word of her activist mother, Mrs. Ann Marie Reeves Jar-vis, who once expressed a wish that someone should strive to provide mothers their due recognition. Af-ter her mother’s death in 1905, Anna's determina-tion became strong and she, along with several sup-porters started lobbying for the official holiday on Mother’s Day by writing letters to the people in power. To celebrate Mother’s Day, Anna began to send her mother’s favorite flowers, carnations, in her local church requesting people to wear them in honor of their mothers. The idea gained immense

popularity over the years and in 1910, West Virginia became the first state to recognize Mothers Day holi-day. On May 8, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.

Read more: http://www.mothersdaycelebration.com/mother-day-celebrations-in-usa.html The Lamplighter Staff wishes you a Happy Easter and a wonderful Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers.

Aida A. Rodriguez Index to Articles

Article Page Article Page Don't Become A Statistic 1 From the Editor's Desk 2

Grow Your Network with Technology MeetUps 3 Walk MS 2015 Ambassadors: Aaron and Laura Cohen! 3

Statement on Veterans' Employment 4 ETP Minute Tips 4

Rod's Remarks 5 Articles from Around the Web 8

Hidden Unemployment 8 Barb Daisak's Tech Tips 9

Lamplighter Contributors and Staff 11 Lamplighter Survey 11

Return to Index

Volume 7, Issue 2

April-May, 2015

Page 3 of 11

Grow Your Network with Technology MeetUps

By Jim Scott

Technology is exploding, everyone is connected eve-rywhere, all the time, from every device imaginable. The Internet of things is here, and being part of that is some-thing that we will all be - whether we like it or not. Unless you are planning to get off the grid entirely, and become a survivalist somewhere, getting immersed into what is happening now, and will be happening soon, is a good strategy for ensuring career growth.

Every state has a Technology Group where free, or low cost, events are open to the public. Get involved, get registered, and get networking! Technology companies have the same needs every company has . . . they need competent and experienced workers! And you need to know what is going on in technology to stay current, fresh, and most of all to not be afraid of the world as it is, which is evolving to.

In New Jersey, the New Jersey Technology Council, www.njtc.org , has a number of events open to the public. New York has a similar statewide organization, www.nytech.org. Nationwide, Meetup is a great resource to find a local group for networking, many groups are not even technology specific! www.meetup.com. Get the names of companies attending, check them out for online career opportunities, many never advertise openings.

Get out and meet people. Learn, shine, and find out what other folks are doing.

Currently CFO for TetherView, start-up provider of

Private Cloud Services to the SMB Market. Finan-

cial Growth Optimizer with extensive track rec-

ord of defining strategy and implementing tacti-

cal operational and financial support to growing

companies.

Multi-industry pro with expertise in Software,

SaaS, Services and IT Manufacturing.

Architect of frameworks to empower managers,

employees, vendors and customers to create

shareholder and stakeholder value.

Hands-on activist shareholder value creator.

Currently CFO for TetherView, start-up provider of

Private Cloud Services to the SMB Market. Prior

CFO roles at Binary Tree, V12Group, ExpertPlan

and VLearn. Former VP of Finance and Admin-

istration at Spirent Communications.

Certified Management Accountant, President of

the NJ Shore Chapter of the Institute of Man-

agement Accountants. Ambassador of the New

Jersey Technology Council, NJTC CFO Hall of

Fame Member. BA from Rutgers College and

MBA from Rutgers Business School.

Jim Scott

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecfo

(M) 732-614-8408

Meet Jim

Scott

The New Jersey Metro Chapter is proud to introduce our Walk MS 2015 Ambassadors

Aaron and Laura Cohen! Aaron and Laura Cohen began participating in Walk MS in 2000, after an event brochure at a local barbershop caught

Laura’s eye. Friends and co-workers had started to pick up on Aaron’s mobility issues, and Laura’s husband made the decision to publically discuss the cause of his limp. Up until then, Aaron’s MS didn’t really affect his mobility, even though he had been living with MS for at least 24 years.

In 1976, Aaron’s parents had made the decision to not discuss the possibility that Aaron, a 23-year-old newlywed, was liv-ing with MS. Treatment options and tests were nonexistent, and doctors offered little counsel. Even a few years later when the diagnosis was firmer, Aaron says, “The only advice given by the doctors was: ‘Get your rest. Reduce your level of activity, and try not to do anything to exacerbate the MS.’”

In year one, Laura managed to raise about $2,000 for Walk MS, reaching out to her friends and family for donations. The Cohens returned to Walk MS in 2001, joining the chapter at Nomahegan Park in Cranford, NJ. In her sophomore year, Laura managed to individually raise $7,357.

Encouraged by chapter staff, Laura chose to launch a Walk MS team in 2002, and Mitzvah Squad was born. “My co-captain, at that time, was a 17-year-old young lady whose mom was disabled from MS,” Laura says. “Stephanie co-

opted the youth group, of which she was president, into adopting the Walk as a community-service project.” That first year, Mitzvah Squad raised $12,972.

There's more to see: https://secure3.convio.net/nmss/site/SPageServer/;jsessionid=88E877E04FD757D218F6BE0D81C60D51.app354a?pagename=WLK_NJM_2015Ambassador&_ga=1.127220559.393893274.1405454220

Return to Index

Volume 7, Issue 2

April-May, 2015

Page 4 of 11

News Release

OPA News Release: [03/18/2015]

Contact Name: Egan Reich

Phone Number: (202) 693-4960

Email: Reich.Egan@dol.gov

Release Number: 15-0466-NAT

Statement of US Labor Secretary Thomas Perez on veterans’ employment WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez today issued the following statement regarding the release

of the 2014 Employment Situation of Veterans report by the department's Bureau of Labor Statistics: "In 2014, the hiring of our nation's heroes rose with an economic tide that consistently strengthened our nation's labor

market throughout the year. With more and more of our veterans — some of our bravest, toughest, hardest-working men and women — finding work and adding to the success of American businesses, it contributes to a growing national economy based on shared prosperity. It is the fourth year in a row of steadily declining joblessness for veterans, with today's veterans' employment report for 2014 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing a drop in overall veterans' unemployment to 5.3 percent.

"Veterans who have served since Sept. 11, 2001, are also making encouraging gains in the job market. From a calami-tous post-recession peak of 12 percent in 2011, the unemployment rate for these veterans dropped to 7.2 percent last year. Employers continue to recognize that these veterans are strong, skilled, dedicated workers.

"We should continue to remember that unemployed veterans come from all age groups and eras of military service, and these groups have distinct needs. Unemployment among women veterans in the Gulf War-era II, for example, was 8.5 per-cent in 2014, but we must do more to support them by passing family-friendly workplace policies like paid leave.

"Promoting opportunity for veterans is part of nearly everything we do at the Labor Department, from providing priority services for veterans through more than 2,500 American Job Centers across the country to encouraging companies that do business with the federal government to focus on hiring more veterans, protecting disability employment rights and enforc-ing wage and hour laws. It is an integrated system that has enormous reach into American communities. Even as we cele-brate the good news in this report, we will continue to deploy this system with every ounce of urgency to make sure all veter-ans have the opportunity to secure a job that helps them support their families."

Source: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/opa/OPA20150466.htm

If you missed the last few ETP Minute Tips Listen Now to a Sample ETP Minute Tip

Subscribe NOW while it's still Free www.ETPMinute.Tips

Return to Index

Volume 7, Issue 2

April-May, 2015

Page 5 of 11

Digesting Communication Barriers By Rod Colón

Over the years I have collected statements from per-

sons who were asked to describe communication prob-lems they have had in their organizations. For each case below address the following four questions:

1. Do these cases seem common? Have you experi-enced the situation yourself or do you know of others who have had similar ex-periences?

2. What are the roots of the problem? That is, why do you think the-se problems surfaced? Were people un-skilled? Insensitive? Busy with other mat-ters? What was the source of the difficul-ty?

3. What might be the long-term repercussions (if any) of the situation that is described?

4. If you had been in the position of the person nar-rating the problem, how might you have attempt-ed to address the issues?

Case #1 The problem I have is simply a matter of credibility

and trust. I don’t believe that my employers are being honest when they send me information. At the meetings the reps speak beautifully and do great PowerPoint. The memos are written impeccably. However, when I read that “we did this because of whatever” I tend to question the legitimacy of the claim.

Case #2 When I attend briefing sessions from people in

technical support I find myself lost. They use ter-minology that I do not understand. People ask questions that are beyond me and I am frustrated both because of the time wasted and also because I need this information. Yet no one appears willing to take the time to digest if for me.

Case #3 The problem here is that the only messages I

get are negative. It would be nice if every once in a while I heard something good about what I’m do-ing. But what happens is I get a sour face or a down e-mail, letting me know that such and such is in crisis or flawed. It’s dispiriting and erodes my con-fidence.

Case #4 Our meetings do not start on time and they are char-

acterized by rambling orations. At no time does anyone in these meetings, including the chair, attempt to end these irrelevant discussions by speaking out. A meeting that should last only 30-45 minutes lasts an hour and a half.

Case #5 I’m a manager and need feedback on reports I send

up the line. I need this feed-back to make sure that the work I’m submitting is on tar-get and what “they wanted.” Despite repeated direct re-quests I get no direct response. My colleagues tell me that un-less there’s a problem I won’t hear about it. Nevertheless, I’m not really comforted by the grapevine and need to know how I am doing? I sometimes wonder if the lack of feedback is an intentional ploy to keep

me groping around never knowing my status.

The Value Proposition By Rod Colón

In the business world, a value proposition is a state-ment of the benefits a client or customer receives as a re-sult of doing business with you. A value proposition is most effective when it offers specific, credible and verifia-ble evidence of your claims. More than anything else, it must convey the value and benefits a product or service promises in a uniquely convincing way.

The CEO of Me, Inc. Meaning I base our job search methodology on the sound

marketing principles described above to help you develop and perfect a tight value proposition.

But in our methodology, the term value propo-sition has an even more precise meaning. It is the synthesis of the following three documents:

1. Job Description (Are you thinking like a business owner? This is the RFP, Request for Proposal.)

2. Targeted Resume (Still thinking like a busi-ness owner? This is the client proposal.)

3. Cover Letter or T–Letter (Got it? Good. This is your executive summary.)

It is this combination of documents that con-veys the true value you hold for a potential em-ployer. I will show you how to create targeted re-sumes and cover letters for maximum impact. You

Return to Index

Volume 7, Issue 2

April-May, 2015

Page 6 of 11

will use the job description solely for the purpose of creat-ing the other two documents.

A strong value proposition gives the 21st century job seeker an unusually strong competitive edge. Its purpose is to attract the decision-maker to your dossier above all others. Your paperwork must clearly differentiate you as someone with unique, relevant, high value–added talents and skills.

Grasping the Concept of a Value Proposition

By Rod Colón

It's interesting to watch courtroom programs like “Judge Jennifer” or “Judge Fred” in which a TV announc-er first summarizes a plaintiff’s case, then provides a simi-lar narrative for the defendant.

Right from the start, we’re exposed to the drama of courtroom conflict. We know that one of the litigants will prevail and that the other will not. In the mind of the judge, the difference between the two arguments will be based on which litigant presents the most credible and convincing evidence.

So let me ask you a question: Right now, if you had to make your “case” for a particular job, how convincing would it be? Is it rock solid, compelling, and bulletproof? Or is it a limp pile of linguini that’s not even sure it be-longs on the dinner table?

If you're serious about getting a job you’ve identified, you'll need to take this information very seriously. I lay out the plan for you to develop your own customized val-ue proposition. It should come as no surprise to learn that your value proposition will become the key criterion by which a decision–maker determines your fitness for an interview.

Before we go any further, let's make some distinc-tions. In the business world, a value proposition is a statement of the benefits a client or customer receives as a result of doing business with you. A value proposition is most effective when it offers specific, credible and verifia-ble evidence of your claims. More than anything else, it must convey the value and benefits a product or service promises in a uniquely convincing way.

The reason weak value propositions fail is that they never actually address the key questions running through the potential employer's mind: “What can you do for me?” or “How can you improve my bottom line?” or “What can you do to help me increase market share?” From the decision-maker’s perspective, the very best can-didates make a bulletproof case that the value they bring to the table is greater than the cost of hiring them.

Exhibit Business Savvy By Rod Colón

As the CEO of Me, Inc. be responsible for your ac-

tions. Perform at your best level, and expect the same from those you manage. Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses. Capitalize on your strengths, and make ef-forts to improve your areas of weakness. Be self-reliant and self-disciplined. Maintain stable emotions in the workplace, leaving your personal problems at home. Show your maturity by thinking like the CEO, acting like a leader, and being an example to others.

• Take Risks. Although success is rewarded,

no one is perfect. Take appropriate, meas-ured risks when needed, and always have a back-up plan for when things don’t go as you intended.

• Be Proactive. Become proactive especially in providing service. Don’t wait until you cli-ent presents a problem to offer a suggestion that could improve their business. Ask ques-tions to improve your knowledge; then take the opportunity to make suggestions.

• [Set Goals]. Establish realistic yet challeng-ing goals and deadlines for your work. Man-age your time carefully, and have a plan for meeting your goals.

Asking for feedback from your management demon-

strates initiative and professionalism. Regularly ask your management directly if your performance is meeting their expectations or if you need to improve. Ask for specific recommendations where necessary.

If the criticism is deserved, don’t deny fault. Don’t react defensively or blame others. Accept the criticism professionally, and make improvements. Remember you are running an extraordinary business — YOU!

How To Identify the Right Job By Rod Colón

The right job enhances your life. It is personally ful-filling because it nourishes the most important aspects of your personality. It suits the way you like to do things and reflects who you are. It lets you use your innate strengths in ways that come naturally to you, and it doesn’t force you to do things you don’t do well (at least, not often!).

How can you tell if you’re in the right job? Here are some general guidelines. If you’re not employed, keep them in mind as you search for your ideal job. If you are employed, see how your present job measures up.

Return to Index

Volume 7, Issue 2

April-May, 2015

Page 7 of 11

If you’re in the right job, you should: • Look forward to going to work • Feel energized (most of the time) by what you

do • Feel your contribution is respected and ap-

preciated • Feel proud when describing your work to

others • Enjoy and respect the people you work with • Feel optimistic about your future

It’s important to recognize that there are as many dif-ferent paths to career satisfaction as there are happily em-ployed people. There is no one “ideal job” to which eve-ryone should aspire. But there is an ideal job for you — you just need to master the skills necessary to find it.

There are an infinite number of variables in the workplace. To achieve career satisfaction, you need to figure out what your preferences are and then find a job that accommodates them. Some jobs provide warmth and stability; some are risky and challenging. Some are struc-tured, some aren’t. One job may require a lot of socializ-ing, while another may require quiet concentration. Do you know exactly what kind of job suits you best? Have you ever even stopped to think about it?

Being in the Spotlight

By Rod Colón

Most of us have been in the spotlight at some point

in our lives. Maybe we were the lead in a school play, a soloist in a church concert, or the valedictorian at com-mencement exercises. For many people, being in the spotlight is enjoyable and exhilarating. For others, it can be awkward and terrifying.

Up until now, all of the work you’ve done to find, target, and pursue an interesting position has been be-hind the scenes, with no need to actually polish your shoes in order to put your best foot forward. After all, who needs freshly polished shoes to write a targeted re-sume? Or a 3-piece suit to call Advocates? Unless you plan on meeting them in person, no one will ever know you're wearing faded jeans and a T- shirt.

That's why no aspect of the job search is as nerve-wracking as the interview. This is the time you must shine. Your suit must be perfect. Your smile must be perfect. The reason? Before you utter a single word you're being evaluated. Even though you are the CEO of your own business, you are nevertheless in “Sales and Marketing Mode" during the interview. Your appear-ance, demeanor, and body language will be carefully and silently scrutinized. The overall impression you give will

speak volumes about you before you ever get a chance to say “Hello.”

With such intense pressure, it makes sense to prepare for the interview with the same discipline an engineer uses to construct a high-rise.

Recharging Options

By Rod Colón

You can’t always control when you do certain tasks,

and some are bound to fall in your down time. This is where energy boosters are useful.

The best time-managers know which activities give them a boost when their energy is fading. They use this knowledge when faced with a demanding task at a time when they feel low. Think about what energizes you and then use this booster to give you an instant recharge when needed. Sometimes, just a change of pace will raise your energy levels. Different things work for different people, but you might like to try the following … try to pinpoint what makes you feel more energetic:

Get Moving: If your brain feels in need of a break, get up and do something that requires you to move around and use your muscles.

Refuel: Eat a snack, or drink a cup of coffee. This will give you the energy you need, or stimulate you to complete that task. Quick release carbohydrates (such as an energy bars) give an immediate boost, but can later leave you feeling drained. Slower-release carbohydrates (such as bread) take longer to act, but will sustain you for a longer period.

Listen to Music: Take a few minutes to switch off and listen to music that you find relaxing. Alternatively, listen to music that you find inspirational, exciting, and motivating.

Have a Chat: Talking to you co-workers can lift your mood and give you the break you need to focus on your work.

Take a Break: Most people tend to underestimate the energy boost that a simple break can give – it revitaliz-es you. Take at least three five-minute breaks each day. Use these short breaks to simply sit back and do nothing, or go for a short walk, or a moment of prayer. Soon you will realize that these short periods of relaxation vastly recharge your energy levels.

Return to Index

Volume 7, Issue 2

April-May, 2015

Page 8 of 11

Job search stalled? January 28, 2015 By Sherry Jordan Have you been searching for a position with a new

company, restarting your career, or applying for a new position in your current organization only to find that after posting dozens of resumes the phone is not ringing? It’s time to look at why.

There are a number of reasons why you may not be getting calls for interviews. Some of them may be in your control and others may not. They are all worth consider-ing.

Always apply inside your scope of training, educa-tion and experience. Often applicants decide to “go for it” even when they do not meet the qualifications. There was a time when you might have gotten a shot at a job that you were not qualified for but the marketplace has changed. Be sure you are qualified and then make sure your resume reflects the qualifications you have. Re-member that your resume is the only introduction you will get to this organization. For the employer to want to take next steps with you they must see that you are a good fit from the format and printed word. Promote yourself. Be clear on your accom-plishments. Brag a little and make sure your public in-formation (LinkedIn, job boards, resumes) matches. You might also consider not offering information that may cause an employer to adversely select you. Like it or not, hiring managers are human. While they should never adversely select for certain reasons, they may see a phone number from out of state and assume you do not live in the market or an exchange or address from miles away and worry you would tire of the commute.

There's more at this link:

http://northwestcoachinggroup.com/job-search-

stalled/

How to get your resume past HR's robotic gatekeepers

By Josh Fruhlinger, ITworld | Feb 5, 2015 3:00 AM PT You have two options when it comes to beating the

automated systems that filter resumes: You can go through them, or you can go around them. See the show at this link:

http://www.computerworld.com/article/2878974/h

ow-to-get-your-resume-past-hrs-robotic-

gatekeepers.html

S.A.V.V.Y. Networking is Effective Networking

by Lida Citroen Networking

There are many books, ar-ticles, blogs and speeches aimed at giving you the tools to be-come more effective at net-working. Many of them are very valid and packed with great information, but they can be a bit overwhelming.

Here, I’d like to simplify networking from a personal branding perspective by offer-

ing you tools and tips for becoming more effective at identifying potential networking relationships and building a great intentional network of contacts.

It all comes down to being S.A.V.V.Y.:

See what's S.A.V.V.Y. at this link:

http://www.careerattraction.com/s-v-v-y-

networking-effective-networking/

5 Ways to Always Be the Most Interesting Person in the Room

By Amanda Berlin We all know those people who seem to effortlessly

garner attention. They easily command a crowd and seem to shine in any social or professional gathering. What’s the secret? Are some people just naturally charismatic? Or is this a skill that can be cultivated?

You may have been this person. Maybe there was a moment in time when you felt particularly magnetic. What was going on in that moment, and how can you recapture that allure?

We all want to be interesting to others, even if we’re not necessarily comfortable being the center of attention.

Hidden Unemployment The group of unemployed individuals that are not counted

in the unemployment figures compiled and released by the government. This group exists because the official unemploy-ment figures only include people that are unemployed, but actively seeking a new employment opportunity. People who are working in an industry that doesn't utilize their skill set properly or those who have given up on looking for another job are not counted in the official figures and are thus considered a part of hidden unemployment.

Read more:

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/hidden-unemployment.html

Return to Index

Volume 7, Issue 2

April-May, 2015

Page 9 of 11

Being interesting makes us feel “seen.” It leads to oppor-tunities. It leads to influence.

Understanding what’s “attractive” can help in the pursuit of influence. The secret to being interesting is less about positioning yourself as someone particularly cul-tured, experienced, or worthy and more about what you offer to each individual with whom you interact.

Here is the inside track to being more interesting.

Full article>>https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-

ways-to-always-be-the-most-interesting-person-in-

the-room

Emails That Land Jobs: The Best Way To Shine In A Follow-Up Note

That’s how many emails most “working profession-als” send and receive every day.

The bad news? That’s a whole lot of noise—and it can feel difficult to pop out from the pile, especially when you’re trying to lock down a new job opportunity.

The good news? Most emails are poorly written, awk-ward, vague, or just plain boring. And when 99% of the incoming stream is blah-blah-beige, it doesn’t take too much effort to shine brighter than a disco ball.

So, what’s the best way to shine?

Read the full article at this link:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2013/07/22

/emails-that-land-jobs-the-best-way-to-shine-in-a-

follow-up-note/

4 Attitudes That Hinder Job Search This is a guest blog post by Sharon Hamersley. Let’s just say this first: job search can be frustrating,

exhausting, and at times demoralizing. It is hard to keep up a positive attitude in the face of so many challenges. But, your situation can become even more of a “downer” if you are not willing to adapt to the current realities of the job market.

Case in point – a recent letter to the editor in the Co-lumbus Dispatch. The writer gives many reasons why (one assumes) they have not been able to find a job:

See more at: http://www.timsstrategy.com/blog/4-

attitudes-that-hinder-job-search/

Ask the Receptionist These Questions While Waiting for Job Interview

By Thorin Klosowski We all know that one of the keys to a successful job

interview is to know a bit about the company's culture. To get a better view of that before the job interview, author

Tim Hurson suggests asking the receptionist a few simple questions.

The time you spend sitting in the waiting room wait-ing for the interview is a great opportunity to gather up some intel. Hurson has a few questions to ask the recep-tionist to help you with that task: See the questions here: http://lifehacker.com/ask-

the-receptionist-these-questions-while-waiting-for-

1677574491

Welcome to This Issue’s Tech Tip! Have a social media, tip-n-trick, or “know-how”

article to read and share? Email me! We will publish it in upcoming issues

bndaisak@verizon.net And many Thanks to Eric for this month’s must

read! Your posts are always welcomed! Check our next issue for another great Tech and

Social Media Tip!

LinkedIn Tags 10 Careers Where Job

Networks Matter Most [and least] By George Anders

How will you find your next job? Everyone wants a better strategy than simply clicking on an endless blur of hiring notices. A fresh study by LinkedIn highlights 10 types of careers where a strong personal network of con-tacts may pay off the most.

Return to Index

Volume 7, Issue 2

April-May, 2015

Page 10 of 11

In a blog post published today, data analytics special-ist Peter Rigano examined the range of LinkedIn contacts held by each member of the social network that got a new job in October 2014. His objective: to see what percent-age of them — at least six months before switching jobs — had established at least one connection with an employee or manager of the company that eventually hired them.

On average, he found, 16% of all hiring involved job candidates with well-established connections into their new employer. In some cases, Rigano writes, those con-nections may have led to formal job referrals. In other cases, candidates may simply have learned about job openings informally, through their professional network of friends, acquaintances and other contacts.

Keep reading:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/georgeanders/2015/0

3/09/linkedin-tags-10-careers-where-job-networks-

matter-most/ (Posted by Lavie Margolin in Winning Answers to 500 Inter-view Questions LinkedIn Group)

4 Things Employers Look For In LinkedIn And Resume Comparison

by Don Goodman

Even though a prospective employer may only have your resume, that’s not going to stop them from also re-searching to see what you have on LinkedIn. The fact is, if an employer is screening you, they are going to scour the Internet for information to make sure you are who you say you are on your resume.

So, what are employers looking at when they compare your resume to your LinkedIn profile and other social network profiles?

Here's the full article: http://www.careerealism.com/linkedin-resume-comparison/

Three Steps to Writing a Stellar LinkedIn Profile Summary

by William Arruda

In the new world of work, where people meet you online before they connect with you in person, your digi-tal profile has become essential to career success: Making your virtual world brand match your real-world brand is critical.

If you had to choose one digital branding profile to work on, focus on your LinkedIn profile. Why? Because, in business, it's often the first place people go when they want to check you out.

And even if someone starts with a Google search, they'll likely end up at your LinkedIn profile because it's

usually in the top 3 results Google displays. Therefore, having a stellar LinkedIn profile is not a nice-to-have; it's an essential personal branding tool.

Take the steps starting here: http://www.marketingprofs.com/articles/2015/26970/three-steps-to-writing-a-stellar-linkedin-profile-summary

3 Often Forgotten LinkedIn Tools That The Pros Use

Written by Alex Pirouz

There is no doubt LinkedIn has become one of, if not the most powerful marketing tools of the 21st Century. With over 300+ million members and 49% of them being key decision makers, it’s never been faster, easier and more cost effective to get your message in front of poten-tial clients, journalist, partners and even future employ-ees.

Whilst it’s a powerful marketing tool, in our experi-ence of training thousands of business owners we’ve real-ized that very few are using it to its full potential.

There are many tips, tricks and tools that most busi-ness owners don’t know about. So many, that we could literally write a book about it. However in this article, we’re going to focus on the top 3 LinkedIn tools that the professionals use.

Read more at http://www.jeffbullas.com/2015/02/02/3-often-forgotten-linkedin-tools-that-the-pros-use/

How to Use Twitter for Business and Marketing

By Charlene Kingston

Is Twitter a part of your social media marketing? Or have you let your Twitter marketing drop off late-

ly? In any case, with the latest Twitter updates, trends in

multi-screen usage and real-time marketing, you’ll likely want to take a fresh look at what Twitter has to offer.

Here’s a checklist of everything your business needs to do to get on (or back on) Twitter and start seeing great results.

Read more: http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-use-twitter-for-business-and-marketing/

Return to Index

Volume 7, Issue 2

April-May, 2015

Page 11 of 11

Lamplighter Volunteer Contributors Jerry Clifford is a Project and Program Manager experienced with all aspects of software

project development. As both employee and consultant he worked with some of the nation’s

premier companies including AT&T, Cisco Systems, and Merck. He holds a graduate degree in

mathematics, earned certifications in project management and information systems auditing

(CISA) and was elected to two terms as President of the EDP Auditors Association, New Jersey

Chapter. He is the published author of several technical and non-technical books on topics

ranging from computer math to car repair and carpentry.

Rod Colón — ETP Founder Master Networker, Professional Development, Executive Coach, Speaker, Author

Weekly Co-Host of Radio Show "YOUR CAREER IS CALLING"

Rod Colón Consulting, LLC

732-367-5580

www.rodcolon.com Rod is the author of the book Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs

Carl E. Reid, CSI — Executive Director www.carlereid.com Chief Operations Officer|

Running the Business of "ME"

Tel: 201-222-5390

Empowering Today's Professionals - www.ETPNetwork.org

Carl is Foreword Author in book Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs

Lamplighter Staff

Adelaida (Aida) Rodriguez is the Editor-in-Chief and Contributing Writer of the Lamplighter Newsletter.

She is a Project Manager Professional (PMP), Business Analyst/ Consultant at the Warranty Recovery

Specialist, LLC

adelaida.rodriguez1@verizon.net 732-404-0255

Eric Nilsson is the Compositor and Contributing Writer for Lamplighter. Eric enjoys the art and science of

newspaper layout. He has been an IT consultant at the Professional Service Group of New Brunswick

and previously worked for North Jersey Media Group (Bergen Evening Record) as a Project Manager and

Programmer/Analyst. Interests include economics, history, and journalism.

Email: ericnilsson@earthlink.net; LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericsnilsson

Barbara Daisak is the Lamplighter Contributing Writer & Proofreader. In addition, she is a Learning,

Training, & Development Specialist and Microsoft Certified Master Instructor. Barb is also an Instructor

Adjunct with the County Colleges of New Jersey with specialties in the Technology Training Divisions and

Corporate Training Programs.

Phone Numbers:732.863.4948 ― 732.616.2397-mobile

Email Barbara at: bndaisak@verizon.net

Return to Index

Lamplighter Survey As you can see, a number of changes have been made to Lamplighter to make reading easier and more enjoyable. The

articles have been crafted to be both light-hearted and informative, and navigation through Lamplighter has been made less clunky.

Please take a moment to answer the four Survey questions by clicking this link:

Lamplighter Survey