Spin Strategy™ - Tools for Intelligent Job Search

The First 5 Minutes. How To Kick-Off A Successful Interview

I'll be honest.  I can tell pretty quick whether you are likely a good fit for a job.  

And I can tell in the first 5 minutes.  

If that sounds unfair, wrong or short-sighted then you need to remember that we are all human. And that we all react very quickly to a variety of stimuli. Many of them are ones that we cannot even identify. Just a feeling but one that stays with you all the way to the group meeting where the candidate's fate is decided.

So even if I am not consciously aware of all the stimuli, I will tell you that there are things that I am conscious of and do look for in the first 5 minutes.  You know what they say about a good first impression, right?

So, whether this is exactly right or not, here's the truth from my viewpoint.  As an interviewer over twenty years and as a job seeker on the other side of the desk.

1st MINUTE

Your approach is important.  The way you walk and carry yourself.  The way you communicate with whoever is guiding you to my office matters.  I am looking for confident but not full of yourself. Friendly but not too comfortable. If you are tentative on the way in, that's a problem.  It's important that you act as if you deserve to be there.

Look nice.  No frayed shirts.  No twisted neck ties.  Shine your shoes.  New, clean coat.  Should be obvious.  Be hydrated.  Dry mouth helps no one.  The presentation of you as a candidate starts with how prepared you look.  How you speak.  

Your handshake says something.  We all know this, right?  So why are there so many bad handshakes? A confident, inviting smile tells me you are relaxed. That helps everyone else relax.  Immediate and consistent eye contact.  Introduce yourself to me.  Now I know how to pronounce your name and you get a chance to say it with pride.  It tells me you are engaged and ready.  You are not sweating or breathing hard.  It says you got there early and had plenty of time to check in and rest your legs.

2nd MINUTE

Say "thank you" for the opportunity and grab a seat once I do.  Thank you? Sure, why not?  I had a lot of people to choose from in that stack of resumes. Oh, and everybody likes to hear it.  Tell me something that lets me know this is an important interview and that you are excited for the opportunity.  Not desperate.  Appreciative.

Engage in a little light banter before my questions begin.  Have a few intro questions to lighten the moment.  Allows me to see you as a possible co-worker vs. someone with whom I am jousting.

Appear comfortable.  Be interested in me and in the company from the start. And also? Provide long or short answers to each question, as appropriate.  Open ended questions are asked to elicit a deeper, more detailed response.  Have one ready.  Closed ended questions are asked to get specific details.  Be ready with those, too.

3rd MINUTE

Keep eye contact.  Have good posture.  Says you haven't relaxed or become complacent.  When in doubt, provide a shorter answer.  This allows you to hit with your best points.  Allowing me a follow-on as necessary.  Meandering or long answers early in the interview says that you are winging it.  Or that you aren't sure what I was asking.  So you provide the whole truth.  And then some.

Ask me to clarify a question.  Ask me if an answer was satisfactory.  It says, early on, that you care that I am getting the right information.  And it will guide you as well.

4th MINUTE

Include key "leave behind" points in your answers.  Start doing so in your response to an open ended question that gets to career summary ("Tell me about yourself").  Guide me back to successes, traits or key accomplishments. These allow me to envision your repeating those someday on my team. 

Be real.  Be honest. Give me the sense that you are the real person I am interviewing. Not someone who is trying desperately to fit a certain stereotype. If you get a question that forces you to admit a lack of perfect fit, admit it and move on.  Don't create a new past for yourself.

5th MINUTE

Look for an opportunity to ask a follow-on question.  Keeps interview conversational.  Like the beginning of a solid and trusting partnership.  Inquire about my challenges, team objectives and goals for the next few years. While I may not leave you an obvious hole in my questioning, look to ask one at the end of an answer to a prior question.  Understand my situation and you can better position yourself to be part of the solution.

Be interesting.  Make key points by inflection and emphasis.  Displays focus, understanding and passion.  In short, give me solid indications that you are someone with whom I should spend the entire 45-60 minutes.  Make me want to get deep into your background.  Tease me with an interesting story of how you creatively solved a big problem.  Paint me a bright picture and get me involved.  Engaged in what happened and the role you played. 

Establish yourself not just as a pursuer but also as the pursued.  I expect to be interviewed as well. Early and throughout.  You are not taking over the interview, but rather looking for openings to gain the information you need to make a separate and independent decision about whether the company is right for you.

So . . . 

Your first five minutes should read like the back cover of a good spy novel. Convince me there is a great story with you.  That you are a great character.  Well developed, interesting and driven to have a big impact.  One that compels me to dig deep and read on.  But don't wait too long to begin sharing some of those juicy details.  Show me your best traits early and keep the measurable examples coming.

I've got a business to run and grow.  And I need someone's help to do it.  

Make those first 5 minutes count.

ALSO, READ THESE RELATED POSTS:

The 5 Keys To Successful Information Interviews

How to Prepare For A Successful Interview. Take A Sip™.

Quick Tip - Don't meander in job interviews

Twitter. Like A Walk In The Park.

I wrote a post a few months back as a primer for folks who are new to Twitter. Who are looking for work and want to understand how social media can contribute to successful career networking.  You can read that post below if you haven't already . . .

Twitter for Job Search.  OK, But What Do I Say?

Yes, there are people out there who are completely confused.   They are also pushing back on those who suggest they "get going".  Of course, the pushers are trying to help.  They've seen the light.

So, today's post is going to come at it a different way.  It was inspired by two events yesterday.  

First, a meeting with @NealSchaffer who is an expert at using Linkedin (you can read his blog called Linkedin Questions).  We talked a lot about Twitter, our philosophies re: connecting on Linkedin and about our plans to take over the world.  Not necessarily in that order.

The second was my decision to go on a run.  And the run itself.  You see it has been a while since I ran the marathon.  Too long.  Sure, I've run in the gym. But treadmills are more like a bounce house than a real run on hot pavement. Cars screaming by.  Looking for shade (even if it added more distance to the run).  It was hot yesterday.

After running a little under three miles, I stopped on the path and began to walk.  And sweat.  Looking for a water fountain.  No luck.

Of course, I started thinking.  A few new ideas came up for Quixoting. And I remembered something I always used to do when running during my 2007 job search.  As I passed people, I always wondered:

What's their story?

What's important to them? 

What do they do for a living?

So as I walked the remaining half mile on the path, I started doing this again. If I were to guess, during my walk I saw a university professor, a stay at home mom, a sales guy, a retired couple, a graphic artist and a barista.  To name a few.

Now, you can say those are just judgments based on appearances. Yep.  And I remember wishing I could know for sure.

Well, isn't that kind of the value Twitter offers?  Think of the Twitter stream as people walking past you in the park.  And you are making judgments on them based on their avatars.  Or lack thereof.

We all do that, right?  Not just me?

The cool thing about Twitter is that you don't have to guess any more.  Most people using Twitter will tell you a few things about themselves.  A quick summary.  Those who don't will get less value.  If they use Twitter for business or blogging, they'll tell you their url and you can go learn even more.  You can then follow them, RT (re-tweet) an idea of theirs and begin a conversation and potentially a friendship.

All this from the comfort of your office chair, couch or swimming pool.

And until personal bios start popping up above the heads of walkers and runners on the path, Twitter is a great place to get to know the world, to network and, yes, potentially find a job.

So, for all of the regular followers here on Spin Strategy.  And for all the casual observers who have yet to sign up for the feed or e-mail updates, go to Twitter today, create an account (before all the good names are gone) and get started.

Oh, start by following me @SpinStrategy and @Quixoting.  And follow Neal.

Yes, it will feel weird at first.  

But keep going.

Minding Your P's And Q's During Job Search

I had a couple of other titles for this post. Including: "50 Bumpy Minutes To Vegas". This one actually made sense as I am actually about 5 minutes into what is promised to be a very turbulent ride to sin city. 

You see, it's 108 degrees F in Vegas today. So, since the flight attendants are seat-belted in with chicken wire, I can start this post a bit early (they won't know a thing). 

I actually was going to write this post last week as I was spurred on by some fellow passengers on another flight. They were carrying bags that were not in their control and I picked up a few black eyes as a result. 

If you can tell - maybe you can't - I'm a pretty patient guy. Really. But what I struggle with is people who don't have the common courtesies firmly grasped. Because it is so easy to be considerate of others.

So the example I'll share from last week (as a set-up) has to do with people loading the plane and taking out rows of other passengers with their carry-on luggage. It's true. On my last flight, I got on early. First mistake. I had an aisle seat near the front. Second mistake. I didn't bring my catcher's gear. Final mistake. 

Anyway, I got: 

 - hit in the face with the corner of a purse 

 - jabbed in the shoulder with a briefcase 

 - shellacked by the sleeve of a leather jacket 

Now, you may ask: "Was I leaning out in the aisle? Nope. Was I being rude and thereby deserving of a jolt? Me? Heavens no. You may also say. Relax. Accidents happen. People always have too much to carry and often those items are bulky, right? But I don't buy it. I was there and looked them straight in the eye. 

They had no clue. None. 

These people couldn't see the forest OR the trees. And were blind to the havoc they were causing. 

So after the third incident - which was thankfully the last - I just smiled. What else could I do? Oh, and I started looking around for hidden cameras. 

In job search, these folks are not intentionally rude. They just don't know the rules of the road. If you've ever played golf with someone who stepped on your line without so much as an embarrassed glance, you know the type. And the problem is that the victims of this type of crime while networking won't be smiling... 

So how do you know if you are committing these acts of job search infidelity? 

Pay attention to the people around you. Are they staring at you with an incredulous expression? If so, you may have just stepped in it. 

If you get to a networking event and are not sure how to act, hang out for a bit and watch others. Or go up to a volunteer and ask: how does this work? A friendly person will help you by providing a walk through. 

If you are not sure about networking protocol with a variety of new networking contacts, well, ask them! "Is it OK if I call you next week to set up a coffee?" or "Can I share your e-mail with a few others that could benefit from knowing you?" 

My main point here is to be conscious of what you say and do when meeting new folks. Because these new folks will become your psychological safety net as you progress in your search. Or...they will run to the hills when they see you coming. 

Your choice. 

Oh, and please forgive any spelling errors. This was a bumpy flight. 

 Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

The 5 Keys To Successful Information Interviews

I wrote a post recently in which I suggested that an elite class of employed folks wasn't doing its solemn duty.  The duty?  To play a proactive and positive role to support the effort of job seekers.  You can read that post here.

After I wrote that post, I received a very important reminder from a networking friend. While my post included a warning for job seekers (i.e. respect your network, say thank you, and don't ask for too much), he reminded me of the pink elephant in the networking room.

That elephant is the fact that too many job seekers break the social contract of networking.  They have effectively pushed some very influential employed executives out of the game.  Those executives are no longer helping job seekers because their experience is that job seekers take advantage.

Specifically, he said, job seekers are blowing it during information interviews. The classic "bait and switch". 

The big "no no"?  Asking for or about a job during the interview.

Now, some of you in transition may say:  "Are you kidding me?  I go through all the trouble to do this, and I can't even ask about a job?  Sounds like a long run for a short slide!"

If that's in your head, then you need to go to networking reform school.  I personally think that most job seekers that make this mistake, however, do so out of ignorance or desperation.  But it doesn't matter why you did it.  You did it.

And as soon as you do, the original value of networking goes out the window. Instead of leaving an executive with a positive impression of you, you have put them on the defensive and have reminded them of why they normally avoid information interviews.

You see, information interviews are somewhat counter-intuitive to a job seeker.  It is not about immediate value (although that can be the result).  It is first about learning.  It is also about leaving a good impression.

And you can't leave a good impression if you put any pressure on this person who has kindly given up 30 minutes of their day for you.  Sorry.

So, what are the benefits of information interviews anyway?

Well, I think there are three:

1. You learn vital information about a company, industry or management team.  This is the primary value that should be understood by both parties.  It can help you determine whether or not your experience/skills are a good match.  You may actually find that the best result of an informational interview is that you don't think there's a match.  Good to know.
2. By doing the above well, you leave a positive impression with a key and potentially influential person in your target company or industry.  
3. You may learn of others with whom you can have a similar discussion.  On some occasions, you may even get a few job leads.  

Notice that I didn't include "get a job"?  That's because information interviews are one of the building blocks of a strong job search networking effort.   So you have to have a lot of patience here.

Are you a patient person?

If not, you will lose out on the great potential value.  If impatient and desperate for quick results, you will push away the very person who might help you.

So, I'll use myself as an example.  Here's my career bio:

Industry Expertise:  

Consumer Packaged Goods, Automotive Accessories, Computer Accessories

Function:  

Marketing (Product and Brand Management)

Level:  

Vice President

Geography:  

Southern California (primarily Orange County)

Company History:  Nestle, Tree Top, Kensington Technology Group, Mauna Loa Macadamias, Meguiar's Car Wax, Horizon Food Group

So, here are the 5 keys to successful information interviews.  If you'd like to talk to me about any of the above . . .

1. COMMUNICATE WELL  Send me a nice note on Linkedin or regular e-mail.  In the note, tell me how you found me (referral, Linkedin, etc). Introduce yourself (and don't start with "I'm in transition").  Tell me what your objectives are in wanting to talk.  Have someone else read the note to see if the tone is right.  Positive and thankful vs. desperate and demanding.  :-)  Suggest a few times that will work for you (so I can choose one) and offer to meet me anywhere (my office is often good/easy or a local Starbucks).  Be clear about how much time you need (30 minutes feels right to me).
2. MIND YOUR P's and Q's  Be on time and dress appropriately.  I don't personally need you in business dress, but it should either match my dress or at least be a nice business casual.  Some may expect you in a suit. Have a resume, but don't give it to me unless I ask for it.
3. STICK TO YOUR OBJECTIVES  Re-read your note to me before you arrive and stick to those objectives unless I open up other avenues with you. This is the first risk for you in information interviews.  If you pull a "bait and switch", I will not feel good about you.  My mindset will change very quickly and, even more important, my interest in helping you will diminish.  
4. DON'T ASK FOR A JOB  Do not, under any circumstances, ask for a job or inquire about possible positions opening in the near future.  This is the second risk and is truly the nuclear option. Because it can destroy the good faith partnership we started.  But, no fear.  You know why?  I already know that you are looking for a job.  So if you follow these guidelines and leave me feeling "appropriately utilized", I will want to help you find one.  It is OK to ask (at the end) if there is anyone else that I think you may benefit from meeting.  Again, assuming that you will follow these same rules.  If you do it right with me then lose your scruples with my network, I will pay the price. And so will you.  If you do meet with a friend of mine based on my recommendation, follow up with me and let me know how it went.  That may prompt a communication about you with my network.  Buzz is good! 
5. SAY THANK YOU  Say a hearty "thank you" and follow up with one (written is nice but an e-mail is OK too). After our introduction, I would also be open to your asking to connect on Linkedin. You can also ask: "how can I help you?"  

So, what can you expect after our meeting?  Well, maybe nothing. If you are disappointed then you still don't get it. 

But more than likely, I will think of someone for you to call. I may send you a list of networking groups in your industry. I may tell a recruiter about you (assuming you fit a search).

Think about all of this as learning something important about an industry or company, meeting someone new and, yes, creating some good karma in the work world.

Good things come to those who wait.  

Those who push their personal agenda in networking end up, well, waiting.  And wondering what happened.

The Art Of Connecting On Linkedin

Since I started writing this blog and created the Spin Strategy website, Linkedin group and Twitter account, I get a lot of requests to connect on Linkedin. That's great because I am really enjoying the process of meeting and often helping many new people.

But I'll tell you it is a lot of work.  

Frustrating some times.  

If you've been a reader of this blog for a while, you know that I am more of LAMB than a LION (Linkedin Open Networker) and require at least a phone call before I connect with someone new on Linkedin.  

That policy (see below for related posts) requires a number of e-mails back and forth to coordinate a time to talk.  And then there's the talking.  I ask for 5 minutes but most calls go for 15-20.

Related posts:

What's Your Linkedin Policy?

Are You a LION Or A Lamb?  How To Survive On Linkedin.

A Top 10.  The Best Job Search Groups on Linkedin.

Linkedin Job Search Groups . . . After You Join.

And I have no problem taking that time in the early morning and evenings because for me it has paid off in stronger networking relationships.  Ones that I can tap down the road if I need to do so.

So this post is a quick reminder of that . . .

If you want to connect with me on Linkedin . . . great!  But please don't send me a one-liner. 

"I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn."

I'm not that easy.

Marleen Graham who manages a Linkedin group called Success Through Networking, started a discussion there this week about the best ways to approach people on Linkedin.  Go join her group and check out that interesting discussion.

I added an example there of a nice note someone wrote to me.  They introduced themselves, told me how they found out about me and considered how our connecting on Linked might benefit us both. 

Simple and very effective.

Please.  Take the time to approach people with respect.  And make sure you personalize every note you write on Linkedin.

It matters. 

Even the LIONs like a little love and attention now and then . . .

By the way, if you are still unsure about how to connect on Linkedin (LION or Lamb), I encourage you to read an excellent post by Neal Schaffer (a great guy and a proud LION).  He writes the Linkedin Questions Blog.  You can read his post via the link below:

Why Are You A Linkedin Open Networker (LION)?

When Your Elevator Pitch Has A Pitch Problem

Is it safe to assume that everyone in America has watched American Idol?  Based on the vote tally each week during the season, I think it is a fair bet.  And if you've seen the show, you've seen the caricatures that do the judging.  The caricatures include hip/cool, sure/sensible, loving/kind and rude/contrarian. They play their roles pretty well, actually.  As if they were reading off a script . . . hmmm.

One of the key things we are supposed to be listening for during American Idol is something called "pitch".  According to one caricature (Randy), singers on idol can be a little "pitchy".  Well, I never really looked for a specific definition for the word.  So tonight as I began to think about your elevator pitch, I figured this was a pretty good time to get the definition right.

So, if you want info on pitch, where do you go?  Well, here at Spin Strategy, we went to the folks at Sing Like A Pro.  Why?  Wouldn't you?

The link above tells you everything you'd probably want to know about pitch.  But, a short summary from the site can be found below:

"Going off pitch when singing is also called going "off key", and it means that you sing a slightly different note then you intended to. Usually, you end up hitting a note that's a little bit higher or lower then what you were aiming for. 

This is called going sharp (a little too high) or flat, which is a little too low. Everyone goes off key sometimes, but some people have a hard time controlling their pitch. Of course, there are ways to correct pitch problems." 

We all do our own judging when out at networking events, don't we?  I know I do.  I love to listen to the variety of voices and accents.  I also love to hear what people actually say and wonder whether that was what they planned to say.  Are they off key or just new at sharing their careers with others?

So, in this post I'd like to to help you with your pitch problems.  If you have them, that is.  I'll tell you my top 10 keys to an effective elevator pitch.  So, without further delay . . .

Top 10 Keys To An Effective Elevator Pitch

1. Speak up!  If everyone in the room or around the table can't hear you, you've already lost.  Use your outside voice when inside or outside.  It helps you command the group's attention and makes a statement that what you are saying is worth hearing.  And, you know what, if I can't hear your first few words, I'll stop trying too hard. 
2. Look at your audience!  Yes, every one of them if you can.  If the group has a leader and you address all of your comments to them, well, you lost me again.  Oh, and everyone else in the room who was previously open to learning about you is also off in wonder land.
3. Like to talk?  Engage your filter!  If the rules say 30 or 60 seconds, please don't take twice that time.  It is unfair to the others especially as networking groups get larger and require more time for this part of the meeting.  Even more important?  You lose people after a minute and you may not even have reached your best information yet.
4. Stand up and move around!  Please don't sit.  Don't stand next to your seat.  And once up in the front of the room, try to move around a bit.  Your physical movement, like the strength of your voice, helps to send a message that you are sharing something interesting.  What does it mean to move around "a bit"?  Two or three steps each way is fine.  If you find yourself across the room after 10 seconds, rein yourself in.
5. Pauses, small breaths and other ways to create emphasis.  I've heard a few people give an elevator pitch that sounded more like a speed reading.  Remember, this should be conversational.  So, pause after an important point or a big accomplishment.  Place emphasis on certain other points you want people to remember.  Be in control of what people hear and what ends up on the floor.  
6. Smile and be approachable!  Being in transition does not warrant a eulogy.  Your elevator pitch is not a time to be solemn, over-confident or otherwise serious.  You can be confident about your skills and experience but make sure your delivery creates interest and followers.  Ever heard the "how great I am" elevator pitch?  Ever want to go up and introduce yourself to that person after?  Me neither. 
7. Offer to help others!  An elevator pitch that is solely focused on your transition needs will not garner the genuine attention and interest of others.  Nope.  Everyone has something to offer.  So make sure you include something selfless in your words.  
8. Include your specific job objectives!  What are you looking for in your search?  If you don't provide specific and tangible objectives to your network, they will likely forget about you.  Or at least forget why they thought they should remember you.  How do you do this?  Build the objectives into your one sheet or networking card.  Also, make sure to throw out the names of a few target companies.  Oh, and share your Watchlyst with the group.  That way they can keep track of you and others much easier!
9. Be Interesting! Find a way to make your career accomplishments relevant and interesting to everyone. Avoid using industry specific jargon that only you and a few others will understand. Use brief and specific examples of what makes you different from everyone else who sat in those chairs.  I am sitting here waiting for you to say something that will allow me to remember you. What are you passionate about?  Really!
10. Recognize others!  If you heard something interesting from another networker who spoke before you, re-emphasize it. That says to the group that you were listening earlier and have more than just your own success in mind.  You may also create an opportunity for further networking with that person as the open networking portion begins.  This is networking with a purpose.      

Of course this discussion has been almost entirely focused on the most common format for the modern elevator speech.  

You.  Standing in front of 10-50 people.  No elevator.  And a timer (if the group is lucky). 

Really this is more of an introduction, isn't it?  

You are introducing yourself to the network that may be able to help you find your next job.

So here's a format for your introduction that may help.  It's called BigPitch™ because it's just you. 

In front of a big room or a big group of people . . .

Download BigPitch

Nice to meet you.  I hope.

Are You A Member Of The Employed Elite?

I hear stories all the time.  Stories from job seekers who are struggling to network into a target company.  They are qualified for the job.  As are hundreds of others.  Unfortunately.

Of course there are some great working people out there who have learned the lesson of selfless networking.  Perhaps they had a recent out of work experience or maybe they were just brought up in business that way.  But, you know what?

There's not enough of you.

And here's my challenge for you.  One that may have some uncomfortable with the characterization.  But this world is experiencing hard times unlike any other period in recent history.  In America and, in fact, throughout the world.

So . . .

Are You Employed?  Stop Looking Down On Job Seekers!

If you do have a job, you may be part of this elite class.  You may not think that you are, but you might be. Sorry, but when you are looking for work it feels like there is some elitism out there.  Why else wouldn't someone help me?

Now.  If you are working and read this post.  I'll go where a lot of you are heading:

"Don't hate me because I have a job"

"I work 12 hours a day.  When do I have time to network?"

"Job seekers can be rude and expect too much!"

There are others reasons why people say they don't or can't help.  You may want to add your own argument as a comment to this post.  But to any/all of these reactions, I say B.S.

That's a technical term for "I don't buy it".  And I'm not saying that just because I think the above reactions are excuses.  They are.  Is there some truth in there?  Of course!

So, whether you are a member of the employed elite or just employed, here's how you can step up and provide support for a job seeker in need:

1. Join a local networking group or Linkedin group and attend a monthly meeting.  Your presence will be highly welcomed by job seekers.  Why?  You can meet and help people right then.  Oh, and if a year from now you find yourself out of work, you will not be starting your own networking from scratch.  Big bonus, that one.
2. Make yourself open for weekly or monthly informational interviews.  What does that mean?  You allow a job seeker (veteran or college grad) to come learn about your company, industry or function.  To sit with you for 30 minutes and ask you questions.  In a no-pressure setting, you get to meet potential future employees and they get to learn about you.
3. Answer the phone with a smile.  Job seekers are already a bit nervous about calling.  If you can answer the phone and spend 5 minutes with someone, they will be very thankful for a chance to touch base.  If they start asking for too much, feel free to tell them so.
4. Be open to Linkedin contacts.  You don't have to connect with them if you don't want to, but if passed along by someone you trust . . . why not help?
5. Start a Watchlyst and keep your eyes open for a job that might be a good fit for those in your network that are actively looking.  Especially if you are busy, this is a great way to help!

Now, I included a comment above that I have heard from other employed folks.  About job seekers being rude and asking for too much.  OK, job seekers.  Your job is to treat your networking contacts and those you wish to contact with respect and kindness.

Because there are many out there who tried to help and got burned in the process.  And now are very careful as they decide who to help.  I can understand that feeling.

Job seekers, as a group, you have to agree to the following job seekers networking pledge:

I, STATE YOUR NAME, agree to (1) treat networking contacts with respect, (2) say thank you, (3) take no more than a few minutes unless offered more, (4) not embellish a relationship that isn't there, (5) ask before sharing the name and e-mail of a contact with others.

Because if networking becomes a free for all without rules, more and more working professionals will be forced into the employed elite class.  A group they never intended to join.  But, when pushed, walk through the open door.

At the end of the day, it feels great to help someone find a contact, learn about an industry, or (the ultimate) find a job.  Because when you do, think about the people around that job seeker that you are supporting.  Almost everyone I meet has a spouse, a few kids, a mortgage.  That stuff pulls on you.

And if you can help?  Go for it.

I Can't Be Out Of Leads . . . I Still Have Resumes Left!

Do you have a job search strategy?  Are you sure?

Ever heard this one before?  

"I can't be out of leads . . . I still have resumes left!"

Probably not.  But if you are a recruiter or a hiring manager/HR person, it may feel like it some days.

Of course this headline is stolen from the old joke about a false relationship between checks in your checkbook and money in the bank.  But I think the concept works here.  In a different way.

Here it says that job seekers mistake the ability to do something with the value in doing something. Precisely, I'm trying to help you avoid wasting your time and the time of the hiring community.

The direct advice?  

Don't do things just because you can.  Do them because they are part of a strong and well-planned job search strategy.

This advice has relevance in a number of places within job search.  The basic point?  Have a purpose for everything you do.  Here are a few examples where you can be more purposeful in your decision-making during job search:

Applying For Jobs

How do you decide what jobs to apply for?  Referral from a friend?  New alert from Monster.com? There will always be temptations due to the nature of being in transition.  Most of us while looking want to stop looking and find a job (I say most as some really love being out and free!).  And anything that looks kind of close gets our heart palpitating.

There will always be a temptation to throw your resume at every position that only:

1. includes your function (marketing)
2. falls in your industry (health care) 
3. is at your level (director)   

Why?  Well, why not, right?  What is hurt by you throwing your hat in the ring? One extra resume can't really overburden the system!  Well, that's not the point.  It's you wasting time.

Read this post below for another angle on this . . .

Quick Tip - Unqualified For A Job? Don't Apply.

Sending Resumes To Companies When No Job Exists

Generally this falls under the category of don't do it.  Again, you might say, "why not?".  And again I will say: why waste your time?  The odds that someone in HR will open your resume, see your experience and say "Hey, we need to create a job for this person" are pretty small.  You should be networking with others to find jobs that exist first.

Now, can you build relationships in target companies in advance of a job being available?  Yes.  And I think this makes sense.  Because at that same time you can be asking for names of other companies or other contacts where there may be some jobs opening up.  So, the distinction is in the method.  If part of your job search strategy is to network your way into your top 5 target companies, do it in person. Sending a blind resume or including that company as part of a mass mailing campaign is a waste of time.  My opinion.

Going To Group Networking Events

Again, it's decision time.  There are a lot of events out there now for job seekers and serial networkers.  But they are not all worth attending.  If you think that you are better out every night networking than at home with family or friends, you are wrong.  Networking events can be fantastic. They can also be a great time waster.  Include the use of networking events as a integral part of your job search strategy and then stick to that strategy.  How to decide which ones to attend?  See this prior post . . .

Networking Events. Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

Agreeing To Individual Networking Meetings

As you get into your search, especially if you become a person to know, others will want to meet with you.  You will also likely have a list of people that you'd like to meet.  Folks who have connections in your industry, are currently working in your industry or have some other influence that you find valuable. While these one-on-one meetings can be valuable, they can also become a burden if unproductive.  My thoughts here:

1. Each should have a purpose - this is not social time
2. Keep them under an hour - 30 minutes is a good target 
3. Share specific job objectives - via your SoloSheet™ or FlashCard™
4. Ask how you can help and actually do it
5. Say thank you and follow-up at least once

For more networking do's and don'ts . . .

11 Keys To Successful Job Search Networking

9 Ways To Bruise A Networking Relationship

So the message today is have a purpose.  Do things because they are smart and efficient.  Because they are a part of a larger, well planned strategy.

Now, I'm not saying there isn't room for adjustment along the way.  Did I ever pursue a long shot during job search?  Of course.  None of us will do this perfect!

But plan the right effort.  Instead of letting impulse drive your activity.

And.  If you have resumes left at the end of the day . . . 

save them for tomorrow.

Running Through The Pain of Job Search

I ran my first and (so far) my last marathon in 2007.  While not a breathtaking course visually, the Orange County Marathon left me huffing and puffing more than once on an unusually warm and breezy day in January.

When thinking about the marathon, it reminded me of the time that I dedicated to train for it. And the time I had later that year when I found myself looking for work.  As I have shared before, while an out of work experience can be stressful and frustrating, it is also your single best opportunity to get back in shape.  And it feels really good to be in shape.  

So I started thinking about how I could frame some job search ideology in the context of running the marathon.  Can you think of a few worthy comparisons? Well, if not, perhaps this will "jog" a few loose.

SUCCESSFUL MARATHON RUNNERS ARE:

Well trained in advance of their race day

You've heard me say it before that week one of your job search is not the best time to begin networking.  So if you have found yourself in this spot, you'll have to make do.  If you are working and haven't started, well, get started. Networking is the single biggest skill you need to succeed in today's job market. And, while a good personality helps, don't plan on just winging it.  For a few tips:

Hey, Mr. Life Of The Party. Shouldn't You Be Networking?

Prepared for the worst

Your job search can end happily in four to six weeks but it can also continue for six, nine or twelve months. Sometimes longer depending on the market, your industry experience and your ability to stand out in an interview process.  If you plan for four to six weeks and get six months, what happens to your psychology (confidence) during weeks eight to ten?  It starts to get a bit shaky, right?  Now, I am not saying assume the worst.  Just be ready for it.  Mentally.  And, for sure, financially.  Thoughts from a prior post:

The Danger of Being an Optimist in Job Search

Constantly looking for training partners

It may seem like it, but job search is not a solo sport.  Those who choose to go it alone will find life a bit troubling.  Without a community around you for support, you will struggle.  Sorry if that sounds harsh.  There are so many great things to be shared during this time in life - in addition to your learnings and experiences with other job seekers.  Sharing job leads with others (even those in your same profession) builds good rapport and, I believe, good karma with the job search community.  So, look for friends.  Not as a crutch or as a social party friend.  But as a partner in job search success. More tips:

Job Search Etiquette. If I Had A Spot On My Tie, Would You Tell Me?

Well equipped with the latest tools

Runners have all sorts of cool new gadgets and rarely will you see someone still training in Dolphin shorts.  So why allow your job search to fall victim to the status quo?  Old tools are for old job search strategies.  Ones that are not effective in today's competitive job market.  Linkedin, Twitter to name a few have to be on your list.  Indeed for effective job leads.  Don't be the one afraid to try new things. Because companies are finding their new employees with these new tools.  If you're not there, you're not there.  Here are a few more tools:

5 Free Must-Have Tools For Intelligent Job Search

Follow Spin Strategy On Twitter!

Unwilling to give up

There are days, to be sure, that job search feels like a losing battle.  No leads. No call backs.  No love. If those stretch into weeks - and they can - you need to remember that you have a strategy.  You are networking for a reason.  You are, hopefully, acting on every opportunity to meet new people, sharing your job objectives and offering to help them in return.  Or, even better, in advance. Successes will come and go.  You only need one lead to turn into a job - not all of them.  Read my story below about not giving up . . .

Don't Give Up And Don't Drop Something Important Into A Fish Pond

Looking for new ideas

One of the things I have said about this blog is that it would be about ideas. So, I offer you this blog as a relatively regular stream of ideas to help you succeed in job search.  There are many other good sources.  Resume writers, career coaches and recruiters all can be great sources of information.  For other job search blogs that I like, please check out my blog roll (to the right). And the post just below.

10 Reasons You Should Regularly Read A Job Search Blog

Supportive of other racers in your group

Have you joined any networking groups in your community?  Any groups on Linkedin?  No?  Really?  If not, get started on this tomorrow.  If you need help here, drop me a note and I will get you started.  It is that important.  Once you are in a Linkedin group, read this advice.  In addition to offering job leads, you can share your tricks of the trade or just a shoulder to lean on.  Yes, even us tough job seekers need a little warm cocoa from time to time.  Want to join my group on Linkedin?  The process is painfully simple.  Click the link below and tell 'em Tim sent you.

Join The Spin Strategy Linkedin Group

Confident and ready to take off on their own

So remember up above when I said that job search was not a solo effort?  Well, there is a time in job search when you need to let go.  When you have found that great job.  The one that matches your job objectives with a culture that screams your personality and work style.  And when you are ready to leave the search community and head back into the world of the working.  And, believe me, there are some that cling to the freedom of job search.  You also need to be confident to run when the opportunity shows itself.  Without looking back as you set a pace faster than those behind you. Especially if their pace has you feeling lazy and complacent.  That happens too.  One story below . . .

Are You In Hot Pursuit? The Importance Of Having A Sense Of Urgency In Job Search.

So, those are mine.  How about you?  Any marathoners or aspiring marathoners out there?

Feel tired just thinking about it?  Think your race will be a short one?  

Well, here's my advice.  

If you plan to run a 5k and end up on the 10k or half-marathon course, let's hope you've packed a few extra energy bars.

Oh, and here's hoping you won't have a strong warm breeze in your face on race day.

We Are Orange County! But Sven Started It.

This post is about two topics.  

The first is about a guy named Sven who lives in Orange County, Ca and started a new Linkedin group. Its purpose? To get our county recognized by Linkedin as a separate place from "The Greater Los Angeles Area".  And while this effort is not quite as emotionally charged as the city of Anaheim's fight with the Angels baseball team, it means something. To those of us here in California.

To join Sven's Linkedin group and, by default, the cause click here.  He's up to 1,350 members in just a few weeks.  Also, if you know any big shots at Linkedin, tell them about Sven's effort.

Now, the second topic relates back to a blog post I wrote in December 2008. Quick Tip - Looking For Work? Become A "Must Have" Connection discussed the value of, well, creating value.

As a job seeker, it is sometimes hard to stand out.  So the advice was to find a way to add value to your network.  The article provides a few suggestions, but I'd like to let Sven's effort stand as the example for today.

Although Sven is no longer looking for work (he arrived at his new job a few weeks back), he has now become "someone to meet" at local networking events.  He took action (a small risk) and took some of his valuable time to create something new.  Who knew how people would react?

As a result, there are 1,350 people in Orange County, CA who will arrive at local meet-ups and networking events thinking . . .

I wonder if Sven is here today?  I'd like to meet that guy!

And that is a powerful way to build a network - for the long term.  

How will YOU do it?

On The Job Hunt? What's Your Angle?

A couple of weeks ago I re-learned something about life that makes for a good living analogy in job search.

It happened one afternoon as I was doing an errand at a local business office here in Mission Viejo.  It started innocently enough.

I get out of the car and circle the back end of the Jeep to head up the parking lot toward a main door. Once in view of the rest of the parking lot, I notice another person apparently heading to the same building entrance.  And he's walking about my same speed.

Wanting to avoid an awkward meeting at the door, I begin to pick up the pace. And, once there, I can choose whether my speed was enough to get in quickly or whether it would be easier to wait a few moments to hold the door.  Does this sound anti-social?  I guess it does.  But it is a part of our culture so I try to have fun with it.

Am I the only one who thinks about this stuff?

Of course, the other option was to slow down and let him get there first. There, now he has the moral dilemma!  But I decided I wanted to beat him there.  I was in a bit of a hurry having a few more errands to run that afternoon.

Well, as I picked up the pace, I noticed that it wasn't helping.  Despite a spring in my step, it appeared that all was lost.  We shared a few respectful glances as we got closer and I, in respect for his apparent victory, slowed my pace and let him him reach the door with a healthy gap between his and my arrival. 

And, you know what?  He didn't hold the door and he didn't say hello.

So what did I learn here?  

He had a better angle.  

And, as a result, required less effort to achieve his desired result.

And there are a lot of other examples in life where a better angle or a better approach wins the day. Think about a defensive back in football trying to run down a wide receiver streaking down the sideline.  Or a center fielder in baseball running to catch up to a screaming line drive in the gap.

In the end, a better angle beats extra effort if all things are equal.  And in job search, there are many equalizing factors.  So it makes sense that the right angle helps when on the job hunt.

Since the origins and many of the tools created for Spin Strategy are focused on smart, efficient activity, your angle in job search seems to be a highly relevant and practical discussion.

But, what are some examples of a better angle or advantage?

1.  Your Job Search Strategy

A few weeks ago I asked the question: Are You The Tortoise Or The Hare?  If you read this post, ask the question and answer it honestly, you will have a sense of the angle(s) you have used up to this point. Have you been smart or just aggressive?  Your speed may have beat the other guy to the door but were you prepared to succeed upon arrival at the hiring office?

2.  Productive Networking

But, perhaps the best example is networking.  Say, for example that a new job just popped up on the radar screen.  A great fit with your job objectives? Great!  Now, how many others in this market have the same idea?  Now you and a few hundred others have sent highly polished cover letters and resumes to the hiring manager.  A few have sent theirs via Fed Ex hoping to capture the eye of an HR manager. One person even tried a personal note to the CEO to see if the highest exec might be so compelled to make mention of you to the hiring manager.

What's your angle?  And is it the best, most effective one?  Does it include the use of your network or the network of those connected with you on Linkedin? Do you think that a referral to the hiring manager from a respected third party beats a FedEx or a CEO letter?  Of course it does.  Like a full house over two pair . . .

A word of warning, though.  Don't tap your network hard for a job in which you are not qualified.  Once a good hiring manager sees a lack of fit, your resume will find the trash can and your network will hear that their effort was wasted.  Not good.

Now, of course, we're talking about getting a phone or first round interview.  Your ability to succeed in that first interaction relies upon a different angle.

3.  Vetting and Preparation 

Once noticed and guided into an interview position through a smart initial approach, your job is to now make a connection with the company and show them how you, uniquely, are the right person for the job.  One of the ways to do that is through vetting and researching the company and its people.  And through this process and the first interview, you may find out that you don't want to work for this company.  And that is not a bad thing to learn!

Vetting is a process designed to learn about and potentially weed out certain aspects of an opportunity. You can read my post on that subject here.  Also your overall preparation is key in being in a position to succeed as a candidate.  If you haven't already seen it, check out my Sip™ tool.  It is a free download from the Spin Strategy website.  You can read the post and find a link to the download here.

Of course there are many other examples of smart and efficient efforts in job search.  You can check the archives here at Spin Strategy for other articles.  I hope a number of them give you a few new ideas to help you arrive at a new job with confidence and style.

So, do yourself a favor.  Be smart, have a strategy and identify the angles that will help you work productively.  Leaving time during job search to pursue a few passions and spend high quality time with your family.

And if you see someone else racing toward the door . . . smile, wave and enjoy the walk.  On the days when you get there first, hold open the door.  You may make a new contact.

NEED ANOTHER WAY TO MAKE NEW CONTACTS?  JOIN THE SPIN STRATEGY LINKEDIN GROUP HERE.

The Power Of Music During Job Search

So.  Why is Buddy Holly Smiling?

Well, this particular shot of him is from an advertisement.  But I thought his image was a good one to kick things off.

Also, I'm kind of a Buddy Holly fan.  His music, like many others of his generation had a simple and pure energy.  An energy that I found lacking some days during my last job search.

The idea here is that job search requires a certain confidence.  A solid belief in yourself that can be lost through a series of rough spots, an extended search or simply a bad day.

And when things got tough for me, on some days, I turned to music.  And I still do - on days when I feel like I need a lift.  In fact, there's a certain Buddy Holly song that does it for me called "Rave On". There's also The Kinks.  My favorite band of all time - and a certain song called "Better Things".

Now, do you have to be a music lover for this to work?  I don't think so.  But only you can tell me how it fits in your life - job search or not.

Now I can feel some of you heading toward the virtual door.  Too touchy-feely? Yes, there's some of that here.  But let me give you some ideas of how it can work for you.

1.  Its early on in your job search and you have a ton of work to do on your resume.  Work that is sometimes tedious and may feel like you are focused on very fine points.  How about some music to calm you and help you stretch out the process instead pulling out your hair or turning on the TV.  

2.  Heading to the interview and need a confidence boost or timely distraction? How about a reminder of your glory days when you couldn't do anything wrong? Here I'm thinking Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp or Bryan Adams.  Look for upbeat songs that get you moving and, even better, singing out loud. Another really good and more modern one is Green Day.

3.  Need to bask in the glory of a great interview day?  How about a loud opera with the windows down?  Madame Butterfly works well.  Sounds like victory.  

4.  Planning your future?  Trying to decide on your life plan as part of a larger job search strategy? How about Vusi Mahlasela?  I listened to him through the Oakland airport one day and ended up taking two laps around the departure area to get through the album.  Also good here?  Ben Harper.

5.  Feeling a bit stressed?  I like Steve Martin's "Wild and Crazy Guy" as comedy always seems to work for me on those days.  Another good option is reggae. Bob Marley or Jimmy Cliff.

But, tell me.  What role does music play in your life and how does that change when in stressful or provocative situations (like job search)?

While you are thinking, here are my two theories on music.  

Music stirs up your blood.

When you are nervous or tense (pre-interview?), music helps get your blood flowing.  It shakes loose the nerves and helps you to think.  Especially if you pick the right song at the right time and at the right volume they seem to make sense.  

Music has healing power.

Post-interview, when it is time to power-down, music can take you to a happy place and ease you back into the rest of your day.  So you can contemplate what happened and confidently plan your next steps.

OK.  Your turn.  What are your favorite types of music and how do you use it to get you through all this?

In the end I hope you, like Buddy Holly, will be smiling.

9 Ways To Bruise A Networking Relationship

In a recent post, I shared 11 Keys To Successful Job Search Networking.  You see, someone in my network knocked my socks off and, as a result, has me looking for extra ways to help.

So, as you might expect, there are those who have NOT knocked my socks off. In fact, their actions left me wanting to double knot the shoe laces.  Bad people?  No, not at all.  Maybe lazy.  Or perhaps, just perhaps, these folks had never been in a positive networking environment before.  One in which people give first - not as a result of being helped in advance.

Which brings me to a point I've been wanting to make for a few weeks now. There's a term out there (now adapted for networking) which I really want to adjust.  The term?

Pay It Forward

Now, you may think me a bit unfortunate for picking on a few simple and inspirational words.  But these words assume one thing that I'd like to challenge.

It assumes you have to be helped before you can help others.  

Not true, of course.  In fact, some of the best networking happens to others before they even know what hit them.  So, don't wait for inspiration.  Don't wait for help.  Take action when an idea strikes. Especially if that action is a selfless one.

So, from now on, just give.

Now back to our story . . . 9 Ways To Bruise A Networking Relationship.

My son plays Little League baseball and I am the classic parent volunteer.  I've managed teams and have been a member of the board of directors.  But probably my biggest commitment has been umpiring. One thing you need to know about this job?  Little League is a place where umpire bruises are more common than base hits.  Or so it seems.

Most of the bruises come from foul balls (accident), pitches glancing off the catcher's glove (accident), miscommunication (a fastball when the catcher was expecting a curveball) and a pitch that hits nothing on the way to the plate except, at the last second, the soft underbelly of the umpire (slow/unskilled catcher).  And, yes, it hurts.  

Just last week, a fastball directly to the forehead got me thinking about this idea . . .

So in networking, as in Little League baseball, there are plenty of examples of how bruising happens. And, as I said earlier, there are fairly innocent causes for poor networking.  But it doesn't matter the cause.  The result is a damaged relationship and a drop off in critical networking support.

In my experience, there are are three types . . .

(A)  An accident  (B)  A miscommunication  (C)  A lack of skill or experience

And if you avoid these mistakes while looking for ways to emulate Staci (see the link referenced at the top), you will find good things happening in your networking relationships.

9 Ways To Bruise A Networking Relationship

1. Ask for more than you deserve

So I just met you and you want what?  My three best recruiters?  But I hardly know you!  If you ask for help that stretches beyond your relationship, you put your new networking contact at risk.  If you are not sure, it's OK to ask.  But don't assume.

2. Forget to follow-up

After our first meeting I send you the name of someone I know in one of your target companies.  I even send your resume to that person with a light suggestion that they give you proper consideration.  You do not even bother to let me know you received the e-mail.  And you don't call the company contact. You have taken my time and the time of my network.  Not good.

3. Disregard a reciprocal request

We are networking together as job seekers.  I provide a few ideas and names of folks you should contact.  I did this within a few days of our meeting.  Oh, and I was hoping you could e-mail the contact information of someone in your network.  You don't.  You now force me to ask again.  And perhaps again.

4. Forget to ask:  "How can I help you"

Never assume a one-way relationship.  And do not assume that your help is unwanted.  Until you ask, you never know.  And even if the help isn't needed now, it may be needed down the road.  And your offer should stand as an ongoing one.

5. Don't say "thank you"

Say it that day.  Say it each time.  Say it in a follow-up e-mail.  Say it with a gift card.  Just say it. Gratitude feels good to the giver.  It reinforces the effort and promotes more of it.  And, frankly, it's not just the right thing to do . . . it's expected.

6. Misrepresent your relationship

So, we just met and I got your resume into a hiring manager and that, in turn, resulted in a phone interview.  Great!  Now what do you say when asked:  "How do you know Tim?"  Please be honest.  If you try to create a history where one does not exist, you can create issues for both of us.

7. Over-use a contact or referral

A different example here.  I give you the name of a recruiter that often has searches in your industry and at your level.  I did this because I thought YOU were a good fit.  Not 10 other people you know.  By sending your friends the name of my recruiter contact, you could harm my relationship with them as well as fill up their in box with candidates that do not fit.

    

8. Make a new networking contact work too hard

Remember how Staci made it so easy for me to meet with her?  She made the drive.  She let me pick the time based on my schedule.  So the opposite looks like this: You are requesting a meeting and ask me to drive 20 minutes.  On a day that isn't ideal for me.  I may go but I won't like it.  And I may not be as warm and welcoming as a result.  I really do want to help, but remember, if you are out of work you have time on your side.  Your contact may not.

9.  Assume people will help you because you need it

The reality is that there are hundreds of people to help and not enough folks willing to do it.  So, how do the people with the will and time to help decide who to spend time with?  They listen to the voices of those who are asking. They see it in their eyes.  They look for an authentic glimmer that says: I have a need right now.  I'm open to your ideas as to how I can network into a new opportunity.  Oh, and I'm willing to give back.  

So, "why 9?" you ask.

Well, I penalized this list by 2 (from the "11 keys") due to its focus on the negative aspects.  I also wanted you to tell me your #10.  What have you seen out there?  What did I miss and how can your experience help one of your fellow readers?

So, tell us.  But be careful.  Some of us bruise easily.

11 Keys To Successful Job Search Networking

OK.  Tonight I am going to cover a topic that an awful lot of people still struggle to grasp.  I don't blame them, but I really want them to figure it out. It is in some ways really simple.  And other ways painfully difficult.

The subject is networking.  Clearly this is a topic covered by many-a-blogger so I hope this short case study knocks a hole in the wall for you and lets some light in. I'll try to keep it painless.

I had an experience a few weeks ago with someone I knew from earlier in my career.  We briefly worked at the same company in the early 1990's.  But we hadn't spoken since then.  So why was this experience a good one and what specifically happened between us that left me with such a good impression?

1.  I'll call her Staci because that's her name.  Only open kimonos here . . .

2.  Staci re-connected with me via Linkedin.  Although we were not connected there yet, she found me and sent a personal and friendly note asking if I would meet with her.  Since she sent a personal and friendly note, I am now instantly open to hear what Staci has to say.  She took the time to make me feel important by spending a few extra minutes on that note.

3.  We met at a coffee shop near my house.  Staci could have suggested that we meet in the middle (she lives in Los Angeles and I am in Orange County). Her decision to drive to me shows a respect for my time.  Let's face it, she made it really easy for me to say yes.

4.  She offered to buy my cup of coffee.  Not everybody does this - in fact, most don't.  Those who do, again, send a clear message of appreciation.  It doesn't matter if that message has a value of $2.50.  It still matters.  A few months ago I met with a recruiter and got some advice on this blog.  While that recruiter wouldn't let me buy breakfast that day, you better believe she got a gift card from me a few days after our meeting!

5.  Providing some early value is critical.  Staci did this by bringing a CD filled with recruiter names and company lists that she thought I could use.  I felt appreciated and thankful for the effort on her part.

6.  During our meeting, I gave her everything I could including resume feedback, an introduction to the free downloads on Spin Strategy, etc. I told her everything I knew about the market for jobs down here and finished our meeting absolutely spent. But happy that I could help and glad that we had connected. 

Now it could have ended there (as most networking relationships do).  But here's how Staci extended our relationship and made me want to stay involved in her search . . .

7.  At the end of our chat, she said those magic words:  "Tim, how can I help you?".  I've learned to always have an answer for this one.  I told her that if she knew of anyone who might be helped by the Spin Strategy blog or website to please send a note or let me know.  Simple, right?

Over the next week, Staci reinforced her interest in building a great relationship.

8.  She introduced me (and Spin Strategy) to two people who run an outplacement company in Los Angeles.  These are great targets for my content as they are always looking for new ideas to help their job seeker clients.  And I love new ideas!

In between here, I sent her leads on two great career coaches - something she mentioned during our meeting as an interest area.

9.  She sent me contact information for the head of her graduate university's alumni career center. Again, a place where potentially I can gain additional exposure for Spin Strategy.

10.  She attended a networking group presentation of mine and made sure to grab me before and after to re-connect.  She also sent me a note after to tell me how much she enjoyed it.  

11.  She commented on a blog post and offered some very relevant thoughts on the topic.  As a blogger, comments are an important part of interacting with readers and they also help support better search engine results by showing the value of your blog to the community.  She helped me.    

Now, every networking relationship is different.  Clearly the stars aligned a bit to allow for Staci and I to meet and work well together.  But you can implement a version of every one of these ideas.  Yes you can.

A couple of key things to notice here: 

Staci made a pretty big and broad effort to say thanks to me - before, during and after our meeting. Most important, I think, was her post-meeting effort.  She went out of her way to help me. Based specifically on my answer to her question - remember those magic words?  While I will remember her gracious offer to meet me near my home and buy the coffee, I will appreciate her referrals as those that added long-term value and addressed something that is really important to me. That is, the opportunity to increase awareness of this concept which I've worked so hard to create.

She maintained contact for a few weeks - cementing her search objectives in my mind. Instead of a quick thanks and monthly e-mail follow-ups, Staci delivered value in multiple steps.  As a marketer, she clearly understands reach and frequency! 

Staci has left me feeling like I got the better end of the deal. Why does that matter?  It matters because her need is still in my head.  I feel like I owe her a referral or a lead to balance out our networking relationship.  Not literally, but I do want to help and she has given me 11 reasons to be looking out for her. 

Last thing? 

Networking is hard work.  Because you have to prepare and execute a plan with each person.  You have to know what to ask for and what to provide in return.  

And you also have to know when and where to put in the bigger efforts.  Had I been a junior IT professional, perhaps Staci would have focused her energies elsewhere.  But I am a good contact for Staci (as she is for me) because we are in the same industry and in the same function.

It's not always as simple as a coffee and a thank you. 

But it's a start!

You might also like . . . 9 Ways To Bruise A Networking Relationship

Job Search Strategy For Couples. A Team Approach.

Job search is full of ups and downs.  If you are the job seeker, pressures abound due to the unique emotions and specific knowledge that you carry quietly in your head as the days roll past.  It is up to you to bring this stage of life to an end, right? It sticks to you.  

But most of you are not alone in life or in this challenge. Some of you are probably acting that way. And it's not working. 

This particular post is being pushed along by two events:

First, I decided to build a presentation topic around job search for couples. The idea being that job seekers are not alone in the effort and should not act as if they are flying solo.  

Second, I have a unique opportunity tomorrow (actually today since it is now 1:02 AM).  I am having lunch with a couple.  Husband and wife. Both out of work.  Now normally I would say that this was a unique situation.  In this economy, perhaps not.

So the premise is that whether husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend or otherwise connected, there is no such thing as a solo ride.  The partner experiences all the ups and downs that you do.  But from the passenger seat. And if you've ever been in the shotgun seat, you'll know that the ride can be scarier when your hands aren't on the wheel.

Below I will share the presentation outline with a few ideas under each and I'd like to ask your help. Whether you are the job seeker, the one connected to the job seeker or the one connected (and also looking), would you tell me your thoughts?

What else should I cover?  Do you like the idea of going to a presentation or seminar where your partner is there with you?  A chance to share this journey from the start?  Comment below and let me know!

1.  The Psychology of Job Search

Job search elicits a number of reactions in a marriage or partnership.  They include: "This is my mess and I will get us through this!", "I'm worried, do we have enough savings?", "What do we tell our friends?", "Where do I start and how?"  Early on in a job search there is a significant need for communication between partners. To balance out the emotions and to set realistic expectations (emotional and financial), couples have to manage their psychology and stay confident.  This section helps couples manage their expectations and mental approach during job search. 

2.  Financial Planning - Managing Expenses During Job Search

Unlike in most marriages where one partner owns the family finances, during job search this must be a shared responsibility.  Minimally, there needs to be a kickoff discussion followed by monthly follow-ups to maintain an understanding of "how we're doing".  If the family includes children, they should be included as well.  To set expectations - especially if a new, tight budget is required to keep a balanced budget.  Sacrifices may need to be made and understood by all.  This section helps families plan for and implement a new budget during an extended job search.

3.  Networking - A Family Affair

Historically a role of the job seeker alone, the new social media culture has kicked open a new door such that the partner and the children (tween and teen) can play a significant role in supporting the family job seeker.  Think MySpace, FaceBook.  Think PTA and Little League.  Think friends and extended family. Everyone can be educated regarding the job objectives of Mom or Dad. Really.  This section illustrates the many ways families can play a critical role in helping a job seeker network.

4.  Communication - Constant Contact

Ever leave a job interview and spend an hour writing reactions and ideas in a spiral notebook?  Then you come home to dinner and get asked "How did it go?" Your answer:  "Pretty good.  We'll see."  What if the spiral notebook was replaced with a family meeting and strategy session?  Imagine the feeling of involvement from your family at the end of that meeting.  And picture their engagement in wanting to help with new ideas.  This section shows how communication during job search provides an important security during job search. 

5.  Re-kindling - The Family Bond

While job search places a burden on the family it also presents a huge opportunity.  A chance to find a new spark, to seek out new experiences and actively enjoy significant time together.  If a husband or wife traditionally commutes at least an hour each way and is now home for many mornings and evenings, what could be done with that time?  In what may be the only extended break of a career, what will you do with the opportunity?  This section outlines all the ways that couples or families can re-connect during a job search.    

So, those are the five sections.  Think of a one hour presentation or a two hour seminar including five breakout sessions (20 minutes each).

Both would be free.  Would you go?  

Do you like the idea of building and sharing your job search strategy with your spouse?

Like this topic?  Below are a few related posts that you may find interesting . . .

When You Are The Sole Breadwinner

Job Search - What A Spouse Needs To Know

Job Search - Avoiding A Personal Bailout

Who Writes All The Posts On Spin Strategy?

This is a question I get from time to time.  Especially when I meet people at networking events.  They might recognize my name or the name of the blog but often they don't associate the two together.  

Either a very poor communication strategy on my part or a very sly bit of trickery to keep things separate.

Part of it is clearly my fault since my Linkedin current position correctly reflects only my day job as a VP Marketing - not a blogger.  But, for now, that sounds right.

This past Friday I attended an early morning networking event in Laguna Niguel, CA.  A great new group called Laguna Niguel Connectors that also has a group on Linkedin.  If you are a living is Southern California, you really need to check out this group.  It is one of many great new groups popping up in communities around the U.S. designed to introduce people to networking. While not created solely for job search networking, many provide a great outlet for working and non-working professionals to build relationships in a fun low-pressure environment.

So here was the question that came to me.

"Oh, you're the guy who forwards all those articles.  Thanks.  What's your connection?"  

"I write those articles", I said.  "I started Spin Strategy as a way to give back to the community that helped me during a 2007 job search."

"Really?"  (a pause to make sure I'm serious) "You should tell people that!"

And I will tell you that I never really thought about telling people that.  I always assumed, I guess, that people would make that connection on their own. But I've heard the question enough now that I think maybe I do need to be more open about that.  Here's my Linkedin profile in case knowing more about me is worth something to you.  Some, I'm sure, couldn't care less.  And that's OK too. 

The other things people asked about were my hours (yes, I really do write into the early morning hours), how much help do I have with the writing (none, is the answer) and where do the ideas come from (all from my own job search experiences, being a hiring manager and from regularly talking with and helping job seekers).

The reality is that a lot of other people out there providing advice have ghost writers, guest posters and interns helping with the workload.  I am not suggesting that anyone getting help is somehow cheating. If the advice is good, I don't think there is anything wrong with getting help.  That's just not me right now.

I have great people helping me with design and technology but the writing succeeds or fails with me. 

Could that change down the road?  Sure.  But for now, it's me.  

I am what I am.  

And I look forward to meeting you someday.  And answering any questions you might have . . .

Job Search Strategy: Are You The Tortoise Or The Hare?

There is a job search strategy for everyone.  One for those more impulsive and one for the planners of the world.  The only problem is that one works better than the other.

Which one are you using?  Really?  Are you sure?

This is an important question.  Especially for job seekers new in their search or for folks who are three months in and still trying to figure out what they are doing right and wrong.

So if you said "Hare" because you are a Type A personality and have pursued job search with reckless abandon, well, we need to talk.

If you said "Tortoise" . . . you, like the tortoise in the fable, will find a faster route to your next job.

Now I guess I could be done with it here by saying:  

Be the tortoise.

Seems like I'd leave you hanging a bit - something I'm hesitant to do.  But, really, don't you already get it?  Sounds reasonable that a solid, consistent strategy will beat half-baked aggression, right?

And because it is only 11:30 PM and I don't feel good unless I write until somewhere near 2:00 AM. That gives me a good 4.5 hours of sleep before getting up and heading off to work.  Somedays I feel like a happy but sleepy tortoise regardless of my depth of strategy . . .

So since the hare and tortoise's differences are part personality type and part skill set, how does one describe those differences in the job search world? 

Well, bullet points, of course!  Here goes:

The Hare

• So the hare is about bursts of speed.  Especially early bursts.  Ones that leave everyone else feeling slow and lazy.  A disconcerting feeling, to be sure.  "Should I be sprinting right now?"

• The hare is also about complacency and over-confidence as early bursts may get them some early results that seem promising.  But those early results risk being artificial.  Supported by what can be a dangerous optimism.

• If laid off at the same time as a hare, you might witness a flurry (I almost wrote "furry") of early activity.  A couple of days frantically throwing a resume together, e-mailing everyone in your network (if organized), calling 8-10 recruiters letting them know you are now available and blasting your resume to 50 or so hiring managers posting jobs on Monster.  

• The hare is less likely to network and, unfortunately, is less likely to help others.  No time, right?  Gotta go! 

• The hare will be less prepared to share their job objectives and would for sure not have a Watchlyst™ of their own.

• The hare will not have a well-thought out elevator speech.  They will meander and extend 60 seconds to 5 minutes, losing everyone in a swirl of career details.

• Yes, the hare will burn out and fizzle.  But only after finally realizing six months into their search that the tortoise had a suspiciously simple plan.

OK, after all that tearing down of the cute little bunny, let's see what's so great about the tortoise.

The Tortoise

• So, despite the fuddy-duddy voice used and hapless expression typically placed on a cartoon tortoise, I am here to tell you something important.  The tortoise is really smart.  One might say intelligent.  Especially in job search.  

• The intelligence comes as the knowledge of what to do, how to plan it and when to expend the energy to execute it.  You see, the tortoise is all about efficiency.  While the hare is racing around in impressive circles, the tortoise is preparing for a short, uneventful walk across the circle's diameter.    

• The tortoise knows that preparation is key.  That there is wasted effort in racing out the door before you are ready with your professional one sheet, business cards, and a really good sense of your job objectives.  All those people that you meet (as the hare) will struggle in trying to help you if you can't tell them who you are, what makes you different and what, specifically, you are looking for in your next role.    

• The tortoise is going to stop along the way and help someone by the side of the road.  Even if it slows their speed to the finish line.  They do this with the knowledge that 1 year or 5 years down the road, the situation may repeat.  That network, nourished, will be needed once again!      

• The tortoise also plays the part of a strategic networker on Linkedin.  Looking for real connections that will drive long-term relationships.    

• The tortoise has been building solid relationships with recruiters for years.  They seek win-win friendships by helping recruiters find talented people in their network who might fit a search. They are rarely in a hurry when the call comes in.  

• The tortoise prepares well for interviews and knows how and when to follow up without looking desperate or winded. 

So, in the end, please know that job search is one part of a larger plan that requires an intelligent approach, continuous networking and the utilization of smart tools to build and maintain a successful long-term career.

And, because you took the time to come here and read this post.  I'll tell you one other thing.  

You can be part tortoise and part hare.  And still be successful.

Here's when.  After all your preparation and smart planning, you will get a job offer.  Once you have the offer in hand and calmly walk out to the car and drive home safely . . .

You can race into your house to share the good news.

Job Search . . . It's A Small World

I've had a few ideas burning a hole in my blog planner.  They come courtesy of my 10 year old son whose impatience during a recent trip to Disneyland left me inspired.  Inspired to send him to his room with no rations for a week.  Initially anyway.

You see, my youngest son does not enjoy the rides at Disneyland.  His stomach feels funny.  Yet the idea of going on a slow, traditional ride brings out a very different reaction.  Boredom.  And frustration that he is held to account on a ride that he should accept.

The ride that got him going this trip was "It's A Small World".  As we sliced through the artificially blue waters and reached our halfway point, he said:

 "Is this ever going to end?"

Now if you've never been on the "small world" ride, this may be a tough one for you.  I'll try to help. Imagine that your iPod gets stuck one day on a song from your 5 year old daughter's playlist.  You get to hear it over and over again. About 50 times. And then, just when you are ready to pull your hair out, you get to hear the song again in about 27 languages.  So in the space of about a 10 minute ride, you get to hear the song about 77 times.  Well, it feels like it anyway.

Now, having read the paragraph above, you may hear some empathy in those words.  Empathy for my 10 year old.  And I might have felt empathy had I not been upset that we were unable to go on Space Mountain.  Because he didn't want to go.  And I really like Space Mountain.

Back in 2007, during my job search, there were days where I felt the same sentiment.  I started to cycle through similar events.  Many of the same phone conversations, recruiter introductions, networking events.  It started to feel stuck in a cycle that was repetitious and unproductive.  I felt, on some days, like I knew how each was going to end.

Some of this is a product of your prior experience - last month or the month before.  You may also have heard from other job seekers on their hit ratio. Either way, the solution here has to do with two keys to keeping your search strategy alive and well:

1.  Your attitude and expectations 

2.  Your ability to regenerate a fresh set of opportunities

Simply put, an extended job search (over 3 months, over 6 months) will extend further if you let your mind or strategy get stagnant.

You need a plan.  An objective one.  And once you are well into implementing that plan, you need to be ready to adjust.

If you have a career coach, you can get regular prodding to keep things fresh and dynamic.  If you don't have a coach, consider a free beta toolset that helps you set up a plan and adjust it on a regular basis. This adds confidence (I have a plan) and builds energy (I shift my time to those things that are most adding value).

So, on those days when you scream "stop this ride.  I want to get off"!, reach into your backpack, pull out your strategy and pick a new set of options. Identify a few new networks, a few new target companies and head down the breezeway to find another ride that is more your style.  

Especially if your stomach starts to feel funny.

How to Prepare For A Successful Interview. Take A Sip™.

So, I mentioned a few days ago that I was working on an interview preparation tool.  Well, if you think I am heading over the deep end with all the tools, you'd be partly right.  The problem is that the feedback has been pretty good on the others.  So you'll just have to put up with a few more.  And maybe a few more after that . . .

Sip™ is designed to walk you through a structured process to prepare for a strong and focused interview. Strong preparation supports a confident and direct conversation about your real skills and your ability to immediately impact the interview team.

While it is thorough in some ways, it is not intended to cover every possible angle.  Because truly you can kill yourself preparing for unlikely questions.

What I like about these tools is the structured process they force you through. Especially during job search - where it is easy to get subjective/emotional - your ability to remain focused and smart will help you in so many ways.  How?

Simple example:  

It's been eight weeks since you were laid off and you've had no interviews.  You finally get a phone interview and, surprise, you are offered a first round in-person interview at a target company.  Great news all the way around, right? So where's the issue?

The issue is that the eight week wait likely has you hyper-focused on this new job opportunity.  Mostly a good thing.  But the risk is that your focus puts too much pressure on the upcoming day.  You cram as much thinking as possible into your preparation and, as a result, ignore all other potential opportunities. You stop networking and perhaps are slow to call back recruiters or HR managers.  Why would you, right?  A great job is just a few days away!

Here are a few risks of a hyper focus on one opportunity:

1.  As stated above, your focus on the upcoming interview leaves you unfocused on other opportunities.  And, in my experience, opportunities come in waves of twos and threes. 

2.  Pushing hard on two or three opportunities provides perspective and takes some pressure off each individual interview.  Less pressure means you can be your confident self, realizing that all is not riding on this one day.

3.  If you don't get an immediate call back or you don't eventually get an offer, it can put you in a sour mood for weeks.  If it was not meant to be, you need to be able to let it go.  Easier to do when other calls or meetings are already scheduled for next week.

So, what does a smart interview preparation tool look like?  Oh, and how can I get one?

Well, to me, it breaks down like this:

Company Name. Interview Date.  Location and Start Time.

Whether you have two weeks or two days to prepare, it is important to start with the basics.  Map the location and drive it a day or two before the interview.  Drive it at the same time you'll be driving a day or two later.  Arrive early.  This helps you relax.

Company History and Culture.

You can learn a great deal from a look at where a company has been.  Have there been struggles (financial or strategic)?  Is it a new product rich environment or a company relying upon historical products or services to succeed today.  What do these things say about the culture?  Importance of innovation?  This may be an important component for you as you identify a target company.

Industry Trends and Competitive Review

What's happening in the company's industry may have an impact on its decision making.  Are there any large macro issues facing them and their competitors? For example, are they uniquely impacted by high gas prices?  Who are their competitors and what are their new products.  Does the company have number one brands or is it a second tier company in a very competitive category?

Now, before I go any further, you might be saying to yourself:  "But I'm looking for an IT job!  Why do I need to know all of this?"   It may be that you don't need to know all this information, but depending on who you meet, a knowledge of the company and its culture cannot hurt you!

Company Strategy and Recent Results

What is the stated objective of the company?  Where is it looking to go?  If you are in IT, what might be the impact be on the company's use of technology?  Is the company riding a few big recent successes? Has it struggled to get traction?

Interview Team Vetting

Who will interview you?  Can you find out in advance?  If so, look them up on Google or Linkedin.  How long have they worked for the company?  Have they spent their entire career in this industry?  If the hiring manager has been in his/her position for less than a year, they will be more likely to listen to messages of change than if they've been in that role for 10 years.  A more established manager may be more defensive to a more aggressive approach. This knowledge also helps in developing a person-specific list of questions.

Key Product Review And Usage Results

Whether the company makes widgets, rents cars, makes music videos or builds condos, find a way to get some personal experience with their product or service.  For example, prior to my interview with a company that makes car wax in 2005, guess what I did?  I washed and waxed my car.  Twice.  Really? Absolutely.  And it made a huge difference in the interview.  I was able to give them personal feedback on my experience with their products and it showed an early engagement and interest in their products. The other value?  My car was sparkling on interview day - something they look for in candidates.  So, ask yourself, how can you show a similar interest in the products or services of your target company? Of course, if you work in certain industries (Bio Tech or Pharmaceuticals) you may have to be careful!

Specific Job Requirements vs. My Strengths and Experiences

As simple as it sounds, list out the requirements and how you line up against them.  Part of your job in this first interview is to prove (through a deeper look and via specific examples) your excellent fit with the job description the company worked so hard to create.  Know where you are especially strong and where you may have to try a bit harder.

Identify Three Relevant and Measurable Successful Experiences

Be prepared to tell a great set of stories about how you've had a significant impact on other companies. And be able to relate them back to the challenges or opportunities described by the hiring company.  Be ready to describe in a compelling way how these experiences make you uniquely qualified to step into this new role and succeed.  Tomorrow.

Questions?  Beginning.  Middle.  End.

Be prepared to show a genuine interest in the ways of the company, the hiring manager, the current challenges, the team, etc.  And make sure you have questions prepared for each part of the interview. Early on, try a question that establishes a more conversational tone to the interview vs. a traditional Q&A format.  Questions in the middle should show your depth of thinking and allow you to learn key details to help you cement fit with the position.  Questions at the end should show your interest in the company's future and perhaps the role that the department might play.  

Positioning Objective

How would you like to be remembered by each interviewer?  In addition to your being a great fit with the job description and, hopefully, a good fit culturally and personally, what will make you the ideal candidate? What will be the one thing that makes an interviewer gush over you in the post-interview wrap-up. You are in the car heading home.  They are talking about you.  What do you want them saying?  Was it your energy?  Your breakthrough ideas?  Your work ethic?      

Post Interview Reactions

So you survived.  Now before you turn on the AC and pull out on down the road, take a few minutes to jot down your initial reactions.  What does your gut say? Bubbling with excitement or really unsure? You need to react to the people but you also need to react to the messages and the energy of the office environment.  For example, if you are a people person and no one smiled at you during your walk-through, what might that tell you?

There.  That's my Sip™.  You can download the template here if that helps you.

DOWNLOAD Sip

I hope it helps you prepare for your next interview. Even more, I hope it helps you focus and feel smart as you step into the office of your first interviewer.

Oh, and I hope you knock their socks off.

10 Reasons You Should Regularly Read A Job Search Blog

Now, coming from a guy who regularly writes a job search blog, you might find this post a bit self-serving. And, if I'm honest, you're probably right.  I would love it if you would regularly read this blog. In fact, there are two very easy ways to make it effortless: via e-mail or RSS feed sign-ups on the sidebar, stage right. 

You might also be concerned about my intentions.  "He's probably trying to increase his traffic."  Got me again.  I am.

But where you may not have me is in my purpose.  If you look around the blog, you'll notice something. Figure it out?  No banner ads.  Nope.  None.

Now, before I get all high and mighty on you, there have been ads here before.  Early on I tested them. But I have removed them all and I think the blog looks a lot better.  Cleaner.  While I still have some ads on the website, those will be gone too.  As soon as a new re-design and upgrade is ready to go.

So, back to the purpose.  My purpose here is to give back.  To the community that helped me during my job search back in late 2007.  For 5 months I toiled just like you.  But perhaps unlike you, I kept notes. I kept notes on every aspect.  I also found unique ways (analogies) to think through my strategy.  And I built one.  And now I'm sharing it all with you.  For FREE.

So, since that is all out of the way, shall we get back to the 10 reasons?

1.   You Get New Ideas

When I first started to write Spin Strategy™ my raw material was my ideas.  Not having formal training as a career coach or a professional resume writer, I used my experiences as a hiring manager, job seeker and marketer.  I've been an idea guy since birth and love finding new ways to get a thought across to people.  So, why do you need ideas?  Because life in job search can get monotonous.  And new ideas can put some pep back in your engine at just the right time. 

2.   You Meet A Friend

Can you really make friends with a blogger?  Aren't they reclusive people who abhor shaving and avoid most in-person or phone contact?  Gosh, I don't know!  But I'll tell you that's not me.  Ask the people on the Spin Strategy Linkedin Group who send me a note.  To my own peril (lack of sleep), I get back to everyone and see how/if I can help.  So, yes, if you need a friend on some days when things aren't where you want them, send me a note.  Or a tweet.

3.   You Learn New Tricks

Whether you are new to job search or an old pro, you have to be open to the new way of doing things. And, in addition to new ideas, I like to share quick tips and tricks from time to time.  Don't believe me? Click here.

4.   You Build Confidence

This particular blog is about the strategy and psychology of successful job search.  Strategy is really important.  A positive psychology (aka confidence) is critical.  How?  If your strategy gets you the interview but your confidence keeps you from getting the offer, you'll know.  You build confidence by knowing that you are prepared for every possible scenario.  And by learning how to believe in yourself.

5.   You Get Entertained

I try to write this blog in a way that feels less like a self-help book and more like a fun guided tour. I'm inspired by Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Monty Python if that helps you at all.  You see, while job search can be painful, frustrating and heart-breaking it can also be a great time of reflection on what really matters in life.  In between networking and interviewing, you have a unique opportunity to live, hang out with your kids and explore your passions.  

6.   You Avoid Simple Mistakes

We've all made them at some point.  In truth, there is an etiquette in the job search world.  There are ways you can strain or break a networking relationship or ways that you can over-communicate with a company.   Regularly reading a blog can help you catch a mistake before it is made.  Sound good?  Try this post on for size.

7.   You Meet New People

Really?  Yes.  But how, you say.  Well, by commenting on a blog when the mood strikes.  Other regular readers see your comments and can comment back to you or build on your idea.  Do this long enough and you've found a friend.  Someone who thinks like you do.  Also, a lot of blogs have companion groups on Linkedin, Yahoo or a companion website.  Once a member there, it is really easy to build relationships and, before you know it, you are networking.

8.   You Get Encouragement

On Spin Strategy, encouragement comes in two forms.  First there is the traditional sort.  Feels good and warms your heart.  The second part can be more blunt and unsettling.  That is the sort which acts as a wake up call.  I've found that the friendly encouragement will not jolt you out of a bad pattern. Here, in my experience, only a two by four (to the side of the forehead) will do.  Some things cannot be said gently. 

9.   You Can Ask Questions

Here on the blog as well as on the Linkedin group, questions are encouraged.  And most all get answered. As a later blog post, a return comment or via a personal e-mail.  Unlike a big networking event or seminar where you are forced to stand up and ask in front of "everyone", on a blog you can be somewhat anonymous.  And you get the benefit of the blogger's experience as well as all the other visitors whose experiences may benefit you as well. 

10. You Gain Perspective 

Let's face it.  Some days, when looking for work, things can seem bleak.  There are days when nothing happens. No one calls and no one writes.  It may seem like you are the only one not getting interviews. Not true.  But you'll only realize that when you hear it from other job seekers.  So, to avoid living inside your own little world, open up the curtains and let the sun in.  Sun = blog in case I lost you there. 

Most of us writing job search blogs work very hard and sleep very little in our quest to bring you closer to your next great role. The reward is in hearing your feedback and, especially, in hearing that something we wrote or built for you helped make something happen.  A new contact.  A new interview. A job offer with a company you've been targeting.  

In the end, your decision to become a regular blog reader here or on one of the many wonderful job search blogs out there is up to you.  You may decide to pick and choose among ten different blogs or you may choose just one.

But, can I tell you a secret?  I hope you choose mine.