It's Not A Race It's A Marathon: Starting Your Job Search

Starting your job search is the must frustrating part of the journey. Especially when you have no guidance on how to attack this new chapter of your life. Well I have a couple of pointers that hopefully will help you in executing your “job search,” thanks to the book “You’re Better Than Your Job Search,” by Marc Cenedella and Matthew Rothenberg.

(1) The first step is defining your JOB GOALS. You want to ask yourself two important questions…

• What is it you hope to achieve next?
• What are you willing to do to get there?

Well that might seem like a funny question to ask yourself “what are you willing to do?” technically you are willing to do ANYTHING, but there is more to this question. You have to determine what is important to you; is it the money, location, enjoyment, security, ect. Then it is important to look at these elements and think about what you are willing to change. For example, location for me is something I’m not willing to change. New York City is where I’ve always wanted to be and that’s where I’m committed to finding employment.

These are some key areas to look at and determine what your willing to be flexible on:

-       Company

-       Function

-       Industry

-       Size of Company ( fortune 1000 or start-up)

-       Compensation

(2) Second important matter you want to have done before starting you job search is perfecting your ELEVATOR PITCH

Point of the elevator pitch is the fact that these days everybody and their mama are busy! You need to be able to explain yourself in 30 seconds. Whether your networking or talking to a friend you’ll need to be able to explain what you want to do, why you’ll be good at it and how they can help. For example:

WRONG: “ You know, with everything that’s happened, I think it’s time to get out of the derivatives industry, so I’m hoping to find somebody else that wants a guy with a decade of finance experience and a Wharton MBA.”

RIGHT: “I’ve really enjoyed leading the development of software at B2B companies and I’d like to find an opportunity at a growing, VC0backed start-up where my skills in building teams, architecting scalable systems and developing code would make a real difference.’

(3) Put Aside Your Impatience and Insecurity:

This is one of the most important tips I could give you and it is definitely a personal challenge, but its important to analyze the work environment your entering and understand it takes time! As long as you stay dedicated and keep plugging you will make it to the finish line.

(4) Create Your Brand

I talked about this in an earlier post of my blog, that you have to think of yourself as a BRAND and no one knows you better then yourself. A brand however is more then a name and a logo. It includes the design of a product and the experience the consumer has using it as well as all the marketing and advertising activity that surrounds it.

Right at the beginning of your search, decide what job you are looking for and what, specifically, you’re offering, including your unique value and approach. Then make sure your resume, references, background, job-searching techniques and even your clothes, grooming and behavior reflect it!

(5) Plan of ATTACK!!!!

In this digital age locating jobs is easy but yet extremely hard because more people can access the same information you can. Here are some tips in dealing with the digital job search…

-       Tune you resume: make it the best, most concise, most focused, most SEARCHABLE document you can.

-       Get your resume online and searchable: it can take over the search for jobs while you’re doing other things

-       Apply only to jobs that are right for you: Don’t waste time tuning letters and resumes for jobs you don’t want, even f they’re the only ones you can think to apply to right now.

-       Save you searches: Don’t retype the same queries several times a day

-       Sign up for e-mail alerts: Sites such as TheLadders let you create search agents and e-mail you when a job opens up

-       Don’t ever be offline: Even when you are offline, don’t ever stop searching ro thinking about your search,, That way you’re always ready to jump on an opportunity

-       Create a “plan of attack.” Random job searching doesn’t work any better than random weight-loss. Evaluate the health of particular industries by evaluating the number of jobs available that are relevant to your skill.

(6) Organizing you Plan of Attack ****

Creating Logs will keep you focused and organized, which is the MOST important tool to have while job searching.

I use an excel spreadsheet this way I also know if I have already applied to a company. Break the columns to what is most helpful for you. My columns are broken into:

COMPANY….COMPANY URL…JOB TITLE…WHEN JOB WAS POSTED…WHEN I APPLIED…NUMBER…EMAIL…ANY NETWORK OPPORTUNITY…FOLLOW UP DATE

Also stay organized with creating a check list of daily, weekly and monthly tasks:

Daily:

-       Create an activity log

-       Check job ads: Linkedin, Twitter, New York Post, Monster, The Ladder, School Career Site

-       Make and Return Calls

-       Make at least one call to a new network contact

Weekly:

-       Follow up on resumes you’ve sent

-       Make a list of all you potential networking contacts

Monthly:

-       Sharpen your job-hunting strategy: identify areas that are most and least productive and those you haven’t exploited far enough

-       Evaluate your collateral material: talking points for the interview, tag line for the resume and introductions, elevator pitch for the resume and opening conversations. 

I know this is a lot to take in and everything is done in baby steps but remember to keep networking, stay organized and stay POSITIVE. If you stay persistent something will come your way, might not be as fast as you want it to but your time is coming.

REMEMBER ITS NOT A RACE IT’S A MARATHON!!!

If you would like me to expand on anything I mentioned today please feel free to email me.

Dos and Don'ts of Interviewing

Dos  and Don'ts of interviewing might seem like common sense, but there are little things that one might forget. A UCLA study showed that while interviewing 7% of your impact comes from words, ONLY 7%! While 38% is how you say it (tonal quality) and 55% from what your body is doing while speaking. Remember that there are multiple ways of communication and like they say “its not about your words but your actions.”

So right when you walk in that door you should be smiling. “I’m happy to meet you.” (Look the interview in the eye and shake their hand firmly) It’s been shown that majority of people are uncomfortable with looking strangers in the eye and a firm handshake demonstrates your confidence and security. Show that you mean BUSINESS, your not here to waste their time, your there to DELIVER!

Make sure you walk into the interview with concrete goals in planning for your  future  and how this position brings you to your career goals. There is nothing worse then a candidate with no goals and uncertainty. 

Know the ins and outs of the firm. Knowledge about the industry, employer and possible position. This also comes in handy when its your turn to ask the questions. You will stand out amongst the pack if you have thoughtful questions that display your prior research. (Prepare questions that apply to the company and questions that apply to the employer.)

Dress the part, make sure you understand the difference between casual, business causal and business attire. If you can, get a sense of the office style off their website. 

Bring Multiple copies of your Resume and Cover Letter

Make sure you get business cards from everyone you interviewed with! 

Follow-up with a thank you email or note which will restate your interest in the position. Make sure when you send these thank emails, that none are alike. Trust me they will compare, especially females. 

*** Make sure you arrive AT LEAST 10 minutes early! Early is on time and to be on time is late! You never know if you'll have to fill out paper work and it makes you seem punctual. 

Don’t make negative comments about previous employers or professors. No matter how much you might have hated your previous job experience, walk in having a concrete reason of why you left without putting anyone down. Trust, talking negatively about other people says a lot about your character.

Don’t act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment. Yes, times are tough but you have to demonstrate the passion for why this company stood out to you over the rest!

Don’t be unprepared for typical interview questions. You may not be asked all of them in every interview, but being unprepared looks foolish.

Don’t sit with a “too cool for school” attitude (leaning back, one leg crosses over the other, one arm thrown over the back of the chair.) Sit up and forward in your chair. Lean toward your interviewer. This demonstrates your dying attention, interest and professionalism.

Don’t wear offensive amount of body scent (perfume or cologne). You don’t want to wear anything that might be distracting.

Don’t be too confident. It’s important to show your securities with  your talents but nerves are normal. You don’t want to come off arrogant or so confident that it might seem that you not taking the interview seriously.

Don’t answer questions with “Yes” or “No.” Remember the most intelligent people support their answers with facts.

Don’t rely only on your resume or cover letter. Make sure you reiterate aspects on your resume that are perfect for the position and explain them more in detail.

Don’t lie! Its really easy to lie during an interview because you’ll do just about anything to get the position but even if you don’t know how to do something make sure you example and demonstrate your ability to adjust and learn the task at hand.

Don’t say you have a weakness. Many interviewers will ask you what is your weakness but you don’t have one. Whatever you answer maybe, turn it around into a positive. I’ve used as a weakness that I’m a perfectionist or workaholic.

Coming Up: Dressing the Part 

·      

What to Expect on a Typical Interview

When it comes to interviewing, the small things count! The small details that one would not normally pay attention to are what matters the most. You can be the best at interviewing but at the end of the day its how well you MATCH the company.

Interviewing has never been a problem for me. I always believe if you are prepared there is nothing to worry about, and I’m a social butterfly so holding conversation is not a problem. My biggest challenge was presenting myself to fit the mold. 

I look at it like this.... you are the BRAND! What does your brand say about you. What ethics do you hold yourself to,  and what is your mission!?

After being on multiple interviews, they all ask the same basic questions. They look over your resume, and then the first thing out of their mouth is “Tell me about yourself?” Then they go through your resume and finish the interview by asking you if you have any questions....Sounds easy right!? Well, not really.

Some of the most basic questions, are the hardest. You might think that the question “tell me about yourself?” is an easy one to answer, but there are multiple key things that most people don’t address in their response. They include: 

1. Introduce yourself 
2. Current Status
3. Describe one or two treats about yourself 
4. Why you applied for this job
5. Future Career goals

Sounds like a lot for one question, but you have to be straight to the point! This question sets the tone for the rest of your meeting. Also these answers always change depending on the culture of the company you are applying for. REMEMBER its how YOU fit into THEIR MOLD! 

NEXT: They go over your resume, asking you to explain in more detail about your experiences. 

This is the time to really be detailed and confident in your answers and where your research of the company and the position is put to the test.

 Of course, you know your experiences at these different positions but how does your background/ work experience fit the position you are applying for now? What tasks/responsibilities did you do in the past that would pertain to this position and create value? Those are the ones you want to really elaborate on and discuss. 

Its very important while your talking to get a mental read on how the discussion is going. If you see the interview looks interested in one of your answers, then discuss it even further and if he/she doesn’t seem interested move on to the next one.

If you think about it, interviewing is a bullshitters best game, but you have to be careful and keep the conversation as honest as possible. The worst thing you can do is say you know how to do something and when you get hired have no idea what your doing. You want to be their shinning star but as realistically as possible. 

After the resume review they usually ask why this company and why this position? Which are THE most important questions, that you better know without hesitation. 

Then there is a gap where interviews change up and ask different questions. Most commonly I’ve been asked:

1. If someone was to say something about you, what would be the top 3 things?
2. What are your strengths/weaknesses?
3. How do you work in a team setting?
4. Where do you want to be in your future?

After this part its your turn to ask the questions. Majority of people mess this part up. It really can set you apart from the other candidates because it shows how much interest you have. 

Majority of people ask:

• What do you like about this company?
• Whats your work experience?
• What sets you apart from your competitors? 

Which are good questions, but make sure you at least have the ONE question that will demonstrate your dedication. Whether it has to do with a recent merger or project that you read in a case study or in the interviewers bio. Just make it a question that they will remember. 

After the interview process is done, the next day is to follow up with thank you emails. So make sure you get their business cards. If you did more then 1 interview at the company make sure your emails are different! Trust they do compare. This will be the icing on the cake. Cause these people are busy and its important that you acknowledge them on it. 

Other key Tips:

1. Stand up and shake their hand firmly, while looking them in their eyes during introduction and completion
2. Clean nails, hair, business attire 
3. Don’t wear heavy scents 
4. Bring multiple copies of your resume

Remember you are the BRAND, and who better to be selling themselves then you!   

Next Post: Dos and Don’ts of interviewing 

Perfect Red Lip

Don’t feel like loading your face with makeup? Want to make a statement? .... Just add a Red Lip! 

You’ll be surprised what a little attention to your lip will bring you!

Red is the color of PASSION, the color of LOVE. It’s probably the sexiest color around and when painted on your lips, it’s dynamite. A Red Lip shows that you have confidence and yet is a well known classic. Display maturity and a subtle sexiness with this timeless look. 

For me, I love the brand Forever because it really does last forever and it doesn’t end up on my chin at the end of the night. You can find it at one of my favorite makeup paradises Sephora. A highly, pigmented, long-lasting lipstick that delivers rich color in one stroke and it’s only $19. 

Just remember at the same time it is not easy to wear a red lip! No matter the skin tone, it can appear too harsh, too bright or even a little un-ladylike. So it is really important to fine that right shade for you! Here are some great tips from RealSimple.com

• Avoid Deep Reds if you have thin Lips
• DONT play up your eyes! “Pair red lipsticks with the lightest possible eye makeup”
• Prevent “bleeding”*** Apply a little concealer around the border of you much. 

Here is a GREAT tutorial from the masters behind makeup MAC: 

If your going to wear it...ROCK IT!! xxxxxx

“Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead”

Music that touches the Soul


My friends know that I live through music. I'm one of those people that if you say a word that reminds me of a song, I bust out in harmony! So it will be my pleasure to bring you simple melodies that touch the soul.

I had to post this music video because it talks of true romances end. The idea of a questionable future, a new beginning in love. We all know the fear of the "next."

Will you be the first to move on, or will he/she find someone before you? Is it possible that you'll be alone forever?

Sounds funny when you think about it, and realistically relationships are important life lessons. Relationships teach you so much about yourself and what you want in life. Relationships are a blessing, take them for what they are worth, don't drag the negatives to the next and live in L.O.V.E!

Never mind, I'll find someone like you, 
I wish nothing but the best for you, too, 
Don't forget me, I beg, 
I remember you said, 
"Sometimes it lasts in love, 
But sometimes it hurts instead," 
Sometimes it lasts in love, 
But sometimes it hurts instead, yeah, 

Monday Madness- Life is No Walk in the Park

Hello readers!

So I’m crossing my fingers and toes because I had a great interview on Monday that lasted 3 HOURS!!! Yes, I said it 3 hours!! Well I must tell you this “adventure” of a day, because I truly believe that this mayhem wouldn’t have happen to anyone else.

My interview was at 2pm, so I made sure I was well rested and woke up early to go over material, eat properly and mentally prepare myself for my interview. Well since trains from Westchester run every hour I had to take an 1145am to get into the city by 1240. Little did I know what an adventure awaited me. 

On my way to the train station, I got stopped for 10 minutes as these workers were cutting branches and removing them from the street. Mind the fact I don’t have time for this, so I bomb my horn in urgency, blood pressure rising, I’m about to have a heart attack. Finally they let me through, so I race to make my train with a 10-minute window.

Time to park, oh wait there aren’t any parking spots left. Of course, it couldn’t be that easy, so I drive all the way to the back and make my own parking spot. 4 MINUTES to my train. There is no way, I mentally prepare myself to wait around another hour and have to book it to my interview. Yet, something comes over me, I snatch my heels off and in my stockings and gray pencil skirt run as fast as I can. Not a care in the world of how stupid I look, I only hope that I don’t step on broken glass as I jump over puddles! Did I make it…..

Yes! I mean, I just made it, as the train doors close on my gluteus maximus. Panting like a dog, I sit down realizing I didn’t have time to buy a ticket so I have to pay $15 dollars one way. L So I pay, and decided it was best to put on my iPod and woosah to some good old Coldplay!

 I then arrive successfully at Grand Central with an hour to kill. Looking for a seat I had never realized how many homeless people were allowed in the food area. Walking around for about 5 minutes I finally find a successful seat across from Dishes. Reading over my notes, I look up to a man staring at me. Look back down I can feel his eyes piercing into me. I had wished at that moment I had a picture, you know, cause it lasts longer!

It’s finally time to leave for my interview, as I slip my heels on I decided I would take the subway instead of walking. Well I get into the subway and have no idea where I’m going. Then this African American Professional woman stops me, asking me questions and compliments me on my appearance and how I walk with confidence. In my head I’m wondering what the point of her babbling is, and she gives me her card telling me she works for Mary Kay and hires people to train others on leadership. Thinking we are done with the conversations she asks me one more thing…. "What is your background?” Why do black women always find the need to ask me this question? Well I answer politically and we part ways. I walk up to man asking him what subway I can take and he informs me that there is no way, that I’d have to walk but it’s not that far. Giving him a look of concern, I inform him if his lying to me, I will find him lol.

This is a perfect example of why you should always give yourself a lot of time because you never now what journey of life you’ll be on that day. All in all, I don’t leave the PR firm till 5. Exhausted from smiling and pitching myself to multiple people I get on my 50 minute train ride home, trying to keep my eyelids open. I am lost in thought. Reflecting over my crazy day and of course boys!

Well to my surprise I look up and realize I was so dazed that I missed my stop and get off. Calling my dad to pick me up, I decided it might be easier to take a taxi sense I still needed to pick my car up from the train station. So I jumped in a taxi, bargaining a $10 ride because I’m broke. Leading to the most interesting cab ride of my life. I was not in the state of mind to hold conversation but he seemed like a nice old man so I decided to entertain him.

He asked me what do I do, and what I was doing for Valentines Day. The funny thing was I had not reflected the whole day about this “day of love,” and told him I was happily spending it with my parents. He laughed and said “really!? You probably have guys lined around the block.” I replied to him with laughter, “awww, aren’t you sweet.” Knowing that these “guys” lined around the block were non-existent and if they were I didn’t really care at that point. We talked about life, and how he told me to push for my dream cause I didn’t want to end up a cab driver. I told him I promised to give life my all, gave him my blessings and got out the cab to my car.

After a 2-hour commute I was surprisingly calm. Anyone who really knows me, knows that patience comes in small amounts with me. If you really think about it, I had a great interview and this story that I’m sharing with you just illustrates how you have to be ready for the curve balls of life, that it's important to brush things off, and always leave yourself ample amount of time.

Over all Monday was Madness, but I wouldn’t trade that Monday for anything else in the world! J

A New Beginning...

I’ve been out of school since May 2010 and have yet to find a full-time job, but I’ve been working full time since June 2010. I’m an individual that one might call a workaholic. Sitting around on the couch, eating popcorn, and watching T.V. all day is not my cup a tea!

I was one of those typical graduates that was ready to step in to the world. Running to the top of the highest building and shouting “Hello World!” arms flailing. One problem…I had no idea what direction I’d go. I’m an intelligent woman but where would I take my talents? What field would I bless with my presence? Well of course I choose one of the hardest cities to start my career, NEW YORK CITY!!! They do say if you can make it here you can make it ANYWHERE!!

Well, I must say I was a step in front of the pack cause I’m originally from the suburbs of NY. So blah blah blah, basically I started my PR and Special Events internship right out of college, then from there I took my curiosity for PR to a PR firm. Then time started flying by and before I knew it I was 9 months out of school and still interning. WHAT DID I DO!? I mean I had learned so much, and basically was working at an entry level without the pay and my pockets started to hurt!

So what now!? A little stressed out I wondered if I had wasted my time, but the truth is I didn’t. I can’t begin to explain how much I’ve grown! Yet, it was time to move on, once my company could not find it in its budget to financially hire me because of all these new changes it was time for me to leave it all behind. The thing is, it’s a job finding a job!

So here I stand, about to turn 23 in a month and still wondering what the hell do I want to do? It’s the first time, I’m sitting on my couch eating popcorn and looking for the perfect entry-level job for me to apply for in the Big Apple.

Good thing is I’ll be posting any lessons learned through the interviews I’ve been on. Wish me luck! J