This post collects the 10 part series of job search notes covering tips from Dr Seuss (yes, there are more coming)
job search notes - The Cat in the Hat's advice
job search notes: Dr Seuss goes fishing
job search notes: Dr Seuss on foot notes
job search notes: what Dr Seuss does to your tongu...
job search notes: Dr Seuss says go!
job search notes: Dr Seuss watches Mulberry St
job search notes: Dr Seuss, the first nerd
job search notes: Dr Seuss extends the alphabet
job search notes: Dr Seuss was right!
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query search, notes. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query search, notes. Sort by date Show all posts
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
job search notes: Dr Seuss says go!
What has Dr Seuss got to do with the job search?
Didn't he write books for children?
Yes, he did. He told a story in a simple manner. There is a message in most of his stories. This is one of a series revealing the message that can help those of us with the job search effort.
This opens Dr Seuss' book "Marvin K Mooney Will You Please Go Now." Marvin is told in so many ways to simply go away. He finally does, when he decides he wants to.
What is the message for us?
Action is required for your job search and only you can take the proper steps to get it going. Procrastination will not help. Get going.
If you lack in confidence, get with someone to help build up your confidence.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. The actions are yours. When you decide, then the job you seek will too be yours!
Other entries in the Dr Seuss series of job search notes can be found here :
1 - McElligot's Pool
define your niche, be consistent with personal branding
Didn't he write books for children?
Yes, he did. He told a story in a simple manner. There is a message in most of his stories. This is one of a series revealing the message that can help those of us with the job search effort.
The time has come.The time has come.The time is now.Just go!Go!GO!I don't care how!
This opens Dr Seuss' book "Marvin K Mooney Will You Please Go Now." Marvin is told in so many ways to simply go away. He finally does, when he decides he wants to.
What is the message for us?
Action is required for your job search and only you can take the proper steps to get it going. Procrastination will not help. Get going.
If you lack in confidence, get with someone to help build up your confidence.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. The actions are yours. When you decide, then the job you seek will too be yours!
Other entries in the Dr Seuss series of job search notes can be found here :
1 - McElligot's Pool
define your niche, be consistent with personal branding
2 - On Beyond Zebra
don't be limited by conventional thought
3 - If I ran the Zoo
create and deliver your value add
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
job search notes: yes, we are moving!
Those who listened to the podcast last week, heard that the job search notes series I have been posting here will be moving.
Where to?
Not far - just a click away at the Job Search Jam Session site
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/
I have updated the links here in the far right column so that you can subscribe to the notes via RSS or email.
I will continue to share what I learn as regularly as I can (at least once a day).
If you have questions or suggestions for me to address, please let me know. I really do want the information to be something that you can use.
So if you have subscribed to the Job Search Notes series, you can update your RSS Reader with the new feed or update your email preferences to un-subscribe. If you have any issues on how that is done, let me know (include the email address you have subscribed with and I can help).
Where to?
Not far - just a click away at the Job Search Jam Session site
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/
I have updated the links here in the far right column so that you can subscribe to the notes via RSS or email.
I will continue to share what I learn as regularly as I can (at least once a day).
If you have questions or suggestions for me to address, please let me know. I really do want the information to be something that you can use.
So if you have subscribed to the Job Search Notes series, you can update your RSS Reader with the new feed or update your email preferences to un-subscribe. If you have any issues on how that is done, let me know (include the email address you have subscribed with and I can help).
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
job search notes: LinkedIn series
For those who participated in the Hopkinton Networking Group meeting where I led the discussion on "I'm on LinkedIn, now what?", the presentation document was posted here:
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/07/job-search-notes-im-on-linkedin-now.html
The audio will be posted in two parts. The first will cover the intro and up to noon time.
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-on-linkedin-now-what-audio.html
The second part will cover the remainder of the session for those who lingered long after noon to get their questions answered.
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-on-linkedin-now-what-audio-p2.html
For those interested in leveraging LinkedIn for the job search, I did a similar talk in March and the slides were synchronized with the audio. You can find that presentation here:
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/03/job-search-notes-leveraging-linkedin.html
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/07/job-search-notes-im-on-linkedin-now.html
The audio will be posted in two parts. The first will cover the intro and up to noon time.
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-on-linkedin-now-what-audio.html
The second part will cover the remainder of the session for those who lingered long after noon to get their questions answered.
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-on-linkedin-now-what-audio-p2.html
For those interested in leveraging LinkedIn for the job search, I did a similar talk in March and the slides were synchronized with the audio. You can find that presentation here:
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/03/job-search-notes-leveraging-linkedin.html
Friday, March 20, 2009
job search notes: subscription
To make it easier for my fellow job seekers to subscribe to just those posts where I share my job search notes, I have created a special RSS Feed for you.
You can subscribe to this feed and get only those posts with "job search notes" in the headline.
You can choose to use whatever RSS Reader you prefer.
You can subscribe to this feed and get only those posts with "job search notes" in the headline.
You can choose to use whatever RSS Reader you prefer.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
job search notes: Land ho!
Yes, a strange sound but true enough. Indeed, the lookout in the forward topmast has spotted land at last. I have signed up for a contract position with Modis to work on a security project at Citizens Bank, in their East Providence, RI Operations Center.
How long has it been?
It took me nine months to land my first contract position after the reduction in force at Fidelity Investments occurred in Dec 2008. That contract position last four months and it has taken another eight months to find this position. That is a trend that isn’t very good. And yet it pales in comparison to those who have exhausted their 99 weeks and are still looking.
Giganomics
I think we are into this ‘giganomics’ thing, moving from one gig to another for some time. Prior recoveries were quicker as the large Fortune 500’s were able to expand and hire thousands at a time. That doesn’t seem to be likely this time around. The growth will come from the small and medium businesses and from the entrepreneurs, hence growth and recovery will be slower.
What can I share about my experiences on the job search?
I have shared a lot already on my blog, Steve’s 2 Cents and I will continue to share there but to summarize, I would offer the following:
1 - Live your brand
If you don’t have one, figure it out. There are so many exercises one can do to define yourself, your brand, most of those will get you to the same end point. Pick one and go with it. Once it has been defined, live it, and then refine it as you go. It doesn’t have to be perfect out of the gate.
I chose to summarize myself with seven words: Learning, sharing, and laughing about life experiences. Especially on the job search, learning something new each day was important. Sharing something in a way that it matters to whom you share it (get to the ‘what’s in it for them’ point) is also good networking. Laughter, well, in a painful world, laughter is good medicine. and with the proper point of view, the world is a funny place.
2 - Grow your network
When I left Fidelity, I had about 200 LinkedIn connections. 90% of them were Fidelity folks. While they were good connections, realistically getting back into Fidelity wasn’t going to be likely for some time as they were still cutting positions. I needed to focus on expanding my network beyond Fidelity, beyond New England. Exactly how I did this has been covered in my LinkedIn presentations. Today, I have more than 700 connections and the Fidelity percent has been reduced to about half.
3 - Maintain appropriate data capture.
You need to keep track of your applications and contacts to report on when asked by unemployment or as part of your job search work team, or your buddy group. All are good and valid reasons for keeping some metrics on what is going on. The second key though it to periodically look that the numbers and see what they tell you.
Quick story to illustrate this point:
I had spent time redoing my resume. The original had been done years ago, was relatively a chronological listing of how and what I did where and when. It left out my outside activities (my blogging, social media explorations and my unconference organizational efforts). I worked with someone to create more of a holistic view of Steve Sherlock. It felt good. In the course of 10 days, I used my network to get the resume hand delivered via good connections to 6 hiring managers. And then got nothing from it, no follow up calls, no interviews, nothing. What was the problem? The network worked. The resume delivered must have been the problem.
I used Wordle to do some analysis on the resume and found the problem. As a project manager, the two big words that appeared were Boston and Pawtucket. But I wasn’t in real estate! What happened to project manager, or any of the project related key words? Back to the drawing board and then back to the street. Around this time, I also changed one word in my LinkedIn headline (from “Experienced project manager, customer service advocate, socia media practitioner’ to “Savvy project manager, etc.). All of a sudden, recruiters started calling me. The one word change (from ‘experienced’ to ‘savvy’) made all the difference.
So proper data capture enables tracking, analysis and course corrections as needed The adage, “If you don’t measure it, how can you manage it?” comes to mind.
4 - Sharpen the saw
Years ago, I became acquainted with Stephen Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Successful People”. He has fallen out of favor recently but the principals he outlined, I still find valid. Especially ‘sharpening the saw’. This I did in two ways, one by maintained my running fitness and normal health routine. And two, by occasionally taking some time off from the job search to do something different. It could be a day trip, or an event in a different subject matter, or time away with family and friends. However you choose to do it, it is absolutely necessary to remain strong enough to maintain positive spirits. You need to express a positive attitude with all you meet. If you are not positive, I don’t believe you will be successful.
What would I do differently?
IT is broad, and cuts across multiple industries,so I had chosen not to select target companies. I wanted to be open to all opportunities. I gradually realized that effectively the project work I felt most comfortable with would only occur in companies of a certain size. I’d just started becoming more focused and was in the process of developing these target companies and I found a spot. Next time (assuming there may be one), I’ll be better out of the gate!
2 - More informational interviews
As much talking and networking as I did, I would do more specific informational interviews. Only good things have come out of the ones I did. I would definitely do more.
I wish you all the best on your job search. If there is any way that I can be of help, please let me know.
If you have specific questions on my job search experiences, please feel free to reach out to me. Contact information can be found on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensherlock
I will continue to post to my series of “Job Search Notes on my blog: http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/
The Job Search Jam Sessions are scheduled for October 1. You can find out more about the event and register to attend here: http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/
How long has it been?
It took me nine months to land my first contract position after the reduction in force at Fidelity Investments occurred in Dec 2008. That contract position last four months and it has taken another eight months to find this position. That is a trend that isn’t very good. And yet it pales in comparison to those who have exhausted their 99 weeks and are still looking.
Giganomics
I think we are into this ‘giganomics’ thing, moving from one gig to another for some time. Prior recoveries were quicker as the large Fortune 500’s were able to expand and hire thousands at a time. That doesn’t seem to be likely this time around. The growth will come from the small and medium businesses and from the entrepreneurs, hence growth and recovery will be slower.
How did I get this position?
I found this opportunity through a recruiter at Modis that I had been working with. We talked frequently about this position or that which he would find. I recall we talked about this one on a Monday, he called back that Thursday to say I had a hiring manager phone screen for that coming Monday. It went well then about a week went by before we got notified of the in-person interview the following Thursday. The in-person interview went well and I got the offer while facilitating the interview question breakout at the Hopkinton Networking Group meeting on Friday morning.
This was the first and only non-Fidelity in person interview I had encountered during my job search. I had always believed that when I got to an in-person interview I would do well, the trouble was getting through everything before that!
I found this opportunity through a recruiter at Modis that I had been working with. We talked frequently about this position or that which he would find. I recall we talked about this one on a Monday, he called back that Thursday to say I had a hiring manager phone screen for that coming Monday. It went well then about a week went by before we got notified of the in-person interview the following Thursday. The in-person interview went well and I got the offer while facilitating the interview question breakout at the Hopkinton Networking Group meeting on Friday morning.
This was the first and only non-Fidelity in person interview I had encountered during my job search. I had always believed that when I got to an in-person interview I would do well, the trouble was getting through everything before that!
What can I share about my experiences on the job search?
I have shared a lot already on my blog, Steve’s 2 Cents and I will continue to share there but to summarize, I would offer the following:
1 - Live your brand
If you don’t have one, figure it out. There are so many exercises one can do to define yourself, your brand, most of those will get you to the same end point. Pick one and go with it. Once it has been defined, live it, and then refine it as you go. It doesn’t have to be perfect out of the gate.
I chose to summarize myself with seven words: Learning, sharing, and laughing about life experiences. Especially on the job search, learning something new each day was important. Sharing something in a way that it matters to whom you share it (get to the ‘what’s in it for them’ point) is also good networking. Laughter, well, in a painful world, laughter is good medicine. and with the proper point of view, the world is a funny place.
2 - Grow your network
When I left Fidelity, I had about 200 LinkedIn connections. 90% of them were Fidelity folks. While they were good connections, realistically getting back into Fidelity wasn’t going to be likely for some time as they were still cutting positions. I needed to focus on expanding my network beyond Fidelity, beyond New England. Exactly how I did this has been covered in my LinkedIn presentations. Today, I have more than 700 connections and the Fidelity percent has been reduced to about half.
3 - Maintain appropriate data capture.
You need to keep track of your applications and contacts to report on when asked by unemployment or as part of your job search work team, or your buddy group. All are good and valid reasons for keeping some metrics on what is going on. The second key though it to periodically look that the numbers and see what they tell you.
Quick story to illustrate this point:
I had spent time redoing my resume. The original had been done years ago, was relatively a chronological listing of how and what I did where and when. It left out my outside activities (my blogging, social media explorations and my unconference organizational efforts). I worked with someone to create more of a holistic view of Steve Sherlock. It felt good. In the course of 10 days, I used my network to get the resume hand delivered via good connections to 6 hiring managers. And then got nothing from it, no follow up calls, no interviews, nothing. What was the problem? The network worked. The resume delivered must have been the problem.
I used Wordle to do some analysis on the resume and found the problem. As a project manager, the two big words that appeared were Boston and Pawtucket. But I wasn’t in real estate! What happened to project manager, or any of the project related key words? Back to the drawing board and then back to the street. Around this time, I also changed one word in my LinkedIn headline (from “Experienced project manager, customer service advocate, socia media practitioner’ to “Savvy project manager, etc.). All of a sudden, recruiters started calling me. The one word change (from ‘experienced’ to ‘savvy’) made all the difference.
So proper data capture enables tracking, analysis and course corrections as needed The adage, “If you don’t measure it, how can you manage it?” comes to mind.
4 - Sharpen the saw
Years ago, I became acquainted with Stephen Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Successful People”. He has fallen out of favor recently but the principals he outlined, I still find valid. Especially ‘sharpening the saw’. This I did in two ways, one by maintained my running fitness and normal health routine. And two, by occasionally taking some time off from the job search to do something different. It could be a day trip, or an event in a different subject matter, or time away with family and friends. However you choose to do it, it is absolutely necessary to remain strong enough to maintain positive spirits. You need to express a positive attitude with all you meet. If you are not positive, I don’t believe you will be successful.
What would I do differently?
IT is broad, and cuts across multiple industries,so I had chosen not to select target companies. I wanted to be open to all opportunities. I gradually realized that effectively the project work I felt most comfortable with would only occur in companies of a certain size. I’d just started becoming more focused and was in the process of developing these target companies and I found a spot. Next time (assuming there may be one), I’ll be better out of the gate!
2 - More informational interviews
As much talking and networking as I did, I would do more specific informational interviews. Only good things have come out of the ones I did. I would definitely do more.
I wish you all the best on your job search. If there is any way that I can be of help, please let me know.
If you have specific questions on my job search experiences, please feel free to reach out to me. Contact information can be found on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensherlock
I will continue to post to my series of “Job Search Notes on my blog: http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/
The Job Search Jam Sessions are scheduled for October 1. You can find out more about the event and register to attend here: http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/
If you would like to obtain a PDF version of this you may do so here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/37040813/Sherlock-Landing-Summary-100907
Sunday, November 14, 2010
job search notes: subscription reminder
I still find some subscribers to the Job Search Notes series I was publishing here. If you have noticed that I haven't published anything in a while, that is partly true. I haven't posted anything here as part of that series. The series is being continued on the Job Search Jam Sessions website.
You get all the goodness of what I find and can share about the job search by clicking through to the Job Search Jam Sessions website. You have the same two options to subscribe via email or via RSS Feed Reader.
For example, in November I have already created the following to share:
Stay informed with all I can share by subscribing. If you find something good that you would like to share here, please leave a comment or send me an email.
Together we are more powerful! Remember the lessons of the geese!
You get all the goodness of what I find and can share about the job search by clicking through to the Job Search Jam Sessions website. You have the same two options to subscribe via email or via RSS Feed Reader.
For example, in November I have already created the following to share:
- Pattern recognition
- Recovery - a step at at time!
- Finding your target companies
- Filtering your LinkedIn updates
- What is your ROI?
- how to deal with "I think you are overqualified"
- "Sometimes, we just need someone to cut us a break...
- Who is in your network?
- Hopkinton Networkers Group (HNG) - Friday, Nov 5
- Escape the abyss
- Just pick one and start!
- Inside #the5 Tuesday
- "work on focus, clear goals and a well-matched tar...
Together we are more powerful! Remember the lessons of the geese!
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
job search notes: start in Hopkinton!
Many marathon runners are in training today to qualify for BAA Boston Marathon in April 2011 when 25,000 runners will arrive in Hopkinton to begin their journey to Boston and the finish line on Boylston St/Copley Square.
You too, can start to take the next step in your job search by beginning your journey in Hopkinton on Oct 1. The Job Search Jam Sessions use an unconference format to provide a learning and sharing experience, as well as the opportunity to add new and interesting connections to your network.
What are the Job Search Jam Sessions?
Across five time slots, there will be up to eight sessions offered. You'll be able to pick and choose what you need for that moment in time on your job search. The specific sessions will be finalized on Friday, Oct 1 to meet the needs of the participants. Stay tuned into Job Search Jam Sessions to keep up with what sessions will be offered.
The schedule outline has been prepared.
If you'd like to suggest a session, you can do so here.
By the end of the day, the Job Search Jam Sessions will provide you with the information, the connections and/or the inspiration to reach the end of your job search successfully.
Is your job search finish line in Boston?
That is up to you, but we all will start in Hopkinton!
Note: this was also posted to the Job Search Jam Sessions website here
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2010/09/start-in-hopkinton.html
You too, can start to take the next step in your job search by beginning your journey in Hopkinton on Oct 1. The Job Search Jam Sessions use an unconference format to provide a learning and sharing experience, as well as the opportunity to add new and interesting connections to your network.
What are the Job Search Jam Sessions?
Across five time slots, there will be up to eight sessions offered. You'll be able to pick and choose what you need for that moment in time on your job search. The specific sessions will be finalized on Friday, Oct 1 to meet the needs of the participants. Stay tuned into Job Search Jam Sessions to keep up with what sessions will be offered.
The schedule outline has been prepared.
If you'd like to suggest a session, you can do so here.
By the end of the day, the Job Search Jam Sessions will provide you with the information, the connections and/or the inspiration to reach the end of your job search successfully.
Is your job search finish line in Boston?
That is up to you, but we all will start in Hopkinton!
Note: this was also posted to the Job Search Jam Sessions website here
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2010/09/start-in-hopkinton.html
Thursday, March 04, 2010
job search notes: Dr Seuss was right!
Don't you just love Dr Seuss? Why, he even provides advice for those doing the job search!
So how did you respond?
Did you go along with the farmer's advice and seek somewhere else?
Or did you stick to your desire and proceed?
Use your imagination and creativity!
Above all, be patient!
If you'd like some help leveraging your LinkedIn network, by figuring out how to the just the right fish in that LinkedIn pool of your connections, check out the posting I wrote here:
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/03/job-search-notes-focused-linkedin.html
March 2nd was Dr Seuss (Theodore Geisel's birthday) so in the spirit of Dr Seuss, I have a few posts planned leveraging his writing for your job search.
Note: the quotes are from Dr Seuss' McElligot's Pool, a Caldecott Honor Book published in 1947.
Other entries in this Dr Seuss Series for job searchers can be found here
"Young man," laughed the farmerYou have no doubt heard something like this from someone along the way haven't you?
you're sort of a fool
you'll never catch a fish
in McElligot's Pool
So how did you respond?
Did you go along with the farmer's advice and seek somewhere else?
Or did you stick to your desire and proceed?
Oh, the sea is so full of a number of fishYes, focus on satisfying your desire for the RIGHT position.
if a fellow is patient, he might get his wish
and that's why I think
that I'm not such a fool
when I sit here and fish
in McElligot's Pool
Use your imagination and creativity!
Above all, be patient!
If you'd like some help leveraging your LinkedIn network, by figuring out how to the just the right fish in that LinkedIn pool of your connections, check out the posting I wrote here:
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/03/job-search-notes-focused-linkedin.html
March 2nd was Dr Seuss (Theodore Geisel's birthday) so in the spirit of Dr Seuss, I have a few posts planned leveraging his writing for your job search.
Note: the quotes are from Dr Seuss' McElligot's Pool, a Caldecott Honor Book published in 1947.
Other entries in this Dr Seuss Series for job searchers can be found here
Monday, September 06, 2010
job search notes: What does the recession look like?
The percent of unemployed by county across the US shown as time progresses from Jan 2007 through May 2010 becomes quite the staggering picture.
You can view another version of this here
http://cohort11.americanobserver.net/latoyaegwuekwe/multimediafinal.html
Against this background, the need to network, learning and sharing what those in the job search have experienced becomes all the more important. If you are unemployed, or know someone who is, let them know that the Job Search Jam Sessions can provide help. The event will be held in Hopkinton on Friday, October 1. The cost is only $7.00. Tickets can be purchased with credit card or paid at the door. We do strongly encourage registration so that the proper amount of food for the breaks and lunch can be planned for.
What are the Job Search Jam Sessions?
Across five time slots, there will be up to eight sessions offered. You'll be able to pick and choose what you need for that moment in time on your job search. The specific sessions will be finalized on Friday, Oct 1 to meet the needs of the participants. Stay tuned into this site to keep up with what sessions will be offered.
The schedule outline has been prepared.
If you'd like to suggest a session, you can do so here.
By the end of the day, the Job Search Jam Sessions will provide you with the information, the connections and/or the inspiration to reach the end of your job search successfully.
If you want to pay at the door, please click on the "Show Other Payment Options" link to register. This will give us a good count to plan for the food.
More information about the Job Search Jam Sessions can be found here:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Steve's 2 Cents to view the document
You can view another version of this here
http://cohort11.americanobserver.net/latoyaegwuekwe/multimediafinal.html
Against this background, the need to network, learning and sharing what those in the job search have experienced becomes all the more important. If you are unemployed, or know someone who is, let them know that the Job Search Jam Sessions can provide help. The event will be held in Hopkinton on Friday, October 1. The cost is only $7.00. Tickets can be purchased with credit card or paid at the door. We do strongly encourage registration so that the proper amount of food for the breaks and lunch can be planned for.
What are the Job Search Jam Sessions?
Across five time slots, there will be up to eight sessions offered. You'll be able to pick and choose what you need for that moment in time on your job search. The specific sessions will be finalized on Friday, Oct 1 to meet the needs of the participants. Stay tuned into this site to keep up with what sessions will be offered.
The schedule outline has been prepared.
If you'd like to suggest a session, you can do so here.
By the end of the day, the Job Search Jam Sessions will provide you with the information, the connections and/or the inspiration to reach the end of your job search successfully.
If you want to pay at the door, please click on the "Show Other Payment Options" link to register. This will give us a good count to plan for the food.
More information about the Job Search Jam Sessions can be found here:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Steve's 2 Cents to view the document
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Job Search Notes: Press release
“Job Search Jam Sessions” Will Offer
Networking Opportunities, Motivational Boost
for Massachusetts, Rhode Island Job Seekers
Networking Opportunities, Motivational Boost
for Massachusetts, Rhode Island Job Seekers
___
Event is scheduled for May 14, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The location: St. John the Evangelist Parish Center, 20 Church St., Hopkinton, Mass.
The location: St. John the Evangelist Parish Center, 20 Church St., Hopkinton, Mass.
HOPKINTON, Mass.——New England, a region especially hard-hit by the current economic slump, will play host soon to “Job Search Jam Sessions.” Events like these are springing up around the country in response to the recession. In coordination with the Hopkinton Networking Group, Job Search Jam Sessions offers peer-to-peer learning, networking opportunities and motivational support for unemployed and under-unemployed workers. New and recent college graduates are welcome to participate to learn the tips and tricks of the job search.
Job Search Jam Sessions is scheduled for Friday, May 14, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The location: St. John the Evangelist Parish Center, 20 Church Street, Hopkinton, Mass. The event is expected to draw up to two hundred job seekers from Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Persons interested in attending should register at http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com. You can pay via PayPal or at the door. The cost is the same – $5 per person. Attendees will be asked to check in at the Parish Center on May 14, between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. Coffee, refreshments and snacks will be served during the conference. Proceeds from ticket sales will help defray expenses. Any ‘profit’ will be donated to the Church in return for the use of their facility.
Directions to the St. John the Evangelist Parish Center can be found on the church’s website (http://www.stjohnhopkinton.com).
“This is an ‘unconference’ for the unemployed and underemployed,” says Steve Sherlock, lead organizer. “The event’s organizers and session facilitators all have experience dealing with the challenges of layoffs and unemployment, and they are enthusiastic about sharing what they’ve learned in a peer-to-peer setting.”
“Job Search Jam Sessions participants will not only acquire dozens of new LinkedIn connections. More importantly, they will share experiences and ideas with their peers, make potentially valuable new contacts and refine their job search skills. And at the end of the day they’ll return home more confident and motivated to pursue new opportunities.”
Job Search Jam Sessions Agenda
The event will feature both seminar-like sessions and informal opportunities to network in small groups. The agenda will be adapted to reflect the needs and interests of participants. There will be sessions devoted to job interviews, financial planning, and the use of social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
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You can register here: http://jobsearchjamsessions.eventbrite.com/?ref=ecount
Note - you can pay via PayPal or credit card in advance or select "show other payment options" to reserve your ticket and pay at the door. Either way, your reservation will help us plan for the amount of people to expect that day.
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Saturday, September 12, 2009
job search notes: 10 good info links
1 - The inside story on how the best guide (The LinkedIn MBA) that I have seen for LinkedIn came to be. This also includes info on how to obtain it.
2 - A short recap of what you should be doing to market yourself.
3 - Good interview tips
and from the SlideShare Newsletter
The 7 Must Read SlideShare Presentations for Job Seekers
These seven presentations are handpicked by the Applicant Blog at applicant.com. They also got some love from from getthatjobonline.com
1. Effective Job Interviewing from Both Sides of the Desk
It is gives great advice by looking at both sides of the job interview. My favorite tidbit is, "Your Awesomeness is not self-evident."
2. 10 Job Search Attitudes that Will Get You More Interviews
Short, but sweet. I think attitude is often an overlooked piece in the job hunt puzzle. My favorite tidbit is, "I will search as if I don't need a job."
3. Rethink your Job Search
This reads a bit like marketing material for JobTiger, but is still has good content. My favorite tidbit is, "Tap into job openings that may not have been published."
4. Leveraging LinkedIn for the Job Search
A great little walkthrough on using LinkedIn for your job search. Favorite tidbit, "When you find a connection, leverage it to find other connections."
5. 10 Commandements of Job Search
This is the presentation by the Applicant Blog, and it stresses staying positive. "Ignore the fact that your friend, uncle, aunt and even your mother-in-law is unemployed. It's about you."
6. Job Serach with Social Media & Mobile
This is a great presentation that covers LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & some mobile apps. "Maxims remain the same ... tactics are very different."
7. Converging Trends Impacting Your Job Search
It covers a lot of ground discussing marketing trends, social media and what networking means today. "Become a content expert ... shift, cull & create content"
LinkedIn User Guide
from Social Media Sonar2 - A short recap of what you should be doing to market yourself.
Building your Personal Brand
from Spin Strategy - Blog
3 - Good interview tips
Top 10 Tips for Interviews – Videos from Interns Over 40
from TheEssayExpert.com
and from the SlideShare Newsletter
The 7 Must Read SlideShare Presentations for Job Seekers
These seven presentations are handpicked by the Applicant Blog at applicant.com. They also got some love from from getthatjobonline.com
1. Effective Job Interviewing from Both Sides of the Desk
It is gives great advice by looking at both sides of the job interview. My favorite tidbit is, "Your Awesomeness is not self-evident."
2. 10 Job Search Attitudes that Will Get You More Interviews
Short, but sweet. I think attitude is often an overlooked piece in the job hunt puzzle. My favorite tidbit is, "I will search as if I don't need a job."
3. Rethink your Job Search
This reads a bit like marketing material for JobTiger, but is still has good content. My favorite tidbit is, "Tap into job openings that may not have been published."
4. Leveraging LinkedIn for the Job Search
A great little walkthrough on using LinkedIn for your job search. Favorite tidbit, "When you find a connection, leverage it to find other connections."
5. 10 Commandements of Job Search
This is the presentation by the Applicant Blog, and it stresses staying positive. "Ignore the fact that your friend, uncle, aunt and even your mother-in-law is unemployed. It's about you."
6. Job Serach with Social Media & Mobile
This is a great presentation that covers LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & some mobile apps. "Maxims remain the same ... tactics are very different."
7. Converging Trends Impacting Your Job Search
It covers a lot of ground discussing marketing trends, social media and what networking means today. "Become a content expert ... shift, cull & create content"
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
job search notes: Sam I am's networking tips
The last book in this series of job search notes applying what can be learned from Dr Seuss comes from the timeless classic "Green Eggs and Ham."
You recall the story? 'Sam I am' is aggressive and persistent in his attempts to get the un-named gentleman with the hat to try green eggs and ham. The gentleman refuses to try.
We have all see Sam (or Samantha to be nonsexist about it)! The arrogant and aggressive personality, always showing off, always prancing around as if the world revolves around them.
It is hard to network with Sam (Samantha)! They are the kind of folks you want to stay away from.
The lesson: Be good. Be open. Don't be aggressive.
From my own archives:
Let's go back to Green Eggs and Ham:
Wouldn't it have been easier to try it sooner? He might very well have, had Sam been more open and approachable.
The message for us: we are looking for is to get an interview. We need to leverage our network to obtain it. Once that far, we assume that what will be, will be (and we will get the position)!
Be approachable, create a welcome front porch.
I hope this has been a help for your job search efforts.
Other entries in this Dr Seuss Series for job searchers can be found here
PS - For St Patrick's Day, why not try green eggs and ham?
We have all see Sam (or Samantha to be nonsexist about it)! The arrogant and aggressive personality, always showing off, always prancing around as if the world revolves around them.
It is hard to network with Sam (Samantha)! They are the kind of folks you want to stay away from.
The lesson: Be good. Be open. Don't be aggressive.
From my own archives:
One blogger who is good at the approachability factor is Scott Ginsburg, that guy with the name tag. He talks a lot about the approachability factor. He uses his name tag as his front porch. Check him out. Understand what your front porch is today, and how you might be able to improve your approachability tomorrow.Why should you create that open and welcome feeling?
Let's go back to Green Eggs and Ham:
And what happens when he tries green eggs and ham? He likes them of course!Sam!If you will let me be,I will try them.You will see.
Wouldn't it have been easier to try it sooner? He might very well have, had Sam been more open and approachable.
The message for us: we are looking for is to get an interview. We need to leverage our network to obtain it. Once that far, we assume that what will be, will be (and we will get the position)!
Be approachable, create a welcome front porch.
I hope this has been a help for your job search efforts.
Other entries in this Dr Seuss Series for job searchers can be found here
PS - For St Patrick's Day, why not try green eggs and ham?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
I'm On LinkedIn, Now What? - audio
The audio recording of the interactive discussion with the Hopkinton Networking group on Friday, July 23rd. This is part one of two. It actually runs just over an hour. The questions and answers should be audible.
Time: 1 hour, 9 minutes, 6 seconds
Time: 1 hour, 9 minutes, 6 seconds
For those who participated in the Hopkinton Networking Group meeting where I lead the discussion on "I'm on LinkedIn, now what?", the presentation document was posted here:
The audio will be posted in two parts. The first will cover the intro and up to noon time.
The second part will cover the remainder of the session for those who lingered long after noon to get their questions answered.
For those interested in leveraging LinkedIn for the job search, I did a similar talk in March and the slides were synchronized with the audio. You can find that presentation here:
Sunday, May 31, 2009
job search notes: Bee feeding on rhododendron
The bee found its way to this bush. It's blossoms open and inviting.
What attracts you to your work?
Do you understand what it is that gets you going easily?
Have you incorporated that into your job search?
If you would like to connect on LinkedIn, please feel free to do so and reference this blog post or other appropriate connection for us.
You can now subscribe to just the "job search notes" if you'd like. You can subscribe via this link.
Friday, July 23, 2010
job search notes: I'm on LinkedIn, now what? - updated
My presentation document "I'm on LinkedIn, Now what?" for the Hopkinton Networking Group on Friday, July 23.
This document served as the starting for for a facilitated discussion to share tips on making LinkedIn a more powerful tool for those on the job search. I had a live internet connection to demo with LinkedIn and other websites answering questions from the group along the way.
An earlier version of this presentation can be found here
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/06/job-search-notes-im-on-linkedin-now.html
I'll get a round to updating this some day but in the mean time, there are two important changes to note.
1 - The Google Reader is no longer available. I use Feedly as my RSS Reader now. The functionality is similar and are being improved over time.
2 - LinkedIn actually turned off the RSS feed in Dec 2012. Other sites still use RSS and RSS is still a valuable tool.
This document served as the starting for for a facilitated discussion to share tips on making LinkedIn a more powerful tool for those on the job search. I had a live internet connection to demo with LinkedIn and other websites answering questions from the group along the way.
An earlier version of this presentation can be found here
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/06/job-search-notes-im-on-linkedin-now.html
I'll get a round to updating this some day but in the mean time, there are two important changes to note.
1 - The Google Reader is no longer available. I use Feedly as my RSS Reader now. The functionality is similar and are being improved over time.
2 - LinkedIn actually turned off the RSS feed in Dec 2012. Other sites still use RSS and RSS is still a valuable tool.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
I'm On LinkedIn, Now What? - audio - P2
This is part two of two, the audio recording of the interactive discussion at the Hopkinton Networking Group meeting on July 23 with the topic "I'm on LinkedIn, now what?"
Time: 40 minutes, 1 second
Updated 1/26/14
There are two key updates to these presentations that are required. One; the Google Reader has gone away. I now use Feedly.com for my RSS feed reader.
Two; LinkedIn turned off their RSS feed as of Dec 2013. Getting RSS feeds from other sites still works but LinkedIn has shut theirs down.
I'll be updating the presentation in light of these developments to show what alternatives there are remaining now
Time: 40 minutes, 1 second
For those who participated in the Hopkinton Networking Group meeting where I lead the discussion on "I'm on LinkedIn, now what?", the presentation document was posted here:
The audio will be posted in two parts. The first will cover the intro and up to noon time.
The second part will cover the remainder of the session for those who lingered long after noon to get their questions answered.
For those interested in leveraging LinkedIn for the job search, I did a similar talk in March and the slides were synchronized with the audio. You can find that presentation here:
Updated 1/26/14
There are two key updates to these presentations that are required. One; the Google Reader has gone away. I now use Feedly.com for my RSS feed reader.
Two; LinkedIn turned off their RSS feed as of Dec 2013. Getting RSS feeds from other sites still works but LinkedIn has shut theirs down.
I'll be updating the presentation in light of these developments to show what alternatives there are remaining now
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
How to read this page
Update 6/13/10
Welcome, thank you for stopping by. I have
What I'd like to do is to walk you through how I have laid out the page here, to bring to your attention some features that may help your visit to this collection of pages.
Your feedback on this layout is welcomed. If this layout doesn't work for you, let me know so that I can make some changes.
The left column is where the blog posts appear in chronological order, most recent on the top, scrolling down to the last on this page, before it rolls over into the archives which are collected by year and by month in the center column. You can expand the year, to get at the months. Expand the month to get at the individual posts within. My archives happen to go back to September 2004. I have posted fairly regularly since then.
I have pulled out My Important Links into a new page along the top menu. These provide some additional insights into what I have written about. Hopefully, the location will enable you to find some good stuff more quickly. With Tertiary Education, Passion for the Good Customer Experience and Hitchhiker's Guide to the Blogosphere in hibernation (they are no longer being updated), I have moved any relevant collections here and separated My Important Links from My Collected Writing. Links to the hibernating blogs can be found along the bottom of the far right column.
I have provided the links to the other blogs where I write in another new page available along the top menu line
- Franklin Matters - my local or place blogging public service effort
- Jerry's Story - the oral history of my father and our family
- Passionate Runner - where I write about my running and provide coaching advice
- quiet poet - the home of sherku and my other poetry
- Job Search Jam Sessions - about the learning, sharing, and networking at the unconference for the unemployed and underemployed
On the far right column, my profile appears on top. Yes, that is a picture of moi (sometimes two of me to continue the "2 cents" theme). I hope to remember to change them at least seasonally.
Along this column, the second box begins the subscription options. You can subscribe to all of Steve's 2 Cents via RSS Feed or email. In a parallel lineup, on the outside column, you can also subscribe to just my "job search notes" via RSS Feed or email. Hopefully, these choices will suit your needs.
There is a box separating the subscription options for Steve's 2 Cents and the "job search notes". This box will enable you to find me on other social media sites, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Technorati, and Flickr. There is also a general RSS Feed option.
All I published is covered by a Creative Commons for non-commercial, share-alike with attribution usage. You can follow the link to obtain the legal details.
Well, I hope this helps you to navigate around the page. Do not hesitate to click on a link. It will usually take you a good place. I try to check all my links.
If you do find a broken one, please let me know. I do not like for folks to have a bad experience, especially since one of the themes I write about is creating good experiences!
Technorati Tags : steves2cents, blog, blogging
Friday, January 29, 2010
job search notes: giganomics
This week, I'll combine "5 for Friday" and this focus on job search notes to review giganomics.
One term that pretty much describes an approach to the slowly recovering economy is giganomics. The job recovery is not going to be quick, especially from the Fortune 500 where many of the jobs have been likely lost permanently. The recovery will come from the small to medium business and entrepreneurs. Hence, it will be a slowly more organic growth.
Some reading on giganomics
1 - From January 2009, a Newsweek article
http://www.newsweek.com/id/181935/
2 - Credit apparently goes to Tina Brown for coining the term
http://christianwriteruk.blogspot.com/2009/04/giganomics.html
3 - From Sep 2009, an article focusing on the impact for Information Technologists (IT)
http://blog.venyu.com/2009/09/22/it-pros-need-to-embrace-giganomics/
4 - From earlier this month, an ABC video clip features one of my fellow contributors to the Joyful Jubilant Learning blog, Karen Swim.
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/finance/2010/January/Americans-Look-Towards-Giganomics-for-Income/
5 - And finally, it is not just a term for the US as seen in this Sky News report
Sky News report on giganomics
Enjoy!
One term that pretty much describes an approach to the slowly recovering economy is giganomics. The job recovery is not going to be quick, especially from the Fortune 500 where many of the jobs have been likely lost permanently. The recovery will come from the small to medium business and entrepreneurs. Hence, it will be a slowly more organic growth.
Some reading on giganomics
1 - From January 2009, a Newsweek article
http://www.newsweek.com/id/181935/
2 - Credit apparently goes to Tina Brown for coining the term
http://christianwriteruk.blogspot.com/2009/04/giganomics.html
3 - From Sep 2009, an article focusing on the impact for Information Technologists (IT)
http://blog.venyu.com/2009/09/22/it-pros-need-to-embrace-giganomics/
4 - From earlier this month, an ABC video clip features one of my fellow contributors to the Joyful Jubilant Learning blog, Karen Swim.
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/finance/2010/January/Americans-Look-Towards-Giganomics-for-Income/
5 - And finally, it is not just a term for the US as seen in this Sky News report
Sky News report on giganomics
Enjoy!
Sunday, June 07, 2009
job search notes: what is your story?
Customers seek that magical quality of distinction! As we have already discovered, distinction is developed by organizations and professionals that first develop clarity about what they are -- followed by creativity in their approach -- then communicate their story in a compelling manner. It is no coincidence that these organizations that we are tired of hearing about -- Southwest, Starbucks, Apple, and so forth -- are the ones that most frequently tell their stories in a precise and compelling manner. Yet why is it so difficult to find other examples? I suggest the reason is that so few organizations or individuals in business today understand the basics of telling the compelling story.From the Collapse of Distinction by Scott McKain
Clarity, creativity, communication. The three C's behind telling a compelling story.
What is your story?
If you would like to practice telling your story, I am ready to listen and provide feedback.
If you would like to connect on LinkedIn, please feel free to do so and reference this blog post or other appropriate connection for us.
You can now subscribe to just the "job search notes" if you'd like. You can subscribe via this link.
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