Steps to a New Position

I am going to write this blog about "steps to a (potential) hire". Join me at Google+ or write me at hra246@gmail.com with your feedback.

Many think that the "do all and end all" is in the resume.  This, for the most part, just isn't true.  It is going to have a profound effect on your candidacy....but many of the people for whom I've written resumes, I also mock interviewed them and enhanced their LinkedIn Profile....not to mention giving them a format for writing a cover letter.  There are 4 steps right there....not to mention "due diligence"!!

What comes first?  Due diligence.  Check out the company.  Is it the company for whom you WANT to work? Check out the LinkedIn Profiles of the people you may be encountering?  They WILL appreciate that...whether you know it or not!  They will be looking at YOU!!

Your resume is an introduction to your candidacy.  Among the issues clearly outlined are: Contact information (including your LinkedIn Profile URL), Summary, Skill Sets (both soft and hard skills), Chronological Resume (the where, when, what, and accomplishments of your resume), Education, and other areas of importance.

The second most important part of your candidacy is your LinkedIn Profile.  It must contain everything from your resume and more.  You MUST have a photo so the hiring manager can get a glimpse of you as a person.  They also want to know what kinds of groups you have joined, what kind of company you keep (connections), and other areas covered by LinkedIn.

The next most important document is the cover letter.  Yes, you cannot POSSIBLY cover everything in your resume.  You can address the specific needs from their advertisement in the cover letter.  You MUST address the cover letter to a person.  How do you do that?  By due diligence on LinkedIn and elsewhere on the internet.  Your cover letter covers 3 vital areas:  How you found out about the job, specifics on why you feel you stand out from your peers/competition, and a strong closing paragraph.

Next comes the telephone screen.  In the screen you MUST treat it as if it were the next best thing to being there.  NO drink in hand.  Think fast on your feet.  Use the S.T.A.R. Behavioral Based Interviewing style.  Don't know what that is?  Contact me and I'll explain further.  No gaps in the conversation.  No computer assistance at this point.  Short, concise answers to their questions.  No "yes" or "no" answers.  You must say "yes, because" or "no, because".

The in-person interview is next.  Dress sharply, unless notified otherwise.  Some companies prefer you visit them dressed in a polo shirt or "business casual" attire.  Check with the "arranger" first.  Ensure you carry a copy of your resume (or more if it is a panel interview).  Again, the S.T.A.R. format is likely to be used.
Eye contact and excellent body language is critical.  "Small talk" is acceptable, but must be kept at a minimum and only under THEIR direction.  There are many questions they may ask at an interview.  I will not go into them here.....but, this is definitely the time to find out if they are micromanagers or macromanagers.  Remember, you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you!

Finally, there's the follow up letter and phone call.  As you leave, ask permission to send the follow up letter and/or phone call. They will appreciate your asking permission and it is the professionalism that they are seeking.

I touched on most of the ingredients of the "successful" properties of the interview process.  I have been recruiting for over 25 years (yes, you can see my profile at www.linkedIn.com/in/howieappel).  You can also write me at hra246@gmail.com for details on having some leverage for positioning yourself for your next interview.

Remember to read your finished resume at least twice.  Many use "attention to detail" as a skill.  One typographical error will prove you wrong.  Do you want to take that chance?  Spell-Check is not always the answer to a proofreading.

Review my recommendations on LinkedIn.  You will find that I am a "babyboomer", I am a veteran, and I have been both a corporate and agency recruiter.  I now do resumes and LinkedIn Profiles for both job seekers and businesses on the grow.

Are you ready to take action?
Are you ready to take your search to the next level?
Are you ready to become pro-active?

If you said, "yes" to any or all of these questions, you are ready to work with a professional who has put his heart into every resume he re-accomplishes.  I have worked with outplacement firms, Christian HELP, and have worked on my own outplacement contracts.  As you know, there are no guarantees in life (except death and taxes).  Why take a chance?  I stand ready to take you to the next level!!

To Be or Not to Be, That is the Question

Greetings ProNet members.  It was a hot summer.  Gas prices continued to skyrocket and dialogue with members was few and far between.  

I have sent out a number of "email blasts" only to find many have unsubscribed and many have asked to be taken off the mailing list.  This is good news and bad news.  Good News:  People are getting jobs!!  Bad news:  ProNet is working and our membership is dwindling.  

How do I interpret this?  I know that some of the larger organizations in Central Florida are no longer referring people to us (we do the "same thing" that they do....but they get paid for it).  They feel that they address the needs of professionals so they don't suggest people come to ProNet.  Many of our visitors to our meetings were from others' referrals.  

What do you think?  What is the reason why you haven't come to our meetings?  Can you write me (privately) at hra246@gmail.com?  I continue to say to myself, "the people need ProNet so I am going to keep it alive even if only for a few people".  

Our next meeting is September 22nd at the College Park Towers on Eggleston Ave., Winter Park (off Lee Road).  We start at 5:30 and go to 7:30.  The topic this month will be an effective resume and effective cover letter.  If you are unable to make it, kindly write me at hra246@gmail.com) and let me know as I am wondering if we are to be or not to be....that is the question.  Let me know if you know of a good speaker....I'll be glad to talk with them.  Until then...

Our next meeting is September 22, 2014 at College Park Towers, 2500 Eggleston Ave, Winter Park, FL 32810

Last month our guest speaker was from the Orlando Business Journal.  We had very few show for this meeting.  My guess? The end of the summer and kids were returning to school.

Thus far the guest speaker for September will be an expert on interviewing and resumes....me.  Need some volunteers to help me find new and invigorating speakers.

Need some volunteers to help us find a new venue.  Thus far no one has "stepped to the plate" to help me.

I took a poll last month and was determined that the majority ruled as far as continuing the program.  The winning vote (by a slight margin) was to continue.

Please let your friends know that this program exists.  If they feel that other organizations in Central Florida do not focus on professionals.....ProNet Career Resources (aka ProNet Central Florida) does!

RSVPs are being asked....please write me at hra246@gmail.com  If I get 20 emails between now and the 18th we will have the meeting as scheduled.

Write me and let's get dialogue going.

It's YOUR resume!!

How often do I hear the following:  I've had 5 people review my resume in the past 6 months and I'm so very confused.  

I have one comment to make to that oft heard expression.  That comment is...it's your resume and what ever works for you is what you're going to submit anyway!!  Now for the truth.

When you bring your resume to a person (or organization) to review and give you "pointers", be sure to find out the history or the "resume" of the person to whom you are bringing it. Sometimes these are "well wishers" who want to help. Sometimes they are (themselves) using a template that they've been instructed to use.  Sometimes they are people who have read a good book on resumes and feel they have full grasp of how resumes should be written.

Others are with an agency that actually survives on writing resumes for people.  Their "bread and butter" is writing resumes. Sometimes you don't even meet the person who actually writes it!  Your goal/mission is to collaborate with the writer.  The only one who knows you is YOU!!  

Many resume writers are on staff, getting a salary for sitting there and writing your resume for you.  Still others work straight commission and get paid only when one visits with them (me, for example).

Many changes have come to pass over the last year or two.  Among these changes are:  "References Available Upon Request" is no longer used....why?  Because they are obtainable from the application!!  Another is the actual "Objective".  That is obsolete because you are, in effect, telling the employer what you want to do!  Does he care?  The "Summary" is far more important.  It tells the recruiter/hiring manager what you "bring to the table".  It should depict most of what his advertisement reads!  Are you a Veteran?  Then say so!!  Finally, please watch your typos.  One typo and your resume is moved "to the other pile".

The other controversial issue is "how many pages".  Some people are "stuck" on the one page resume.  If you have 20 years experience, how can you fit even a fraction of that on one page?  Remember that "summary" I mentioned?  That's the part that is read in the first 7 seconds.  If you have 20 years experience or a college degree, you cannot get away with less than 2 pages.  Do you have a Masters? If so, that implies that you have projects, thesis, internships, etc that you were compelled to undertake. They require you fortify your resume for the position for which you are applying.  A person with a higher degree can deal with a 3 page resume.  Mind you, they may never read it....but, if they are serious, they'll want to know you are serious.

Suggest you share this as wide as possible.  I stand ready to help the serious job seeker.  Although my competition asks for $200-500 at the low end, I guarantee I will charge far, far less. Email your resume to me at hra246@gmail.com and we'll talk.  

Above all, remember that the resume you want people to read will depict YOUR background.  It's YOUR resume!

Meanwhile, check out my LinkedIn Profile and www.facebook.com/AppelResumeWriting.  

My Epiphany

My Epiphany

“An epiphany (from the ancient Greek ἐπιφάνεια, epiphaneia, "manifestation, striking appearance") is an experience of sudden and striking realization. Generally the term is used to describe scientific breakthrough, religious or philosophical discoveries, but it can apply in any situation in which an enlightening realization allows a problem or situation to be understood from a new and deeper perspective. Epiphanies are studied by psychologists^[1][2] and other scholars, particularly those attempting to study the process of innovation.^[3][4][5]

Epiphanies are relatively rare occurrences and generally follow a process of significant thought about a problem. Often they are triggered by a new and key piece of information, but importantly, a depth of prior knowledge is required to allow the leap of understanding.^[3][4][6][7] Famous epiphanies includeArchimedes's discovery of a method to determine the density of an object ("Eureka!") and Isaac Newton's realization that a falling apple and the orbiting moon are both pulled by the same force”

How often do you come up with an epiphany?  In my view it can be an “aha” moment.  It can be a moment that comes all too often when others are trying to say something that doesn’t strike home until you, yourself, face this moment or realization. 

It comes when you are reading facebook and realize how many people are posting on this, Memorial Day and really saying, “I haven’t the funds to go shopping” or “spend money on gas” so I’ll sit here and read the comments and tributes on facebook.

It comes from realizing you’re probably not the only one of the “Baby Boomer” (BB) generation who is SOL because they lost their job….they learned from management that the company needs “new blood” and that the older, experienced professionals are far too old or expensive. 

It comes from realizing that the only way to survive in this economy is to do “your own thing”.  (see my blog called, “Out to pasture…not me”. )

We, as BB’s need to realize that there is heavy weight on “if it is to be, it is up to me” and many, many other phrases that allude to, “no one else is going to do it for you, do it yourself and get it done!”.    We need to realize that facebook is a SOCIAL media!  It is ok to promote your product, but don’t expect results unless it is super, super, cheap and super, super popular. 

It comes from realizing that (according to many networkers) that it’s “not who you know, but who knows you”….the very definition of business networking:  From Wikipedia:

“Business networking is a socioeconomic business activity by which groups of like-mindedbusinesspeople recognize, create, or act upon business opportunities. A business network is a type of business social network whose reason for existing is business networking activity. There are several prominent business networking organizations that create models of business networking activity that, when followed, allow the business person to build new business relationships and generate business opportunities at the same time. A professional network service is an implementation of information technology in support of business networking. Many business people contend business networking is a more cost-effective method of generating new business than advertising or public relations efforts. This is because business networking is a low-cost activity that involves more personal commitment than company money. Country-specific examples of informal networking are guanxi in China, blat in Russia, and Good ol' boy network(US)/Old boy network(UK).

In the case of a formal business network, its members may agree to meet weekly or monthly with the purpose of exchanging business leads and referrals with fellow members. To complement this business activity, members often meet outside this circle, on their own time, and build their own one-to-one business relationship with the fellow member.

Business networking can be conducted in a local business community, or on a larger scale via the Internet. Business networking websites have grown over recent years due to the Internet's ability to connect business people from all over the world. Internet businesses often set up business leads for sale to bigger corporations and businesses looking for data sources for business.

Business networking can have a meaning also in the ICT domain, i.e. the provision of operating support to businesses and organizations, and related value chains and value networks.”

This past year has given rise to many, many networking phenomena including Connections, and Meetups.  The Chambers of Commerce present these opportunities.  There’s an epiphany right there:  YA GOTTO GET OUT!!

My organization, ProNet Career Resources or ProNet Central Florida is one such group.  Like many groups before it (and since), it is suffering from attendance.  What’s the epiphany there?  Simply, many members are 55+.  Many members are BB, many members are long term unemployed (or more politically correct….out of work).  Many members have opted to stay home and save gas.  The enticement of the potential networking or gas card, or free copies of the Orlando Business Journals (OBJ) is no where near hitting reality as the need to save gas, the need to pay that bill, or the need to find SOMEONE who will either barter all this much needed information or do it for free.  I am, of course, relating to the resume and LinkedIn Profile.

At ProNet meetings I provide a FREE forum, a free gas card, and free copies of the OBJ.  What is wrong with this picture?  Again, the epiphany that there are bills to pay.  Why light the “candle at both ends”?  It’s cheaper (in the short run) to sit at home, crawl into a corner (thereby staying away from a spouse who is hounding you to “get a job”) or simply feign looking for a job.

Yes, these are all “aha” moments where you, the job seeker need to come to the realization that networking is imperative.  That LinkedIn Profiles WILL help you make the right connections.  You must USE your connections.  You must implement the advice you are given.  I asked for a $5 donation to help keep ProNet  alive.  On LinkedIn we have 1071 members.  We received donations (of various sizes) from 30 people.  This is how organizations die.  Are you one of the people who is now working and feel that ProNet was a waste of your time?  Are you one of the people who feel that other support agencies are also a waste of your time?  They, unlike ProNet are NOT volunteer driven.  Most are on salary or their spouses are providing them with income to survive.  ProNet is ALL volunteer.  I have been at the “helm” for 10 years as a free resource.  Due to financial difficulties and turnout, we will be going on a summer hiatus. 

Does this sit well?  Does the epiphany of a major resource becoming a virtual entity soon give you a show of concern?  Have you actually read this far?  If you have, congratulations.  You may have an epiphany yourself: that reality is that you shouldn’t walk these “paths” alone.  The reality is that there are people out there who want to help! We are all out to survive.  As the Beatles so aptly put it: “I get by with a little help from my friends”.

I suggest to you, my friends, that you do all in your power to come to the realization that the economy is not going to be better any time soon.  The “rich” will grow richer while those of us who used to be in the “middle class” seem to be migrating to a “lower” middle class or even “lower class”..  Are you going to do something about it?  When?  How?  With whom?  Now is the time for action.  If you’ve read this far in this blog, you have come to the realization (or epiphany) that there are people out there who want to help….but need help themselves.  I am one such person.  The question is:  Will you take advantage of what I have to offer?  Now, there’s an epiphany!!

Agencies.....Just How Good Are They??

Having worked for many, many agencies in my 30 years in recruiting, I have been fortunate/unfortunate enough to have a combination of agency and corporate recruiting "gigs" under my belt.  This blog will help to answer some of the questions members are always asking me.  The major question is:  Should I depend on an agency to find me a job??

The answer is found in many, many places, even a book by Alysse Metzler called "The Recruiting Snitch" which is an excellent expose on agencies AND an article I just read by Caroline Lau, "The Hard Hitting Truth about Recruiters:  They Don't work for Candidates".

The truth is now read this closely:  Who pays who???  Florida is a state where Applicant Paid Fee (APF) is actually illegal.  Company Paid Fee (CPF) is both legal and required.  To sustain themselves, agencies MUST submit a "winning" applicant to secure the fee.  The only applicant they wish to submit will be the one who meets the exact "shopping list" or requirements of the job.  They typically submit 2-3 candidates to ensure that one gets the interview.  If the candidate gets hired, they get their fee. AND the new hire must be on board for 90 days or more.  If they quit before this period is over, the probability is that the client (company) will ask for the fee back (or at least a portion). The agency will question your motives very extensively as to why you quit.  They will probably not work with you on your job search again.  Remember, the people who work for an agency are both recruiters and Account Executives (AE).  They are well meaning and try hard to work together as a productive team.  The "caste" system exists.  Recruiters don't work with companies (typically) and AE's don't work with candidates until they become a "saleable" commodity.  AE's trust their recruiters implicitly to provide them with qualified candidates who are submittal ready.  Both these people are convincing people,  "hungry", and determined to make placements (their job depends on it).  These professionals are geared to filling jobs (not finding you a job, mind you) and will spend countless hours searching out that perfect candidate.

What does that mean for you?  Ensure that the opening is a valid one.  Ensure you haven't already applied for that job prior to discussing it with the agency.  If it is a double submittal, guess who loses? You do!!!  The agency won't get their fee and the company won't want hard feelings to exist.  They will go with someone else (equally qualified....but why get involved in a "date-time" stamp issue).

Always ask if the opening is an "exclusive" where the company has supposedly given exclusive rights to filling this position only with this staffing agency.  Oftentimes (and yes, I've experienced this) the company will give the agency 24 hours and then give the opening to another agency (wow, what happens if you get not one, but two phone calls!!).  Which agency has a closer relationship to the company?  You will probably never know.

Always ask where the company is.  Always ask as many questions as you can.  Most of the time the agency will not answer them due to confidentiality OR they just don't know!!  Sometimes they ask the right questions of the company and the company won't give quality answers.  They must go with the answers they are given!!

Bottom line is your BEST bet is to (yourself) find the hiring manager or one of his/her colleagues through LinkedIn (that may have been where the staffing firm found YOU) and do your "due diligence".

Remember, the Talent Acquisition Professional or Corporate Recruiter is on salary.  Their job is to fill the position.  They don't pay the agency, their company does.  Their job is to fill the position...but...it doesn't matter where they find the qualified candidate.  If they are good at "head hunting" then they may not use an agency.  Indeed, many companies forgo the use of an agency and use LinkedIn or other less expensive avenues than agencies.  Hard to fill position?  They may have money in their budget to pay an agency fee.

You will read many, many articles on this.  You will be highly tempted to go through an agency. Oftentimes the agency DOES work closely with the company.  Oftentimes they WILL submit your resume but rest assured it likely will be accompanied by a "fierce" competitor.  Remember, the agency does NOT make any money until one of their submittals is hired.

There are two types of agency:  Retained and Contingency.  Retained search firms are paid by the company in advance and work hard to make their fee.  Contingency means their income is contingent upon their filling the job and ensuring the new hire stays.  Most agencies are contingency based.  Oftentimes they will screen you on the phone and be honest with you saying they will keep your resume on file awaiting an appropriate opening and sometimes they will say they are submitting you and you don't hear from them.

Remember, if you've already applied for a position yourself and it seems that you are talking the same position, let them know.  They will move on and leave you be. Which job search is the most effective? The one you conduct. Who is your best advocate?  Someone who wants to help!!

Ensure your resume and your LinkedIn Profile are in top notch shape.  Have a professional review its contents.  Have a professional give you feedback on your LinkedIn Profile.  Agencies really don't have the time to do either.  They want to submit a resume that is ready to go!!!

Want further advice?  Contact me.  Text me at 407-373-4293.  Come to my LinkedIn Seminars.  I will help you "polish" both your resume and your LinkedIn Profile.  Take advantage of Christian HELP's programs.  Their volunteers give of their time to help you progress.  I am a Resume Coach there, usually once a month.  Go to the job fairs they run.  The "hidden job market" DOES exist.  Dissect the Orlando Business Journal (not a paid advertisement, just the honest truth).

I receive emails often from people who have followed my advice, done their due diligence and made the right connections......Looking forward to seeing you as an alum real soon!!

Persistence and Standing Out

Persistence and Standing Out!!

What does the competition look like?  Are they younger?  Are they older?  Are they experienced?  Do they meet the qualifications for the job?  Is this an "inside job" meaning someone on the inside has the "inside track"?  The answer is obviously all of the above!!!

Persistence means don't give up!!!  Persistence and standing out are two of the qualities we must ALL handle with professionalism.  How do we stand out?  Have a resume that is up to date, accurate, and free of flaws/typos.  Have a LinkedIn Profile that shows you and your key skills in the exact light you need to provide the reader what they want to see.....not what you want to see, but what they want to see.

What do they want to see?  Action, key skills, phrases that make you stand out.  A confidence level that ensures you meet their needs and can "hit the ground running".  Speak with a professional (one who has sat in the seat of the recruiter) and ensure your portfolio meets or exceeds the opening.  Read between the lines to determine what they are really looking for.

Persistence, confidence, and standing out will stand you a better chance at getting that interview. .

What is a GREAT cover letter???

The best cover letter is addressed to a specific person about a specific job at a specific company!

Of course, in the top center of the cover letter is your contact information.  This will include your name, address, phone(s), email address, and your LinkedIn URL.

Paragraph 1:  Where did you find the opening?  What makes you uniquely qualified for the position? Remind them to check out the attached resume!!  The first paragraph should be no more than 10 lines.

Paragraph 2:  Precisely tell the reader how your background exactly matches their needs....their "shopping list".  If the key word is not on your resume...here's where you identify the key word and how you are uniquely qualified for the position based on your knowledge of this key word.  Address each key word in their list.  Even if it was "some time ago" that you encountered activity....say just that!
Keep the 2nd paragraph to no more than 10 lines.

Paragraph 3:  Thank the reader for taking the time to read both the cover letter and your resume. Remind them of your availability!  Remind them of your email address and your phone number (yes, a 2nd time...can't repeat this info too many times).  Finally, let them know you will be calling them in one week to find out if, indeed, they received this cover letter....not your resume (mind you)....just the cover letter.

Finally, sign the letter.....yes, pick a "signature" type font and use it.  Below that, type in your contact information (AGAIN) and left justify it.

One more VERY important tactic.....your email will be read, right?  Well, let's put this cover letter in the TEXT of the email!!!  Do not attach your cover letter.  The recruiter will just read the resume (yes, it's also attached) and ignore your well written cover letter.  Remember, a well written cover letter MAY get you that interview!!

REMEMBER:  Read your cover letter twice before hitting the "send" button.  You'll be surprised as to how many typos you may find!

If you'd like a copy of the "template" for this cover letter, drop me a note at hra246@gmail.com and I'll send you some information.

For over 2 years we have conducted LinkedIn Seminars at the College Park Baptist Church.  Today we had an amazing turnout.  Thanks to Georgia Lee Stuart, and her team at the church, all went without a glitch.

My goal is to review all LinkedIn Profiles and give guidance. Many of the attendees asked me to provide individual sessions.  I have a few openings for next week, but most are now gone.

Finally, I met with a member of my team today and we discussed our strategy to regain our 501c3 status.  Remember, if you donate $20 or more to ProNet you will receive a receipt that you can use on your taxes next year.  Dues/Donations are $5 per year.  You also can mail a check to me at 246 Hanging Moss Circle, Lake Mary, FL 32746.  Many of these dollars go for gas cards so that some lucky person at our monthly meeting can put gas in their tank.  Other dollars goes toward administrative needs that keep ProNet afloat.

Looking forward to seeing a full house on Monday night when George Colombo of SWOP visits with us to discuss non-profits, volunteerism, and how to learn your worth the easy way.  You are needed and wanted....just in different ways than you thought.....work outside your comfort zone?  Hope to see you there.

Don't forget our upcoming LinkedIn Seminar on the 23rd at College Park Baptist Church.  Following that is our monthly meeting on the 27th.

To precede both events is the CFEC Job Fair.  What a lineup for the Central Florida Job Seeker!!!

Want details or to RSVP contact Howie at hra246@gmail.com

ProNet Update....January, 2014

Do you enjoy twitter?  Here's our address over there: http://twitter.com/hra246 Please let every unemployed professional in Central Florida know about ProNet Career Resources.  We do LinkedIn Seminars (free) and we have monthly meetings featuring speakers who are Subject Matter Experts in their fields.  

Two dates to remember:  01/23 is our next LinkedIn Seminar at College Park Baptist Church in Orlando.  RSVPs to hra246@gmail.com are required as there is limited seating.

The second date is 1/27 which is our ProNet Monthly meeting.  Again, email Howie at hra246@gmail.com for details.