Job Search Wisdom From A Classic Children's Story

Ruth Krauss' The Carrot Seed tells the journey of a little boy and his gardening adventure. Said boy plants a carrot seed and waits for the magic to happen. Despite some familial pessimism about whether the seed will actually develop into anything, the boy dutifully tends his garden; watering, weeding and watching.  When there are no signs of growth, what does the boy do? Well, he keeps watering, weeding and watching.  Eventually, a sprout appears and the boy is ultimately rewarded with a rather tasty-looking carrot!  Ahh...success :-)

I loved sharing this book with my kids, and used it in my classroom when I taught preschool.  It never failed to open discussions beyond the actual story.  The Carrot Seed is about so much more than gardenting or planting.  It's about solidarity of purpose, resilience, delayed gratification, power of focus & intention, and faith.

These principles also happen to be integral to a successful journey back to work.  As a Comeback Mom, you spend time writing and customizing resumes, creating cover letters, updating skills and knowledge, networking.... Like the boy in Krauss' classic story, you may not immediately see any evidence of progress. And family and friends may not provide you with the encouragement you desire.

But...stay the course.  Pace yourself, maintain your stamina, and keep on keeping on.  The boy in the story didn't plant the seed, water it once, and sit back waiting.  He continued to tend his garden, even when he couldn't see results.  And you'll continue to move forward with your job search strategies, gathering insights, networking, polishing skills, and possibly reaching out for assistance in the form of workshops, job clubs, or coaching, even when signs of progress are not visible.

You will eventually see results. And, with perseverence and patience, your garden will bloom, too.

All the best,
Carol

Stand Out In The Crowd - How To Get HR's Attention

FACT:  Some HR people receive dozens, maybe even hundreds, of resumes for job openings.

This begs the question of how to make yourself stand out in the crowd.  It goes without saying that your resume needs to be in tip top shape. But the truth is, at least some of the resumes that HR reviews in response to a vacancy will look as great as yours...and possibly even better. 

So how exactly can you gain an upper hand at the beginning of the hiring process?  I recently heard of an applicant who differentiated herself by going a bit above and beyond, and very nicely allowed her resume to stand out.  How'd she do it? She sent along a reference letter that detailed her accomplishments and successes along with what made her a great employee. 

One of the reasons this worked in securing her an all-important interview slot is that the letter took a bit of the guess factor out of the equation.  The hiring person had actual documentation that she has accomplished all that her resume claims.  And a letter of recommendation expands upon gifts and talents beyond what is put on a standard resume. 

Put yourself in the place of a hiring pro faced with the prospect of screening dozens of resumes for one job.  Let's say you ended up with 15 potential candidates who possessed the skill set you are looking for.  How would you pare the list to a reasonable number to interview?  Chances are, if the resume with the reference letter was among the 15, it would end up in the 'Yes' interview pile. 

All the best,
Carol

Women Returning to Work and the Third Billion

While in an airport this weekend on my way home from a conference, I picked up a copy of Booz & Co.'s Summer 2010 Strategy + Business issue.  By the time I was midway through the article that began on page 8, "The Third Billion," I knew I had to share it with you.  The third billion refers to the number of women who will enter the global workplace over the next 10 years with significant, if not earth-changing, impact, and the authors calculate that 47 million of them live in North America, western Europe and Japan.

Having spent the weekend thinking about how women returning to the workforce can be such a positive force for helping to turn things around, I was struck by authors DeAnne Aguirre's and Karim Sabbaugh's analysis. They conclude the article by writing, "The creativity of the Third Billion may provide the world with an unprecedented resource for driving economic growth and improving the quality of life over the next decade....For leaders, the next step is to recognize the value of this population of women and the contribution they can make."

Pretty great, don't you think?

I recommend reading the The Third Billion in its entirety.

All the best,
Carol

The Art of Strategic Volunteering and Finding a Job - How Donating Time Can Help Moms Return to Work

Exciting News:  I have developed a 30 minute teleseminar on The Art of Strategic Volunteering and Finding a Job and will be presenting it this Wednesday, May 19th, at 1 pm EST as part of Tory Johnson's Waggleforce May Marathon career teleseminars series! 

The calls are free and details can be found at http://womenforhire.com/may_marathon_for_career_success .  While you're there, check out the other great topics being offered throughout the rest of May.  I've listened in on a few and am happy to say that my Waggleforce Job Leader colleagues are doing a fantastic job sharing key insights and information for job seekers.

Please join me on Wednesday as I talk about how moms looking to return to work can use strategic volunteering to polish their skills, update their resumes, build their network, and boost their confidence....all essential elements of staging a successful comeback to the world of work.  And all of this is accomplished while helping further an important cause or organization!  Now that's what we call a 'win-win!' 

For You on Mother's Day

Recently, a friend shared a link to a youtube video that she thought I would really enjoy.  It was an author doing a reading of her new book, a memoir on motherhood.  Enjoy it I did!  And it got me thinking about another book I had recently read based on an online review I had read.  Both the book and the video shared interesting and poignant perspectives on what being a mom is all about. 

With Mother's Day just a few days away, I decided to depart from my regular postings on re-entering the world of work.  Instead, I wanted to give you a little gift.  So...go make a cup of fresh tea or coffee, get comfortable, and enjoy the next 3 video clips....one is the clip a friend sent me, one is from an author whose newest book I've enjoyed so much, and the other one features one of our dearest national treasures...

Dr. Maya Angelou's Letter to My Daughter is a book she wrote for us.  While she is the proud mother of a son, she considers us all her daughters.  In this video, she talks about the book, a bit about her life, and even graciously shares some of her precious wisdom. You'll want to get your hands on your very own copy of Letters once you watch the video.  Better still, download the audio version on itunes or audible.com to get the added bonus of getting to listen to Dr. Angelou share these wonderful lessons and stories.


Next in line is Katrina Kenison reading from her Gift of An Ordinary Day.  I won't even attempt to describe this video as a lady in the audience says it best at the end of Kenison's talk when she declares, "Now, isn't that the truth!"


The third part of my hat trick Mother's Day gift to you highlights Kelly Corrigan, author of the bestseller The Middle Place, talking about why she wrote her newest book, Lift, a little book with huge heart that talks about raising daughters.  I loved this book so much, I bought a bunch of these to give as gifts.  I'm already in need of a re-order despite the fact that it was just published less than 8 weeks ago.


I promise to get back to the subject at hand, helping Comeback Moms to make a successful re-entry onto the career roadway, next week!  I sincerely hope you enjoyed these treats.  Happy Mother's Day!!

Online Applications - the agony....

Question:  I’m looking to return to work.  I've noticed that some companies have online applications.  Do I need to fill these out, or can I just mail my resume and cover letter to their HR department?  These online forms take so much time...UGH!!


Answer:  This is a question that someone recently asked in one of my workshops. As a mom returning to the workforce, you’re probably going to be visiting a variety of job sites and company websites.  Often, there will be an online application of some sort that needs to be submitted.


Yes, I agree -- these can take a significant amount of time and the frustration factor is sizable!! 

You’ll want to follow the company’s procedures for applicants, though. While online applications are sometimes cumbersome, unwieldy, and time consuming, circumventing the official procedures can result in your resume getting tossed. Once you’ve done what is required, you can always send a well-done cover letter and resume via snail mail or email, referring to your online application.   One major caveat...ensure that you are submitting your information to a reputable and bona fide employer before proceeding (see link to Boston Globe's slide deck below).


Tip for on ramping: To make online applications a bit easier, create a reference sheet with commonly requested information already detailed (past jobs, responsibilities, dates, degrees, certificates, references, etc.). This way, all you’ll need to do is refer to the sheet for much of the application. No need to keep recreating the wheel!  The Boston Globe's Tips for Completing Online Applications slide show is filled with great information and worth the site visit!



All the best,


Carol

The Truth About Stay at Home Moms

The Truth About Stay At Home Moms

Show me a picture of a stay at home mom and I’ll say “Check her odometer!!” The phrase, you see, is a complete oxymoron.

Not one woman I know who has ‘stayed home,’ really did. While we may have decided to off ramp from career paths, many of us applied our business and project management skills to new venues. For moms who ‘stayed home,’ we accomplished lots of things: served on boards of directors of non profits, volunteered as officers of PTOs and PTAs, consulted part-time, volunteered in ministry work, used project management skills in logistical and financial planning for our homes,….the list truly is endless!

How do I know about this? Because I was there in the trenches alongside you! I’ve seen how hard you work and how smart you are. I know what you have to offer to the world of work. Your work ethic is unparalleled, your ability to multi-task…well, let’s just say you are one of the originators of the movement, and your teamwork skills are about as good as they get. In other words, YOU ROCK!

So, as you begin to create your resume and plan for going back to work, consider all that you’ve been doing ‘at home.’ We may have some teaching to do, helping companies and organizations understand how our achievements ‘at home’ translate into valuable workplace skills. But once we begin to show them what we’ve got, they’ll be clamoring for other comeback moms to join their ranks!

Please keep me posted on your progress!! I’d love to begin highlighting some success stories in future posts.

All the best,
Carol

Savvy Sobriquets...Email Handles for Job Seekers

Momma4, tennismom1, and gemini1968 seemed like great choices for your email handle.

But now that you're on ramping, a mom returning to work, email names like these can land your resume and cover email in the spam or delete folders of the HR gatekeeper faster than a coach passenger trying to use the first class lavatory gets turned back at the curtain!

There is a pretty easy solution for getting a more professional sounding email. Create a new account with one of the free email service providers such as gmail, yahoo, and hotmail. Check out http://email.about.com/od/awards/ss/The_Best_In_Email_2010_The_Reader_s_Choice_Awards.htm (click on Top 17 free email acounts article) for descriptions of some of the popular options that are available.

When you create your new account, you'll be asked for your new username or email ID. Think about something professional, something that will be easy to identify you as, well, you. Consider using a combination of your name, something like jane.Doe, j.doe, doe.j, or doe.jane.


Having a professional email name increases your chance for success on several levels. Plus, it's a quick and easy to do that gets you closer to returning to work!

All the best,

Carol

The Secret You Shouldn't Keep

Who knows that you’re looking for the career on ramp and planning to re-enter the world of work? If you’ve decided to keep mum until you’ve accepted an offer, you’re shooting yourself in the foot.

An important strategy for job hunting in this brave, new world is NETWORKING. In other words, it’s not always what you know…but who you know. If you don’t let everyone know you’re interested in going back to work, your job search will be a bit like trying to run a marathon in pumps. You could conceivably cross the finish line, but it’s gonna take you a bit longer!

Remember the Faberge Organics shampoo commercial from the 70s? The one where I’ll tell two friends, and they’ll tell two friends, and so on, and so on, and so on? That’s what will happen with you and looking for a job.

By getting the word out that you are actively looking for a job, you will exponentially expand your network and increase your chances of landing a job.

So…who are you going to tell today?

Guess who was the She Writes guest blog curator this week? I spent a couple of days reading dozens of blogs with the unenviable task of being able to select ONLY 3 to highlight. Here they are, along with my 3/7 post from She Writes. Enjoy visiting these wonderful blogs...

I now know I could positively, absolutely NOT be a judge on American Idol. I admit to being quite flummoxed by the task of choosing ONLY 3 She Writes bloggers. There are so many interesting, well-written, clever, and insightful blogs out there! I persevered, and finally came up with 3 for my guest curator review. Without further adieu, I present 3 blogs you’ll be really glad you’ve taken some time to visit…

Dr. Debra Condren's Ambition Is Not A Dirty Word: I spent a fair amount of time navigating around this content-rich blog and have barely scratched the surface. Debra dispenses career advice and shares relevant blog posts and articles on issues we can all relate to. Home Away From Home, How to Take It Back, and 3 Tips to Refresh an Out-of-date Rolodex and Network By Sundown are just a few examples of her quick, information-packed, and easy-to-read posts that I particularly enjoyed. Her blog is also a great example of one that multi-tasks…in addition to her posts, she has opportunities to purchase her book, a call for interviews for her next book, information about her coaching services, links to press clips, and video.

Kathy Johnson's Catching Happiness: Spending time here is like visiting with one of your favorite friends. You know, that special friend who always has something interesting, witty or insightful to say. That special friend you usually turn to when you need a dose of common sense or clarity. When I read her ‘book junkie’ post, I found a kindred spirit “…all those books waiting to be opened – and they’re free.” Thanks, Kathy! I'll be by to visit again soon.

Natalie Snapp's Mommy on Fire: This blog is written from the heart. I was utterly enchanted by her March 4th post about Meemo’s birthday, and encourage you to read it, too. Natalie, please share more of Meemo’s advice when you get a chance. I laughed out loud over “Boundaries!!” Hope you don’t mind, but I’ll be using that one as needed :-). And please, please, please wish Meemo the very best of birthdays (albeit a bit belatedly) from me.

For information on She Writes or to join other women writers, click on the She Writes badge at right.

Ummm...How Long Will This Take?

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How long is this going to take? Exactly when will I land that job?

That, ladies, is the million dollar question. And the answer is a Confucious-like “it will take as long as it takes.”

You see, each mom’s journey to the on ramp and a job offer is so very unique and personal. A few lucky ones may merely need a dusting off of a resume, a quick tune-up of key interviewing skills, and a few new network updates to be off and running. For most of us, there is probably a bit more prep work and foundation building that needs to be done to set the stage most effectively. But -- no matter where you fall along the continuum, the steps you take will ultimately get you to your destination in good time.

Let’s celebrate one another’s successes….but without putting pressure on ourselves. Comparing your progress, or lack thereof, to the successes of others is like comparing apples to oranges. As with cooking, some dishes can be made quickly and easily while others take more care and simmering. The end results can be equally delicious!!


If you realize that your skills need updating, you are much better served by putting in the time now to upgrade or refresh them prior to your actual search phase as time spent now will pay dividends in your marketability as well as your confidence. As you support your friends in their job searches, you’ll start hearing about upcoming interviews and job offers. Not to worry. You’ll get there. After you get yourself in tip-top job search shape.


Look at your ultimate looking for the on ramp goal and create daily, weekly and monthly to dos that get you closer to finding your new place in the world of work. You can methodically and regularly tackle these. And how great will it be to cross them off one by one as you execute?!?!

All the best,

Carol

Learn the new lingo and you'll be the bee's knees or it's 23 skidoo!

Slang: language peculiar to a particular group (http://www.merriamwebster.com/)

23 skidoo and bee's knees were popular phrases from the 1920s. Can't you just picture parents rolling their eyes as the younger generations bandied these about? In our lifetimes, we've heard popular phrases come and go, incorporating them into our own lexicon as necessary and appropriate.

The world of work, regardless of your discipline, has its own set of lingo that changes over time. Virtually every sector of the employment market has new buzzwords and it's essential to make sure you're up to date on the current terminology and concepts that are popular in your field today.

So how do you go about getting the scoop on the new phrases you need to know? There are a bunch of strategies you can try.

Read Job Postings/Classifieds: Employers will often include acronyms or industry-specific terminology in their help wanted ads. Take note of those that you don't recognize and do a bit of research to expand your knowledge.

Informational Interviews: The value of informational interviewing extends way beyond learning about new buzzwords (an upcoming post will cover the reasons why you should consider informational interviews). While you are talking with a professional in your desired field, don't be shy about asking him or her to define terms. Make sure it's okay for you to take notes, too, and write down phrases or concepts you want to learn more about.

Internet Sources: Professional groups, industry organizations, and general websites are all possible places to look for additional information. Type a phrase or term into your search engine and start your research.

Professional Journals and Organizations: These often offer the latest trends and information in a given field. And reading posts and replies on message boards can provide great insight.

As you become more knowledgeable about your field's slang and buzzwords, you'll begin to develop a comfort level with authentically and knowledgeably using these in professional conversations. You may also find that you've discovered an area or concept in which you'll want to enhance your knowledge level or skill.


All the best,

Carol