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
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
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?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
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
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
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