Three Reasons To Attend Conferences - Even On Your Own Dime

I’m a complete and total conference geek. Name tag proudly worn, attendance at every event/session/coffee break; yep, that’s me!

As a solopreneur (read: money for attending these comes out of my pocket – literally!), I look forward to conferences and conventions as opportunities to connect with colleagues, learn about emerging trends, and expand my skill set.

I understand not all share this enthusiasm. 

In fact, while at the National Resume Writers' Association  conference this past week, I hopped onto the elevator with my attendee tag looped proudly around my neck like it was a sparkly necklace straight from Tiffany’s. 

A gentleman in the elevator spied the name tag, rolled his eyes and asked in a blended groan/sigh,  “At a conference?” (Cue co-conspiring expression of exasperation from said gentleman who was then clearly awaiting my equally annoyed “You don’t have to tell me, brother!” eye roll).

“Yes!” I cheerfully replied.  “I LOVE conferences, don’t you?”

He looked about as perplexed and confused as if I had entered the elevator holding hands with ET.  

"NO!!!" he guffawed, as I watched fear and distrust creep into his face. Before I could respond, we arrived at his floor where he made a hasty retreat before I was able to share more maniacal rantings such as "I love to learn!" and "I really love my work".

As I continued on the elevator, I laughed to myself...but then got to thinking that this might be how some job seekers feel when I mention conferences, trainings, and conventions as important job search components. 

While I could list a dozen reasons why I love these events and why I encourage job seekers to consider them, I'll share just 3 here for your consideration.  

1. You can significantly boost your professional competencies. Continually expanding one’s skill set and keeping on top of emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities helps to position job seekers for success. Considering the cost of formal training programs, these opportunities can be wildly cost effective. The enhancement of your skill set and career marketability will be priceless.

2. You get to share with and learn from colleagues. How do others in your field handle various situations? What are the pros and cons of these options? What do others think of your ideas? Gathering this information on your own might be time-consuming and intimidating. These programs, though, are like the proverbial office water cooler, only better! Most of the time, colleagues are happy to generously share their strategies, thoughts and insights while also learning from you. You’ll walk away with new ideas that can add value to your job search campaign in the form of connections, interview material, tips, and possibly even job leads!

3. Your motivation and enthusiasm get a solid boost.  May I share a story for this one? At this recent event, the keynote speakers included Susan Whitcomb, Dr. Richard Feller, Kirsten Vernon and Heather Wieshlow. Each one of these high-profile and extremely accomplished professionals presented compelling and thought-provoking information that made me even more proud of and excited about the work I do. Work sessions presented by generous colleagues rounded out the 3-day conference. I'm now back to work feeling enthused and recharged.  For job seekers, this added boost of enthusiasm can be a differentiator as you're compared to other candidates. 

And here’s one more bonus reason:

           

4. Your network will expand exponentially.  If ‘working the room’ is just about your least favorite thing to do, you should know that these programs are a kinder, gentler way to begin to meet people.  At each session, you can start with just introducing yourself to the person you’re sitting next to.  Some conversation starters might be “What’s your greatest takeaway from this program up to now?”, “Do you have a favorite speaker?” or “Tell me about your work/company/client base…”.  Note: you’re not asking for a job.  This is about relationship building – the best way to network. 

In this setting, you get access to pros at all levels in your industry as you chat over coffee during breaks, exchange business cards to follow up with later, and even make some great first impressions!

In the past, I’ve received consulting work and client referrals from networking connections at events like these. And I’ve gladly made introductions and shared resources, contacts, and opportunities (networking is a two-way street – it’s most effective when when both giving and receiving).  At this week’s conference, for example, I met new colleagues whom are among the best and brightest in my field that I’ll be sure to keep in touch with, discussed a possible collaboration with another writer/coach, and made an accountability pact with yet another to support our common goal achievement.  Pretty fantastic, don’t you think?!?

As you fine tune your strategic job search and career plan, consider these events. Even though you may be investing time and resources in attending, you can leverage these opportunities to maximize your ROI (return on investment) in support of your goals.

In support of your success,

Carol Camerino, CCMC, CTTCC

Job Search Strategist and Resume Writer
www.LookingForTheOnRamp.com

Carol@LookingForTheOnRamp.com

Reality TV Wisdom For Your Career

Reality TV is ubiquitous. It seems there is nothing that can't serve as a reality series premise, doesn't it?

Regardless of whether you watch reality shows or not, you're probably questioning my posit that there is wisdom to be mined. First, a caveat - I don't watch a ton of reality shows, so can't speak to all. However, I've stumbled upon a couple that I've been watching when I get the chance.  Guess what??  I really did find some tips for career and job search success from 3 of my favorites that I'd like to share.  Read on to find out how ABC's Shark Tank, Bravo's Tabatha Takes Over and NBC's The Apprentice can make you more effective at work:

Shark Tank: 
I don't know about you, but I am fascinated by the entrepreneurial mind. On Shark Tank, a panel of 5 sharks (investors) assess pitches by entrepreneurs and decide to invest...or not. Watching the pitches and observing the sharks' reactions is like sitting in on a mini MBA course on business valuations, marketing, presentation skills and finance. And earning a shark's support can send an entrepreneur soaring into the success-o-sphere. On a recent episode, shark (and technology innovator) Robert Herjavec decided to invest 300K with Guitar Buddy creator Travis Perry. Within hours, the demand for the product crashed the site. Travis has since hired additional staff and is on his way to $ucce$$!

Shark Tank Lesson: No matter whether an idea truly is the next best thing since sliced bread or not, the sharks always zero in on numbers and data. Their enthusiasm for an idea takes the back seat to prior sales figures and demonstrated success. As a jobseeker or someone looking for career advancement, can you provide objective data to support your abilities? You've got to be ready to share quantifiable evidence of your success and strengths to make your case as to why YOU are an organization's SOLUTION!

Tabatha Takes Over:
If salon owner and biz coach Tabatha Coffey comes into your workplace, get ready!  She whips small businesses into shape with a no-nonsense, lean-on-the-warm-and-fuzzies approach.  As a successful business woman, she has a knack for lasering in on organizational dysfunction as well as incompetence, and isn't afraid to talk about it!

Tabatha's Lesson: Constructive criticism can transform your skills...if you're able to accept it.  Show after show, Tabatha shares her considerable expertise with newer stylists. Some are wide open to it, asking additional questions, implementing her suggestions and, consequently, improving their skills. Others immediately move to the defensive, sadly squandering an opportunity to learn best-in-class techniques from a master stylist.  Whether you're a jobseeker or not, continually leverage opportunities to learn from those who are further along the learning curve! Check the ego and open the mind.


Celebrity Apprentice and The Apprentice: 
Both iterations of the show feature Donald Trump as the boss who must fire someone at the end of each episode. Celebrity or civilian, the final boardroom meeting (where someone is always let go) is often an exercise in incredulity. It usually goes something like this: Team member A is shocked and dismayed to be named one of the least contributing members for that week's project. He/she purports to have worked diligently and contributed significantly to the project.  It's not too soon after that Mr. Trump decrees 'You're Fired' and we cut to the tearful contestant in a taxi, heading to the airport.

Apprentice's Lesson:  Working hard is important.  But it's also important to be sure your boss understands what you're doing and how you're contributing to departmental goals.  It's the work version of one of the great philosophical questions... 'if a tree falls in a forest...'

One More Lesson...
I remember another reality series that aired on PBS several years ago - Frontier House.  Modern day families lived as if they had gone back in time to other eras - mid/late 1800s, for example.  From this I learned that I would not have made a very good frontier wife or mother. I'm not sure how that tidbit will impact my life or career, but it's tucked away for future reference!

All the best,

Carol

7 Ideas to Consider For Job Search Success in '12

Alas...the season of resolutions is upon us!

The dawn of the new year is a great time to take stock...and to check in and re-calibrate your job search.  Below are 7 ideas for  you to consider as you begin to look for a job or work to move your search to the next level:

1.  Step away from the computer.  It's very easy to get caught in a cycle of applying to online job postings as your sole job search strategy.  Is it possible to find a job this way?  Yes.  BUT - you significantly increase your chance of job search success by developing a comprehensive strategy that includes other techniques, too.  Screen time is not a substitute for face time.  Add in appointments and networking events along with a few other techniques and see how your search heats up.

2.  Zero in on your personal brand. Personal branding is a very hot topic - for good reason. Determining who you are, what you bring to the table and what sets you apart from other job seekers is well worth your time and effort.  Your resume will be stronger, your interviews more focused and polished and your brand will carry over into career success.

3.  Leverage social media.  Are you using LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to their full job searching potential?  The statistics are very clear - social media can help you in your job search.  On the flip side, it can also have a negative impact.  Be sure your profiles are polished and professional and that any questionable photos and posts are DELETED!!

4.  Join professional organizations and associations.  There is networking gold out there just waiting for you!!  Since you won't be spending so much time in front of your computer (remember #1??), you'll have time to attend local networking events, alumni gatherings and professional association seminars.  Have a supply of business cards and be ready to share your brand through a powerful 'elevator pitch.'

5.  Ask for help.  Resume writing, interviewing, job search strategy development...they are not what they used to be.  If you're using the same techniques from years ago, time's a wastin'...and time IS money.  Get help.  Hire a career coach and/or resume writer who will help you by creating a powerful resume loaded with keywords that will market your skills and successes.  He or she can also help you to develop a super job search strategy as well as prepare you to ace interviews.  For details on working with a career coach/resume writer, email me. 

6.  Go the extra mile whenever you can.  Follow up after networking events, send thank you notes, make phone calls, prepare for interviews, ask questions...there are so many opportunities to distinguish yourself as a job seeker.  It's surprising, though, how many candidates don't take advantage of these.  You, however, will be sure to do so from now on!

7.  Remember that you are someone's solution.  Yes, it's true.  There is a recruiter, HR staffer, manager or coordinator who needs you on his/her team.  Your job is to make yourself easy to find.  By incorporating some of the ideas listed above, you will be on your way!

All the best,
Carol
carol@lookingfortheonramp.com
908.399.7652
http://www.lookingfortheonramp.com/

A Degree May Not Be Enough...5 Reasons Why College Students Should Complete An Internship

Guest post by Lauren Towle, Class of 2012

You’re about to earn your degree, so finding a job should be easy right? Well...maybe not.  Many employers prefer potential employees with some experience. 

Is there a way for students to acquire much-needed career experience during college? Yes...it's actually rather simple: get an internship.

Not convinced as to why internships are important? Here are five reasons to help you make your decision:

1. Gain Real World Experience.

With internships becoming more common, employers are starting to expect at least one completed during college.  They not only give an added boost to your resume, but they give you experience to apply to your actual career as well as a healthy dose of personal confidence. Having an internship can help eliminate the common fears students have about the “real world.”

2. Test Drive Your Career Choice.

Internships show an employer that you have an idea of what is expected of you once you're hired. Also, you'll get an inside glimpse of what you will be doing after you graduate. This allows you to test drive your career and can help you decide whether you're on the right path...or whether you need a course correction.  

3. Internships Can Turn Into Jobs.

Not only do internships provide you with professional experience, they may lead to an job offer upon graduation. Many companies use them as a gateway to hiring employees. If you work hard and impress the right people, you may garner a job offer! And if not an actual job offer, you'll have some great professional references and an increased professional network.

4. Earn College Credit.

Many colleges grant 3-6 credits for internships - the equivalent to one or two classes.  These internships can be completed during semesters or the summer. Colleges work with many companies to help students find experience opportunities and they offer many resources.

5. Make Some Extra Money,

There are many different kinds of internships, including paid ones. If you can make money while learning how to work in your career of choice AND get college credit, then I’d say you've got it made! While unpaid internships also offer amazing opportunities to enhance what you're learning in class, making money can certainly help to lessen financial stress a bit.

The bottom line is this:  with the workforce becoming more and more competitive among graduates, it is imperative to gain experience that will make you a stand out candidate.  The more experience you have, the better you'll look against the 100s of other potential job applicants.

There is no way around it....do an internship! Visit your college career planning or experiential learning office for information on how to get started. Additional sources of internship information to follow in another post.  Stay tuned!


About Lauren Towle: 

Lauren Towle, Class of 2012, is a college senior majoring in public relations with a minor in marketing. She is two-time intern who has supplemented her in-class learning with real-world, practical experience and is looking forward to job searching, interviewing and beginning her next chapter.