Chili resident Mike Morone is promoting May 15, 2010 nationally, as a way to keep still useable stuff out of the landfills and redirect it into the hands of people who might need it.  You can find out more on Mike’s website: http://www.getridofyourstuff.com/. 

Uncluttering your physical space can be cathartic.  Freeing up space around you lightens your load.  By donating your unwanted items, you can let go of the past and feel good about giving to others, even if you don’t have a lot of stuff to contribute.  All good things for propelling you forward and keeping your career or job search in perspective. 

On Give Your Stuff Away Day, walk or ride around participating communities in your area to find treasures you might be able to use.  It won’t cost you anything and you might find a rake, a bike, a table or a few new treasure-hunting friends.

May 15, 2010 is Give Your Stuff Away Day

Salary discussions can be tricky even for seasoned sales professionals.  Saying too much too soon can be a mistake.  Deflect these questions if you can, and discuss salary only AFTER you have as much information as possible about job responsibilities and the company. 

Candidates usually feel pressured to respond.  We’ve been taught since we were kids to be polite and answer each question when asked.  Many times we’d be better served if we just listened and followed up with a clarifying question.  Interviews are one of those times when sales tactics rule.  When asked, “What is the minimum salary you’d accept?” don’t respond with a base salary number that doesn’t take total compensation, benefits, paid time off and realistic travel or living expenses into consideration.  Avoid feeling boxed in taking time to think.  (Pausing is good!) Deflect the question by asking your interviewer one of these:

• What is the range for positions like this in your company?
• What are you offering?
• Before I can respond to your question, I need to know more about total compensation within your company…beyond a base salary number.
• I’m happy to discuss salary with you but first would like to know more about specific responsibilities of this position.  Can we come back to your question a bit later?

Sometimes screeners won’t let you past GO if you don’t give them a number to work with.  Be persistent but not adversarial.  Try one of these in your own words, to get through awkward salary conversations:

Interviewer:  What are your salary expectations?

• Answer:  I expect your best offer because…
• Answer:  I expect to be paid at or above the industry standard for this type of position.
• Answer:  I am flexible within a range of $$ – $$. (Give a range only if you have done your research)  I’m confident we can come to an agreement that works for both of us once we’ve had the opportunity to discuss the duties of the job in more detail.

Interviewer:  What did you make at your last job?

• Answer:  I’m not sure that is relevant for this job.  I worked on contract… (Or)  I held several different positions at different rates, for example…
• Answer:  My role in that job and this one are quite different.  My XYZ skills readily transfer to this job, but I’d be working in a different capacity.

When all else fails, do your salary research ahead of time.  Be prepared to offer a real number (or range) and be confident in your delivery.  Don’t undersell your capabilities or your worth.

 Exploring relocation possibilities is always a good thing.  There may be opportunities that are overlooked by limiting your search too close to home.  Whether you end up moving or not you can greatly expand your thinking as well as your professional network.

So, you send out feelers but you’re not quite comfortable with the idea of moving.  Interview results from local companies haven’t been panning out.  You get strong interest and a few interviews from a few companies outside of your current location and then it happens – you get an out-of-town job offer. 

Before you rent the U-Haul and chase off to the new location, ask yourself these questions:

1.  What if employment / income didn’t matter?
Is the new location a place where I want to be even if I wasn’t job searching?  As enticing as a job offer can be, it is not the sole reason to relocate.  What motivates me?  What type of environments am I attracted to?  Is this on my top five list of places I’ve always wanted to live (or retire to)? Have I been there during each season to know what it’s really like?

2.  What research have I done to make an informed decision?
Job seekers are good at researching target companies.  Exert as much effort on researching the community as well.  Does it support my lifestyle? Are services conveniently located? Internet salary and cost of living calculators are a starting place when estimating finances, but can be wildly inaccurate.  What income (total compensation with benefits) will I need to make the move there?  Will expenses go up or down?  Talk to realtors experienced in relocation, bankers or other professional contacts that have made similar moves.

3.  What kind of support system will be in place?
 Do I have family or several good friends that will physically be there? Will family members acclimate to these surroundings?  (schools, organizations, activities, lifestyle) Or, is it a place where I’ll have to “go it alone” for a while?

4.  What are my real commute limits?  Will commuting to work take less or more time in the new location?  How does that impact what is important to me? Rather than move, what if I broaden my current (near home) search to a wider radius?  My ideal commute is 30 minutes.  Are there opportunities I’m missing that may be an hour or two away?  A two hour commute isn’t attractive but it might be doable for the ideal job.  It would eliminate the need to uproot family or move away from a strong support system. 

5.  Is this move permanent, temporary or a trial run?
Do I sell everything and go all in? Is there a way I can try it on first by living there part time and commuting back home on weekends or once a month?  Is it worthwhile to consider a long term contract in another location?  Some companies expect key personnel to move geographically every 2-5 years.  Is this something I’m willing to do?

6.  What if this place doesn’t pan out?
Are there other target companies or positions in this location that match your skills/experience?  Too frequently people relocate for a job and find out it isn’t a fit. What if the new company downsizes and I find myself unemployed again, in the same situation this move was supposed to correct?  Always have a plan A, B and C.  If the “worst case” happens, is this location still as attractive?  Is another move a realistic option?

What are your “relocation for a job” experiences?

Job searching can be a time of new possibilities and opportunity.  Or, it can be downright depressing!  Studies suggest that lower serotonin levels in the brain (the neurotransmitters that promote well being) are associated with depression, loss of sleep, stimulating food cravings and a number of other not-so-good changes in body functioning.  With exercise, your body releases “feel good” chemicals that can boost your energy.

Did you know?

• It takes about 25 minutes of brisk walking (3 MPH for a person weighing 150 lbs.) to burn 100 calories.
• It takes about 2000 steps to equal one mile (for the average person with a 2.5 yard stride).

Want to find out how much you’re burning with your favorite activity?  Check out this calorie converter.

You don’t have to run or join a gym to get healthy.   Start small.  Walking works.  So does stair climbing. If it’s cold where you live, go to the mall.  Too much snow?  Go cross country skiing.  Walk with a buddy or a group to help ward off boredom or loneliness and to keep your goals on track.

Other health-related sites:

The American Heart Association

American Council on Exercise

Print out a copy, proudly uncap a red marker and eliminate:

1.  “One size fits all” resumes.  That’s right!  Dump the general purpose one.  Use it as a reference document only to create several resumes that target specific professions or job titles.  Don’t expect readers to wade through your skills and experiences looking to match their hiring needs.  

2.  An objective statement.  Put this space to better use with a well crafted professional profile of your unique skills and the value you bring to the target company.

3.  Personal information:  age, hobbies, family and affiliations that are not profession-related.

4.  Company logos, product images, or pictures.  Logos and products are copyrighted.  When you need images to enhance your story, include them in a portfolio for use at an interview, not on your resume.  While it has become popular to include a personal photo on resumes, don’t.  A photo has more potential to exclude (rather than include) you from the candidate pool.

5.  Typos, odd fonts, &’s and #’s.  Spell out, “and,” or “number” and keep your font a standard size throughout, with the exception of your name/header.

6.  Dated wording like, “Responsible for,” or “Worked on.” Replace them with clear, concise accomplishment statements that describe actions and results.  Avoid lengthy statements about how you worked or that look like a recap of your job description.

7.  Multiple position titles:  too many job titles become distracting and confuse the reader from what you really want.  Also eliminate word repetition.  Ask yourself, “How many times does this product or company name appear on my resume?

8.  Margin crowding and odd spacing: keep adequate white space – at least 1” to 1 ½” border on all sides.

9.  Tag lines and catch phrases that sound “slogan-ish” and don’t speak to your specific skills.

10. Dates or experiences that are more than 10 years old.  If necessary, create an, “Other Relevant Experience” section without referencing dates.

Scouring your resume for clutter and distractions is only part of the goal.  A resume that’s communicates specific highlights, that’s on target with a company’s hiring need and above all, is simply stated, will reward you with ample interview opportunities.

Word began to filter back that two trucks, while trying to climb an icy road incline, had jack-knifed miles ahead.  Emergency vehicles were unlikely to get the mess cleaned up any time soon.  Thanks to cell phones, CB radios and the coordinated efforts of a few pioneering motorists (I’d like to think were engineers!!)  a plan emerged:  back up the big rigs and begin turning cars around on the interstate so that they could drive up the shoulder and go (yes, the wrong way) to an exit we passed a couple of miles back.  It would lead to a rural, unplowed side road but it was at least moving!  Strangers worked together on the common goal.  Rig drivers jockeyed their trucks to create a path.  One-by-one each car moved through the clearing.  What seemed doubtful as an outcome started to work.  When cars got stuck, someone was right there to assist so that the next car in line didn’t lose momentum on the icy road.  Scary yes, but sometimes grassroots efforts are, especially when you can’t see the whole picture ahead. 

We made it.  Up the ramp in the middle of nowhere.  My GPS deserves a big shout out.  I’ve grown to love that lady who politely says, “Recalculating” then gives you detour directions despite the mess you’ve gotten yourself into. 

There’s a metaphor in here somewhere.  Stranded career?  Searching while in survival mode? Finding support from strangers?  Backing up? Taking the road less traveled?  The adventure reminded me to reflect in the New Year on what matters most, and offer these career-altering questions:

• Is your career stuck in a snow bank?  Am I doing the type of work I enjoy? 
• Are you focused on what is important right now?
• Do you have basic essentials in place?
• Do you have a plan to move forward?  Have you considered rerouting?
• Are your current relationships with your friends, family and biggest supporters the kind that you want to have?  Are they in balance with your career or job search?
• (With thoughts of people who days later were still without power, and of stranded travelers with no transportation)  Who can I assist on my journey?  How am I contributing to help others or the greater good?

Happy New Year and much career success!

Fodder for a Scott Adams cartoon? Maybe.  Here are several real scenarios from recent job seekers:

A) During William’s one-on-one interview for a project management position, the hiring manager’s cell phone repeatedly interrupted the conversation. He eventually set it to vibrate but each time it rang, he looked down to see who called.  At one point he said, “I have to take this one… it might be important.” William thought, “Yeah, so is my interview.  No secret why you need a project manager.”

B) Rene was interviewed by a “tag team” –the HR rep. and the hiring manager.  After a question from each, the hiring manager pulled out a thick document and began editing it.  Since they were all at a small table it was obvious to Rene that the report had nothing to do with her interview.  She thought, “Are you seriously going to use this time to catch up on other work?”

C) Jason spent the first 15 minutes of an interview listening to the owner describe his small software development company.  Someone knocked on the door, the owner got called away and he never returned.  Jason didn’t get to discuss his skills.  After 20 minutes in the empty office he wondered, “Is this a test?  Is there a two-way mirror? Should I just leave?”

D) Rebecca met in a large conference room with an interviewing panel of six people, none of which were the hiring manager.  She tried to make eye contact with everyone.  During the interview two people had several side conversations and at one point started laughing.  No one from the interview team stopped them.  The side conversations threw Rebecca off her game.

Distracted interviewers can be mildly annoying to downright rude. Maybe you’re of a mind to cut them some slack.  Anyone can get busy, right?  It would feel more satisfying to put them in their place, point out the bad behavior, spit a mouthful of sarcasm and storm out.  Usually professionalism wins and you bite one more hole in your tongue.  And there’s that other small thing…you want the job!

So what can you do to make YOU the priority over the distractions?

• Expect the unexpected.  You can’t prepare for every outcome.  S*&@ happens.  Don’t let it throw you.
• Have a “distraction response” ready.  “It seems like you have a lot on your plate today.  Can we reschedule when you have more time?”
• Empathize and attempt to refocus the interviewer. “It sounds like your days are filled with distractions.  Here’s what I do to keep my focus…” Probe cautiously to see if distractions are “business as usual” in this work environment.
• Use silence to your advantage. Stop answering a question and wait for a respond.  When you get the interviewer’s attention again ask, “Did I address your question?” or, “Do you need a break to take care of other business before we continue?”
• Use humor, but keep sarcasm in check.

When distractions completely short circuit an interview, have a plan for recovery.  All is not lost. 

• Follow up by phone or in person.  Be assertive. “We didn’t get the opportunity to discuss… at our last meeting. I’d like to spend a few minutes with you to review (xyz). 
• Send information by email or snail mail that’s not on your resume –brief case scenarios of past projects, a graphic describing your value, a newsworthy article, information resources that might interest the hiring manager, or your approach to solving a problem the company faces
• Use your network to your advantage.  Keep track of everyone that is involved in the interview process.  Is there someone in that group that can help you reengage? Do you know someone outside that knows someone inside the company?  Can they offer tips for handling the situation?
• Bookmark the Dilbert site. It won’t help with your interview, but it’ll make you laugh and wonder why you wanted to work there in the first place!

The idea of working two or three jobs isn’t new.  Many of us put ourselves through college this way.  What is new however is the idea of doing it by choice and thinking of it as a career strategy rather than a series of unrelated jobs.  Cutbacks, downsizings and buy-outs.  Feeling frustrated due to the lack of control when working for a corporation.  A desire to start a business.  Work climates have changed.  Full time jobs are hard to find.  There are plenty of reasons that lead individuals to seek fulfillment by working differently. 

Whether or not you embrace the idea of a portfolio career, it is a good strategy to use in job search. Employers who are unable to justify full-time hires may be open to shorter term contracts.  Identify your best skills and align yourself with recruiters, associations or decision makers with needs in your field. 

Is it time for you to consider consulting?  Do you have past interests or hobbies that could be resurrected?  Turn them into multiple revenue streams, or in some cases, revenue trickles!  A portfolio career allows you to spread out the risk to income that you would normally have with working for only one employer.  An entrepreneurial spirit, keeping your focus and managing your time wisely are essential when juggling a portfolio career. 

Before you jump in, here are some things to consider:

• What are my best skills and what are the possibilities for using them? 
• What really interests me that I could explore as a business?
• How will I find work assignments?  Will I rely on referrals, recruiters, job postings or marketing collaterals?
• Am I prepared and organized?
• How will I consistently market myself to minimize unpaid times?
• Have I researched rates or fees associated with each type of work?  Will I work on W-2 or 1099 and how will I keep track?
• Do I need a minimum, steady part-time income in order to fund my other ventures?
•  If I’m still working, what steps can I take today to move me toward a flexible career?
• What hobby or service could I turn into a side income?  Who is already doing this type of work?  Is there a market for it? (For example:  bike repair, selling extra stuff on EBay, bookkeeping, software development, auditing services, word processing, training)
• How will I manage peaks and valleys (having, then not having) temporary project work?
• How much/little do I want to share with others so that I don’t appear unfocused?
• In working with multiple companies, do any of them require non-compete agreements?  How will I address them?
• What support do I have at home?  How will I carve out time away from my “jobs?”

Want to read more?
Age of Unreason by Charles Handy
JobShift: How to Prosper in a Workplace Without Jobs
 by William Bridges
Creating You & Co by William Bridges

Employers may be caught in a dilemma – the need to hire in a specific function right now, a budget that only allows for one hire, and the need to grow their businesses with a broader-based skill set in order to survive.   They interview endlessly to find one perfect candidate that is able to do it all.

Before you turn yourself into a pretzel though, a better question to ask might be, “Who am I really, and what motivates me?

If you’re a “big picture” person or someone who likes to generate many more possibilities than solutions, a generalist role may be for you.  I think of a generalist, as an expert dabbler.  Someone who does lots of things well, or at least well enough.  Lots of irons in the fire, but skillful at adapting to a variety of different roles.

If you’re a detail person or have strong analytical skills, to play to your strengths you immerse yourself in a specific project type or field.  You read about it any chance you get.  You learn new systems, processes and are seen by others as the content expert.  You’re a true specialist.

Good economy or bad, there is a need for talented people —generalists and specialists.  And sometimes you’ll find yourself in situations where you need the flexibility to be both.  While this seems to favor being a generalist, there are dangers in pursuing strictly a generalist role.  When interviewing, or outlining experience on a resume, a generalist may appear to others as scattered or unfocused.  A screener or hiring manager might think this candidate is trying to be all things to all people.

For specialists, the trick is not to appear too narrowly focused.  Of course it helps if you specialize in a growing field rather than a dying one.  If your resume includes older technologies, or you’ve been too liberal in emphasizing your former company’s product, you run the danger that target employers will miss the transferability of your experience.

None of us are defined that narrowly that we can only be a generalist or a specialist.  People sometimes like to paint us in boxes and think of us as job titles.  It would be easy to limit us by the tasks we perform.  We are amazingly resilient and multi-faceted.  We’re all drawn to use some skills over others.  Rather than chase an elusive skill that’s requested on a job posting, follow your natural preferences.  What motivates you?  Are you a dabbler, tinkerer, gatherer, dreamer or something else?

Sound  enticing?  Then you’re probably extroverted by nature.  Someone who is visibly enthusiastic and energized by social interactions.   Someone comfortable talking while thinking.  Someone who’s happiest when dealing in the external world.  “Innies” (people who gain energy from internally-focused activities and are happiest dealing in the internal world) interpret the ad quite differently.  You might think it sounds like every other job listing where you don’t seem to fit.  Your translation? Introverts need not apply.

Extroverts often have an advantage in finding employment that fits their personalities.  Our culture prefers, often rewards extroverts.  Extroverts dominate management roles and many times look to fill key positions with like-minded, like-acting professionals.  With businesses under more economic pressure than ever, leaders seek candidates who think and act quickly, are comfortable “out in front” and can effectively manage the inherent stress and frequent conflict that come with the job.

So as an introvert, what do you do? 
First thing is, look at your preferences and your strengths.  (Good self assessment tools are the Keirsey Temperament Sorter or MBTI.) How are you wired?  What type of work energizes you?  What are your biggest assets and how can you see yourself using, for example, strong analytical or creative skills on the job?

Next, look for organizations that value your personality and allow you to be you.  Where is introspection rewarded? What does the organization’s culture look like?  What roles do people assume there?  Is it fast-paced or low-key?  Would you live in a cube, a conference room or a convention center?  You don’t have to be limited to the fields of counseling, consulting or writing but they’re worth consideration if you’re a strong listener who prefers one-on-one interactions. 

Realize you can do anything and be successful.  You can lead effectively as an introvert or an extrovert.  You don’t have to be in the spotlight to shine in the eyes of the people who follow you. 

Most jobs involve tasks we’d rather not do but we flex to fit the situation and get the work done.  When the flexing becomes the norm more than the exception, we begin to feel stress and disengage.  Remember what energizes you and how much effort you’ll expend.  Consider how long you might be required to work against your preferences.  Are you willing to make that compromise?    

Apply anyway.  Think about what it will take to be successful at your target organization.  Don’t be limited by a posted ad.  How you can shape that role or some non-advertised role within the company?  What unique approaches can you offer that they may not have requested?  Others have felt the same pressures to succeed in an extroverted world that you have.  Here are some introverts that “applied” anyway:  Thomas Edison, Marie Curie, Clint Eastwood, Steve Martin, Barbara Walters, Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa, Carl Jung, Norman Rockwell, Mark Twain, and Dwight Eisenhower.