Ace the interviews with effective and strategic career branding!
Career Branding has become an essential dynamic today, especially within the interviewing process. Acing an interview is just not enough, you must also learn how to effectively “brand” yourself. What is surprising to know is that many of the same dynamics behind why a consumer chooses Hunt’s over Dole also apply to the hiring process.
The benefits of career branding are infinite. With a compelling career brand you can achieve the following:
- Become more attractive to employers, even when there are no formal job openings/postings
- Gain more control over what interviewers remember most about you
- Lowering and effectively overcoming the hiring barriers by instilling, creating trust, as well as conveying the value you bring
- Elevating yourself from mediocrity/commonplace to one-of-a-kind asset/service
- Differentiate yourself from the competition
- Support better guidance in your decisions about which interviews to pursue
- Create better enticement for an employer to hire you
Without a career brand, you obviously wouldn’t be able to achieve what is printed above. By creating an effective career brand you will help your potential employer to see the value and strength you bring – helping you land a new career. Avoid being a “runner-up” in the interview process – get seen, get chosen, and land the career you desire.
To learn more about how you can build your career brand, please contact Barde Career Solutions: 503-544-3363 or Barbara@Bardecareersolutions.com.
Let’s Get-Working in 2010!
Looking to jump start your work search in 2010? Barbara Barde, President of Barde Career Solutions (BCS) is offering a new tool for landing a job in the current economy. Barde has pioneered a dynamic and action oriented strategy a step beyond the familiar networking group. She’s dubbed it a “Get-Working” group for struggling job seekers who want a professional approach.
Beginning January 25, 2010, a weekly Get-Working group will meet on Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the BCS office, 2545 SW Spring Garden St., Suite 200, Portland, OR 97219. A $25 materials fee covers up to 6 sessions. Registration is required. Coffee is included.
With a limit of 20 participants, Get-Working is a unique opportunity not only because of the small group size, but because of the focus the participants will receive. Get-Working participants will receive a weekly “hot sheet” of solid leads at area companies that are hiring for positions, an opportunity to expand and sharpen essential skills such as acing interviews, follow-up, making a solid first impression, utilizing social media, and much more! Also, as an added benefit, participants may take advantage of a one hour private career coaching with Barde, a value of $160, and/or receive a 20% discount off of resume services while in the group.
Hundreds have benefited from Barde’s 17 years in HR management, proven job search strategies, and expertise developing resumes. “Barbara is informed, supportive, and frank,” says B. Kendall a participant in one of Barde’s recent workshops, “It’s a big advantage having an expert on your side.”
Registration for Get-Working begins December 28, 2009.
TO REGISTER: Contact Barbara at Barbara@bardecareersolutions.com or call 503-544-3363. Please visit BCS’s website at: www.BardeCareerSolutions.com or BCS’s informative blog is http://bardecareersolutions.com/blog/.
Hello and Welcome!
Welcome!
Thank you for visiting my blog! It is my hope that this blog site will be your complete professional resource! Please bookmark this blog page and visit it often. I will be posting up to date interview information, new job postings, networking group information, tips & tricks, and more!
Thank you!
Barbara – “Your Helping Hand To A Successful Career”
Top 10 Ways to Overcome Age Discrimination
By Bob Skladany- Retirementjobs.com (Internet Article-2010).
Age discrimination is widely perceived to exist and there is evidence that age-based discrimination is a harsh reality. The question at hand is should you be concerned? Academic, government and private research confirms the reality and consequences of age discrimination. So what? Knowing about it, and believing you will be a target, will not help you get an interview or a job offer. Proving age discrimination during a job search is near impossible – and probably not worth your time. While there are indications that age discrimination in recruiting is subsiding slowly, you need a job now!
Recruiters, employers, consultants and successful age 50+ job seekers all agree on what you can do to overcome or at least minimize the likelihood you will be subjected to age discrimination.
1. Dismiss Age Discrimination Thoughts - Flip that mental age discrimination switch to the “off” position. Think age-neutral. Focus on “connecting” to the interviewer before any real questioning starts. Banish any thoughts that reflect “reverse age discrimination” where you believe a young person can’t possibly understand you – get them to understand your enthusiasm, skills, interests and ability to contribute.
2. Emphasize Capabilities, Not Experience - We have learned to equate experience to depth and strength of capabilities – don’t do it. It generally serves to de-emphasize duration of experience. Focus on the capabilities acquired during your work life.
3. Buy a Computer, Cell Phone, Blackberry Phone or PDA Device - Employers expect to be able to communicate with you by electronic mail (email). Showing that you are technology “savvy’ is a good thing. Not owning a computer can be a “showstopper”. You can buy a serviceable desk top or lap top computer for $400 to $600. You will also need an internet service provider (PeoplePC, AOL, Yahoo, or your local phone or cable TV provider). At the very least, you’ll want to be able to say, “You can always reach me on my cell phone”.
4. Acquire Basic Computer Skills - With few exceptions, many jobs require a fundamental working knowledge of computer skills. Start with Microsoft Office applications beginning with Word (word processing), then Outlook (basis for most corporate email systems, then Excel (spreadsheets), and finally PowerPoint (for presentations). Learn how to perform internet research on Google and similar sites. Check community colleges and adult education centers for classes.
5. Avoid “Age” References – Don’t put graduation dates. Present only the most recent 15 to 20 years of employment and summarize prior work in a single paragraph without dates or durations.
6. Craft Your Resume and Applications – Carefully craft your resume or employment applications to focus on skills and capabilities, not length of service. Describe what you can do, what you have learned, and what you have accomplished.
7. Practice Interviewing - It may have been some time since you interviewed and you may be facing a recruiter half your age. Practice answering and asking questions simply and directly. Be ready for awkward questions such as “How long do you plan to work?”, “Do you believe you are overqualified for this job?” Don’t get defensive. Give a direct and honest answer. Move the recruiter to discussing your qualifications and “fit” for the job.
8. Fitness and Appearance – Stay fit for life, not just for an interview. Get plenty of rest and some exercise before interviews. You may have your “lucky interviewing outfit” but if it is outdated, go shopping for something contemporary and fresh. Be well groomed. Don’t worry about being overdressed. Even in today’s casual dress culture, looking sharp and professional is still important.
9. Seek Out Age Friendly Employers – Some companies to consider are: Borders Bookstores, H&R Block and Staples with more to come in the future. Check out AARP’s Best Employers for Workers 50+ and Fortune Magazine’s 100 Best Employers.
10. Use the Latest Internet Networking Tools – Show employers that you are “wired” into the internet. The best tool out there is “Linkedin.com”. Sign up and even invite your best hiring manager prospects to join your network. You should also search your own name in such search engines such as Google or Zoom Info. Make sure your search results are the best they can be from a hiring manager’s perspective.
5 Simple steps to jump-start your career search momentum: Get proactive and strategic!
By: Barbara Barde, Barde Career Solutions
January 2010
- Don’t job search 7 days a week. Set a schedule to look and search for work productively. Continued daily job searching will lead to “burn out” and frustration. Set a schedule to search for work either Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9-12pm, or Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc. Leave a few days a week to volunteer at a local nonprofit, attend a charity event, work out at a local gym, etc. What is most important is taking care of your mental well being as you look and search for work.
- Don’t just apply to open positions, get strategic in your job search approach. Take time to identify and target 5-10 companies or organizations that are interesting and that you can see yourself working for. Developing a tracking sheet to identify these companies and gather information about them, including any contact data or information, size, financial status/sustainability, people or contacts you may know who are currently working or who may have a network contact there. By targeting companies that are a better fit culturally and for your skill set, you will have a greater chance connecting and hopefully receive an interview.
- Don’t forget to take advantage of every opportunity to network, network, and network. Some of your best networking leads can be found at social gatherings, such as a friends dinner or birthday party, a family celebration event, or while shopping for groceries at your local market. Set a goal to make 1-3 new contacts a week and make sure you add them to your LinkedIn account or network tracking sheet. The stronger and deeper your contacts and network, the greater your chances are connecting to a solid lead and/or career opportunity.
- Don’t forget to continually cultivate and foster your network, not just establish the links as mentioned above. Cultivation is key! Staying in touch and keeping your connection and/or relationship strong can make a big difference. As the saying goes…it is not what you know today, but who you know, that can help make all the difference…Take advantage of every opportunity to grow and cultivate your contacts and network. Every week, identify 5-10 of your contacts to call, email, and touch base with. Let them know your status and keep them abreast of your progress.
- Don’t let your resume get stuck in a pile; get smart and strategic about when to send a potential company/employer your resume. Keep in mind, that sending a resume over the weekend via email, will only ensure you are one of many emails being submitted. Instead, consider sending your resume Monday morning before 8am instead if necessary. Actually, it has been documented and found that the best time to send a resume to a perspective company or employer is Tuesday through Thursday during the day and before 5pm. After- hour submittals become one of many – not one on top – take time to be seen and hopefully chosen by getting strategic with your resume submittals – it could make all the difference!!
Tips to Achieving a Great Career
It is hard not to be discouraged when you read daily that our unemployment rate is creeping to 13.5%. If there is a time to take charge of your career – Now is the time – this is it! Even through these are definitely tough economic times and companies are cutting back staff , you still can find a new career. Check out these tips below to help you achieve a new and successful career – It is possible!
1. Hire a career coach: Career coaches can help you navigate almost everything – from handling emotions, helping you define skills and goals, creating a refreshed resume, just to name a few. As the saying goes, “you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression” – work with a career coach to help you “nail” your next career position.
2. Complete a career skills/interest assessment: During tough employment times we sometimes need to fall back on other talents and skills we possess. Taking a career skills and interest assessment may help you determine which stills and interests you have that may also be in high demand. Taking time to assess your skills and talents may lead you to a new and renewed career path.
3. Re-evaluate your resume: If it has been a few years since you’ve updated, modified or even looked at your resume, now may be the right time to pull it out and wipe off the dust. It is important to have a professional resume that is up-to-date and completely refreshed - listing your current skills and accomplishments. The format of your resume is also important and somewhat critical. A professional resume should be in a clear, easy to read font and format. It should also clearly define your skills, experience and accomplishments. Although there are many on-line examples to pull from, not everyone is skilled at writing a resume and pulling these details together. If you feel your resume may need some attention, seeking a professional resume service or career coach is a great alternative to ensuring you have a solid, “power” resume to work with. Dedicating time and a bit of money to ensure you have a professional resume pulled together is critical – take time to invest in yourself and your resume – it will pay off to a successful career!
4. Network, network, network: During tough economic times it is important more than ever to establish new/solid networking channels and/or reconnect with everyone you know. There are many local networking groups that can help you reconnect with other individuals in your field or area of expertise. Take time to view these networking groups and connect with a couple that you feel offer you the best networking possibilities and connections. Networking will be a huge key to your career connecting success. However, it is also important to use your networking channels to your best advantage. Don’t just send emails, attend meetings, social events and programs. As the saying goes, it is not only what you know, but who you know that can make all the difference.”
For additional career tips and professional resume and career coaching information, contact Barbara, at Barde Career Solutions: Barbara@BardeCareerSolutions.com or 503-544-3363.
Don’t let this down economy get you are your career down too – Get strategic – Get involved – Get motivated!
100 Best Companies to work for in Oregon
Check out this link. What do you think of this list?
Step Out of The Resume “Rut” – The New Resume Rules: What’s In and What’s Out
Prepare your resume for 2010 with these new resume tips from hotjobs!
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-the_new_resume_rules_what_s_in_and_what_s_out-1056
Jobs Available in Portland
Check out www.indeed.com. If you are not using this job search engine – You should be!
Top 100 Niche Job/Career Sites
There are many wonderful job sites and aggregate search sites these days. However, to have the top 100 listed at your finger tips – is a real plus when you are actively looking/seeing new career opportunities. Please check out the attached top 100 Niche Job/Career sites at:
http://newgradlife.blogspot.com/2009/12/top-100-niche-job-sites.html