Lakeland's Job Shop
Last Monday I had the pleasure of speaking to the Job Shop participants at Lakeland Community College. I met some of the finest talent I’d seen in one auditorium. Engineers, Controllers, Manufacturing Managers, Marketing Managers, Account Executives, Advertising Managers, IT professionals and Technical Writers. Great signature statements!
But what made the day special was the presence of the Baby Boomer faction and I liked that! Sure lots are looking for work but those of us educated in the 1960s and 1970s know what we need to do. 90% of success is just showing up and we did!
On my way to Cleveland from Columbus I stopped at Cracker Barrel and purchased an authentic box of Cracker Jacks. We don’t see them much anymore. They have gone the way of telephone booths and typewriters. But the Cracker Jacks served to remind me that we who remember them must remember to move beyond what we knew and reach for what we need to learn that will get us all hired! For instance:
1. Learn to Twitter! I didn’t know what it was last year but I’m finding job openings for my clients in my network. There is no intimidating technology required; just go and explore. http://www.twitter.com/ I’m ExecJobCoach on Twitter. Follow me! It’s free!
2. Use LinkedIn! If you want to go to work for Cleveland Clinic or Nationwide Insurance find out who works there and ask for help! Connect with colleagues, ask for endorsements and be willing to endorse others! Let people see you! It’s free!
3. Pursue companies that have jobs compatible with your skills. Don’t just wait for job openings! Go to them and let them know you’re ready to do the job! I have two clients seriously interviewing with a company that has official openings for neither!
4. Dress up! If you look like you’re ready to clean the garage I’ll question your judgment. You never know who your going to see and there’s nothing worse that a sloppily dressed Baby Boomer!
5. Don’t be cynical, arrogant or bitter. Oh sure have at it for the first couple days after you get downsized but then leave the negativity for good! Companies need heroes and encouragers.
Try to remember the last time you survived challenging times. We survived wars, protests and assassinations in the 1960′s and if we persevere and be there for employers to see us, there will be job offers. Remember people who don’t get hired either don’t know how or aren’t willing to do what it takes! Thanks again, Lakeland Job Shop… see ya next year!
Read the original: CareerBoard.com
