Job Seekers - Looking For the On Ramp

More on Music and Your Job Search

2012-01-07T10:05:00.000-05:00

I knew it!!

Your playlist CAN change your life...

and it's the premise of a new book by brain-computer systems expert Don DuRousseau and Drs. Galina Midlin and Joseph Cardillo called Your Playlist Can Change Your Life (Sourcebooks, 2012). The trio has collaborated to share their expertise on brain research and performance and how music impacts how we think, feel and act.

Recently, I wrote about music to inspire job seekers (http://www.lookingfortheonramp.blogspot.com/2011/06/music-to-job-search-by.html). My recommendations included tunes that I find inspiring and uplifting, either because of lyrics, melody or both. It turns out there is actually a physiological connection between music and our brains and bodies that has to do with the song's beats per minute, brainwaves and even lyrics. And according to the authors of Your Playlist Can Change Your Life, there are ways to harness the power of music to increase its impact and boost your performance on various tasks.

The authors' website has lots of great suggestions for playlists for organizing, feeling better and even increasing your alertness. My own ipod has playlists for creating (mostly instrumentals), writing (heavy on Joni Mitchell - her phrasing and imagery clear the pathway from my brain to the paper like no other), and walking (high energy tunes to keep me moving fast). I plan to incorporate some of the strategies from the book to build even better playlists!

How about making your very own job search playlists? Consider creating 3: one for when you're working at your computer, one for listening to when you're on your way to interviews, meetings and networking events, and another soundtrack of sorts to play while you're visualizing your career success.

Happy listening!!

All the best,
Carol
http://www.lookingfortheonramp.com/
twitter: @OnRampJobCoach
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Looking-for-the-On-Ramp-Job-Seekers/161075907266538

7 Ideas to Consider For Job Search Success in '12

2012-01-03T08:06:00.000-05:00

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

2011-10-27T16:45:00.000-04:00

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.

Great Advice From HBR Blogger Jodi Glickman On Your First Job

2011-10-20T09:15:00.003-04:00

If I had a dollar for every job seeker who harangued, gnashed teeth and agonized over accepting his/her first job, I'd be writing this from the lakeside dock at my Adirondack mountain retreat house. Suffice it to say, I'm neither in the Adirondacks nor near a lake.

For new grads, a first job is the one taken after graduation. But for moms returning to work, a first job can be the one she takes as she on ramps back to work and career. In both examples, the first job decision can cause stress and uncertainty as job seekers ask themselves questions like, "Is this THE right job?" and "What will my future path be?"

In Jodi Glickman's recent post on the Harvard Business Review Blog Network, she explains that getting in the game is more important than the position you play. Every job opportunity has inherent value in that you are learning, networking, honing skills and informing your internal interest/aptitude gauge.

With today's job climate, the "numero uno, perfecto, match made in heaven" job opportunity can be elusive. So rather than waiting for the job equivalent of Willy Wonka's golden ticket, broaden your horizons and be creative. Think of the opportunity potential of a particular job rather than the obvious connections to your ultimate career goal.

As for career goals, Glickman shares that a recent poll of 100 women leaders indicated that only 3% were on the same career path as the one they started travelling down upon graduation. Hmm...kind of puts the gnashing and agonizing into perspective, huh?

Whatever your first job is, be the best (fill in the blank) you can be, taking advantage of all opportunities and networking as you go. Get some positive momentum going, and you'll be off!! Dr. Seuss, of course, says it best, "Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away!" (from Oh! The Places You'll Go!)

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

Creating Space & Returning to Work

2011-10-14T15:09:00.002-04:00

Create spaciousness so creativity can breath...

so says my friend Claire O'Connor on a recent Enchanted Life facebook post.

Claire and her husband Ken help people live authentic, inspired and creative lives. And this 6 word post is a pretty powerful mantra.

When I originally read it, I was particularly struck by its application for job seekers, including moms returning to work. Here's my slight redux, tweaked ever so slightly for my dear and wonderful job seekers: Create spaciousness so opportunities can appear.

It's certainly not a necessity to declutter and organize in order to find a job and return to work. But what I know is that it can sometimes make the difference between finding success and feeling stuck in place, with little positive momentum being gained.

What's in your environment that is creating a drag on you? It could be a cluttered closet, an overburdened calendar, an overflowing junk drawer, or a car that is filled to the brim with the detritus of everyday life. Whatever it is, the overall effect is the same. It zaps energy and stops momentum in its tracks. It's kind of like running in the pool...lots of energy expended, but not much distance covered.

Compare that to the zippy feeling of being organized and in control. Ahhh...feel like you can rule the world, no?

During job clubs, I sometimes give a take home assignment (or 'homeplay' to use the words of another wonderful friend and coach, Sierra J. Sullivan) to tackle an area of life that is cluttered or disorganized as a prep step for on ramping back to work.

The result is often unanimous, with participants bubbling through the door sharing how amazing it feels to finally tackle something they had been putting off. And by removing a negative, cluttered zone from their day to day, they've created space. Perhaps that space is for creativity, self care or employment possibilities; things that couldn't enter because there simply wasn't enough space.

So, a challenge: focus on 1 area and 1 area only to de-clutter or organize by the end of the weekend. Put it on your to do list and block out time on your calendar. It doesn't have to be photo-shoot ready. It just needs to be better than it was before - more airy and more spacious to create space for whatever your heart desires.

If your project is a biggie (basement organizing - that's what I'm working on!), set a smaller goal for yourself that can be accomplished between now and the weekend. For example, perhaps you'll just tackle going through 3 boxes or organizing holiday decorations.

I'd love to hear how it goes. Email me if you'd like to share!

All the best,

Carol

Volunteering and Your Next Career Move

2011-10-11T14:16:00.000-04:00

Volunteering...that is, donating your time for a cause you care about and receiving no financial remuneration in return, can actually yield great career benefits.

Strategic volunteering is something I've been recommending to clients for quite a while. And Careerbuilder writer Debra Auerbach's article, "Turn Your Volunteer Work Into a Career" (http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/10/living/volunteer-cb/index.html?hpt=li_c1) explains lists some of the same points that I share in my workshops and during client coaching.

If you'd like to learn more about strategic volunteering or aren't sure about how to get started, email me at carol@lookingfortheonramp.com.

Music To Job Search By

2011-06-23T21:15:00.000-04:00

Today I heard a song that made me stop and take a serious listen.

Shania Twain, a mom making an amazing comeback and finding her on ramp back to her music career, has written what could very well be THE anthem for women transitioning back to the world of work.

Today Is Your Day is a solid dose of inspiration with some real-life insight added in for good measure.  Shania's voice is better than ever, and the wisdom in her words has legitimate street cred given her journey. It is SOOO worth adding this song to your playlist.

Here is a snippet of the song from Shania Twain's series on the O Network.  It's an acoustic version with an added bonus:  Gladys Knight adds some impromptu back up singing.

While Today Is Your Day is a new favorite, I'll share a couple of other songs that help me get going when I'm losing momentum or just can't seem to kick it in gear.

Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield: My friend Denise suggested this to me when I was commiserating about writer's block and analysis paralysis. Thanks, Denise!!! I've added it here because for women returning to work after a significant time away, their career future is unwritten and presents a fantastic opportunity to claim their new story, set new goals, and boldly begin their new journey.

Hammer And A Nail by The Indigo Girls: My favorite line - "The sweetest part is acting after making a decision...." Yes!!! When women decide to look for their on ramp back to work, it is indeed sweet to act on their comeback - research jobs, polishing skills, writing resumes, and developing their job search strategies.

Firework by Katy Perry: A mantra of mine - go ahead, show 'em what you ARE worth!! Because returning to work can be scary for women who off ramped some time ago, confidence often takes a hit. Once they realize their talent, wisdom, life experience and uniqueness, and really understand the value this offers prospective employers, they begin to sparkle! Wonderful!!

This One's For The Girls by Martina McBride: Girl power, country style, big and bold. I defy you to try and NOT sing along.

What songs inspire you to get up get moving? Please share!!  There's nothing like listening to great music for some extra mojo!!

All the best,
Carol
www.lookingfortheonramp.com

Timing IS Everything

2011-06-06T14:40:00.000-04:00

Timing is everything...

It's been said that finding a job IS a job. And whomever said it first was right!

Deciding to return to work is a huge decision for many women. But it's really just the beginning of an exciting and wonderful new journey. Finding the on-ramp requires that you carve out designated job readiness and job search time.

What?!?

You may be thinking about how busy you are already and wondering how to cram more to dos into your day. You're not alone. It is a challenge at first...but it's essential to finding a job as well as great practice for getting your family ready for your return to work and the changes this inevitably brings to the family.

If you've made the decision to return to work, take a look at your calendar and begin protecting blocks of time that you will dedicate to the process. The amount of time you'll need depends on a variety of factors and is unique to your situation. I suggest starting out slowly...perhaps you'll dedicate just an hour or two weekly to start, using the time to read some great articles or conducting online research.

Once you begin to put some structure around your process, you can add time and gain additional momentum.

It's all very exciting...wonderful... and a bit unnerving, perhaps....But I'm here to help. Visit my website for information about my services and upcoming programs.

Best,
Carol

An Anti-Aging Treatment....for your resume!?!?

2011-05-24T22:31:00.000-04:00

A great resume is like an investment wardrobe piece - classic and timeless. It doesn't scream an era or look out of style.

If you created your on-ramp/back to work resume using the same writing tips from back in the day, chances are your resume is out of style. If so, your resume may be ready for an anti-aging facial of sorts.

Here are 2 resume renewal treatments that can give your resume an updated look for a 21st century job search:

1. Be Objective About Your Objective: We all learned that objectives should talk about what we are looking for...advancement potential, room to grow, yada yada yada. Today, it's no longer 'all about me.' Organizations are looking for what you can do for THEM, not how they can help YOU. Rephrase your resume objective to highlight what you bring to the table. Use keywords for your target market AND the job posting.

2. One Size Does NOT Fit All: Customizing resumes is essential. A generic resume that tries to promote your skills and abilities for any and all potential jobs just doesn't work. Tweak your resume to match what the prospective employer is looking for. I help my clients create a master resume for each of their target areas, and then teach them how to make slight changes depending upon a job posting or company profile. This way, they're not starting over each time. Rather, they're making small changes that take their resume from good to GREAT!

For more ideas, check out Does Your Resume Make You Look Old on CNN Money.

All the best,
Carol

Job Search Wisdom From A Classic Children's Story

2010-12-15T19:01:00.000-05:00

Ruth Krauss' The Carrot Seed tells the journey of a little boy and his gardening adventure. Said boy plants a carrot seed and waits for the magic to happen. Despite some familial pessimism about whether the seed will actually develop into anything, the boy dutifully tends his garden; watering, weeding and watching. When there are no signs of growth, what does the boy do? Well, he keeps watering, weeding and watching. Eventually, a sprout appears and the boy is ultimately rewarded with a rather tasty-looking carrot! Ahh...success :-)

I loved sharing this book with my kids, and used it in my classroom when I taught preschool. It never failed to open discussions beyond the actual story. The Carrot Seed is about so much more than gardenting or planting. It's about solidarity of purpose, resilience, delayed gratification, power of focus & intention, and faith.

These principles also happen to be integral to a successful journey back to work. As a Comeback Mom, you spend time writing and customizing resumes, creating cover letters, updating skills and knowledge, networking.... Like the boy in Krauss' classic story, you may not immediately see any evidence of progress. And family and friends may not provide you with the encouragement you desire.

But...stay the course. Pace yourself, maintain your stamina, and keep on keeping on. The boy in the story didn't plant the seed, water it once, and sit back waiting. He continued to tend his garden, even when he couldn't see results. And you'll continue to move forward with your job search strategies, gathering insights, networking, polishing skills, and possibly reaching out for assistance in the form of workshops, job clubs, or coaching, even when signs of progress are not visible.

You will eventually see results. And, with perseverence and patience, your garden will bloom, too.

All the best,
Carol

Stand Out In The Crowd - How To Get HR's Attention

2010-10-14T11:02:00.000-04:00

FACT: Some HR people receive dozens, maybe even hundreds, of resumes for job openings.

This begs the question of how to make yourself stand out in the crowd. It goes without saying that your resume needs to be in tip top shape. But the truth is, at least some of the resumes that HR reviews in response to a vacancy will look as great as yours...and possibly even better.

So how exactly can you gain an upper hand at the beginning of the hiring process? I recently heard of an applicant who differentiated herself by going a bit above and beyond, and very nicely allowed her resume to stand out. How'd she do it? She sent along a reference letter that detailed her accomplishments and successes along with what made her a great employee.

One of the reasons this worked in securing her an all-important interview slot is that the letter took a bit of the guess factor out of the equation. The hiring person had actual documentation that she has accomplished all that her resume claims. And a letter of recommendation expands upon gifts and talents beyond what is put on a standard resume.

Put yourself in the place of a hiring pro faced with the prospect of screening dozens of resumes for one job. Let's say you ended up with 15 potential candidates who possessed the skill set you are looking for. How would you pare the list to a reasonable number to interview? Chances are, if the resume with the reference letter was among the 15, it would end up in the 'Yes' interview pile.

All the best,
Carol

Women Returning to Work and the Third Billion

2010-06-01T11:21:00.007-04:00

While in an airport this weekend on my way home from a conference, I picked up a copy of Booz & Co.'s Summer 2010 Strategy + Business issue. By the time I was midway through the article that began on page 8, "The Third Billion," I knew I had to share it with you. The third billion refers to the number of women who will enter the global workplace over the next 10 years with significant, if not earth-changing, impact, and the authors calculate that 47 million of them live in North America, western Europe and Japan.

Having spent the weekend thinking about how women returning to the workforce can be such a positive force for helping to turn things around, I was struck by authors DeAnne Aguirre's and Karim Sabbaugh's analysis. They conclude the article by writing, "The creativity of the Third Billion may provide the world with an unprecedented resource for driving economic growth and improving the quality of life over the next decade....For leaders, the next step is to recognize the value of this population of women and the contribution they can make."

Pretty great, don't you think?

I recommend reading the The Third Billion in its entirety.

All the best,
Carol

The Art of Strategic Volunteering and Finding a Job - How Donating Time Can Help Moms Return to Work

2010-05-17T10:30:00.000-04:00

Exciting News: I have developed a 30 minute teleseminar on The Art of Strategic Volunteering and Finding a Job and will be presenting it this Wednesday, May 19th, at 1 pm EST as part of Tory Johnson's Waggleforce May Marathon career teleseminars series!

The calls are free and details can be found at http://womenforhire.com/may_marathon_for_career_success . While you're there, check out the other great topics being offered throughout the rest of May. I've listened in on a few and am happy to say that my Waggleforce Job Leader colleagues are doing a fantastic job sharing key insights and information for job seekers.

Please join me on Wednesday as I talk about how moms looking to return to work can use strategic volunteering to polish their skills, update their resumes, build their network, and boost their confidence....all essential elements of staging a successful comeback to the world of work. And all of this is accomplished while helping further an important cause or organization! Now that's what we call a 'win-win!'

For You on Mother's Day

2010-05-06T20:44:00.007-04:00

Recently, a friend shared a link to a youtube video that she thought I would really enjoy. It was an author doing a reading of her new book, a memoir on motherhood. Enjoy it I did! And it got me thinking about another book I had recently read based on an online review I had read. Both the book and the video shared interesting and poignant perspectives on what being a mom is all about.

With Mother's Day just a few days away, I decided to depart from my regular postings on re-entering the world of work. Instead, I wanted to give you a little gift. So...go make a cup of fresh tea or coffee, get comfortable, and enjoy the next 3 video clips....one is the clip a friend sent me, one is from an author whose newest book I've enjoyed so much, and the other one features one of our dearest national treasures...

Dr. Maya Angelou's Letter to My Daughter is a book she wrote for us. While she is the proud mother of a son, she considers us all her daughters. In this video, she talks about the book, a bit about her life, and even graciously shares some of her precious wisdom. You'll want to get your hands on your very own copy of Letters once you watch the video. Better still, download the audio version on itunes or audible.com to get the added bonus of getting to listen to Dr. Angelou share these wonderful lessons and stories.

Next in line is Katrina Kenison reading from her Gift of An Ordinary Day. I won't even attempt to describe this video as a lady in the audience says it best at the end of Kenison's talk when she declares, "Now, isn't that the truth!"

The third part of my hat trick Mother's Day gift to you highlights Kelly Corrigan, author of the bestseller The Middle Place, talking about why she wrote her newest book, Lift, a little book with huge heart that talks about raising daughters. I loved this book so much, I bought a bunch of these to give as gifts. I'm already in need of a re-order despite the fact that it was just published less than 8 weeks ago.

I promise to get back to the subject at hand, helping Comeback Moms to make a successful re-entry onto the career roadway, next week! I sincerely hope you enjoyed these treats. Happy Mother's Day!!

Online Applications - the agony....

2010-04-19T17:26:00.001-04:00

Question: I’m looking to return to work. I've noticed that some companies have online applications. Do I need to fill these out, or can I just mail my resume and cover letter to their HR department? These online forms take so much time...UGH!!

Answer: This is a question that someone recently asked in one of my workshops. As a mom returning to the workforce, you’re probably going to be visiting a variety of job sites and company websites. Often, there will be an online application of some sort that needs to be submitted.

Yes, I agree -- these can take a significant amount of time and the frustration factor is sizable!!

You’ll want to follow the company’s procedures for applicants, though. While online applications are sometimes cumbersome, unwieldy, and time consuming, circumventing the official procedures can result in your resume getting tossed. Once you’ve done what is required, you can always send a well-done cover letter and resume via snail mail or email, referring to your online application. One major caveat...ensure that you are submitting your information to a reputable and bona fide employer before proceeding (see link to Boston Globe's slide deck below).

Tip for on ramping: To make online applications a bit easier, create a reference sheet with commonly requested information already detailed (past jobs, responsibilities, dates, degrees, certificates, references, etc.). This way, all you’ll need to do is refer to the sheet for much of the application. No need to keep recreating the wheel! The Boston Globe's Tips for Completing Online Applications slide show is filled with great information and worth the site visit!

All the best,

Carol

The Truth About Stay at Home Moms

2010-04-04T14:08:00.003-04:00

The Truth About Stay At Home Moms

Show me a picture of a stay at home mom and I’ll say “Check her odometer!!” The phrase, you see, is a complete oxymoron.

Not one woman I know who has ‘stayed home,’ really did. While we may have decided to off ramp from career paths, many of us applied our business and project management skills to new venues. For moms who ‘stayed home,’ we accomplished lots of things: served on boards of directors of non profits, volunteered as officers of PTOs and PTAs, consulted part-time, volunteered in ministry work, used project management skills in logistical and financial planning for our homes,….the list truly is endless!

How do I know about this? Because I was there in the trenches alongside you! I’ve seen how hard you work and how smart you are. I know what you have to offer to the world of work. Your work ethic is unparalleled, your ability to multi-task…well, let’s just say you are one of the originators of the movement, and your teamwork skills are about as good as they get. In other words, YOU ROCK!

So, as you begin to create your resume and plan for going back to work, consider all that you’ve been doing ‘at home.’ We may have some teaching to do, helping companies and organizations understand how our achievements ‘at home’ translate into valuable workplace skills. But once we begin to show them what we’ve got, they’ll be clamoring for other comeback moms to join their ranks!

Please keep me posted on your progress!! I’d love to begin highlighting some success stories in future posts.

All the best,
Carol

Savvy Sobriquets...Email Handles for Job Seekers

2010-03-28T15:18:00.006-04:00

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

The Secret You Shouldn't Keep

2010-03-24T09:37:00.002-04:00

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?

2010-03-10T16:43:00.004-05:00

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.

Ummm...How Long Will This Take?

2010-03-07T17:59:00.005-05:00

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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

Learn the new lingo and you'll be the bee's knees or it's 23 skidoo!

2010-02-18T09:43:00.000-05:00

Slang: language peculiar to a particular group (http://www.merriamwebster.com/)

23 skidoo and bee's knees were popular phrases from the 1920s. Can't you just picture parents rolling their eyes as the younger generations bandied these about? In our lifetimes, we've heard popular phrases come and go, incorporating them into our own lexicon as necessary and appropriate.

The world of work, regardless of your discipline, has its own set of lingo that changes over time. Virtually every sector of the employment market has new buzzwords and it's essential to make sure you're up to date on the current terminology and concepts that are popular in your field today.

So how do you go about getting the scoop on the new phrases you need to know? There are a bunch of strategies you can try.

Read Job Postings/Classifieds: Employers will often include acronyms or industry-specific terminology in their help wanted ads. Take note of those that you don't recognize and do a bit of research to expand your knowledge.

Informational Interviews: The value of informational interviewing extends way beyond learning about new buzzwords (an upcoming post will cover the reasons why you should consider informational interviews). While you are talking with a professional in your desired field, don't be shy about asking him or her to define terms. Make sure it's okay for you to take notes, too, and write down phrases or concepts you want to learn more about.

Internet Sources: Professional groups, industry organizations, and general websites are all possible places to look for additional information. Type a phrase or term into your search engine and start your research.

Professional Journals and Organizations: These often offer the latest trends and information in a given field. And reading posts and replies on message boards can provide great insight.

As you become more knowledgeable about your field's slang and buzzwords, you'll begin to develop a comfort level with authentically and knowledgeably using these in professional conversations. You may also find that you've discovered an area or concept in which you'll want to enhance your knowledge level or skill.

All the best,

Carol

Moms Groups - Round 2 (or...I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends)

2009-10-12T14:15:00.001-04:00

Remember Moms and Tots groups? These playgroups provided many women - including me - with a treasured support of like-minded sister-moms who became woven into the tapestry of their lives.

I was so very lucky to have Kathy, Tracy, Jean, Lisa, Mary, Diana, and Justine; all whom lived within sugar-borrowing proximity. We met weekly, presumably for the kids. However, I know that a huge part of our play group was for the moms. We threw baby showers, sang happy birthdays, baby sat, collectively wringed hands over fevers, shared child-rearing challenges (remember the terrible - er, I mean - terrific twos?), and celebrated each other's successes. Those wondrous years as a young mom were made even more magical thanks to them.

What power and strength these groups provided! As we transition to a new stage now, one where we're on-ramping, finding our way back to jobs and careers, we can channel this same support and enthusiasm! Stay tuned for posts on starting a Moms and Jobs group, what these groups can do for moms re-entering the workforce, and tapping into the inherent power of women supporting and inspiring one another.

All the best,

Carol

Silence The Critics

2009-08-22T09:07:00.000-04:00

Who are you to write this book? Who cares what you have to say? No one is going to read it! How ridiculous you're going to look.

These are a sampling of the voices that have been speaking to me lately. Who are these people? They are the very voice of my self-doubt and criticism. And I am so un-inviting them to my book party!!

Some background: I resigned from a great job in corporate communications about 18 months ago to pursue my passion - writing. Since then, I've been doing freelance work while also working on my book, Looking for the On Ramp: A Guide for Comeback Moms. As I get deeper and deeper into the book...and closer and closer to making my dream a reality...the thoughts above have been whispering into my ear.

Anne Lamott, one of my all-time favorite writers, describes the audience of voices that sit with her as she writes. "They are the voices of anxiety, judgment, doom, guilt....there may be a Nurse Ratched....." she explains.*

While it doesn't help to stifle the voices much, it does take some of the wind out of their sails. I realize this self-flagellation is all a part of the process, part of the human condition. And it certainly helps to know I'm not alone.

When I began my comeback to the business world, I remember a similar sense of self-doubt and fear. "Excel?!? I haven't used Excel for anything beyond creating a roster as a homeroom mom," I thought as I figured out how to create a spreadsheet. "Mail merge? No one said I needed to know that," I lamented as a wonderful colleague patiently sat with me - again - to show me how. "I am going to completely destroy the company's database," I feared as I walked myself through the query steps carefully.

Each of these voices seemed intent on shaking my confidence and sending me packing. However, I continued to will them into silence and worked on 'sharpening the saw,' a Steven Covey phrase that perfectly describes the importance of continual skill building and enhancement. Eventually, I became irritated enough with them and more comfortable with my abilities that they packed it in.

Comeback Moms have our own unwelcome whisperers who are keen to point out all sorts of things like your age, how long it's been since you've worked for pay, how hard it's going to be to get your resume together, how expensive it will be to go back to school, or how you're going to need a completely new wardrobe and hairstyle. In other words, these voices will try and shake your confidence and break you.

DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM!!

Instead, carry onward and upward. Tell them to get lost, that you don't have time for their foolishness, that you're too busy to listen to their nonsense, tell them to SCRAM! Then, take one step at a time closer to staging your comeback. Each small step gets you a bit closer to your goal. And each step makes the voices a bit harder to hear.

If you're working on your comeback, I'd love to hear how things are going. And if you've made a successful comeback already, zip me an email. Your journey and travel tips can help another woman on her way.

*Anne Lamott, Bird By Bird, Anchor Books, 1994, p.7.

Upping Your IQ on EP......Excel and Powerpoint

2009-07-16T10:18:00.000-04:00

Janet Hanson, founder of 85 Broads, has some great advice for Comeback Moms. Named for the Broad Street address of her former employer Goldman Sachs, she started the group in an effort to stay connected to her female colleagues when she left the firm and became a stay at home mom. Today, 85 Broads is over 20,000 women strong and has expanded beyond the scope of the financial services industry to include women from a variety of industries who share a passion for excellence.

Recently, Martha St. Jean interviewed her for The Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/martha-st-jean/women-work-jobs-and-advic_b_230809.html St. Jean asked her what advice she had for women who were re-entering the workforce after a time away.

"Find the smartest young people you can to help you figure out how to use a computer. Lack of computer skills is what is going to hold older women back.....If you don't know how to create an excel spreadsheet or to create a powerpoint presention, you are seriously handicapped," Hanson explained.

Students today seem to learn Excel and Powerpoint in preschool! Okay, that's a slight exaggeration. But if your kids are older than 11 or 12, chances are they can whip up a Powerpoint and create some basic spreadsheets in Excel faster than you can say Jonas Brothers.

Take care not to be lulled into an inflated sense of computer savvyness just because you can surf the net, email, use Word, and do a mail merge. I did.....and boy did I scramble when I learned---on day 1---just how un-savvy I was.

Excel and powerpoint are the counterparts to yesterday's ledgers and flip charts. Excel is applied in countless ways today---mailing lists, client contact information and follow ups, financial reports, statistical analyses, creating charts, and much, much more. So, if you were thinking that you're not looking for a job in a 'numbers' field and won't be needing Excel, think again.

Powerpoint is used for speaker visuals, on-line written reports, meeting agendas, final reports, slide shows, and meeting handout sheets. I have seen it used in nonprofits, corporate settings, conferences of all sizes, actual and virtual meetings, recruiting fairs, and budget presentations. Like Excel, its use crosses industries and professions. Knowing Powerpoint is simply essential.

As Hanson mentions, you probably know a smart young professional (niece? son? neighbor? candlestick maker?) who can help you begin to master these. Not to worry, however, if they respond to your SOS with a look of unveiled horror. Here are some other ways to sharpen the proverbial saw:

Adult Education Programs - Many communities offer low-cost courses in the evenings. In my town, the Adult School offerings run the gamut from Photopraphy and Speaking to Your Angel Guides to Microsoft Office and Business Writing. The price is under $100 for a 2 or 3 night session.

(Take Your Pick) for Dummies- Okay, you may want to tear off the cover, but these are usually well done, easy to follow, and right on the money. Check out your local library to see if they have any of these in stock. The last time I checked amazon.com, there were versions for Excel and Powerpoint, along with others for Outlook (the email system that is often used for scheduling appointments and more), Access (a database program), and Word (could be helpful if you're not comfortable doing more than straight typing).

County Colleges - Taking a county college computer course can be a great option if you want to get more instruction that an adult school program can provide.

The Microsoft Website - Once you've gotten some basics down, the Microsoft website provides on-demand trainings on specific topics. There is also a 'type question here' space in the upper right hand section of Word, Excel and Powerpoint for quick answers that may arise as you're working.

Take the time to improve and polish your skills for a smoother comeback experience. Think how proud you'll be when you can add Excel and Powerpoint to your skills summary!

All the best,

Carol

The Modern World of Work

2009-07-09T10:45:00.000-04:00

I've been hearing a catchy, clever tune on XM Coffeehouse while driving around town. Modern World by David Wilcox describes how 'this ain't the modern world that I remember.' He's referring to the 60s and 70s rendition of the future. You remember, the one with flying cars, space colonies, smell-o-vision, and Jetson-esque homes and workspaces.

Today's workplace has not been completely Jetson-ized. But if you off-ramped 10 or more years ago, you may be surprised by the workplace a la 2009. Understanding how it has changed provides you with a framework to envision yourself thriving and succeeding as your new on-ramped self. It can also give you important insight for talking about your skills and strengths in interviews and will give you a heads up as to what skills you'll need to polish and/or master.

Here is a brief comparision of what the corporate work world was like when I off-ramped in the early 90s and on-ramped in 2006:

THEN:

The company I worked for (a major corporation) wasn't on the internet!! Businesses still weren't sure about this newfangled e-world. What we did have was a very unfriendly and clunky intranet, with monitors that weighed 50 pounds and took up a big chunk of one's desk!

If someone read an interesting article in a professional journal that he/she wanted to share with colleagues, a routing slip was attached, and the magazine was passed from cubicle to cubicle, with each person checking off as he/she read it.

Files, busting at their seams, filled people's in boxes. Managing the growing mounds of paper documentation was a constant struggle.

The phone rang constantly.

Everyone did their work in the office. Project not finished? That meant a mandatory stay at the office as there was no ability to work from home on a laptop.

Meetings were held face-to-face in conference rooms and offices.

Everyone wore suits.

NOW:

E-mail is everything! Colleagues a cubicle or office away send e-mails all day--interesting articles, updates on client requests, feedback on reports, checking whether you brought lunch or want to order out, etc.

The phone doesn't ring very much. Client communication, prospective client communication, and communication with friends and family happen on line the majority of the time during the workday.

Microsoft Office rules the work world. I had fancied myself as fairly computer savvy when I on-ramped. The first day on the job I was asked to edit a fairly lengthy powerpoint, replete with fancy graphics and links. I adeptly corrected typos, spelling and syntax----with a pen on the printed copy of the report. How embarrassed I was when I realized I was supposed to do it online!! I felt SO old-fashioned---barely a step away from asking where the typewriter was!! After somehow muddling through the electronic version, I invested in a bunch of how-to books and practiced at home to get my skills up to speed. It became a personal badge of honor on those rare occasions when I could point out a shortcut to one of my younger, and way more e-savvy, colleagues.

Meetings often happen virtually. Instead of travelling to meetings, they happen right on everyone's computer. Thanks to meeting software, trainings, client presentations, and proposal meetings can happen without the expense and time drain of everyone being in one location.

Suits are worn rarely. Big client presentation? Definitely a suit day. Every other day, however, smart business casual is appropriate. Great slacks, blouses, sweaters, and accessories can definitely get you through many work situations.

Laptops make work portable. My company allowed for work to be done at home--a policy that provided flexibility to meet important deadlines without needed to practically move into the office. I appreciated the ability to work from home when necessary. If a snow storm made roads treacherous, I could still put in some hours at home, keep on deadline, and not have to deal with a white knuckle drive.

What hasn't changed:

Your life experience, patience, compassion, and smarts all work together to make you a wonderful asset to the world of work. I admit to being fairly intimidated by my highly intelligent and driven younger colleagues initially. It didn't take long, though, for me to realize that I most definitely had a lot to offer. I happily acted as their sounding board and helped them, as they helped me, too.

You can make a great comeback. It is nothing short of thrilling to imagine the impact you can make!

All the best,

Carol

"Do it afraid, the courage will come later....."

2009-07-07T10:22:00.000-04:00

Tamra Slagle is an example of a mom staging a comeback! After 25 years as a stay at home mom of 13 AND grandma of 6, she decided to go back to school and get her degree. For a dose of inspiration this morning, click on the link below to watch the KDSK-St. Louis story about Tamra. As she so fittingly says, "....do it afraid, the courage will come later."

http://www.ksdk.com/video/default.aspx?maven_playerId=articleplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=playlist&maven_referralObject=1143046200

Where's the On Ramp?

2009-07-02T18:22:00.000-04:00

Looking for the on ramp......wow, that phrase so very aptly describes the Comeback Mom's journey!

Have you ever taken an exit-only ramp off a major freeway and quickly realized that you'd made a mistake? This is SO not my exit, you begin to think. Finding your way back to the freeway can be harrowing, time consuming, irritating, and a major inconvenience....to say the least! For those of us moms who took career off ramps years ago, our journey back to the on ramp is a bit like this scenario. We were sure about the exit, but finding the on ramp is not as easy as we may have thought it would be.

Trying to use the same old job search techniques from days gone by won't help you to restart your career in a meaningful way. It's kind of like trying to go back up the exit ramp in reverse....definitely not a good approach. The path you took to get off the career superhighway is not the one you'll need to take to get back on.

After staging my own comeback of sorts, commiserating with women attempting their own career comebacks, and providing last minute interview/skills tutorials to friends on important 'interview eves,' I decided to research the comeback mom phenomenon and write a resource book geared for moms like us.

Looking For the On Ramp: A Guide For Comeback Moms will be published later this year. However, I want to begin sharing what I've learned and to hear from other comeback moms regarding what works, success stories, journey detours and challenges. I also hope to provide a forum for comeback moms to support one another, share tips and strategies, and celebrate successes.

Check back often for updates, tips, and strategies for staging your career comeback. If you have information you'd like to share or would like to be interviewed for my book, please email me at camerino.carol@gmail.com.

Best to you,

Carol