CAREER RESOURCE MANUAL

A RESOURCE OF COUNSEL, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR

PEOPLE IN CAREER TRANSITION

www.nextstepctg.com

WRITTEN BY: ERIC GARVANNE, JR.

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PREFACE

Having been through several career transitions and business start-ups personally, I understand that periods of unemployment can be extremely challenging. But through faith in God and perseverance, I’ve witnessed personal growth as a result of each transition. So, I wrote this manual and created a website in hopes of helping others who are facing similar challenges in their lives.

I encourage you to remember that regardless of where you find yourself now, it’s only temporary as long as you continue to press forward. For God has a plan for your future (Jeremiah 29:11-14).

If you would like to find out more about the group, please contact us at one of the links below.

Stay encouraged,

Eric Garvanne, Jr.

Website: www.nextstepctg.com

Twitter: @nextstepctg

All Scripture passages (unless otherwise noted) are taken from the New International Version (NIV) Bible. Please feel free to share this manual with anyone who may benefit from the resources inside. Revised March 12, 2013

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2

INTRODUCTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4

The Manual’s Purpose ............................................................................................. 4

The Cards You’ve Been Dealt ................................................................................ 4

Get Your Mind Right ............................................................................................... 5

SPIRITUAL TRANSITION ------------------------------------------------------------- 7

Put God First ............................................................................................................ 7

Time for Meditation ................................................................................................. 7

Scriptures & Quotes of Encouragement ............................................................... 8

Daily Affirmations .................................................................................................. 13

PERSONAL TRANSITION ----------------------------------------------------------- 15

The CEO of You, Inc. ........................................................................................... 15

Take A Self-Inventory ........................................................................................... 15

Manage Your Time................................................................................................. 16

Accountability Goals .............................................................................................. 17

Revolutionize Your Competitive Edge ............................................................... 20

PROFESSIONAL TRANSITION ---------------------------------------------------- 22

Know What You Want .......................................................................................... 22

Networking .............................................................................................................. 22

90-Second Introduction ......................................................................................... 24

Resumes ................................................................................................................... 25

Personal Marketing Plan ........................................................................................ 29

Interviewing ............................................................................................................. 30

Negotiating .............................................................................................................. 35

Online Resources .................................................................................................... 36

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INTRODUCTION

The Manual’s Purpose

The purpose of the Next Step Career Resource Manual is to help people in career transition take The Next Step forward each day. Regardless of how you arrived at your current location, the past is what happened, the present is where you are, and the future awaits you.

As God spoke to the prophet Jeremiah (29:11): “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. So make the best of a challenging situation by focusing each day on moving towards whatever God has next in store for you.

The Next Step Career Resource Manual is divided into three main sections: 1) Spiritual Transition; 2) Personal Transition; and 3) Professional Transition.

The Spiritual Transition section is focused on helping you seek God’s direction, clarity, and encouragement. The Personal Transition section offers several tools to help you look inward, as you push yourself forward each day. Finally, the Professional Transition section provides numerous resources to assist you in searching for the next career opportunity.

The Cards You’ve Been Dealt

Let’s put all of the cards on the table. You lost your job. You’ve been laid off. Your position was cut. You were forced to close your small business because it could no longer sustain itself. You finally got to the point where you were so drained at your former company that you decided to search for a more fulfilling career.

And here you are – unemployed (or underemployed) – in the transition period between where you were and where you’re going. The first days of this journey can be a mind-numbing experience. And you may be asking yourself two questions: “Why did this happen to me?” and “What’s next?”

First, let me assure you that you’re not alone. There are countless people in this country who are in similar situations. And many of them are facing even more dire circumstances than you are right now. So make sure you maintain the right perspective.

Second, if you’ve made your former job title (or employer) the source of your self-image, then it’s time to detox—immediately! Your last job, and the job before that, and the job before that, were

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not your identity. Your employment, even if it was a business that you built, is simply a part of who you are, what you do, and what you have to offer the world. Now that you’re no longer employed, don’t fall into the self-defeating trap of defining yourself by your former paycheck, job title, or the square footage of your pervious office. You’re much more than any of those things.

Finally, don’t waste time looking in the rearview mirror. It’s time to focus on what’s ahead. Living in what “was”, rather than working towards the possibilities of what “could be”, won’t get you very far. Wallowing in self-pity, self-doubt, anger, and feelings of failure will weigh you down like a ton of bricks. True, we all go through moments when our emotions get the best of us. But don’t stay there too long. You have to pick yourself up and move forward with life.

Get Your Mind Right

Before moving to the first section, I want to share a few tips that may help during the first days of your career transition.

1) Take A Breath

Don’t rush to send out resumes, update your LinkedIn profile, or let the world know that you’re now on the market. Take the first 2-3 days of your unemployment to focus on yourself and get some perspective. After sacrificing so much time and talent for your previous employer, you deserve (and need) to take a breath for your own good.

2) Start Processing

Do something that helps you start processing what happened. Find an outlet that will provide a source of encouragement as you begin to work through emotions of loss, anger, and/or uncertainty. For example: build something, take long walks, clean or reorganize your home office, or attend some of your child’s school activities.

3) Inform Your Support System

Get your support system in place. Don’t isolate yourself, thinking that you can handle it on your own. And don’t feel shame in being unemployed. Tell your spouse, your close friends, and immediate family members what happened and how you’re feeling. This support network will be crucial as you maneuver through the highs and lows that you may confront along the way. (But don’t share this information with too many people before you’re prepared to move ahead).

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4) Take Inventory of Yourself

If you don’t know what type of job you want next, then take a self-inventory of your goals, your accomplishments, and your talents/gifts. There are numerous free assessments online (see the “Online Resources” section).

Also, think about the things that have brought a sense of fulfillment and purpose to your life, even when you weren’t getting paid for it. Is there something in that worth pursuing? Or are you seeking to continue in your current profession but simply need to find another company to work for? What are you really after?

5) Prepare Your Finances

Though you may find a job within the first couple weeks, make your financial plans based on the worst case scenario. Think about how long the “worst case” search might take and use it to inform your financial planning.

Don’t guess. Do the math. Make a realistic budget and determine how you’re spending money. See where you can cut back and avoid major purchases. It may also be worth considering taking a part-time or freelance job. However, don’t completely cut everything. Keep some balance in your budget so you can still treat yourself, occasionally.

6) Check Your Attitude

Never underestimate the power of a positive attitude. Regardless of how bad things may appear on the surface, remember that God has the power to move mountains and provide for all of your needs. Therefore, instead of looking at your career transition as a problem, change your attitude and see it as an opportunity to move your life forward.

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SPIRITUAL TRANSITION The Spiritual Transition section is focused on helping you seek God’s direction, clarity, and encouragement during a potentially emotional and confusing time.

Put God First

If you tell God to “move over” and let you drive, then where exactly are you headed?

One reason you want to put God first is that He knows what you need more than you know what you need. Another reason is that God’s not simply the source of financial provision. God is also the source of true contentment, comfort, wisdom, and guidance, regardless of what’s going on around you.

Here are two Scripture passages that shed some light on this fact:

Matthew 6:31-34: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Philippians 4:11-13, 19: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength…And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

Seek God first in everything during your career transition. This unexpected detour just may be the big opportunity you never saw coming.

Time for Meditation

Start each day with God. Take at least 15 minutes in the morning to focus on prayer and silent mediation. This is your daily devotional time.

Find a quiet place in the house, turn off your phone, and take a few moments to focus and “quiet” yourself. Get rid of the distractions weighing on your mind. Take several deep breaths.

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Stop worrying about things you can’t control. Then, have a talk with (not at) God. And make sure that you’re also taking time to LISTEN.

Scriptures & Quotes of Encouragement

Below are a few Scripture passages and inspirational quotes that may provide encouragement and strength during your transitional period. You may want to take one set and simply focus on it for an entire week, and then add another set each week. Or you could read through them all at once. Do what works best for you.

SET #1

Scripture

“Be still, and know that I am God…” ~Psalm 46:10a

Quote

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” ~Henry David Thoreau

SET #2

Scripture

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…” ~Psalm 37:5-7a

Quote

“Great minds have purposes; little minds have wishes. Little minds are subdued by misfortunes; great minds rise above them.” ~Washington Irving

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SET #3

Scripture

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’.” ~Psalm 91:1-2

Quote

“Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.” ~William James

SET #4

Scripture

“You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” ~Psalm 18:28

Quote

“You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end – which you can never afford to lose – with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.” ~Admiral Jim Stockdale

SET #5

Scripture

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…” ~Ecclesiastes 3:1

Quote

“One secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.” ~Benjamin Disraeli

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SET #6

Scripture

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” ~Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Quote

“Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.” ~Booker T. Washington

SET #7

Scripture

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” ~Isaiah 42:16

Quote

“Rather than wishing for change, you first must be prepared to change.” ~Catherine Pulsifer

SET #8

Scripture

“…But I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 3:12b-14

Quote

“The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

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SET #9

Scripture

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” ~1 Corinthians 9:24

Quote

“An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

SET #10

Scripture

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:6-7

Quote

“Peace is costly but it is worth the expense.” ~African Proverb

SET #11

Scripture

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” ~1 Corinthians 15:58

Quote

“Your actions express your priorities.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

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SET #12

Scripture

“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord…” ~James 1:6-7a

Quote

“There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either in or out. There’s no such thing as a life in-between.” ~Pat Riley

SET #13

Scripture

“The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” ~Proverbs 13:4

Quote

“You can’t just dream your way to success.” ~Jack LaLanne

SET #14

Scripture

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” ~Proverbs 19:21

Quote

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ~Howard Thurman

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SET #15

Scripture

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” ~Jeremiah 29:11

Quote

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ~Oscar Wilde

SET #16

Scripture

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” ~Proverbs 3:3-4

Quote

“Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” ~Jeff Bezos

Daily Affirmations

What tapes are you playing in your head? “Tapes” refer to the messages that you repeat over and over in your mind. These tapes become the programming that you carry out each day, usually subconsciously. They’re the thoughts, which become your words, which become your actions, which become your character.

If the tapes playing in your head are full of negative, self-defeating messages, then guess where life is going to direct you? When you hear a negative tape, destroy it and replace it with a self-fulfilling, positive tape. One person calls it “turning your inner-critic into your inner-coach”.

Consider these Scripture passages:

Romans 12:2: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

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Philippians 4:8-9: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things…And the God of peace will be with you.”

Your thoughts are extremely powerful. One way to change the tapes you’re playing is to write (and speak) a list of positive affirmations. For example:

“I’m successful.”

“I can achieve anything I set my mind to accomplish.”

“I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 3:19)

“My God will meet all my needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

“I’m moving on to a better situation in my life, my career, my finances, and my relationships.”

“God is my ultimate source of provision, and His provision is limitless.”

“I speak and act with confidence, boldness, clarity, discernment, and wisdom.”

“I’m valuable.”

“I’m the CEO of my life, and God is my Chairman.”

“I’m living out my dreams and my life’s purpose, each day.”

“I have a valuable and trusted support network.”

Affirm the areas of your life that need to be re-programmed with life-fulfilling messages. Every day, say them verbally to yourself. You may even want to add your affirmations to your daily devotional time.

The more you work on changing your tapes, the more you’ll catch yourself when the negative messages try to sneak in and take over. You’ll have a better attitude and feel more encouraged about your future. Remember, when you change the inner attitudes of your mind, you can change the outer aspects of your life (William James).

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PERSONAL TRANSITION The Personal Transition Section contains several tools to help with the process of building a better “You”, while also preparing you for your next career opportunity.

The CEO of You, Inc.

You’ve been working to move forward from past events and strengthening your spiritual foundation. Now it’s time to ask: “How do I see my future?”

Push yourself to look inward and gain clarity about what you want to do next. This is a prime opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of: 1) Who you truly are; 2) What you want out of life; and 3) How you plan to achieve it.

Consider thinking of yourself as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of “You, Incorporated”. Take the helm of the “corporation” that God created when he formed you (Jeremiah 1:5).

If you’ve given others the authority to shape your self-image, to control your identity, to market your corporate brand, to limit your expectations of success, or to make cutbacks to your dreams, then this is the moment for you to take back control of You, Inc. With God as Chairman, it’s time to focus on building the best You possible.

But don’t fool yourself. It will require hard work and committed investment on your part. That’s one reason why establishing personal goals and holding yourself accountable are so crucial.

In addition, you will have to trust God faithfully, while maintaining a realistic picture of You, Inc.’s performance. But, if you’re willing to take the reins and move forward in building You, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

Take A Self-Inventory

Take some time each day to think about your future. You may want to add this process to your daily devotional time.

Explore your strengths, preferences, passions, hidden opportunities, personal and career accomplishments, etc. You can take a self-assessment or self-inventory test to find the types of jobs that would best suit you. Talk with people you trust to give honest feedback on what they see in you.

Here are few questions that you can ask yourself:

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What kind of work do I want to do?

Should I consider changing careers?

What are some alternatives?

What did I love to do as a kid?

What was my best day, and what was I doing?

What would I love to do if I weren’t being paid?

Are there hidden opportunities that I’ve overlooked in the past?

How would my script read if I were its author – no limitations?

Do I need more training? Do I need to return to school?

Is this the right time to branch out and do something different?

Should I explore starting my own company?

Are there volunteer or apprenticeship opportunities that could improve my options?

How much do I need to earn, realistically?

Do I need to look for part-time, temporary, or freelancing work to help with my finances?

What would I be willing to sacrifice in order to pursue a fulfilling career?

The crucial part of making your self-evaluation a meaningful experience is to be honest with yourself.

Manage Your Time

Make no mistake, looking for your next career opportunity (or starting your own company) is a full-time job. Therefore, establish a consistent daily schedule of your activities. For example:

Set the alarm clock, and commit yourself to getting up every morning as if you were going to work

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Establish a set number of hours to work on your job search (or your company’s business development projects)

Set aside time to maintain a professional appearance and attitude

Set aside time to spend with your spouse (and children), regardless of how stressed you may feel

Set aside time to think and evaluate where you are: emotionally, physically, and spiritually

Make time for regular exercise (Get a gym membership)

As the CEO of You, Inc., “time” is a priceless commodity that you can’t afford to take for granted. Keep in mind that once time is spent, you can never get it back.

Accountability Goals

Without goals you won’t accomplish anything significant. And without holding yourself accountable you’re simply wasting your time. Former NFL player and coach Herm Edwards once said: “A goal without a plan is a wish.”

Even if you have an accountability partner, you need to make sure that you’re not shifting your responsibilities, failures, or successes onto someone else. This is not the time for excuses – it’s time for taking ownership of your life and your actions.

Here’s a tool that can help with goal setting and personal accountability:

At the start of each week, make a list of what you plan to accomplish during the next 7 days. These are your Accountability Goals. (Avoid listing all of your tasks for the week. You can do that separately).

Your weekly goals should consist of 5-7 primary objectives that you want to focus on accomplishing during the week. But don’t make the list too long or overwhelming. If you set unrealistic goals, you’ll end up discouraging yourself from the start.

Include on your list at least 1 goal from each of the following 3 categories:

Spiritual: A goal focused on your spiritual improvement

Examples: Memorizing a new Scripture passage; Silent meditation for 15 minutes, 3 days during the week; Waking up 20 minutes earlier than normal to spend quiet time with God

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Personal: A goal focused on your personal improvement

Examples: Attending your child’s soccer game; Calling a loved one that you haven’t spoken to in a long time; Making amends with a former friend or family member that you’ve avoided talking to for years; Exercising at the gym 3 days during the week

Professional: A goal focused on your professional improvement

Examples: Creating your Linked-In profile; Attending a career networking event; Drafting your personal marketing plan; Filing your incorporation paperwork

Be sure to make your accountability goals quantifiable. In other words, they need to be measurable and specific rather than abstract or vague.

At the end of the week, take a look at your accountability goals and determine which ones you successfully completed.

For the goals that weren’t achieved, it’s important to be honest with yourself as to why you didn’t succeed at them. Was it something you failed to follow through on? Was it something out of your control that derailed your success? Was it necessary to push the goal on to the following week? Was the goal deemed unnecessary?

After taking a moment to evaluate the past week, move forward by writing the upcoming week’s accountability goals.

This process will not only help you stay focused, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment. You’ll feel more successful when you can physically see the goals that you’ve set and achieved for yourself during your transition period.

On the next page is a sample Accountability Chart, which you can copy and complete each week.

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MY WEEKLY ACCOUNTABILITY GOALS

Week of: ____________________

Accountability Goal Achieved?

Notes:

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Revolutionize Your Competitive Edge

The concept “Revolutionizing Your Competitive Edge” is based on a presentation by Jim Villwock of Job Doctors, International. It demonstrates the importance of competing effectively in the current job market.

A vital step in making your competitive edge effective is to know what you want to do before you create or revise your resume and publically advertise your career search. In addition, it’s important to understand what makes you uniquely competitive, compared to the person next to you.

Villwock designed a simple equation to summarize his theory:

R+R=S (Results + Relationships = Success)

On the next page is a chart based on the Competitive Edge concept.

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PROFESSIONAL TRANSITION The Professional Transition section provides numerous resources to assist you in searching for your next career opportunity.

Know What You Want

Now that you’ve been processing what’s happened and developing a deeper understanding of where you want this career transition to take you, it’s time to move forward toward your next opportunity.

Included in the final section of the Career Resource Manual are tips on everything from job searching, to resume writing, to interviewing and negotiation job offers. There are also website links to resources that can further help you during this phase of the journey.

Networking

Networking is the most effective method of gathering the information and contacts that will move your career forward. In fact, research shows that 7 out of 10 positions are filled through personal contacts.

Many people, however, fear the term “networking” because of the misconception that only extroverts and charismatic people can do it well. But the truth is that networking is simple and can be done by anyone.

Networking is basically reaching out to people and building relationships. It neither requires you to know scores of people, nor does it mean that you only talk to “important” people. Networking is about understanding “relationship networks” and talking to the people that you already know, while getting them to introduce you to the people they know. Most of us do that in our everyday lives without even thinking about it.

Here are a few places to network:

Church

Civic associations

Clubs

Volunteer activities

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Sports activities for you or your child

Career networking events

Parties or social events

Continuing education classes

Internet, especially social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

Furthermore, networking with people who are actually working in careers of personal interest can provide valuable information, such as:

The best industries to pursue

Where to direct your job search

The inside story on what it takes to be successful in that career

The good and bad aspects of various job titles within that career

Validation of your career choice

Salary ranges for that career

Interview questions to expect from an employer (or to ask an employer)

How to prepare for interviews and negotiate a salary

Social Media

An important aspect of networking is building your social media presence. If you don’t already have a LinkedIn account, you need to create one today. Establishing a Facebook and Twitter account is also valuable in networking. If you have a website, be sure to use it to your advantage, as well.

Today, employers, and people who can you move your career search forward, are more likely to check your online profile as part of their evaluation of you. So make sure that your online profile – including personal social media sites – are professional and convey the message that you want to send to a potential employer (or to a business lead, if you are starting a company).

Anyone can network successfully. The important thing is that you prepare, plan, and invest time into the process. Know what you want to achieve before you officially start networking or attending networking events. Know what You, Inc. has to offer. Know how to concisely and

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clearly convey the brand message of You, Inc. Know why You, Inc. deserves the listener’s attention.

90-Second Introduction

The 90-second introduction, or “elevator pitch”, is a central part of networking. This brief statement conveys to the listener a concise, clear, and specific understanding of who you are, what you want, and how they can help.

Here is a 90-Second Introduction sample format:

1) Brief Career Summary

Present a concise snapshot of your recent career history, the work problems you can solve, areas of expertise, career successes, etc. Allow the listener to ask you questions on anything they find interesting.

Example: “The past 10 years of my career has been focused on sales, primarily in the commercial real estate market. Most recently, I was a Senior Commercial Broker at Rand Properties in New Haven, Ohio.”

2) Explain Your Transition

Explain why you’re presently looking for work (or why you are starting your business). Be brief and focused in conveying this message.

Example: “As you may know, Rand Properties recently underwent a major restructuring, which resulted in my position being eliminated.”

3) The Future

Talk about what you want to do next—your NEXT STEP. Mention the target industry, target position, or role you’re seeking. Mention names of companies in which you’re interested.

Example: “Currently, I’m looking for account management positions in the real estate market and financial services industry. My target companies include Lenox Global, Market Industries, and Makeshift Properties.”

4) Close with A Question

The closer promotes a 2-way conversation and keeps the discussion moving forward.

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Example: “What recommendations to you have?” or “Since you’re familiar with the industry, in what other areas do you think there might be opportunities for someone with my experience?” or “How did you get started into your particular industry?”

Don’t give too much information up-front, and always keep the door open for the listener to ask you to elaborate further. Also, remain flexible. Customize your introduction to the setting and the needs of the listener.

Finally, practice, practice, practice! Your introduction needs to sound like normal conversation rather than something rehearsed. Also, keep in mind that people are more willing to help when they’re given specific information and don’t feel like their time is being wasted.

Your 90-second Introduction is an opportunity to talk about yourself in a way that’s powerful and meaningful. It’s your chance to set yourself apart from the crowd and covey what makes you unique.

Resumes

The main purpose of your resume is to sell your qualifications. It’s a marketing tool that sells You, Inc. But remember that most employers won’t buy anything you’re selling until they’ve first checked you out online, especially on LinkedIn.

Research shows that 90% of all employers use social media to evaluate potential hires. So make sure that your credentials online match what you’ve written on your resume and that your online image matches what you want to convey to the employer.

When creating or updating your resume, be sure to keep your target market/industry in mind. Also, as you look at your resume, ask yourself: “Would I interview this person?” If you wouldn’t hire you, then why expect someone who has never met you to offer you a position?

Below are the essential parts of a resume:

Heading

Name, address (city, state), phone, email address, LinkedIn address

Professional Objective or Summary

A statement of what you want to do (if you’re just entering the job market); or a concise summary of your qualifications and experience (if you’ve been in the job market for a while)

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Include a bulleted list of several “experience” keywords related to the target job (Examples: Research & Development, Social Media Marketing, Improving Client Satisfaction)

Education

Name, location, and major areas of study

Employment History

Company name, length of employment, and job titles (The “year” begin – end dates of employment are specific enough; you don’t need to specify months)

Add volunteer work, internships, apprenticeships, etc., especially if you have sizeable gaps in employment history

Accomplishment Statements

Statements that show your achievements to an organization; don’t simply list your job duties (see below for more details on writing “PAR” statements)

Professional Development and Training

Skills you’ve acquired, such as project management certifications, software training, CPR training, foreign languages

Memberships

Memberships and/or offices held in professional, volunteer, or civic organizations that support your career objective

Other Categories

This could include awards, honors, and activities related to your career objective

Accomplishment Statements (PARs)

Here are some pointers for writing Accomplishment Statements for your resume. It’s based on a formula called PAR: Identify the Problem, Action, and Result.

1) Write a concise statement of the Problem/Performance objective

P – School staff did not have health insurance coverage

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2) Using the strongest Action verb, describe what you did to solve the problem or meet the performance objective

A – Researched insurance companies and other schools to get ideas, compare prices and coverage, and evaluate quality of service

3) State the Result of your action, using numbers to show specific amounts (%, $, #)

R – Implemented 100% health insurance coverage for school’s staff of 30

4) Using about 25 words, rephrase the PAR into a single sentence

PAR – Researched, budgeted, and recommended health insurance options, which led to the implementation of 100% coverage for the school’s staff of 30.

Below are a few additional tips on preparing your resume:

Resume Tips

Avoid using “I” statements

Use the present tense for current jobs, and past tense for all previous jobs and accomplishment statements

Use a direct and active writing style

Use short phrases and keep paragraphs under six lines

Use key words that are appropriate for your target job

Keep your resume to 1 or 2 pages

Include your name, phone number, and a page number on the second page

If your resume is 2 pages, make sure all key selling points appear on the first page

Make sure the resume is easy to read and scan

Don’t use odd-sized paper, fancy font, or colored paper

Pick a format and stick with it throughout the resume

Have headings and initial phrases that support your main message

Devote more space to recent job and work experiences

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Make sure that job descriptions or a sentence related to a job on the first page doesn’t run over to the 2nd page

A computer scanner, not a human, will probably be the first to read your resume, so use keywords throughout your resume that relate to the particular job position in which you’re applying (The position’s job description should help)

Resume Dos and Don’ts

Don’t include salary history or salary requirements (Delay revealing this information as long as possible)

Don’t include anything that will raise doubts about your skills or cause you to be screened out

Don’t list references (Reserve them for the interview or later)

Don’t include personal information, such as age, weight, political affiliation, marital status, financial status, etc.

Don’t leave gaps between employment dates

Don’t exaggerate or misrepresent yourself

Don’t include a picture of yourself

Don’t use words like fired, let go, or hated (Alternative wording: looking for other opportunities, laid off, or downsized)

Do describe accomplishments, supported with specific results

Do proofread, then proofread again, then have someone else proofread

Do utilize the space on the paper, leaving enough “white space” so it doesn’t appear cluttered

Do tailor your resume for the position in which you’re applying

Do be honest

Do be able to back-up anything that you put on your resume

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Cover Letters

Never send a resume to a potential employer or recruiter without a professional cover letter. Even if you’re sending a resume electronically, there will likely be a place for you to either copy and paste your letter on the application or send it as an attachment.

The letter provides an opportunity to explain aspects of your resume and direct attention to your qualifications that relate to the position. The letter also underscores how your skills, accomplishments, and career goals make you an exceptional candidate. The letter will help set you apart from other applicants.

Cover Letter Tips

Start with a brief and specific statement that describes who you are and what you want

Don’t just restate the accomplishments from your resume. You want to stimulate interest for the reader to move on to your resume

Use the next few sentences to sell yourself, highlighting your strengths and achievements (You may choose to use bullets for this section)

Conclude with an action statement, such as saying that you will call in a few days to answer further questions about your skills

Don’t say more than you have to

Excluding your online profile and any prior personal interaction, your resume and cover letter will be the first impression that a potential employer has of you. So make sure that you spend quality time making it the best representation of You, Inc. possible.

Personal Marketing Plan

A personal marketing plan is a 2-page document that helps you: 1) get clear on the focus of your career pursuits; 2) identify your unique selling proposition and differentiators; and 3) facilitate networking. In short, it’s a plan that lays out how you will launch your brand into the workplace.

Your marketing plan should answer these two questions:

1) “Who am I?” (What is my unique value?)

2) “What do I want?” (Who would find value in me?)

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If you’re unclear on who you are and what you have to offer, then your transition can take longer, be more stressful, and meander off-course. However, if you’re clear on these two points, your transition will be more direct, focused, and rewarding.

A marketing plan can contain these sections:

Personal information: Name, address, phone, email address, LinkedIn address (You can use the same heading as your resume)

Target Functions: Three main job titles you’re pursuing (Examples: Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, Senior Financial Analyst, etc.)

Areas of Expertise: Three of your major skills areas, followed by a list of your skills within those areas (Examples: Project Management, Operations Management, Information Systems, etc.)

Profile: Several statements from your resume’s work history (accomplishment statements), educational achievements, and certifications or awards

Employer History: The employers that are included on your resume

Personal Vision Statement: A few statements detailing what you want from your next position and company (Examples: Location, Salary, Company size, Telecommuting options, Benefits, etc.)

Target Companies/Organizations: The companies that you’re targeting

Your Personal Vision Statement and Target Companies/Organizations should be on page 2 of your marketing plan and should not be shared with the general public. This information is for you and those helping in your career search. However, the information on page 1 can be handed out to potential employers, networking groups, etc.

Interviewing

The most important thing to remember about the interview is that you’re selling your brand, your company – You, Inc. – to a potential buyer. You’re demonstrating why you’re the right candidate for the job.

Therefore, it’s important that you prepare in advance for the interview. Research the company thoroughly. The more you know the better. For instance:

What’s their history

How big is the company

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What are their needs

What all do they produce

What markets are they competing in

What’s their corporate structure and culture

What were the highlights of their Annual Report from last year

Do they have a Facebook and/or Twitter account (If so, what are they saying on it)

Has the company recently undergone a transition

Has the company been in the news for anything lately

The more information you know prior to the interview, the better presentation you will make on the employer. The employer wants to know that you’ve invested time to study their company. It also gives you a boost in asking questions about the company during the interview.

Let’s talk about the types of interviews you can expect. There are 5 main types:

1) Screening Interview

Often, a company will perform an initial interview to determine whether or not you should be considered further for the job. It’s typically in the form of a brief telephone interview. Regardless, treat it like an actual interview. Your goal is to make it to the next round of interviewing.

2) Behavior-based Interview

This style of interviewing typically occurs after you’ve passed the screening interview and the employer wants to meet in-person. The purpose is mainly to rate your job (or technical) skills and performance skills. They also want to get a feel for how you respond to various situations.

3) Panel or Group Interview

These interviews are meetings with more than one person at the same time. This will require you to think even more quickly about how to respond to various questions as they’re thrown at you. You will also need to approach the interview as more of a “presentation”, one where you have to make a connection with each person in the room.

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4) Case Interview

In a case interview, you’ll be presented with a business dilemma, maybe given some facts, and asked an open-ended question. You could be asked to analyze the situation, identify key business issues, and discuss how you would address the problems involved.

5) Telephone or Video Interview

Increasingly, companies are performing telephone and video interviews as a way to cut costs and save time. These interviews may be part of the initial screening or the final selection process. Regardless, they’re just as important as a face-to-face interview, and they can sometimes occur when you least expect them.

You want to be sure that you’re prepared for the interview and not distracted. If you receive an unscheduled call and aren’t totally prepared (or it’s not a convenient time), then explain that this is not the most opportune time and ask to reschedule the call.

Here are a few telephone tips:

Control who answers your telephone and how it’s answered

Use an answering machine or service to screen your calls

If you use an answering machine or service, the greeting should be in your own voice

Have your resume and notes readily available

Eliminate background noise (music, tv, barking dogs, etc.)

Stay calm and smile (It will relax you)

Stand-up or sit in a chair, as if you’re in a face-to-face interview (It will help with your speech and professionalism)

Get the name and telephone number of the interviewer at the start of the interview, in case you’re disconnected

Being prepared for the interview involves knowing what questions you may be asked before the interview takes place. Here are some examples:

Tell me about yourself?

Tell me about your last job?

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Where do you see yourself in your career over the next 5 years? 10 years?

Why are you leaving (or did you leave) your most recent company?

What size budget have you been responsible for managing?

What kind of person is (was) your immediate supervisor?

What is your current compensation? (Delay this conversation as long as possible)

How would you describe your leadership style?

What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?

What formal education or training have you had?

What prepares you to do this job?

What do you know about this company, and where did you find this information?

Preparing for your interview also requires that you’re ready to ask the right types of questions. Good questions will leave a strong impression on the interviewer. In addition, your questions will help you better understand the culture, job dynamics, and whether the company (or job) is a good fit for you.

These are several questions you may want to ask during the interview (depending on the type/level of the position):

What are the major responsibilities of this position?

Beyond the job description, what are your expectations?

What situations need immediate attention?

Does the company provide training programs?

What is the budget and how is it managed?

What interdepartmental or corporate support is available to accomplish the department’s goals?

Whom would I be supervising?

What would be the extent of my authority to carry out the responsibilities of this position?

Are the departmental policies and procedures documented?

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How is performance measured against the goals of the department?

How often is performance reviewed in this position?

What’s the most important contribution you would expect of me during the first 6 months?

How would you describe the culture of the organization?

How would you describe the company’s management style?

What has been the turnover rate of the department?

Why is this position open?

Thank-you Notes

When you’re in the interview, make sure to ask for the interviewer’s business card. If you have a group interview, ask for each person’s card. Within 24 hours of the interview, follow-up with a thank-you note or email to each person.

Be brief and to-the-point. Include your name, the position you interviewed for, and the date you interviewed. This simple act will help you stand out from the crowd.

Now, here are a few reasons why people don’t get hired:

Poor personal appearance

Overly aggressive

Inability to express information clearly

Lack of interest or enthusiasm

Nervousness, lack of confidence and poise

Emphasis on money

Lack of tact and courtesy

Negative attitude about past employers

No eye contact with the interviewer(s)

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Sloppy or incomplete application

No sense of humor

Late for the interview

Failure to express appreciation for the interviewer’s time

Vague responses to questions

No follow-up with a thank-you note or phone call

Finally, remember that your interview actually begins when you pull into the company’s parking lot on the day of the interview. You’re being evaluated by everyone from the administrative assistant, to the co-workers in the hall, to the attendant that stamps your parking pass. After you leave the building, a good interviewer is going to ask for their impressions of you. So always be professional.

Negotiating

We’ve stated several times throughout this manual that you want to delay discussions of compensation as long as possible. Why? Because it improves your negotiating power with the employer.

Once the employer has made a decision that you’re the right candidate for the job, it’s easier to get more of what you want. If you’re forced to answer questions about money early in the process, then give a pay range rather than a specific amount. Here’s an example of what you can say if pushed early in the processes:

“Based on the job duties that you’ve described, my research on industry salaries for similar positions, and the cost of living in this area, my pay range is $75,000 - $85,000. However, salary is only part of what I use to determine the total compensation package that I’m seeking. I’m flexible on salary based on other compensation items, such as health coverage, vacation time, 401k plans, and travel allowances. Also, I need to gain a better understanding of what my actual job responsibilities will be once hired before I can give you good answer.”

Determine what you want to negotiate before you interview. Part of your research should include salary ranges for your target career, as well as cost of living for the job’s location.

Furthermore, don’t think of compensation as simply money. Salary is just one part of your compensation package. In addition to salary, other parts to be considered when negotiating may include:

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Location

Relocation expenses

Job title

Start date

Bonuses

Stock options

Vacation and paid holidays

Telecommuting options

Travel and expenses

Company car or travel allowance

Medical and dental benefits coverage

Paid life, disability, or other insurance coverage

Dues and memberships

Parking or public transportation allowance

You may end up receiving more in the form of non-salary benefits than you would if you had asked only for more money.

In addition, you may need to ask yourself if the proposed salary is worth working for a company (or in a position) that doesn’t fit you, or your plans.

Online Resources

In this final section, I want to share a few online resources that may be of help with your career transition.

U.S. Department of Labor (Job Termination/Reemployment)

http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/termination/index.htm

http://www.careeronestop.org/reemployment/

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Georgia Department of Labor

http://www.dol.state.ga.us/js/

Career Assessment/Skills Inventory

http://myskillsmyfuture.org/

http://www.careerpath.com/

http://www.onetonline.org/

http://my.monster.com/Career-Management/Landing.aspx

Resumes & Cover Letters

http://www.dol.state.ga.us/js/resume_writing.htm

http://www.scrippscollege.edu/students/career/resume/index.php

Personal Marketing Plan

http://blog.brandyourself.com/career/job-search-career/personal-marketing-plan/

Interviewing

http://hbr.org/web/management-tip/tips-on-interviews

http://www.salary.com/5-ways-to-demonstrate-value-during-job-interviews/

Negotiating & Salary

http://www.salary.com/everything-is-negotiable-learn-the-power-factors/

http://www.salary.com/category/salary/negotiation/

http://career-advice.monster.com/salary-benefits/negotiation-tips/salary-negotiation-tips-pro-con/article.aspx

http://www.salary.com/category/salary/

http://swz.salary.com/jobassessor/layoutscripts/joel_jobcriteria.aspx

Small Business/Entrepreneurship

http://www.sba.gov/

http://www.sba.gov/content/score