We move into the Labor Day holiday with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting unemployment remained at 9.1% during August 2011.
Here’s a number you rarely hear reported:
153.6 million
That’s the number of people in the U.S. Labor Force going to work everyday.
So whether you are looking for a job or attempting to maintain the career you have, I’ve asked four experts to weigh-in with one tip to take you to TOP of your career or job search.
From Peggy McKee— Owner of a medical sales recruiting agency based in Dallas , TX
The one tip is that the JOB SEARCH is a sales process.
When you treat is like a sale, you will be much more successful.
Contact Peggy via LinkedIn or Peggy McKee - Owner/Recruiter. PHCConsulting.com (888.263.5688 ext. 100)
From Michael Scott— Chief Career Officer at Career Velocity LLC in Denver
My tip for experienced job seekers and career changers is: "The best way to access job opportunities is by tapping into your circle of influence, (friends, family, colleagues and other).... people that know, like and trust you and are willing to advocate for your success."
Contact Michael@ Career Velocity, LLC, 1624 Market Street, #202 , Denver , CO 80202 or via LinkedIn
From Anne Akridge- President, Interview Owl, Tampa , FL
"If you are 40+ it's safe to say you probably have at least 20+ years of
professional experience. When it comes to writing your resume, make sure
you only include detailed experience through the last 15-20 years. Anything
beyond might not serve you well if a more junior recruiter or HR person is
sorting resumes. They typically feel comfortable seeing 1990 - 2011 in
experience. Once you get into the 1980's they may unfortunately see that
experience as irrelevant since it's not in today's economic market. When
detailing your college degrees, enter your degree, college, city/state -
leave off the year. This will make you relevant to today's market,
highlighting your most recent experience"
professional experience. When it comes to writing your resume, make sure
you only include detailed experience through the last 15-20 years. Anything
beyond might not serve you well if a more junior recruiter or HR person is
sorting resumes. They typically feel comfortable seeing 1990 - 2011 in
experience. Once you get into the 1980's they may unfortunately see that
experience as irrelevant since it's not in today's economic market. When
detailing your college degrees, enter your degree, college, city/state -
leave off the year. This will make you relevant to today's market,
highlighting your most recent experience"
From Vanessa Taylor— Talent Development Consultant, Allentown , PA
Employers are not only looking for who can do the job but also who will be highly motivated to excel in the role and who will have the competencies to grow with the business. Often, employers question whether more experienced workers are set in their ways, interested in continually learning and growing or if they have the flexibility and stamina to excel in the role and future roles. It is critical that more senior job seekers demonstrate success using key competencies such as leadership, business acumen, learning agility, action orientation, and the motivation to add value through achieving results.
Contact Vanessa@ vandike@aol.com or via LinkedIn
Enjoy your Labor Day long weekend for our U.S. readers.
What a nice post idea - thanks for sharing. You are right, we never see the number of those working - only those out of work.
ReplyDeleteBrenda is a talented career professional and has a welath of knowledge to share with the employed, unemployed or mid career professional. She is an extraordinary teacher and leader; but more importantly, a GREAT person!
ReplyDeleteMy tip to share about a job search for mature workers -in the world of 20 and 30 somethings- you still bring value to the table so be yourself. Don't try to morph into a 30-something. Just think age-appropriate! (for dress, vocabulary, overall style)
ReplyDeleteAnd when you do get the job, resist the temptation to be everyone's mother (or grandmother!). You will feel tempted. Just don't.
I think these are great tips and one additional one is to focus on the needs of the hiring company during an interview. Don't tell the recruiter you need more money. Tell them why you are the best person for the job. Explain to the recruiter how your experience will benefit their company. What's In It For Them?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comment about the number of people that are working, you never hear that number. I never knew that many people were working. I understand that there are many people working at low-wage jobs or are otherwise "underemployed". The government also does not have a way to track people working for cash or "off the books" and they may be counted with those who have given up looking for a job. There are many people working in the service industry, working in personal service roles like baby-sitters and care-givers, running unlicensed home day care, lawncare and housekeepers being paid cash. And don't even get me started on the illegal underground economy. I know most of them were not in the workforce, but if they are of age and out of work, they are counted in the 9.1% of unemeployed. I like this blog a lot and have shared it with many of my co-workers that are in their 50s.
ReplyDelete