My Gift to You!

A NOTE FROM YOUR CAREER ADVISOR…
My Gift to You!

If I could give you a gift this Holiday Season it would be the gift of high self-esteem.  A Job Search, especially a lengthy job search can take it’s toll, on even the most confident person.

Self-esteem is a term used in psychology to reflect your appraisal or your own worth. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs and emotions.

It is normal for you to identify with your career. When you are not employed, your belief system and emotions change and can actually sabotage your ability to find a job.

Take time this Holiday Season to remember that you are not defined by your employment status. Reflect back on a time when you were confident and at the top of your “game”. That is the person who needs to conduct your search. Your cover letters, phone calls and interviews will greatly improve when you KNOW you are the best person for the job!

If you have not yet taken advantage of our free resume review, click here:
URL: www.spectrumcareersearch.com/resume_tool.php
Then Login or Register

Remember to register for the upcoming Free Job Seeker Training Webinars:

December 28th @ 2:00 PM EST (1:00 PM CST) – Self-Talk Controls the Success or Failure of Your Search

• Learn how self-talk affects your search
• Identify your barriers to success
• Complete a self-esteem evaluation & compile your results

January 5th @ 3:00 PM EST (2:00 PM CST) – What to do if you’re NOT Hired!

• Learn why a strong follow up process can result in a future job offer
• Understand who to follow up with if you are not hired
• Know why the timing of your follow up is so critical

*Log into the Career Portal at www.SpectrumCareerSearch.com and click on the Webinar Tab for the dates listed above and register by clicking the registration link.

To Your Successful Career Search,

Spectrum Career

Visit us online!
www.spectrumcareersearch.com

The Career Advisor | 12.16.2010

THE CAREER ADVISOR
December 16, 2010

HOT TOPIC
Have you set 10 non-negotiable goals for 2011? If you are going to succeed at your job search, now is the time to identify what is most important to you in the coming year. When you have a clear picture of what you are attempting to achieve, it will keep you motivated to put additional effort into your search.

The problem with most goals is they get the same attention as New Year’s Resolutions. Most are forgotten in a matter of days or weeks. This year write down 10 goals for yourself in various areas of your life which could include: career, health, financial, personal, spiritual, philanthropic, education and any other area that is important to you.

Write down your goal, followed by 4 or 5 action items which are specific steps you will take to achieve each goal you have set. Next, date each action item. When you write goals down, identify steps and date them, you have greatly improved the probability that they will become your reality in the coming year.

The important last step is to post them where you can see and read them daily. When you get frustrated in your search, keep reading them to stay motivated. Let the people you care about know your goals so they can also help you achieve them.

MUST READS
It is important for you to be aware of trends in the profession you are targeting in your search. Trade Publications can provide this information and the articles often uncover possible job opportunities.

Our Career Portal gives you access to a wide variety of Trade Publications that offer a free six-month subscription. Click here to see the list of available Trade Publications:
URL: www.spectrumcareersearch.com/magazine.php
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FREE JOB SEEKER WEBINARS
You may register for the Free Training Webinars by clicking the WEBINARS Tab on the left hand side of our Career Portal Home Page. Remember to register for our upcoming free job seeker training webinars! The Webinars consist of 20 minutes of training and 40 minutes of Q&A where our Trainer addresses the questions that are MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU. No questions are off limits.

December 16th @ 4:00 PM EST (3:00 PM CST) – Secrets to Ace Any Interview

• Learn why it is not always the most qualified job seeker who gets hired
• Learn 13 specific tips to ace interviews

December 20th @ 11:00 AM EST (10:00 AM CST) – What to do when Networking Efforts are NOT Working

• Actions you can take to consistently increase your network
• Identify what you need to change to obtain better results
• Become comfortable with networking

December 28th @ 2:00 PM EST (1:00 PM CST) – Self-Talk controls the Success or Failure of Your Search

• Learn how self-talk affects your search
• Identify your barriers to success
• Complete a self-esteem evaluation & compile your results

*Log into the Career Portal and click on the WEBINAR Tab. Then click on the calendar for the dates listed above and register by clicking the webinar registration links.

Your Login Information:
URL: www.spectrumcareersearch.com
Then Login or Register

TIP FOR THE WEEK
Remember the Holidays are about “who” you are, not about “what” you can give to others. If you are not working, you should not add to your debt.

You can buy containers at a dollar store and fill them with 52 memories that your friends and family can read throughout the coming year. All this costs is one dollar for the container and your time!

Another easy gift idea is to write down your cherished family recipes and share them with others.

You can also donate your “time”. Give certificates to your family members to babysit for them, help them with gardening or snow shoveling, cook a meal for them, or offer any other services they would appreciate.

To Your Successful Career Search,

Spectrum Career

Visit us online!
www.spectrumcareersearch.com

Arrive at Your Interview Prepared

A NOTE FROM YOUR CAREER ADVISOR…
Arrive at Your Interview Prepared

Many times you have several versions of your resume.  Make sure you take copies of the same resume you originally sent to them to your interview. Bring copies for everyone involved in the interviewing process. Always bring one or two extra copies of your resume. Never assume they have the copy you originally sent. You want to provide each person in the interview a folder containing this information. Print your name and contact information on the tab of your folders.  This will position you above the candidates who do not bring their resume to their interview.

In addition you will want to bring:

• List of references (3 past supervisors, 1 personal)
• The list should include their work and home phone numbers, cell phone if available and email address.
• Reference letters (if you have them)
• Performance reviews (if they are stellar)
• Grade transcript (if you are a recent student)
• Writing sample (if written communication skills are a requirement of the position)
• Portfolio (if the position is “creative”)

When you are inquiring about the next step in the process, you take out your planner and write down the date or enter it in your calendar on your phone which is set on mute. This will impress the interviewer and they may note that you are organized.

Use this URL to go directly to the free resume review:
URL: www.spectrumcareersearch.com/resume_tool.php
Login or Register

Remember to register for the upcoming Free Job Seeker Training Webinars:

December 16th @ 4:00 PM EST (3:00 PM CST) – Secrets to Ace Any Interview

• Learn why it is not always the most qualified job seeker who gets hired
• Learn 13 specific tips to ace interviews

December 20th @ 11:00 AM EST (10:00 AM CST) – What to do when Networking Efforts are NOT Working

• Actions you can take to consistently increase your network
• Identify what you need to change to obtain better results
• Become comfortable with networking

December 28th @ 2:00 PM EST (1:00 PM CST) – Self-Talk Controls the Success or Failure of Your Search

• Learn how self-talk affects your search
• Identify your barriers to success
• Complete a self-esteem evaluation & compile your results

*Log into the Career Portal and click on the Webinar Tab for the dates listed above and register by clicking the registration link.

To Your Successful Career Search,

Spectrum Career

Visit us online!
www.spectrumcareersearch.com

A NOTE FROM YOUR CAREER ADVISOR… | 10.28.2010

It’s Time to Get Aggressive in Your Search Efforts

Company Executives are given a hiring budget each year in order to attract top talent.  Many companies have not spent their budget.  Sometimes if they don’t spend their budget, it may be decreased the following year.
www.spectrumcareersearch.com/resume_tool.php
Then Login or Register

November 5th @ 11:00 AM CST – I am not comfortable Networking!

You may be wondering how this affects you? What this means is that companies will be motivated to hire before the end of the year. Too many job seekers decide to “wait until after the first of the year” to put velocity behind their search efforts. As a result, you have less competition right now.

Send out resumes, follow up on all interviews, get your resume in the hands of hiring authorities and work the social networks. Your efforts WILL pay off!

Use this URL to go directly to the Resume Review options:

Remember to register for the upcoming Free Job Seeker Training Webinars:

• Learn the one question that will put you at ease
• Know WHERE to network to get the best results
• Why networking has to be part of your search
• Identify your networking goals

November 9th @10:00 AM CST – Objections are “Buying Signs”

• Learn how objections are buying signs
• Learn how objections are requests for information
• Learn how to effectively overcome the most common objections

November 18th @ 1:00 PM CST – Why the End of the Year is the BEST Time to Job Search

• How to book interviews during the holidays
• Why is the end of the year a great time to interview?
• What you need to do right now to accelerate your search

*Log into the Career Portal and click on the Webinar Tab for the dates listed above and register by clicking the registration link.

To Your Successful Career Search,

Spectrum Career

Login or Register at:
 www.spectrumcareersearch.com

The Career Advisor | 10.22.10

HOT TOPIC

This week our Job Seeker training webinar topic was “What References Help You Most?” If you did not participate live, watch the “Latest Content” box on our Career Portal home page for the recording and handout which will be posted. References can help or hurt your chances of getting employed. By listening to this webinar, you will learn how to prepare your references and provide them with questions that will enhance your chances of getting hired. It is also important to realize that personal references have no filter and often say things in your best interest that eliminate you from consideration. If you are actively interviewing but not obtaining job offers, it’s time to pay attention to your references. 

 

MUST READS

There is an excellent article in the Library of our Career Portal titled “How Do You Handle Salary” in the Interview Folder. You must be consistent during telephone conversations, filling out job applications and during the interview process. You don’t want to quote an amount that will disqualify you from contention and yet you don’t want to leave money on the table. Handling salary is never comfortable, but it is an area you must master if you are going to accept the best job offer possible. Avoid writing a specific amount down on a job application by answering “Open” or “Negotiable” if a dollar amount is not mandatory. This allows flexibility once they realize the assets and talents you bring to the table which often result in a higher offer. Learn more by returning to your Career Portal and reading this article!

Use this URL to go directly to the library article mentioned above:
 www.spectrumcareersearch.com/library.php?content_id=47 
Then Login or Register

 

FREE JOB SEEKER WEBINARS

You may register for the free training webinars by clicking the WEBINARS tab on the left hand side of our Career Portal Home Page. Remember to register for our upcoming free job seeker training webinars! The Webinars consist of 20 minutes of training and 40 minutes of Q&A where our Trainer addresses the questions that are MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU. No questions are off limits.

Listen to what other Job Seekers are saying:
“I followed your follow-up advice and just landed a great job after being unemployed for over a year. I also took a folder to the interview as you had suggested, which did set me apart from the other executives competing for the same opportunity. When I received the offer they mentioned how I stood out from everyone else. I can’t thank you enough for your guidance during the weekly Webinars.” Fred T., Atlanta, GA

“Your call today was great on reference checks. I have never done one of the things you suggested and now realize my references are probably killing my chances of getting hired. I’m an HR Generalist and you would have thought I would know these things. I’m so focused on interviewing that I was ignoring how important references are in the process. As a result of your call I’m changing the way I’m going to handle references from this point on.” Judy D., Milwaukee, WI

UPCOMING FREE JOB SEEKER WEBINARS
October 27th @ 1:00 PM CST – No One is Hiring – Now What?

• Why believing this statement is hurting you
• How to identify companies who ARE hiring
• Recharge your search process
• How to overcome the objection – “We are not hiring”

November 5th @ 11:00 AM CST – I am Not Comfortable Networking!

• Learn the one question that will put you at ease
• Know WHERE to network to get the best results
• Why networking has to be part of your search
• Identify your networking goals

*Log into the Career Portal and click on the WEBINAR Tab. Then click on the calendar for the dates listed above and register by clicking the webinar registration links.

Login or Register at:
 www.spectrumcareersearch.com

TIP FOR THE WEEK

Identify the Associations that represent the profession you’re pursuing. It is their job to keep their members informed of trends and their websites are usually a wealth of information for a job seeker. Subscriptions to their newsletters are usually free and many have their members listed on their website. These members could all be job prospects in your search. They will often allow you to attend events as a guest, which gives you the opportunity to network with their members. In addition, by reading their publications and website you will sound like an insider in the profession which will enhance your interviews.

To Your Successful Career Search,

Spectrum Career

Login or Register at:
www.spectrumcareersearch.com

A NOTE FROM YOUR CAREER ADVISOR… | 10.13.10

Focus on Scheduling Interviews

When you are in a Job Search, your focus should be on scheduling interviews with decision makers. The more you interview, the greater your chances of obtaining a job offer. If you have not been successful in scheduling interviews, you need to review your targets and your resume. 

It is also important for you to get your resume in the hands of decision makers who are not being bombarded with hundreds of resumes as the result of a job posting. If you are actively submitting your resume and not getting interviews, your roadblock could be your resume. 

Have you taken advantage of our free resume review service in our Career Portal? If you have taken advantage of the free review, did you make the suggested changes to better your resume? If you didn’t have time to make the changes yourself, did you sign up to get a resume tune-up?

Your resume can be your ticket to an interview. Let our experts help you so that you WILL get interviews.

Use this URL to go directly to the Resume Review options: 
 www.spectrumcareersearch.com/resume_tool.php
Then Login or Register

Remember to register for the upcoming Free Job Seeker Training Webinars:

 

October 21st @ 2:00 PM CST – What References Help Most?

• Learn how to KNOW what is being said
• Identify individuals who will help you the most
• Why personal references can hurt your chances
• How to prepare your references for the call

October 27th @ 1:00 PM CST – No One is Hiring – Now What?

• Why believing this statement is hurting you
• How to identify companies who ARE hiring
• Recharge your search process
• How do you overcome the objection – “We are not hiring”

*Log into the Career Portal and click on the Webinar Tab for the dates listed above and register by clicking the registration link.

To Your Successful Career Search,

Spectrum Career

Login or Register at:
www.spectrumcareersearch.com

The Career Advisor | 10.5.2010

HOT TOPIC

If you are currently not working, you can enhance your resume, earn an income and open doors by working in temporary or contract positions. Many employers hire individuals who started out as a temporary employee or contractor because they had a chance to watch them work, experience their work ethic and review their abilities first hand. This also provides you with recent work experience and proves your ability to adapt to change and adjust to different company cultures. You will also meet new people that you can add to your professional network!

 

MUST READS

 
There is an excellent article in the Library of our Career Portal under the Networking Icon titled “Jump Start Your Career by Networking.” This article outlines three easy steps you can take to increase your current Professional Network. Remember over 50% of job seekers find their next job as a result of their networking efforts. This is one of the most important elements of your search.

Use this URL to go directly to the library article mentioned above:
 www.spectrumcareersearch.com/ library.php?content_id=202

Then either Login or Register.
  

FREE JOB SEEKER WEBINARS

You may register for the Free Training Webinars by clicking the WEBINAR Tab on the left hand side of our Career Portal Home Page. Remember to register for our upcoming free job seeker training webinars! The webinars consist of 20 minutes of training and 40 minutes of Q&A where our Trainer addresses the questions that are most important to you. No questions are off limits.

UPCOMING FREE JOB SEEKER WEBINARS
October 11th @ 11:00 AM CST – Why Should Someone Hire You?

• Learn how to position yourself to WIN
• Ask questions that lead to job offers
• Close the interview stronger than anyone else
• Implement a good follow-up process

October 21st @ 2:00 PM CST – What References Help Most?

• Learn how to KNOW what is being said
• Identify individuals who will help you the most
• Why personal references can hurt your chances
• How to prepare your references for the call

October 27th @ 1:00 PM CST – No One is Hiring – Now What?

• Why believing this statement is hurting you
• How to identify companies who ARE hiring
• Recharge your search process
• How do you overcome the objection – “We are not hiring”

*Log into the Career Portal and click on the Calendar for the dates listed above and register by clicking the registration link.

Login or Register at:

www.spectrumcareersearch.com

TIP FOR THE WEEK

If you have not been able to schedule any job interviews this past week, it’s time to review and possibly change your current job search routine:
1. Could it be your resume? 
Take advantage of our FREE Resume Review service
2. Could it be your network?
Focus on adding a minimum of 2-3 people each week to your network
Sign up for FREE resume cards that you can easily hand out
3. Are you only using Job Boards?
Submit your resume directly to individual who could be your boss
4. Do you dedicate 35-40 hours each week to your search?
If you are not working, your full time job IS your search
5. Have you exhausted your target?
It may be time to consider a different target or industry

It’s important that you review your search efforts each Friday and make adjustments to provide you with better results!

To Your Successful Career Search,

Spectrum Career

Login or Register at:
www.spectrumcareersearch.com

THE CAREER ADVISOR | 9.29.2010

HOT TOPIC

With the release of the movie “Social Network” it seems appropriate to discuss social networks and your job search. Regardless of technology, the best way to land a job is still by having someone who already works at the company mention your name. Each year CareerXroads surveys large firms about where they find new hires. Since 2005 the top resource has held steady – 27% of all new hires came from employee referrals. Many of these referrals can be the result of properly utilizing contacts through Social Networks. Take time to connect with people who can open doors for you, take time to join groups in the profession you are targeting and control the information that appears on your profile. It’s important to note that many employers are now reviewing your social networking sites before they make a job offer. You want your information to enhance your chances of obtaining a new job – not hinder them! Read more: http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1903083,00.html#ixzz10T7fnM00

 

MUST READS

The “The Kiss of Death in an Interview” is an article located in our Career Portal Library under the Interview Icon. This article explains why using this particular response during an interview can ruin your chances of getting a job offer.

Use this URL to go directly to the library article mentioned above:
URL: www.spectrumcareersearch.com/library.php?content_id=63
You will need to Login or Register

 

FREE JOB SEEKER WEBINARS

You may register for the Free Training Webinars by clicking the WEBINARS Tab on the left hand side of our Career Portal Home Page. Remember to register for our upcoming free job seeker training webinars! The Webinars consist of 20 minutes of training and 40 minutes of Q&A where our Trainer addresses the questions that are MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU. No questions are off limits.

Listen to what other Job Seekers are saying:

“I had the chance to practice my 30 second pitch this weekend at a social gathering. It felt good to be able to answer the question “What are you doing now?” and sound positive.”
Jana F., IN

“Job searching can really negatively impact your personality and attitude when you are not getting your desired results. I was proof of it! Approximately two months ago, I started attending the weekly training webinars and I have had a complete attitude adjustment. I have your trainer to thank for that!”
Jack L., CA

UPCOMING FREE JOB SEEKER WEBINARS
October 5th @ 1:00 PM CTS – Get Past the Gatekeeper

• Techniques to help you reach a decision maker
• How to treat Gatekeepers
• Effective Responses to the Question “Why are you calling?”

October 11th @ 11:00 AM CST – Why Should Someone Hire You?

• Learn how to position yourself to WIN
• Ask questions that lead to job offers
• Close the interview stronger than anyone else
• Implement a good follow-up process

October 21st @ 2:00 PM CST – What References Help Most?

• Learn how to KNOW what is being said
• Identify individuals who will help you the most
• Why personal references can hurt your chances
• How to prepare your references for the call

*Log into the Career Portal and click on the WEBINAR Tab. Then click on the calendar for the dates listed above and register by clicking the webinar registration links.

TIP FOR THE WEEK

Want to further your education? Our listings of Educational Resources are a great way to start advancing your education. We have schools that offer campus as well as online classes. Many also offer advanced degrees from accredited programs.  Furthering your education could be a great way to increase your earning potential.

Use this URL to go directly to the Educational Resources:
*Note that the Industry and Keywords that you selected at registration will impact your results. If you wish to edit your Industry or Keywords, click MY PROFILE on the Home Page and edit those two fields.

 www.spectrumcareersearch.com/education.php
You will need to Login or Register.

To Your Successful Career Search,

Spectrum Career

Login or Register at:
 www.spectrumcareersearch.com

A NOTE FROM YOUR CAREER ADVISOR… GET YOUR RESUME IN THE HANDS OF THE RIGHT PERSON

The way to identify the “RIGHT PERSON” is to find the person within one of your targeted companies who would be either your boss or your boss’s boss! Let’s assume this person’s title is Accounting Manager because you are seeking a position as an Auditor. Many times you can find contact names on the company website. Many executives also have extensive profiles on various Social Networks. You need to learn how to navigate the Internet to find the individuals you are targeting.

If you don’t have the name, you call into the targeted company and ask for the “correct spelling” of their Accounting Manager’s name. When you ask for the correct spelling the receptionist assumes you already have the name and that you are just clarifying the spelling and she spells their name for you. You also want to confirm the contact’s exact title. If the gatekeeper is being cooperative you might also ask for their direct line, so that you have this information for your follow up call.

Often job seekers speak with an uncooperative gatekeeper who will not give out information. Here is an important fact to remember: Gatekeepers typically go to lunch between 1 – 2 p.m. During that time, there is an Administrative Assistant who is covering the front desk and may not be happy to be filling in for the Receptionist. Often they will give out the information without asking any questions. Be nice to the gatekeeper and they will be more receptive to your call.

When you are in a job search, you need to use any and all resources to help you obtain interviews. This approach helps you target specific companies and hiring authorities and needs both your time and focus.

Submit your resumes on a much broader scale by clicking here to try one of the new services we’re offering in our Career Portal:

 

www.spectrumcareersearch.com/resume_distributions.php

You will need to Login or Register.

To Your Successful Career Search,

Spectrum Career

Login or Register at:
www.spectrumcareersearch.com

THE CAREER ADVISOR 9|16|2010

HOT TOPIC

It is time to accelerate your job search. Companies have begun to hire regardless of what the news is reporting. Remember, good news doesn’t sell advertising.   Many hiring authorities are under pressure to spend their hiring budget before the end of the year, or their hiring budget could be reduced for 2011. This is all great news for you! Challenge yourself to increase all your job searching activities by just 10%. Send out 10% more resumes, make 10% more calls, and increase your follow up activities by 10%. This will provide you with 25-30% more results in your search.

Many of you have asked us to provide you with more job targets which is why we just recently added a service that can help your resume get in the hands of hiring authorities.

For more information on this service please visit:

www.spectrumcareersearch.com/resume_distributions.php

You will need to Login or Register

MUST READS

Once you schedule a job interview, it is important that you are the most prepared candidate. The time to begin preparing is NOW. Sample questions you may be asked during an interview are located under Interviewing in the Library of our Career Portal. The Article is entitled “Interview Questions – You Must Know the Answers”.

Use this URL to go directly to the library article mentioned above:

www.spectrumcareersearch.com/library.php?content_id=54

You will need to Login or Register

FREE JOB SEEKER WEBINARS

You may register for the Free Training Webinars by clicking the WEBINARS Tab on the left hand side of our Career Portal Home Page. Remember to register for our upcoming free job seeker training webinars! The Webinars consist of 20 minutes of training and 40 minutes of Q&A where our Trainer addresses the questions that are MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU. No questions are off limits.

Listen to what other Job Seekers are saying:

“I just accepted a job after being unemployed for almost one year. The advice you shared during the weekly calls made the difference for me. I could hear your voice guiding me through the interview and follow up process. I don’t know how to thank you enough.”

Karen W., Detroit, MI

“The information you share on the weekly calls works. I’ve been very depressed because no one called me for an interview. This has changed and I have three interviews this week. I also now know what to do during the interview thanks to your advice.”

Frank C., Santa Barbara, CA

UPCOMING FREE JOB SEEKER WEBINARS

September 17th @ 1:00 PM CTS – Master a Strong 30 Second Pitch

Learn how to master your personal commercial

Understand the necessity to have several 30 second pitches

Effectively answer the question “Tell me about yourself”

September 21st @ 11:00 AM CST – Cover Letter Do’s and Don’ts

Learn what is most important in a cover letter

Understand how a cover letter can reject you

Learn what cover letters stand out most

*Log into the Career Portal at www.SpectrumCareerSearch.com and click on the WEBINAR Tab. Then click on the calendar for the dates listed above and register by clicking the webinar registration links.

TIP FOR THE WEEK

Your resume is the foundation for your entire job search. If you have not submitted your resume for a FREE Resume Review you owe it to yourself to obtain feedback from our experts.

Use this URL to go directly to the Free Resume Review:

www.spectrumcareersearch.com/pro_resume_services.php

You will need to Login or Register

To Your Successful Career Search,

Spectrum Career

Login or Register at:

www.spectrumcareersearch.com