Posts Tagged ‘Job Search’

Twitter is the fastest growing source for finding employment on the Internet. More than 1 million job openings are Tweeted per month!

If job seekers aren't signed up and using Twitter in a meaningful way to find employment, it's time to start embracing this social media tool!

Join The Career Clinicians, Kathy Sweeney, NCRW, CPRW, CEIC, CCM of The Write Resume, and Norine Dagliano, NCRW, CPRW, CFRW/CC of ekmInspirations as they interview Susan Britton Whitcomb, Chandlee Bryan, and Deb Dib, co-authors of "The Twitter Job Search Guide: Find a Job and Advance Your Career in Just 15 Minutes a Day!"

Don't miss this show, as our expert guests will share fantastic advice and insights with job seekers on how to turbo-charge their employment search!

In addition, they will share success stories from actual job search candidates who effectively utilized Twitter to land a great job!

The radio show will air live on BlogTalkRadio on Wednesday, May 12th at 7 pm ET.

Listeners can tune in to The Career Clinicians Radio Show here: http://bit.ly/aceZyd

We will be taking live calls during the show at (917) 889-9043.

A recent post on a career industry association e-list sparked quite a discussion about job seeker appearance and hiring standards. An association member came across a job board that caters to “beautiful, skilled and talented people looking for employment” and “employers who are looking to hire beautiful, skilled and talented people.” To access job leads, candidates must first register and upload their photo, which is then rated by visitors and members to determine if the account should be activated or rejected.

Is there no end to the limits some individuals will go to in exploiting the tight job market while making candidates feel less than worthy?

Okay, I will admit that appearance has always been a factor in how candidates are evaluated during the interview. After all, don’t we advise candidates to “look their best” when approaching an employer? We coach clients on what to wear, how to fix their hair and make-up, and what subtle things such as facial hair and fingernail length communicate to an employer. And we talk to clients about how they need “to look the part” to “get the part” – which is what makes some job titles, such as librarian or construction worker,  immediately conjure up images that even the most diplomatic employer has to shake.

Set aside the audaciousness of BeautifulJobSeekers.com and we are still faced with reconciling the impact one’s photo has on their success in landing a job. With the widespread use of social media to match candidates to jobs, are employers - who are trying to comply with EEO regulations - feeling like they need to cover their eyes when reviewing candidate credentials on Facebook, LinkedIn and other online networking sites? Are hungry lawyers lining up to pursue action against employers on behalf of candidates who feel they have been rejected because of their apparent age, race, ethnic background – or heaven forbid, height, weight and eye color!?

I don’t know the answer, but it all makes me a little nervous. As a professional résumé writer, I have always scoffed at competitors who advised clients to include a photo on their résumé, but now I am wondering if I should rethink my position. In a country that seems to have lost its senses to reality TV, entertainment magazines, and viewer-cast ballots for who should be the next “American Idol,” maybe it’s time that employers and career services professionals have some serious conversations about how these trends are impacting the job market – and come up with some realistic solutions.

Monday was one of those odd days where my phone kept ringing with inquires about my resume writing and career transition services. With so many resume writers out there marketing their services – a Google search today for “resume writer” turned up 1,520,000 hits – I sometimes marvel at the fact that I am ever found!

As with resume writers, job seekers can easily get lost amongst the competition. Thanks to the Internet, employers can literally choose from thousands of applicants to fill one position. So, with more than 1.5 million resume writers competing for business, why is it that my phone was ringing today – or for that matter, any day? The answer has as much to do with my ability to secure new clients as it does with a job seeker’s ability to secure interviews.

It seems to boil down to the following two basic marketing principles: Referrals/recommendations and brand/image. Potential clients either call me because someone who previously used my services or knows of my reputation recommended me, or they came across my advertising and liked what they saw. Here is how these two principles translate to job seekers…

Referrals/recommendations: Occasionally I will meet someone who tells me that they have never looked for a job in their life – employers always sought them out. How can that be? Well, these individuals were fully aware of their talents and made sure that others in their profession and industries were also aware. They built a strong network of contacts and positioned themselves as experts in their field and as a result, were in high demand.

To get ahead in one’s career and to get a prospective employer’s attention, one needs to make their talents and expertise highly visible. This is not accomplished by blasting one’s resume out to hundreds of employers then sitting back and waiting for the phone to ring. One gains attention by “putting themselves out there” through networking, participating in professional associations, giving presentations to peers, publishing articles, volunteering, and clearly communicating ones value.

Brand/image: If potential clients do not find me through referrals, they find me through advertising. Just as a job seeker advertises their skills and experience via their resume, cover letters, and online profiles, I advertise my skills and experience through phone book advertising, my website, and online profiles. The quality of my advertising either encourages or discourages callers, just as the quality of a job seeker’s resume, cover letters and online profiles encourages or discourages employers to pick up the phone and give them a call.

In addition to the quality of the advertising, potential callers are influenced by how the product is branded. Pepsi and Coca Cola both have excellent advertising; however each unique brand appeals to a different type of consumer. Many of my 1.5 million “competitors” have excellent advertising, but their brand does not appeal to every potential customer.

However, something in my advertising appeals to certain customers, and when having to choose from multiple options, those who pick up the phone and call often tell me they felt a connection. Oddly enough, while I am talking to these callers, I too “feel the connection” and often think to myself how fortunate for us both that we found each other.

The bottom line for those in search of a new or better job is this: Know your brand, and effectively and confidently communicate to the world. Those who like what you have to offer will give you a call – those who don’t will be better served by a competitor. Persevere and even though employers can choose from the large pool of candidates, you too can rise above the competition!

Do you have a digital footprint? Do you know what one is? Is your online presence getting you "turn downs" instead of "offers" from employers?

More than 90% of recruiters and 50% of employers perform Internet searches on candidates before making a hiring decision. If job seekers don’t have a solid, online presence with a strong career brand, the chances of impressing a potential employer are greatly diminished.

Join The Career Clinicians, Kathy Sweeney and Norine Dagliano, as they interview Barbara Safani, an expert in social media and career branding, regarding the importance of building online profiles and participating in social media / business networking sites.

The show airs live on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 7 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio (http://bit.ly/bXzi0t). The Career Clinicians will be taking live calls at (917) 889-9043.

During the show, Barbara will discuss:

• How job seekers can find out what kind of digital footprint they possess.
• Specific websites where job seekers should have a presence, including LinkedIn, Google Profiles, ZoomInfo, Facebook, and Twitter.
• The differences and benefits between the sites.
• Which type of person is right for each online medium.
• Privacy concerns.
• How a great (or poorly written) profile can impact a job search.

Don't miss this important show to find out the best ways to ensure your digital foot is a positive one!

Considering attending a job fair to search for employment? Not sure what to expect or how to prepare to ensure success? Have you been to a job fair and thought it was a waste of time?

If any of the above questions apply to you, then don’t attend a job fair until you have listened to this important show!

Join The Career Clinicians, Kathy Sweeney, NCRW, CPRW, CEIC, CCM of The Write Resume, and Norine Dagliano, NCRW, CPRW, CFRW/CC of ekmInspirations for their next show, "How To Be Successful At Job Fairs!"

The show airs live on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 7 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio (http://bit.ly/99qIBK). The Career Clinicians will be taking live calls at (917) 889-9043.

They will discuss key strategies and cover what steps to take before, during, and after the career expo to be triumphant, including:

• Conducting company research
• Developing a 30-second Introduction
• The importance of having a stellar, updated resume
• How to be prepared for “on-the-spot” interviews
• How to follow-up after the job fair

After listening to this show, job seekers will be prepared to attend a job fair with confidence!

This past weekend, I watched an interesting documentary surrounding the history of Sears. The story is fascinating, as it chronicled the rise, fall, and re-branding (several times) of the company since 1893.

The key theme throughout the history centered around meeting the market need through innovation and reinvention. However, there were times when the company believed it was unstoppable and ignored the competition.

As a resume writer and career strategist, I began to think about the relation of this story to job search candidates.

First, I believe it is important for readers to understand the history of Sears. Then, I will apply the lessons learned from Sears to job seekers.

The History of Sears

Richard Sears, the company's original founder, started his "career" as an agent of the Minneapolis and St. Louis railway station in North Redwood, Minnesota. He was delivering a shipment of watches that was refused by a local jeweler. Seizing the opportunity, he purchased the watches himself and sold them to other station agents, making a handsome profit. In 1886, Sears began the R.W. Sears Watch Company in Minneapolis.

He advertised for a local watchmaker to cut out the middleman. The person who answered the ad was Alvah C. Roebuck. From there, they entered a partnership, which ultimately became Sears & Roebuck.

Sears saw an opportunity to expand his newly formed company through the catalog ordering and delivery business, which was targeted to rural America. Through volume purchasing of every kind of merchandise possible, he met the needs of these customers who were getting upset with local merchants charging them double the wholesale price for everyday products.

Sears was not the best organizer of systems, and his catalog was so popular, he was having a hard time fulfilling the orders. So,  Julius Rosenwald, a Chicago clothing manufacturer bought into the company in 1895 and brought order out of chaos.

Sears & Roebuck grew exponentially over the years, and sold everything under the sun, including tools, bicycles (they made Schwinn a household name), violins, lumber, clothing, and home remedies. And, they guaranteed what they sold. However, some of the home remedies were "questionable" in nature, and the company decided to incorporate laboratories to test every product sold. This was the beginning of Sear's reputation as a quality retailer.

Innovation at Sears

Sears continued to be innovative, penetrating even more markets with the goods they sold or finding ways to boost sales. The most fascinating product to me was the "home kits." Individuals could purchase these kits and construct their own homes. This was Sear's answer to their lagging lumber sales. The largest order placed was by Standard Oil Company in a coal town and many of the homes are still standing today.

In 1924, Sear's opened the first retail store in Chicago to corner the market on "city dwellers" and it was an instant hit. The company expanded to numerous markets and became the largest retailer in the US, as they played on the theme of the "one-stop shopping experience." The company then decided to focus on the affluent customer. While it worked for several years, it eventually became the downfall of the company.

Complacency in the Marketplace

Sears had become very complacent, believing that no other company could topple their market dominance. However, K-Mart and Wal-Mart entered the picture, offering customers mass amounts of merchandise at a low price. Sears couldn't compete, lost market share, and went from #1 to #3 on the list of top retailers in the 1980s.

The Reinvention of Sears

Sears decided to reinvent itself by bringing on model Cheryl Tiegs to design a new line of clothes. They also opened AllState Insurance Company to meet the need for car insurance, and real estate and financial services and placed those offices in their retail stores. However, some of these ventures were short-lived.

Even though Sears tried to recapture the market dominance they once held, it was the opening of The Great Indoors, and the acquisition of K-Mart and Lands End specialty catalog that proved to be most beneficial. Even though the retailer struggles today, the public still embraces the company as a trusted retailer.

Relevance to the Job Search

As a job seeker, there are many lessons that can be learned from Sears, as detailed below.

Find a need in the market and fill it.

Just as Richard Sears found a niche in the late 1800s,  job seekers need to look at the current job market and determine where their skills can best be utilized.

Be Innovative.

Sears continued to be innovative in their approach to attaining more business. Professionals need to be continually striving to either come up with new ideas to help their companies make money or meet a market need. Further, recommending and leading new projects that are on the cutting-edge of a particular industry are great ideas, as well.

Don't Get Complacent In Your Career.

Many individuals get complacent in their careers. They believe achievements or tenure with a company will be enough to keep their jobs. I have found this is not always the case with my clients. When it is time for downsizing at a company, there are typically two standards that are measured - performance and cost of the employee. Sometimes companies will cut the highest salaried employees to make it easier for them to reach the "bottom-line number" to achieve stability.

So, how can someone combat complacency? There are many ways to do this. Be indispensable to a company or industry by being a thought leader. Develop a blog focused on a particular industry. Invest in continuing education, sign up for extra projects, earn credentials, and build the "brand" of a person who is always abreast of the latest trends.

Always Be Ready for the "Unexpected."

Even if professionals follow the suggestions above, it doesn't mean they won't be replaced by a company with someone who is younger or less expensive. Watch company or industry trends. If it appears that jobs are at risk, be prepared.

Have an up-to-date resume with measurable accomplishments and the proper format depending on position level. Start connecting with people now through LinkedIn or other social media websites. That way, if downsized, time won't be wasted locating people who could assist in the job search.

Reinvent Yourself.

As mentioned above, if your industry is in turmoil, figure out a way to reinvent yourself so you won't be left behind. Whether it is training in a new field or determining how to exploit your old industry, such as being a consultant to companies in your field, put the skills you have gained throughout your career to good use.

Always Develop and Guard Your Reputation.

My dad always says that the only thing you really "own" in this life is your reputation. Guard it well! No matter what, Sears has always had the reputation as a retailer than can be counted on with quality products.

Develop and guard your reputation. Be the trusted source of information, help other people with their careers, always be willing to take on a task without complaining, don't gossip about others, and be pleasant in your work environment.

In conclusion, if you approach your career with tenacity, innovation, preparedness, reinvention, and a stellar reputation, the likelihood of landing on your feet, no matter what shape the economy is in, is greatly increased.

What we have here is an example of a “loaded question.”  Are you asking because you think it does, and you need someone to confirm it? Or perhaps you love the dress and are fishing for a compliment. Another possibility is that you really do not know how it looks and you need someone to tell you. How one answers that question varies from individual to individual and has as much to do with personal preferences as it does with good fashion sense. Ask 10 people, and you may get 10 different answers.

A similar scenario holds true when a job seeker solicits feedback on their résumé. Here’s a recent example of how this plays out: Last week I completed the first draft of a résumé and sent it to the client. She was extremely pleased and with some minor adjustments, we were ready to finalize it. Then she showed it to a “headhunter” who recommended some additional changes. After incorporating those changes, she met with another headhunter, who also recommended changes. I would be willing to bet that if she were to show it to two or three other headhunters, colleagues, friends or family members, she would hear two or three additional recommendations of what she should change.

For most people, looking for work is not something they enjoy doing. No one likes to put themselves out there and risk being rejected. Often job seekers will avoid putting them selves out there by repeatedly “massaging” their résumé until it is “perfect.” And as long as they keep soliciting feedback that will lead to more changes, the résumé will never be perfect – thus they can avoid the stress of putting themselves out there.

When a job seeker asks me to give them feedback on their résumé, I always begin by asking three questions:

•  Is the content accurate?
• When you read it, do you feel proud – does it show off your best features and make you “look fabulous?”
• Is it getting you interviews for the types of positions you are seeking that pay you the salary you deserve?

If he or she answers “yes” to every question, than it really does not matter what I - or anyone else - has to say about the document. As with dresses, there are many styles of resumes and many opinions about what is good and what needs fixing. Find what works for you – then use it!

In today's technologically advanced environment, many people are using social media tools to communicate with friends and family, and reconnect with old acquaintances. But, should you use social media to look for work? Absolutely!

However, before charging out and jumping on the social media bandwagon, I think it is important to understand how to utilize social media to attain the most positive results.

In the first post of this two-part series, I will cover why job seekers might want to use social media as an avenue to attain a job, the types of tools available,  and some guidelines. In Part Two, I will share stories of people who have successfully utilized social media to land a great job.

Why Should Job Seekers Use Social Media?

Social media tools can be very helpful in the job search, if utilized wisely. They can help highlight your expertise, provide visibility in search engines when HR or Recruiters decide to Google your name,  and allow you to network with current / former colleagues and friends who may be able to assist in your goal of landing a great position.

What Social Media Tools Should Job Search Candidates Use?

While there are many social media tools available to job seekers, I am going to cover the major players. It is important to not only know what they are, but how they differ, and the methods to successfully utilize them.

Blogs:

Blogs (aka Weblogs) can be utilized by job seekers to show their expertise in a certain subject matter or industry. Successful blogs have a consistent brand - the readers have a clear picture of who the blogger is and can identify a consistent theme to the posts.

In a blog, job search candidate can convey information on industry trends, provide opinions on topics (without offending or bashing anyone), and seek to educate readers. The content should be engaging and useful to the reader.

Putting together a blog is rather easy. There are several free services available, including WordPress and Blogger, that can walk you through the process of establishing a blog.

If you aren't technically savvy, I would suggest enlisting the help of someone who is. If you don't have friends or family members who can help, you can have your project completed rather inexpensively on Elance.com.

LinkedIn.com:

LinkedIn is a free website where you can develop your professional network and look for jobs. It is the most prominent tool used today by recruiters to source "active and passive candidates."

On LinkedIn, it is important to convey your personal brand with a strong profile and "job title." When using this tool, I would suggest linking with people who can help with your job search, which includes current or former colleagues, customers, vendors, etc.

One very important measurement recruiters use when reviewing candidates profiles is the amount of solid recommendations you have on your profile. They need to be very specific to your expertise and from individuals who have directly worked with you in some capacity.

While the "magic number" of recommendations hovers around 3-5, I would suggest you tap into your network and obtain as many "comprehensive" recommendations of your expertise as possible.

Remember though - networking is a two-way street. If you ask for recommendations, be sure to provide them, as well.

Facebook:

Facebook is a great place to connect with old / current friends and family, and if you want, current / former colleagues. It is more of a relaxed atmosphere than LinkedIn. However, stay true to your brand, and don't post information that is too personal or pictures that show you in a bad light.

While you can set your "home page" as "public," I would suggest setting your other pages to "friends only." This way, your private information and photos cannot be seen by HR Managers and Recruiters.

Twitter:

Twitter is a great tool to convey information in a very concise way - you only have 140 characters to get your information out there. The posts you make on Twitter are called "Tweets."

So, what should you "Tweet" about? You can post a short description and link to a blog post you wrote or specific industry information gleaned from articles you have found on the Internet, such as, "SalesForce.com introduces new tool (then link to the article)."  You can also "Tweet" general factual information you have found through research, for instance, "38% of computer users are switching to Mac."

You will need to have an account to "shorten" your URLs so your "Tweets" don't surpass the 140 character limit. I suggest Bit.ly, as it allows you to track how many people have clicked on the links included in your Tweets.

Also, a great book has recently been published regarding how to use Twitter in your job search: The Twitter Job Search Guide: Find a Job and Advance Your Career in Just 15 Minutes a Day.

Guidelines for Effectively Using Social Media

Here are some general and specific guidelines to follow when using social media:

General Tips:

• Post a picture of yourself on all of your social media pages. However, make sure the photo is a professional head shot. There are several freelance photographers listed in US-Photographers or formal portrait studios, including B2BPortraits or JC Penney that can provide you with a digital photo format.
• Establish your brand and stick to it.
• Don't write about controversial topics unless it relates to your personal brand.
• Make sure what you are writing is fact-based - not some information or trends you have made up.
• Make sure your opinions on a particular topic are useful and positive.
• Contribute to "conversations" on other people's blogs. But, do it in a positive, meaningful way. Post information that solves problems - not creates more discourse.
• Remember that your reputation is key to your success - don't bash other people or products.
• Think before you post. If what you are writing can be misconstrued, don't write it.

Blogs:

• Do not write blog posts that are inconsistent with your brand. An example would be a computer expert blogging about different programs and / or industry trends. Then, out of the blue, he posts a message about Healthcare Reform. Unless he can tie information technology to health care reform, then the post should not be written.
• Don't post 10 blog topics in a week and then not post for a month. The key to successful blogging is to be consistent. If you only have time to blog once a week, that's fine. Just set a day every week to write a blog post and stick with it.

Twitter:

• Do find and follow other experts who don't directly compete with you. For instance, if you are a dog trainer, you don't want to connect with other dog trainers (unless it is Cesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer). Why? Because this negates the purpose of being viewed as an expert. However, you might want to connect with veterinarians, canine nutrition experts, and small business owners who sell merchandise, like collars, leashes, dog beds, etc. These people can enhance your knowledge and will show your followers that you aren't a "one-trick pony."
• Do "retweet" (think of this like forwarding an email to someone) Twitter posts made by experts you follow that are relevant to your brand or industry. Not only will it provide them with visibility, but it will show you are connected with experts and they will likely "retweet" items of interest that you post.
• Don't Tweet about topics that are off-brand. These include tweets about how you are walking your dog, having breakfast, or getting ready to go on vacation.  Once again, be consistent in your theme and ensure the content is useful.

LinkedIn:

• Do connect with people that can help in your job search.
• Make sure you have a descriptive job title and thorough profile that highlights your expertise and skills.
• Don't "spam" people you don't know to try and connect with them - you'll get your account taken away from you.
• If you do want to connect with someone you don't know, either find someone in your network that's connected to the person or write a meaningful "in-mail" that conveys WHY you want to connect with the person.
• Ask for and provide solid recommendations to people in your network.

Facebook:

• Do be careful what your write in your updates. Don't post personal information about your divorce, how you are going out drinking every night, etc.
• Don't post pictures of yourself in compromising positions, i.e., photos of drinking, nudity, etc.
• Don't be a lurker. If friends posts something about their family, job, or life in general, write a comment. Just be sure you don't comment on posts related to their "bad behavior."

Watch for my next post that will highlight job seekers who have successfully utilized social media to land a great job!

Many job search candidates believe that "luck" or "chance" is the only way to get a job in this tough economy. However, landing a great job is all about initiating and implementing a solid plan!

Join The Career Clinicians for our St. Patrick's Day show (March 17, 2010), "Do You Really Need the 'Luck O' The Irish' to Land a Terrific Job?" on Blog Talk Radio at 7 p.m. ET (http://bit.ly/9NPA5l).

We will discuss:

• Key components of an effective job search marketing plan
• Career-related documents you might need, in addition to a resume
• Tools and resources available to job seekers (both on- and off-line)
• Systems to track and measure your progress
• Barriers to success
• How to know when your plan isn’t working and what to do

At the end of the show, you will have all the necessary information to develop a step-by-step plan that will lead you to the “pot of gold” at the end of the “career rainbow.”

My son will be turning 18 in three days. As we looked at his room, there stood the bunk beds we had purchased when he was only six years old. The set didn't have a "little boy" look. In fact, it was white-washed pine and still in great condition. However, I knew it was time for him to upgrade to an adult bed.

Now, anyone who knows me will tell you that I am not mechanically inclined. If you present me with a test that has one column on the left with a completed, patterned box on it, and another column on the right where I have to pick which 1 of the 4 pictures made the box on the left, I will sit for hours trying to figure it out. My mind just isn't wired that way.

As a resume writer, my mind is geared toward creative thought processes - I can write anything. However, I know what my challenges are, and I seek out and network with experts to help me with the tasks I can't complete on my own.

The Solution

I knew I couldn't dis-assemble the bed myself. So, I immediately picked up the phone and called my neighbor, Ron, who is a retired machinist. This man can build, fix, or disassemble anything, and has a tool box with every gadget ever made! He has been a great friend to me the past five years, and is always willing to help out his "single mom" neighbor.

Ron came over and we worked together to disassemble the bed (I didn't just sit and watch). Then, after we were finished, I thanked Ron and handed him a gift card for Home Depot (I always keep gift cards around for people who help me out, as I never take anyone for granted).

Next, I knew that I didn't want all the bunk-bed pieces and mattresses in my garage. Within minutes, I began to "network" with all the neighbors I knew that had small children. In 30 minutes, the bunk bed set had found a new home - at no cost to the recipient!

How does this story apply to the job search?

By now, you're probably scratching your head wondering what the tear-down of a bunk bed has to do with the job search.

Well, here are the similarities that I see:

Identify your challenges.

First, no one can possibly be great at everything! While you might be mechanically inclined, perhaps you're challenge is writing a resume, interviewing for a job, identifying a career path, or figuring out how to search for a job after being downsized from a company you've worked with for many years.

Or, perhaps you're shy and don't like to meet people. Maybe you’re lacking a degree or certification that's holding you back.

Don't be afraid to admit you have a challenge. But, be willing to do something about it.

Find the experts and enlist their help.

While I could have probably figured out a way to disassemble the bed, I didn't have the right tools and knew it would have taken me hours to complete the project. So, I sought out the one person I knew could help me with the project.

Often, I have potential clients "apologize" to me that their resume is horrible. I always tell them that they are experts in their field, I probably couldn't do their job, and writing resumes just might not be one of their strengths. Then, I tell them seeking out an expert to help is not a sign of weakness - it's actually a sign of strength.

No matter what your challenge, whether it is related to the job search or not (lack of education, public speaking, shyness, etc.), find an expert to help you out.

For instance, you could join Toastmasters to overcome your fear of public speaking or shyness. Or, you could sit down with a college admissions counselor to determine the best degree for your industry. Also, you could hire a resume writer, or an interview / career coach to help you overcome your obstacles. In any of these instances, your ROI will be worth it!

Build Your Network!

I know that networking scares the heck out of some people. However, in this economy, it's not what you know, but WHO you know.

When I moved into my neighborhood, I made it a point to get to know every neighbor on my street. We have become like a family who helps each other out. I have written resumes for them, watched their children, kept an eye on their house when they're out of town, etc. And, they have returned the favor when I need help.

I have done the same thing in my business. I have made it a point to network with individuals inside and outside my industry. I always know who to call when I have a question or a need. Also, these same people call me when they need a referral for something.

Don't be afraid to network. If you haven't spoken to someone in a long time, reconnect with them either over the phone, through email, or join sites like LinkedIn or Facebook.

Sometimes when you're searching for a job, you're direct contacts might not be able to help you. However, they might be connected to someone who can.

Return the favor when people help you.

I believe in the principle of "giver's gain." While I chose to give Ron a gift card, that doesn't mean that every time a person helps you out in your job search that you need to spend money on them.

Also, I could have sold the bunk bed on EBay or Craig's List. But, I chose to give it away to someone who really needed it.

In the job search, you can return favors by referring your friends to a job you found that isn't a right fit for you, but would be perfect for them. You can also introduce them to people you know who could aid in their job search.

Final thoughts.

I hope you see the similarities! So, the next time you need help in an area that isn't your strong suit, don't be afraid to ask for assistance. I have found that people are always willing to help. Then, be willing to assist others, whether directly or indirectly. It will be appreciated and you'll stay in "top-of-mind" awareness when a great opportunity comes forth!