How to overcome the "conventional wisdom" people throw at you in your job search.

1. Mythbusting Through the Professional Career Workshop Relax, listen, absorb, just ask me for a copy

2. Contact information Ask me for a copy of this presentation by sending me an e-mail: dgoates@yahoo.com

3. Myth #1: “Nobody is Hiring.” There are lots of jobs available today, in fact, many, many more since January. Many companies sit on their openings until the start of the new year. Budgets are flowing after January. Larger publicly-traded companies are less likely to be hiring now, but smaller companies (less than 100 employees) rarely turn away recognizable talent. “Utah 100 List,” “Utah Fast 40,” “Utah 40 under 40,” “Silicon Slopes List” – fabulous, dynamic, growing Utah companies that aren’t advertising.

4. Myth #2: “It’s harder to get a job today.” Utah is better (7.1% unemployment) than America (9.7%) -- 1.17 million Utahns remain employed . In many cases, it is easier. Employed people have stopped looking. There may be more people in the resume pile, but you are more qualified. Believe it, look around. . . Remember: “The earth is full, and there is enough and to spare.” (D&C 104:17). God created abundance. Companies are taking a little longer to find the right person (it’s a buyer’s market) – be patient.

5. Myth #3: “I need a one-page resume.” If you have been around the block more than once, you need a longer resume. Because most resumes are electronic, no one knows how long yours is. If you are looking for a higher level position, a short resume is an insult to the company. This is your chance to let them know what you have done, and what you can do. Do you have a portfolio of your work? The more competitive the job, the more essential it is.

6. Myth #4: “It’s who you know.” It’s not who you know, it’s who you get to know. The vast majority of new jobs are found by networking into or cold calling on a company you target. Companies are paying employees for referrals. Those out doing the work are getting the jobs. My resume will sell me. WRONG! You’ve got to get in front of somebody for an interview. You are more convincing in person than the best resume. Offer a short-term consulting gig to prove your worth.

8. Write down at least two strengths that helped you achieve the accomplishment.

9. Listen to the Spirit – Heavenly Father will remind you just how awesome you are!

10. Finish the following sentences:

11. I am…

12. I have…

13. I can…

14. I like…

16. The Foundation:Power Statements Headlines of your career that emphasize your value. Elements of a Power Statement: Identify a Strength or skill Give an Example Show the Result

17. The key is to Quantify Identify your accomplishment. Where did you start. Where did you finish. What is the difference in the two? What is the most powerful way to show the difference: Money Percent Number

18. Where to use Power Statements Resume Interview Me-In-30 Seconds Networking In a long line In an elevator At a church meeting Cold calling EVERYWHERE -- Dizzy Dean said: “It ain’tbraggin’ if you done it!”

19. Power Statements in Interviews It sets you apart. It answers the question, “What can you do for my company?” Become a possibility. Say something that will be remembered. The results are tangible, not theoretical. It gives the committee something to use when they are trying to finalize the decision. Power statements will differentiate you from the pack. Practice, practice, practice your interviewing skills

20. Power Statement Resumes Start with your accomplishments. Identify the strengths that achieved the accomplishment. Show the experience you have earned. Where were you educated. What other honors or awards have you received. What are the key words to describe you. Remember, only leave your resume behind after you have secured and held the interview.

21. Keys to a Clean Resume Serif font (Times New Roman) 12-point type Underline and italicize Edit and proof Detailed and specific Test your resume on the Internet (getting results?) Careerbuilder, Monster, Craigslist.org Mothers-in-law, your most severe critic, or your job coach – don’t do this on your own!!

22. Swallow Hard and Tell People Who do you know that knows? “Who should I be talking to?” Follow the 100 card method – Diligently and faithfully. Informational Interviews Employed: 2 per week Unemployed: 5 per week Job interviews Employed: 1 per week Unemployed: 4 per week

23. Researching Companies Spend no more than 2 hours per day looking on the Internet. Explore industries and then companies. Join groups on LinkedIn and talk to other members about their industry and company. Go to the library and look at trade publications. Record the names of companies you see as you drive down the street. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. Keep your head in the game.

24. Getting Informational Interviews “I am looking for information and I was told you were someone I should talk to.” “I am reaching out to learn more about your company.” “I am not looking for a job right now.” “I would like to ask you a few questions.” “I only need about 15 minutes of your time.” “When would be a good time for you, Tuesday or Wednesday?” Remember: FACE-TO-FACE is always better!

25. During the Informational Interview “How did you get into this line of work?” “How did you get into this particular job?” “What do you like most about this job?” “What do you like most about this company?” “Who else would you recommend I talk to?” “Thanks for buying my lunch today. . .” (When you are unemployed everybody will pay for your lunch, so schedule lunches, then sit on your wallet).

26. Who are you listening to? The media don’t know what is happening, they are just looking for headlines. If someone starts out negative, they will stay that way. Get some new friends. Work with people that believe in the positive like you do. If you start getting negative, do something. Change is all about spotting new trends, so don’t get stuck looking for your lost job – it’s still lost!

28. Set goals for the day/week/month.

29. Have a routine that you follow.

30. What days to phone and set appointments.

31. What days to interview and visit.

32. Take the weekend off.

33. Be sure to schedule time with your family, just not all of it.

34. Track activities in your calendar/notebook/computer.

35. Stay organized so nothing gets missed.