Job Searching – Practical Tips for Utilizing Your Network

A friend of mine is a corporate recruiter, and he often speaks with my students at the college and job seekers in my agency’s job clubs. He provides a lot of excellent advice but says one thing in every presentation that really resonates. He says, “How is anyone supposed to know that you are looking for a job if you don’t tell anybody?” The truth is that all of us have network contacts that are willing to help and who are in a position to provide leads, but we rarely speak up and ask for help. In the words of Eminem, “Times are tough and they’re getting even harder.” It’s time to park the pride and start utilizing your existing network contacts to generate job leads, referrals and employment information. Many people will assume that they do not have a network or an opportunity to network, but the reality is that most people are networking everyday…they just don’t realize it. Here are some simple, practical tips for utilizing your existing network in an effort to improve your job search results.

Personal Contacts
Personal contacts are the most likely people to provide job leads. They just need to know you are looking. And, you need to speak up to let them know. Start off by simply thinking about all of your social activities. Then make a list of all of the people you interact with during this time. These activities may include a bowling league, parent-teacher association, youth sports team, church group or book club. Pull out your laptop or a sheet of paper. Use each of your social activities as a heading; list all of the names of your connections under each heading. Once you have done this, create a general category titled, “Personal Contacts.” Under this heading, list the names of friends, relatives, neighbors, etc. Once you have all of the names listed, gather contact information. Add email addresses and phone numbers to each of the people you have included in your lists.

Start to reach out. Offer a cup of coffee or lunch to your closest friends and relatives. Perhaps other acquaintances get an email letting them know you are in the market for a new job. You will be surprised. Once you put out the word that you are looking, information will naturally begin to flow your way. Even if you do not talk with these folks on a regular basis, if they learn about a job that is a good fit for you, you will immediately come to mind. That’s when the calls, leads and referrals will begin falling into your lap.

Educational Contacts
Every job seeker should look for and join their college or high school alumni association. Most have online groups at either LinkedIn or Facebook. College Alumni Associations tend to be more active than most high school alumni associations because typically a college or university has events that attract alum such as basketball or football games. It is easier, in most cases, for a college alumni association to participate in or host events in conjunction with what is already happening at the college. In either case, the online groups that these associations create and manage are usually very active. More importantly, they are typically filled with people who are either job searching or looking to hire! A LinkedIn introduction to your college alumni association will certainly generate interest and leads. Looking back over the last ten years of running my own business, almost every contract or job I have landed has evolved from a relationship with a fellow Duquesne University Alum (short plug for my alma mater.)

Beyond the associations, job seekers should return to the ‘list’ method mentioned above. Think about previous professors, classmates, etc. Reach out to learn what your teachers and classmates are up to these days. You do not even have to reach out for a job. Just get into contact with the people by letting them know you are curious about what THEY are doing these days. People love to talk about themselves. And, honestly, most people love to help. Let the conversations progress naturally, and it will almost always meet your needs.

Also, contact your school’s career services department. I do not care if you graduated 20 years ago; you paid for this service. Most of us are still paying for it! Give career services a call, and see what type of help they can provide to alumni.

People You Do Business With
I know. You are unemployed…you’re not doing business with anyone, right? Well, let me ask you this. Is there a regular place at which you get your hair done? Is there a local auto shop to which you take your car for maintenance? Do you rent an apartment? Trust me. Your landlord is more interested in you working than any other person in America! The point is, working or not working, we all do business everyday with people whose own livelihoods rely on our business. Now, I’m not talking about Walmart or Target; they’re getting a little bit of everybody’s money. I am talking about the small Mom & Pop Shops that rely on your dollar. Make another list of all of the people with whom you do business. Then, start planting your message.

The next time you are in the barber’s chair, mention to your barber how much you like coming in once a month for a trim and a shave. Then, let him or her know that you are going to have to cut back (no pun intended) to every other month. I guarantee you that the next time you see your barber he or she says something to this effect: “Hey, you still looking for a job? I just heard about…” You can choose to be subtle or direct in this approach. It all depends on your comfort level. The point is, make sure you mention that you are looking. Chances are the person you are talking with has been in the same situation themselves. And, they really do not want to lose your business. This will help you to put some extra sets of eyes and ears out there on the streets looking for job leads.

People You Have Helped
Once upon a time, you helped out somebody else. You either provided someone a good job lead or gave your buddy a ride to the grocery store. Do not let these people hide out during your time of need. Apollo Creed cashed in his favor to Rocky. You should cash in your favors, too. Get back to your lists, and make another category titled, “People I Have Helped.” List all of the people you have helped in some way or another. These should include people to whom you have given sales leads, those you have supported in some way, and definitely those to whom you have given viable job leads. It may sound like a joke, but all of these people are going to be happy to return the favor. But they will not know that you need help unless you tell them.

In Conclusion
I have said it before and I will say it again: A closed mouth doesn’t get fed. The moment you fall behind on your bills due to a lack of work is not the moment to be shy about asking for help. We are all currently living through the strangest economic times that any of us may ever face. Malcolm X, in his famous Ballot or the Bullet speech, is quoted as saying, “We’re all in the same bag…all in the same boat.” Everybody is trying to earn a living. Job seekers, speak up. When you get back on your feet, you will have the opportunity to pay it forward to somebody else. Just like Rocky returned the favor to Apollo.

Career Talk Webinars « CBS Pittsburgh

Career Talk Webinars « CBS Pittsburgh

It's a Jungle Out There...Move Back With Your Parents!

Rodney Dangerfield said it best in his Back to School graduation address:

I have only one thing to say to you today …It’s a jungle out there. You gotta look out for number one. But don’t step in number two. And so, to all you graduates, as you go out into the world, my advice to you is …Don’t go! It’s rough out there! Move back with your parents…let them worry about it!

Thornton Melon, Back to School - 1986

 

It is a jungle out there. The world’s economy is complex. America’s job market is changing day-to-day. It is more important than ever for young people to make good career decisions yet the career decision making process is more convoluted than it ever was in the past. Young people and their parents face many tough questions. Is college worth the cost and debt? Is there a job market for college graduates? What educational alternatives are available? There are no simple answers, but at least we can measure the Pros and Cons of some potential choices. While there are many vocational choices a young person can make, let us begin with an examination of the three most common. Most young people choose to either immediately enter the workforce, go to a four-year university, or attend a two-year college/technical school upon graduation from high school. So, let’s use these for further examination.

Straight to Work
In 2006, The University of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Politics released a report titled, “New Thinking on Career Success.” The report projected that by 2014 approximately 46% of the nation’s jobs would only require a high school diploma and up to 3 months of on-the-job training. In February of 2014, Citrus College in Los Angeles produced Kevin Fleming’s, “Success in the New Economy,” which indicated, based on a Harvard study, that 57% of America’s jobs actually require specific skill training. The bottom line is that almost two thirds of the nation’s job market does not require a college degree. So, perhaps there is a definite benefit for those young people who decide to go straight into employment. Here are some of the Pros & Cons.

The Pros
Only about 8% of young people anticipate going directly to work following high school graduation. Those who follow this plan experience specific benefits. First, there is the benefit of immediate earnings; those who choose this route begin to earn money versus those who decide to enroll in college or a technical training program. In addition, young people who immediately enter the workforce gain valuable work experience and on-the-job training. This experience and skill development is critical in today’s job market where smart employers are seeking employee stability and employee ability to make an impact. In addition to work experience and on-the-job training, young people who enter the workforce also have the opportunity to network and make contacts that will be invaluable throughout their careers.

The Cons
The major problem is that the benefits of short-term gains are often replaced by long-term losses. This is especially true when young people do not take advantage of training and education opportunities that may be offered by an employer. The reality is that a high school education alone can lead to entry level jobs, but these tend to be low-skill/low-wage jobs that offer few advancement opportunities without additional education. The data shows that over a lifetime, those who do not seek out additional education and/or training, are also at a higher risk for unemployment. These individuals will also experience lower lifetime earnings.

Straight to Work Summary
McDonald’s Corporation is one of only 12 Fortune 500 companies to receive college credit recommendations for their training programs. Plus they have a McDonald’s USA National Employee Scholarship Program to be applied for by employees at company-owned restaurants and many franchises. Every union or apprenticeship program has outlined career ladders which include continuing education, college reimbursement and skill development programs. Within a good apprenticeship model, an electrician who also has good management skills can take advantage of continuing education to secure a manager’s position – schooling will be 100% paid. The point is that whether it is McDonald’s or an apprenticeship program, young people should research companies to which they apply and make certain to take advantage of all of a company’s education and training programs. Under many circumstances, a worker can be trained and educated without incurring loans or expenses. When properly planned, these workers can take advantage of the Pros of going straight to work while avoiding the Cons.

A Four-Year Degree
Recent data indicates that 66% of high school graduates enroll in higher learning immediately after high school graduation. Only 1 out of every 4 students who begins college will complete a bachelors. More than 50% of those who begin will drop out within the first year. However, those who do graduate tend to have broader career choices and more opportunity for advancement. Here are the Pros and Cons for those seeking a four-year degree.

The Pros
A New York Federal Reserve study from June of 2014 showed that there is a growing wage gap between degree holders and their peers with just a high school diploma. In 2012, degree holders earned an average of $17,000.00 per year more than those without a college degree. Many reports indicate that bachelor’s degree holders, over the course of a lifetime, will earn $1 million more than those workers without a degree. In addition to earning potential, college graduates tend to have broader career choices and are more likely to advance in the workplace. A college degree demonstrates accomplishment to would-be employers; employers reward this accomplishment through hiring and promotion. This is clearly demonstrated in the nation’s jobless rate reports. The 2014 unemployment rate for those at least age 25 with a college degree was just 3.2%, while the United States unemployment rate for 2014 ended at just under 7%.

The Cons
The wage and employment data are unfortunately skewed, so this may not be the best indicator of an advantage for a four-year degree holder. The Pew Research Center showed that the wage gap for degree holders versus non degree holders has grown from approximately $9,000 per year in the 1970’s to over $17,000 per year by 2014. This is in large part because wages for those without a college degree have steadily declined. Also, the unemployment rate for a 25 year old with just a high school diploma is currently higher than the nation’s average unemployment rate. The ‘falling behind’ of non-degree holders often creates the impression that those with a bachelor’s degree are doing better. In reality, it is comparative thinking. In addition, the sticker cost of one year of a bachelor’s degree in 2013 was an average of $15,000 compared to just $4,600 in the 1970’s. Combine all of this with the dropout rates, and there are serious Cons to consider.

A Four-Year Degree Summary
Rising tuition costs, wage disparities and questionable unemployment data make it difficult to predict a return on investment. High dropout rates make it almost impossible to predict the likelihood of success. Still, there are extraordinary benefits to a college education. Stephanie DeMaro, Job & Internship Coordinator at Penn State University says, “College is not just about vocational training. College gives young people a well-rounded experience and exposure to the world.” Education broadens a young person’s horizons and world view, so the value of higher education can never really be determined in dollars and cents. Plus, college graduates have a unique opportunity to network with other alumni, which increases job and business prospects. In conclusion, college is serious business. Students should enroll if and when they are ready to complete so as not to waste time and money. Do some research and carefully choose a major before committing to the college experience.

Two-Year College/Technical School
In 2006, the US Department of Labor predicted that jobs requiring two-year degrees and/or technical training would make up the fastest growing segment of the job market. DOL’s data indicated that by 2014 approximately 27% of America’s jobs would require this level of education and training. The Department of Labor was correct in citing this as the fastest growing segment of the job market, but they fell well short of their expectations. Today, approximately 57% of America’s job market requires technical skills that can be acquired through a two-year school or certificate based program.

The Pros
There is a shortage of workers who possess the technical skills needed to fill the majority of jobs. The true ratio of jobs in the United States of America is 1:2:7. For every 1 job that requires an advanced degree (masters or higher), there are 2 jobs that require a bachelor’s degree…and 7 that require an associate’s degree or technical training. As 66% of America’s high school students enroll in a four-year university or college, just 20% pursue a two year degree. Community colleges, which are far more affordable than four-year schools and many technical schools, are in a position to supply as much as 70% of the labor force. By the way, the 1:2:7 ratio is not new. According to Citrus College, it was the same in 1950…the same in 1990…and will be the same in 2030.

In addition to job opportunities, many two-year degree holders will out earn their four-year degree holding counterparts. The energy industry is producing high end salaries for trained Computer Aided Drafters and IT Professionals while the medical field is providing high end salaries for nurses and technicians. According to O*Net Online, radiologic and/or nuclear medicine technicians earn an average of $30-35 per hour. Part-time workers in these fields often out earn full-time teachers, social workers and business professionals.

The Cons
Two-year degree holders, particularly those with specific technical training, often have less flexibility than a four-year degree holder. Without getting into the data and statistics of it all, the very premise makes sense. If a person goes to school to be trained as a paralegal, then they are a paralegal. If they go to community college and become a nuclear medicine technician, then they are a nuclear medicine technician. The technician is typically not going to leave their field to become a counselor at a social service agency. On the other hand, a high school teacher having a tough time finding a full-time job in a public school can often obtain work in social service, adult education or a related field.
Two-year degree holders and those with a specific technical skill often find themselves in need of additional education for advancement. The electrician, for example, who desires to become a manager will often have to advance his or her education in order to obtain this level. Students with an associates in the field of Criminal Justice would have to advance a degree if interested in pursuing a career in probation or parole.

Two-Year College/Technical School Summary
Two-year colleges and technical schools are extremely affordable and in some cases free. And, graduates of these programs have the potential to earn as much or more as those with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Still, data suggest that over the course of a working lifetime, more education will always lead to higher wages and less chance of unemployment. Young people should choose their first step with the second step already in mind. A two-year college or technical school can be the stepping stone to a great job or the first step towards achievement in higher education. Earn while you learn – that is the thought process related to this route.

In Conclusion
High impact work is in-demand, but the supply of high impact workers is at an all-time low. The college for everyone mentality does not match the labor market. It is critical that young people and parents begin to think about careers according to the European perspective: It’s not just about having a college degree…it’s about having a post high school credential. In Europe, the post high school credential is desired, achieved and respected. For some reason, in America, only those who go to a four-year college are considered successful. The reality is that the job market is no longer blue and white….blue and white collar that is. A specific segment of jobs requiring a specific set of skills has emerged. Young people targeting this segment with a plan in mind will be amongst the respected and successful. Those with a plan to combine training with education with work experience will be amongst the most successful.

Book Release! Career Talk: Networking 101

The first ever Career Talk Book has been released!  Written by Scott Albert, the book is titled Networking 101.  The book is a series of essays that provide networking tips for job seekers.  It's an essay to read, practical guide that will serve job seekers of all ages, background and skill levels.

The book is currently available on Amazon.  Click the image below for a direct link to Career Talk: Networking 101's Amazon Page:

For additional information about the book, Scott Albert and related workforce development initiatives, please visit www.thealbertinstitute.com.  

Success in the New Economy

Career Opportunities For Medical Professionals « CBS Pittsburgh

Career Opportunities For Medical Professionals « CBS Pittsburgh

Crisis Cannot Be Your Teacher – Prepare for Job Loss

My college philosophy professor always said, “People on a mission cannot allow crisis to be their teacher.”  He spoke passionately about ‘Crystalizing Your Vision’ and game planning for the future.    I understand his purpose was to inspire and motivate, but I always struggled with the practicality of it all.  Sure.  It is easy to say, “Do not allow crisis to be your teacher,” but the reality is that life happens, and it is impossible to anticipate the unexpected.  The most consistent thing in life is change.  Unexpected events can derail plans, impact finances and generally wreak havoc on a person’s life goals.  Still, the words always echoed in my brain. Crisis cannot be your teacher…crisis cannot be your teacher.  So, I began to seek out practicality.  Through reading, research and study, I found and adopted a few practical strategies for success the any individual can embrace and apply to any situation.  Take job loss for example.  While no one among us can necessarily anticipate a job loss, we all can form a blueprint for dealing with job loss if and when it occurs.  Here are a few practical ideas for dealing with this type of transition.

 

Planning Life Roles

Psychologist Donald E. Super developed a Life-Span Theory that is considered to be one of the guiding principles in the field of Career Development.  This article is not about theory or philosophy, so instead let us pick out some of the sound, useful tools within the theory that can help prepare an individual for life events such as job loss.  The theory itself is about learning and planning.  Super defines 8 Life Roles as typical for adult workers. These are: Child, Student, Worker, Citizen, Homemaker, Spouse/Partner, Parent, and Leisurite.  Other than Child, people typically choose which roles to play and how much time or energy will be spent playing each role.  The practical point is this: We all juggle different activities in between various life roles, but few among us will ever spell out in black ‘n’ white our own definitions of each role.  This is a critical strategy for success because an event that impacts one life role will most likely have an effect on each of the other roles.  Without clear definition of who we are and what we do in relation to each, it is impossible to plan for change.  Thus, crisis becomes our teacher in every aspect of our lives.

 

Consider this example: Individual loses a job.  The worker role obviously feels the direct impact. But, what happens to the other life roles?  The Homemaker struggles to make ends meet.  A Spouse/Partner relationship is strained by financial pressures and idle time.  Leisure activity goes away.  In many cases, the Parent has to tell a child that they can no longer do or have certain things.  One event impacts several Life Roles.  There is a natural ripple effect.  We know it is happening, yet it is difficult to pin point unless Life Roles have been specifically defined, planned and prioritized. 

 

Here is what I suggest:  Get a sheet of paper and list all 8 of the Life Roles (as listed above.)  Begin with a simple definition – Who are you in relation to each Life Role?  You will immediately find that some Life Roles do not apply because you have chosen not to play that particular role.  For example, perhaps you are not a current student or maybe you are not in a serious personal relationship in which case these can be eliminated from your list.  Next, put together a Time & Energy schedule for each Life Role that remains on your list.  Be very detailed.  For instance, if you are a student, put together a schedule of the amount of time you spend in that Role.  This would include class times, commute times, study hours, etc.  Sketch out the schedule hour by hour.  Repeat the process for each Life Role.  Finally, look at each Role and prioritize your list.  This will help you to identify areas to which you are applying too much time and energy.  Borrow the extra time and apply it to your Worker Role, which should be the sole focus when getting back to work.  This is going to seem like simple thinking because it is!  Sometimes we need basic strategies to help us focus on the KISS Rule – Keep It Simple, Stupid.

 

The 4-S Model

Nancy Schlossberg is another leading theorist in the field of Career Development.  Like Super, her theories and studies are among the guiding principles for the industry.  Schlossberg, who specifically focused on transitions and career change, created a simple, useful blueprint designed to help people plan for life’s unforeseen events.  It is called the 4-S Model.

The 4 S’s are Situation, Self, Supports, Strategy.  This is a game-planning model that can be developed on a case-by-case basis or used as an ongoing blueprint for success.  Let us begin by explaining each of the S’s.  Then, we will examine application.

 

Take Stock of the Situation
This section should examine the entire climate and/or environment related to the event.  If the event is job loss, answer these questions related to this particular Situation:

 

·         Situation expected or unexpected?

·         Situation good or bad (point of view)?

·         Coming at a good time or bad time?

·         Represent a move up or down?

·         Where am I in the process?

·         What goals do I want to reach?

·         What are the alternatives?

 

Evaluate Self
This section of the 4-S model should focus on where you are at in the process, how you handle change, and how you are feeling.  You should address these questions about yourSelf:

 

·         What is my outlook on life?

·         What is my sense of personal well-being?

·         Am I generally challenged or overwhelmed by change?

·         Do I generally feel a sense of control as I face change?

 

List Supports
In this section, create an inventory of the people and resources that are at your disposal.  List your Supports so that you have quick access to fall-back plans, assistance, etc.  Questions to help develop a Support list include:

 

·         Can I get help from others?

·         Do I have a variety of supports (friends, family, counselors, etc.)?

·         Has my support system been interrupted or altered by this change?

·         With whom can I network for support?

·         Do I have the time, money, etc. needed?

 

Develop a Strategy
After taking inventory of all the information related to Situation, Self and Supports, use this information to develop a Strategy.  Begin to find resources for self-evaluation.  Identify alternatives (as they relate to job options.)  Finally, prioritize your info and make some choices.  Some topics and questions for guidance in this area include:

 

·         Become aware of the need for a strategy

·         Learn about self/reevaluate self

·         Identify alternatives

·         Gather information about alternatives

·         Prioritize alternatives

·         Make choices

·         Complete the change

 

The 4-S Model is a useful guide when dealing with any of life’s transitions, but can be extremely useful to the worker who has recently suffered a job loss.  The 4-S’s provide an opportunity for self-reflection, but the framework also directs people back to useful resources such as network contacts, online databases and career guidance tools.  If used regularly and often, the 4-S Model will eventually become a mode of thinking and problem solving. 

In Conclusion

Sometimes events are going to happen when we least expect it – like a job loss.  Sometimes we are going to expect an event to happen but it never does – like an anticipated job promotion.  The bottom line is that each of us needs to be prepared for events and non-events as they occur.  While we cannot necessarily anticipate what the event may be, we can prepare ourselves for inevitable change.  Teachers, trainers and counselors often say, “Write down your goals,” but rarely provide a framework through which we can keep track of and constantly reevaluate those goals.  Defining Life Roles helps keep track of the Time & Energy we put into all aspects of our lives.  This will help any job seeker, student or worker stay on task.  The 4-S Model provides a blueprint for handling change.  Used in conjunction, these tools will serve as a mini business plan for your life.

 

Force yourself to write down these plans and use these tools.  You will be surprised at the information and strategies that come to you.  Let the things you already know be your teacher.

If you are interested in guides or worksheets to help facilitate this process, feel free to email me at scott@thealbertinstitute.com.