Upcoming Careers Industry Conference

Back in the day of the Resume Writers' Digest print publication, we often provided gavel-to-gavel conference coverage. We're a big proponent of attending conferences -- they provide much more than information ... there's networking, subcontracting opportunities, referral relationship-building, and of course, a vacation!

I want to personally encourage you to attend the Career Directors International conference. I won't be able to attend it due to a prior conflict, but the lineup of speakers is incredible!

Oct. 18-20, 2007
Career Directors International
5th Annual Conference
www.careerdirectors.com
San Antonio, Texas

Have a training opportunity to promote? E-mail me at RWDigest@aol.com.

Author + Resume Writer = Careers Expert

As a resume writer myself (and editor of several publications), I can tell you that editors are dying for quality content for their publications. Money, health, marriage and CAREERS are the top four areas of interest for readers.

So how can you tap into this expertise? It's easier than you think. (Thanks to Robert Middleton, www.actionplan.com, for ideas on this).

Your objective in an article is to share useful information that can help people solve a problem. As Middleton says, "You're not trying to prove how smart you are, you're trying to help someone."

1. Start by making a list of topics that fit your business.
– How to _______ (How to Get Your Resume In the Hands of the Hiring Manager)
– ___ Ways to ________ (10 Steps to a New Job in the Next Month)
– ___ Ways NOT to ______ (3 Ways NOT to Make a Good Impression in an Interview)
– ___ Top _____ (10 Top Mistakes Made by Job Searchers)

2. Prioritize your list.
– Can you think of some examples for the articles above? Use the ones you think you can flesh out into an article.

3. Figure out where you'll send your article when you're finished with it. (Newspaper? Association Newsletter? Radio? TV?)

When writing the article, consider this format:
1. Problem
2. Solution
3. Examples
4. Wrap-Up

For example:
1. Your resume isn't generating interviews. Common reasons why this might be so.
2. You need a better resume. Good resumes have the following things in common.
3. Examples of taking an "obituary" resume and turning it into a "results" resume.
4. Resume writers can get you the results you want. Here's how to get a free critique of your resume.

I'll share more ideas on becoming a career expert in the future. In the meantime, if you'd like some possible article ideas (and to see a news release sample), download this pdf:
http://www.rwdigest.com/2002PRReport.pdf

More on Naming Your Business

Like looking at your newborn for the first time, you want to make sure that the name you select for your business is a good one.

There are some key considerations, of course -- like NOT choosing a name someone else already has (see my previous post on this), and not choosing a name too close to another business name (because the website you want will likely NOT be available.

In fact, I hate to say it, but website name availability should probably be the most important part of your decision. Why? Well, it is possible to overcome a good website name, but you'll spend more time and money making that happen than if you plan ahead and pick a really good business name with a really good domain name to match.

What you're ideally looking for is either a) a good "benefit" oriented name ("Interview-Winning Resume Services," or "Get-The-Job Resume Services" or b) A completely unrelated word that you will then "associate" with "Resume Service" ("Apple Career Service" or "Dayspring Resume Service") or c) a geographically-oriented name -- presuming you never want to move -- ("Nebraska Career Services" or "Tri-City Resume Service" or "River City Resume & Career Coaching Service.")

Or, there's the "bandwagon" name -- in my case, that would be "Husker Career Services" because in Nebraska, there are literally *hundreds* of businesses with "Husker" in them (because of the University of Nebraska football team, the "Cornhuskers"). But I'm pretty sure most, if not all, of them are supposed to be paying royalties.

My best recommendation is [A], a descriptive name. A check of the thesaurus, and a couple of handy books I have called "Words That Sell" (and its companion "MORE Words That Sell" reveals some ideas:
Complete, Comprehensive, Ultimate, Acclaimed, Qualified, Ace, Professional, Awesome, Aspire, Acquire, Abundance (plenty), Abundant (plentiful), Acclaim (praise), Accord (mutual understanding), Actuate (put into motion), Acuity (sharpness), Acute (perceptive), Adduce (prove, show), Adroit (skilled), Advance... the list goes on and on.

Normally, you'd also want to pick a name at the beginning of the alphabet, because that will show up early in online, alphabetized search results (say, in an online directory), or at the top of a category in a printed Yellow Pages book.

You decide. Just be sure to make sure the domain is available, and most important, PRACTICE saying your business name -- like you're answering the phone, or introducing yourself to a prospect in line at the grocery store.

The Job Search Portfolio

Editor's Note: Thanks to careers expect Carmen Croonquist, MSW for this information.

Have your clients asked you about portfolios? I have been working with portfolios for the past eight years, and am convinced that it is an excellent tool to use during the interview process, as well as for performance reviews. They provide "proof" to a potential employer that the individual has the skills and personal attributes to do the job. Job seekers who use portfolios tend to generate more job offers at higher starting salaries! Here are some guildines about portfolio development, pricing, and most importantly, how to use the portfolio effectively.

The visual appeal a portfolio offers is highly important. Rather than a notebook, I would suggest finding a professional-looking, zippered 3-ring binder. Office Max and Office Depot tend to have a good selection of varying styles; both vinyl and leather options. Try to find
one with a D-ring type of 3-ring binder, as it keeps the materials upright when presenting the portfolio contents. Other supplies: non-glare sheet protectors, tabbed dividers, professional looking paper (for section pages), and cardstock (for mounting photos or creating captions).

Basic Portfolio Guidelines:
Like an effective resume, a portfolio needs to be tailored to the field or industry that is being targeted. You will want to collect a variety of work samples from this executive that can help him demonstrate the skills and experience he has listed on his resume. Because employers are interested in learning about an individual's personal attributes and work style, examples that illustrate this can also be a good addition. Portfolio samples do not need to be restricted to paid employment, as we acquire skills and accomplishments from volunteer and community activities.

Encourage your client to look at his calendar. How is his day spent? What types of activities is he engaged in daily, and at different times of the year? What are some challenges he has faced, or problems he has solved? Ask him to begin locating and collecting work samples that reflect the skills and activities he enjoys.

Typical Contents:

• Cover page
• Table of Contents
• Section Dividers, based on the Table of Contents
• Resume
• Letters of reference
• Positive performance evaluations
• Certificates of degrees completed and continuing education
• College transcript (optional)
• Anything that reflects involvement in professional organizations
• Mission statement
• Management or leadership philosophy
• Goal statements
• Anything that depicts leadership, communication, organization, strategic planning, financial management, marketing, teamwork, positive interpersonal traits, technology skills, etc. -- the contents will vary depending on the person's experience and the industry being targeted.
• Testimonials/thank-you's (from clients, colleagues, supervisors, etc.)
• Pictures that demonstrate skills or involvement
• Newspaper clippings
• Samples of projects or reports
• Awards/honors
• Reflective statements/captions

Selecting & Sorting:
Items selected for the portfolio should be based on how effectively your client can demonstrate the personal traits, knowledge, accomplishments, transferrable skills, and experience needed for his particular field.

Recommendations on the length of a portfolio vary. I believe you can have an effective portfolio that is only 15-20 pages long. I would recommend keeping it under 50 pages, if possible (using both sides of the sheet protectors, and not including the section dividers). If the portfolio is too large, it can become unweildy, making it difficult for the job seeker to locate the item he or she would like to present (especially when under the duress of a stressful interview).

Organize the sections according to areas of skill, knowledge and experience -- reflecting the key areas of the targeted position/industry. Create tabs for each section that match the table of contents; you can also prepare summary pages at the beginning of each section.

I would suggest developing captions or reflective statements for work samples that are not "stand alone" items --i.e., the ones that wouldn't make sense without explanation to someone unfamiliar with the job seeker or his/her experience.

Using the Portfolio:
The portfolio is intended to be used to facilitate a dialogue during the interview process. Don't expect the employer to look through the entire portfolio, nor wait to be asked about it. Respond first to the interview questions being posed, providing concrete examples (I like the "STARR" technique). If there is a portfolio item that can back up the example being used, the job seeker should say: "I have an example of this in my portfolio." Don't ask whether or not they would like to see it -- pull the item out of the portfolio and hand it to the interviewer (s).

This can be a GREAT way to engage everyone involved in a panel-style interview. Don't overuse the portfolio; only show selective examples. You may want to do a practice interview with your client to make sure he is comfortable with it and has had some experience using the portfolio.

Pricing:
This is a tricky area for me to offer you assistance, as I presently do not have my own portfolio business -- I primarily do presentations and workshops on the subject. Think about how much time it will take to pull it together and how much your time is worth. The amount you charge for resume preparation can be a good guideline. Determine what parts of the portfolio
you will do, and what the client is responsible for. Will you be writing some of the documents for your client? Will you only be assembling it and doing the "finishing touches"? This can impact the price. You could also offer some type of "package deal," including a resume, portfolio and mock interview.