MJSW Networking Group Schedule 05/29/12 - 06/08/12 - Great Information and Networking - Check it out!

Minneapolis Job Support Workshop The Ten Most Dreaded Interview Questions - and Then Some

The Minneapolis Job Support Workshop is dedicated to providing job seekers and those looking to enhance their career with valuable workshops aimed at making the job seeking process easier and more effective. We are a non-profit organization run by volunteers. We ask for donations to cover our costs of marketing these workshops to people such as yourself. We ask that you forward our emails to individuals you know who need our assistance. Thank you! For more information about the Minneapolis Job Support Workshop, visit our web site at www.mjsw.org

Tuesday, May 29, 6:30 p.m. The Ten Most Dreaded Interview Questions - and Then Some - John Wetzel of Right Management No matter how much we practice, there are certain interview questions that we dread. They may be as general as "Tell me something about yourself" or as specific as "Tell me about a time that ..." Then there are the questions about strengths and weaknesses, questions about salary, and the question "If you were a tree, what kind of a tree would you be?" No matter how many times we rehearse responses to these questions, we still struggle. Join us for a session to explore the ins and outs of interviewing, especially as they relate to YOUR most dreaded questions. Be prepared to practice your interviewing skills and think through the best answers to these ten questions, as well as others that you have. The presenter is John Wetzel, managing director of the Minneapolis Job Support Workshop and Vice President of Executive Services at Right Management, a premier career transition firm that covers all the building blocks of job search. He has assisted hundreds and hundreds of job seekers during his years at Right Management and as a leader with MJSW. You do not need to register in advance. Attendance is free, although you are encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation of $3.00. Friday, June 1, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Interviewing and Networking Tune-up - Stan Brown of Stan Brown + Associates This group meets in room 108. Please join us for a unique opportunity to fine-tune your interviewing and networking skills. Each week's session is different so job seekers can come repeatedly or caually and gain either way. Participants are videoed almost every week so that they can see themselves responding to interview questions. The originator and facilitator of the Interviewing & Networking Tune-Up is Stan Brown, a job search and career coach who has worked with people in transition since 1992. He is also the Founder and Board Chair of the Minneapolis Job Support Workshop. He has worked individually with hundreds of job seekers and has made hundreds of group presentations about job search. In his coaching practice, he utilizes a four-step process of assessment, strategy, building powerful tools and fulfilling results. There is no need to register in advance. The session is free, but a voluntary donation of $3.00 is suggested. Tuesday, June 5, 6:30 p.m. LinkedIn for Your Job Search - Sandy Zeiszler of MoxzClicks This is the second in a series of sessions on Social Media. Each session is independent, so you do not have to have attended the first session. In today's world, it is essential that those in job transition are familiar with and utilize all forms of social media. The one that is most frequently used - and most respected - at all levels in the world of work is LinkedIn. Whether you are seeking an entry-level or an executive position, you need to "be in" and use Linkedin to its full advantage. Join us for a session dedicated to the ins and outs of LinkedIn and how best to use it in YOUR job search. Our presenter is Sandy Zeizler. Sandy is a Training Specialist with over 15 years experience working in corporate America in a variety of roles, including computer training and support and as a project manager in marketing. She enjoys providing 1 to 1 and small group training to business owners in a relaxed, easy going and at your own pace environment. Training topics include MSOffice Suite and web-based applications such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Web design. She can help you break down the barriers of technology allowing you to be more productive. "We are placing a great emphasis on social media," said Stan Brown, Board Chair of the Minneapolis Job Support Workshop, "because we feel that these devices are very useful in job search and networking in general. Having only one-shot programs does not do these topics justice." You do not need to register in advance. Attendance is free, although you are encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation of $3.00. Friday, June 8, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Interviewing and Networking Tune-up - Stan Brown of Stan Brown+ Associates See description for June 1.

MJSW Networking Group - Friday Morning Interviewing & Networking Tune-Up w/Stan Brown

Interviewing & Networking Tune-Up An educational and participative program of the... Minneapolis Job Support Workshop for Managers, Professionals & Others Program for Friday, May 25, 2012

Dear Todd, This is the plan for Friday, May 25: This week's meeting on Friday of the Interviewing & Networking Tune-Up will address a very common and quite important interview question and look into an aspect of networking that may make it easier to feel comfortable with networking. Interviewing This question is so commonly asked that any job seeker needs a prepared framework for a response: "To begin, why don't you tell me about yourself?" We will examine and practice the character and the chronological approches to a response.

Networking What does one do to give back to the person you network with? It is sort of like the idea of exchanging gifts. There will be several examples presented and an open discussion on this topic. This is intended to give a framework to aid the job seeker's networking efforts.

Our meetings are in Room 108 of Christ Presbyterian Church [NE corner of 70th St. and Hwy. 100 in Edina] from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. There is always coffee, some pastry and other treats and soft drinks. And the session does not require a reservation; it is free although donations are appreciated ($3 is suggested.) Hope to see you then. Best regards, Stan Brown

4 un-common sense “Teases” to include in a great cover letter - Redux

To reiterate Monday’s blog entry - YOU are selling YOU, sell like your life is on the line.

The ONLY purpose of the cover letter is to get someone to read your résumé.

Most employers spend only about 15 – 20 seconds glancing at your cover letter, so it should be short, easy to read (using bullets) and tell a compelling story or tease.

1)    The best tease is to start by thinking what the best candidate in the world would deliver.

So SHOW don’t TELL them in your first sentence you can deliver these things.

Using this tease, you just told them you can deliver exactly the results they are looking for.

2)    Most people send a form cover letter to all firms. Employers are genuinely impressed when you show that you have researched their organization and understand their situation. Demonstrate your knowledge and put in a line that shows you’ve done your homework.

Now you’ve told them you are a stellar performer who can deliver exactly what they want and that you are experienced in meeting some of the specific challenges their organization faces.

3)    Here is where you compare their wants and desires to your deliverables in three to five bullets that prove you can deliver results. Bullets make the letter easy to read and simple for you to customize by swapping some bullets in for others depending on what they want. The buzzwords for bullets is quantify or qualify your accomplishments as much as possible. This is not the time for a narrative.

Now’s the time to put your money where your mouth is - prove it.

4)    Now you’ve proved you are a superstar and now is the time to bring it home. Your closing should make them WANT to read your résumé, teasing them that there is a lot more to know, and informing them that you will be calling in a few days to find out more about the position or answer any additional questions they may have about your candidacy.

Now is crunch time - In your call, and you WILL call them, you’ll further demonstrate your strengths and knowledge by asking pointed and thoughtful questions that indicate you know their challenges and are truly interested in this position.

Any Questions??? Then ‘nuff said. Go write that cover letter that will get you and your résumé on the way to the interview room.

4 un-common sense “Teases” to include in a great cover letter

You should always send a cover letter. Unlike the résumé however, this should be written in 3^rd person. YOU are selling YOU, sell like your life is on the line.

Even though statistics show 40 - 60% of employers don’t read them and the others scan it in 5-10 seconds. With that being said, how do you craft a cover letter that quickly captures their attention?

The ONLY purpose of the cover letter is to get someone to read your résumé.

The cover letter is a much maligned document. Some people believe it should be an encapsulated version of your résumé. Others feel that it should be a stand-alone piece where you get to give your philosophy of why you are the best and why reading your résumé will NOT be a waste of their time. My personal feeling is that the cover letter should be like a really great movie trailer – a teaser if you will – of what is to come. What is better, a picture of a piece of apple pie, or the scent wafting from the kitchen? Make your cover letter be the scent of what is to come.

Most employers spend only about 15 – 20 seconds glancing at your cover letter, so it should be short, easy to read (using bullets) and tell a compelling story or tease.

1)    The best tease is to start by thinking what the best candidate in the world would deliver.

Employers hiring in sales want to hear about setting sales records (overachieving quota), expanding the customer base, and earning customer loyalty. If they are hiring a project manager, employers want to see a consistent track record of delivering projects on time and with a high level of quality. The same for manufacturing, the key deliverables are productivity, safety, quality and cost improvements. So SHOW don’t TELL them in your first sentence you can deliver these things.

I have over 11 years of experience leading manufacturing operations to previously unprecedented levels in productivity, profitability and safety.

I can set new sales records, grow your market share and turn average performers into superstars for your firm.

I have over 7 years of experience leading high visibility, complex projects and have earned a sterling reputation for beating aggressive deadlines thus bringing internal/external customer satisfaction to new heights.

Using this tease, you just told them you can deliver exactly the results they are looking for.

2)    Most people send a form cover letter to all firms. Employers are genuinely impressed when you show that you have researched their organization and understand their situation. Demonstrate your knowledge and put in a line that shows you’ve done your homework.

I’ve followed what your company has been doing for a number of years. Armed with the knowledge that you’re opening a new operation in Baltimore, I know you will need someone like me who is experienced in startups.

Your recent acquisition of XYZ tells me that you can benefit from someone like me, who has extensive HR experience managing the chaos of merging new personnel and corporate cultures.

Now you’ve told them you are a stellar performer who can deliver exactly what they want and that you are experienced in meeting some of the specific challenges their organization faces. Now’s the time to put your money where your mouth is - prove it.

3)    Here is where you compare their wants and desires to your deliverables in three to five bullets that prove you can deliver results. Bullets make the letter easy to read and simple for you to customize by swapping some bullets in for others depending on what they want. The buzzwords for bullets is quantify or qualify your accomplishments as much as possible. This is not the time for a narrative.

I have supervised and processed numerous turnarounds and exceeded expectations in each instance. As Office Manager at one of the largest staffing firms in the United States, I reduced overtime needs by over 20%, increased retention of temp-to-hire employees by 38%, expanded job satisfaction standards by 17% and reduced overhead costs by 33%.

I have 11 years of business to business sales experience at such firms as Microsoft, Apple  and Hewlett Packard, achieving top ranked performance in every position. My deliverables include increases as much as 210% of sales targets and ranking in the Top 3 every year for the past 9 years.

4)    Now you’ve proved you are a superstar and now is the time to bring it home. Your closing should make them WANT to read your résumé, teasing them that there is a lot more to know, and informing them that you will be calling in a few days to find out more about the position or answer any additional questions they may have about your candidacy.

Now is crunch time - In your call, and you WILL call them, you’ll further demonstrate your strengths and knowledge by asking pointed and thoughtful questions that indicate you know their challenges and are truly interested in this position.

Employers notice people who call showing not only interest, but also knowledge, and this is your opportunity to build a relationship with the decision makers who hold the key to your next job.

Follow these simple teases in your writing, and you and your cover letter will rise to the top of the pile for reads and interviews.

MJSW Friday Program ~ Interviewing & Networking Tune-Up

Interviewing & Networking Tune-Up A program of the... Minneapolis Job Support Workshop for Managers, Professionals & Others Events for Friday, May 18, 2012

Dear Todd, This is the plan for Friday, May 18: This week's meeting on Friday of the Interviewing & Networking Tune-Up continues to work towards our goal of interesting and sometimes challenging programs. But it is much better to be challenged here than in a live interview. Interviewing For many, this is the most difficult question you can be asked in an interview. The session, of course, provides the opportunity to hear how others handle the question as well as the practice of handling it yourself: "Why did you leave your last place of employment?"

Networking In the networking portion of the meeting, we will provide the opportunity for anyone to comment further on the subject of shyness which was covered last week. Then, we will have our second networking contest with a prize for the winner. The aim will be to demonstrate, in a meaningful way, an aspect of networking and it should be a lot of fun for everybody. The details will be a secret for now.

Our meetings are in Room 108 of Christ Presbyterian Church [NE corner of 70th St. and Hwy. 100 in Edina] from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. There is always coffee, some pastry and other treats and soft drinks. And the session does not require a reservation; it is free although donations are appreciated ($3 is suggested.) Hope to see you then. Best regards, Stan Brown

5 Tips That Your Résumé is Old School - Redux

The workplace is not what it was five, ten or definitely 15 years ago. Neither is the job hunt.

Again, welcome to 2012 and this quick rework of Monday’s blog entry, for those of you who are hooked on Cliffs Notes, this one’s for you.

#1: One Page Is OUT – certain exceptions allowed.

One page résumés are for those who are just entering the workforce or have spent a considerable amount of time at one employer. That being said, the top 1/3 to ½ of the first page needs to be a grabber for the person reviewing it.

#2: Objectives are SO 1987

You are looking to gain more experience in your chosen field, that being of the company to which you’re applying. Your interest in the job implies that. You don’t really need to repeat it at the very top of your résumé.

At this point in the selection process, hiring managers are far more interested in what YOU can do for THEM, rather than what THEY can do for YOU.

#3: “References available upon request”

Prepare your list of references with contact details and your relationship to each. Keep it in your portfolio until you’re further along in the selection process as you don’t want to annoy your referees with repeated contact by employers who are less than serious about you. Most respectable employers wouldn’t bother to contact a reference until they are fully ready to make you an offer. Bonus points – try to make your list as long as possible so you have certain people to choose from if you are going for a job that your normal reference people may not have information about.

#4: You attach it to your email as a Word document?

Convert it to a PDF before sending. A PDF document just looks neater and even if you’ve gone crazy with the formatting, it will show up correctly on the hiring manager’s computer no matter what their settings.

Stick to PDF. It’s the only surefire way to display your résumé exactly as you intended it and most word type programs have an automatic conversion link, USE IT!

#5: Do you list every job you’ve ever had in chronological order? WHY?

Experience alone does not a job fit make in 2012. Today, the person who’s most talented, has the most relevant skill set, and has proven to be most valuable to his or her former employers gets the job. Also, if you can show how your skills transfer to the new employer and job tasks, you’ll win big bonus points and put yourself on the next level of candidates. If you want to be that person, make sure your résumé tells them why.
Do not list jobs that are irrelevant to the one you’re applying for just to make the 2 page quota. Try this instead: expand on the jobs that are relevant. Focus on measurable achievements using quantifiable and qualitative statements for each role as opposed to a play-by-play of your daily responsibilities.

5 Tips That Your Résumé is Old School

The workplace is not what it was five, ten or definitely 15 years ago. Neither is the job hunt.

The most successful candidates are those who are ready and willing to adapt to a changing landscape. But it doesn’t matter how ready you are for the modern workplace if your résumé’s straight out of 1989.
And sometimes, it’s the smallest details that make all the difference.

Does your résumé speak to the modern hiring manager here in 2012? Or does it need an EXTREME makeover?

Your résumé might be old school if…

#1: One Page Is OUT – certain exceptions allowed.

If, you’ve reduced your font size to eight, eliminated margins altogether and left out key information about yourself, all to conform to that age-old “one page résumé” rule, then you’ve made a BIG mistake. Think about this, would a recent college graduate need the same amount of résumé space as someone who’s been in the workforce for more than a dozen years? NO.

Don’t misunderstand me on this point: your résumé should be concise and to the point. Recruiters and HR personnel are very busy people and they don’t have the time or patience to read long-winded career chronologies, this isn’t “Gone With The Wind”. If your experience warrants two pages, by all means, don’t limit yourself to one and conversely, if you are a college professor or highly specialized researcher, two may not be the end, but only the beginning for you.

Just to reiterate, one page résumés are for those who are just entering the workforce or have spent a considerable amount of time at one employer. That being said, the top 1/3 to ½ of the first page needs to be a grabber for the person reviewing it.

#2: Objectives are SO 1987

You are looking to gain more experience in your chosen field, that being of the company to which you’re applying. Your interest in the job implies that. You don’t really need to repeat it at the very top of your résumé.

At this point in the selection process, hiring managers are far more interested in what YOU can do for THEM, rather than what THEY can do for YOU.

If you want to explain why you’re applying for the job, use your cover letter. Résumé space is far too valuable to waste on information that is both redundant and inconsequential. Think of your résumé as a 30 second commercial during the Superbowl – do you really want to waste over $1,000,000 dollars or the potential to land an interview with something that will make anyone change the channel?

#3: “References available upon request”

REALLY???  Do you really need to say so? The hiring manager can only assume that if they ask you for references, you’ll provide them. What, are you going to say “no?” This is a pet peeve of HR people, the world over. It may have been in vogue 30 years ago, but today, with text, internet, smartphone and many other forms of instant communication, they can get what they need from you within the next 12 seconds.

Instead, prepare your list of references with contact details and your relationship to each. Keep it in your portfolio until you’re further along in the selection process — you don’t want to annoy your referees with repeated contact by employers who are less than serious about you. Most respectable employers wouldn’t bother to contact a reference until they are fully ready to make you an offer. Bonus points – try to make your list as long as possible so you have certain people to choose from if you are going for a job that your normal reference people may not have information about.

#4: You attach it to your email as a Word document?

You will not automatically be penalized for emailing a Word document, but there’s a lot to be said for converting it to a PDF before sending. A PDF document just looks neater and even if you’ve gone crazy with the formatting, it will show up correctly on the hiring manager’s computer no matter what their settings. Do you really want those squiggly red lines showing up under your former company’s name, your previous job title or your last name?

Stick to PDF. It’s the only surefire way to display your résumé exactly as you intended it and most word type programs have an automatic conversion link, USE IT!

#5: Do you list every job you’ve ever had in chronological order? WHY?

In the good old days, the person with the most experience got the job. Many in the workforce today still think it should be that way, yours truly included. Experience alone does not a job fit make in 2012. Today, the person who’s most talented, has the most relevant skill set, and has proven to be most valuable to his or her former employers gets the job. Also, if you can show how your skills transfer to the new employer and job tasks, you’ll win big bonus points and put yourself on the next level of candidates.

If you want to be that person, make sure your résumé tells them why. Do not list jobs that are irrelevant to the one you’re applying for just to make the 2 page quota. Try this instead: expand on the jobs that are relevant. Focus on measurable achievements using quantifiable and qualitative statements for each role as opposed to a play-by-play of your daily responsibilities. The old school narrative format is dead and gone. If the résumé review personnel of 2012 want to read a book, they’ll pull out their Kindles, grab a double-half-caf-mochachino, put on some shades and a floppy hat and head for the beach.