Job Search Secrets

The contract I was working on terminated on September 30 and I have been taking advantage of training, development, and a host of services provided by community groups, my county, and On-Line to better prepare myself for finding an income replacement.

Getting out there and doing something to keep busy is extremely important.  When you are sitting home, and displaced from your peers, the negative self talk can creep up.  The longer you sit by yourself finding your way through the maze of this new economy, the more damage you are doing.  I am not talking just about the emotional end, but keeping your skills and professional networks up to date.

I have been going to various networking groups, and following on-line newsgroups to share information on success and failures in the job search game.  The game has changed, and people not finding success are typically not changing with the times, not focused on personal development, and not keeping up to date with their skills. 

I am receiving at least 20 emails from legitimate recruiters offering positions each week.  I am getting a good 10 -15 solid job referrals/leads from people I know.  I am getting about 6 phone interviews each week and selecting who I want to meet face to face.  In fact, I have 2 interviews next week.  This really upsets my friends who have been on unemployment nearly a year and are close to exhausting all of their benefits.

What makes me special?  I am well prepared.  I made sure I had a number of "informational" interviews from various companies even though they were not hiring.  I connected with key people in my industry on-line and asked for a phone call to see what the current challenges are.  What are the strategies companies are looking at.  

I also looked very closely at job postings in my field to analyze trends of skill sets employers are looking for.  This was really critical to developing a solid resume and a continuing education plan to improve upon my skill sets.

More than one company asked me to write a statement explaining how my personal life philosophy meets their corporate culture and specifically asked how I differentiate myself from all of the other candidates.  I was also asked to explain what I have been doing with myself since my last day of work.  Employers are asking for this, before they even schedule a phone interview.  Two companies called to schedule an interview next week.  I have been playing phone tag with two others to schedule an interview time.

I was able to write volumes on my management philosophy and style.  I was able to show how I am not afraid to step outside the box to keep myself positively focused in commission sales to learn about “the green movement”.  I explained that money was not a motivating factor in this commission based venture, but the networking, relationships and education was inspiring.  I also talked about my volunteer efforts to share career management techniques at a local events.  I was able to write about various achievements that I was able to illustrate  a desire to learn, grow, and contribute to a greater cause.  What differentiated me was not only the words of my philosophy, but the evidence and achievements to back it up.

All of these commission/volunteer activities are a far cry from my career path of Operations Management, Procurement, Resourcing, and Strategic Planning but again serve an important purpose to expand my skills as a top performer and valuable asset to a would be employer.  The great people I connected with along the way are phenomenal.

Of all the seminars I have attended, you would think the meeting space would be “standing room only” given unemployment rates are at an all time high.  The truth is, the events at the Unemployment Center host maybe 12-18 unemployed/underemployed people who are looking for ways to improve their presentation. The County Library hosted an event and that number dropped to 6.  A religious organization asked I come in to present to their “unemployed/underemployed” congregation.  No one showed up.

This is really a testament to the unwillingness people have to change the way they are doing things.  It takes a lot more than sending your resume through a job board.  You need to brand yourself, have a portfolio, and be able to show you value every day.  Even when you are employed, you need to get out there and network with industry people not only to share business information but to create relationships in the event your company is looking for a solid candidate, or possibly you will need a new opportunity at some point. 

Job Search 2011

My position finally relocated out of state, and I did not follow it.  Some may think I am crazy walking away from a good paying position but I could not leave my home, my family, and my friends behind.  Geographically, I am living a dream less than 2 miles from the Ocean.  Besides, I found a GREAT hair stylist and those are hard to come by.. :D

I have been attending a lot of job fairs and I wanted to share a little bit about what I have seen and the true purpose of a job fair. 

When you go to a job fair, you really want to think of the event as a networking experience.  You want to meet the hiring managers, even other candidates who seem to have it "on the ball".  Even if the company is not hiring in your field, they may have an opening in your field in the future or they may know someone who is hiring.  I use Linked In to manage my professional contacts.  It is the preferred contact management system by most of the recruiters out there. 

When you attend a job fair, this is a time to make connections and make an impression.  You want to dress professionally.  DO NOT show up in T-shirts and ripped jeans.  You should NOT bring children.  I heard a woman argue this point in a Career Seminar claiming she wasn't paying for child care when every dollar was stretched.  I understand the woman's point, but you have to think about the message you are sending by bringing children to a professional event.  The recruiters are thinking "this candidate is not showing good judgement" or "Childcare issues, this candidate will not be able to secure a sitter and call out sick a lot". 

There is a lot of commission based work out there for anyone that wants to roll up their sleeves and start producing.  I attended a job fair, that was definitely an eye opener and all of the positions available were sales.  

I am getting price quotes and will be setting up a table to recruit for North American Power at the next event.

Most firms hiring Senior Level  salesmen are going to have certain expectations to get the job.  They want people who are established in their industry that can typically bring with them a book of business.  They will bargain with that candidate for higher commission to get that business.  If there is a Sales Mentor/Management role, they will receive additional pay for those activities and negotiate whether it is salary based or commission based on the junior employee's results.

If you are entry level and have the skill sets a reputable firm is looking for, the usual compensation is salary, paid training, plus commission for a period of time (usually two years).   A full time sales person needs to be in a financial position where they can pay their bills and most of the established firms out there with a dedication to establish a full time sales force will be in place.  If you are trying to sell (or for that matter even interview) from a place of desperation, it will backfire.  The tension in your voice and body language will come across as something duplicitous and make your customer (or potential employer) wary of you.

There are commission only positions that are very lucrative and will produce a solid income over time, but it will not fix the immediate income replacement problem.  Any commission work that requires full time commitment and takes away from your income replacement search should be well planned out.  Make sure you can afford your living expenses for 12 - 24 months before embarking commission only full time work.  

Several financial and insurance companies will bring in commission based sales folks and hire anyone off the street who wants to work.  This is well and good and a great way to get new skills, but look at the rollover rate?  How many people do NOT succeed?  I think the lack of planning and unrealistic expectations of the industry is the prime killer for these companies.  From the company standpoint, it is no risk for them and no cost to bring in a new rep if they are only paid for their production.

  

I am not a salesperson, I am an operations manager and supply chain specialist focusing on reverse logistics.  However, I do freelance recruiting receiving referral fees when a candidate is replaced.  

Traditional Positions I see coming in are IT Project Management, and Financial Industry experience.  Positions are with High End Fortune 500 Companies Salary Ranges $65K - $130K.  Positions come in randomly throughout the day. 

Commission Sales Jobs - Nation Wide for Travel Agents (which requires $319 annual fee for licensing, Training, Search Engine Access - receive 90% Agency Commission).  

Commission Sales - Non-Profits, B2B, Consumer Green energy initiatives (No Fees - No Contracts - No Risk - Commission Based - Promotion Potentials and up to $3,000 monthly bonus over commissions).   

I work in sales part time because it helps me build sales skills and communication skills allowing me to pick and choose the work I love to do. The skills I learn during the recruiting process help me discuss various industries intelligently and have a better understanding of how my skills translate into that industry as I seek new income replacement opportunities.  

Another critical benefit is the ability to network with other people.  This is critical in today's economy.  Face to face networking is the best of all scenarios.  I attend meetings with one of the firms I recruit with on a monthly basis.  Many people going into sales roles are displaced workers who will eventually get back to work.  They have become a good reference and a potential referral into their new company. Additionally, when an employer asks what I have been doing during my stint of "unemployment", I have recent and current accomplishments to put in my portfolio to keep me active and attractive to the companies hiring in my chosen field.  

The money I earn from these entrepreneurial and commission ventures is icing on the cake compared to the people I meet, the recent achievements I can add to my portfolio, and the references I have built along the way. 

A Call To Action Creating Jobs in America

What I want to write about is our way of life as we are becoming to know it that is plagued with high rates of unemployment, the largest national debt we have ever seen, and the cost of living growing out of control as gas prices at the pump rise out of control.  The recent relief has been a direct result of the release of our national oil reserves into the marketplace.  Has anyone thought what happens when that reserve dries up?  Having many co-workers and friends who have served our country (enlisted soldiers and civilians) in the Middle East, it frightens me that our futures are currently dependent on those countries in the midst of their internal political issues.  What about those factions that would do anything to destroy our way of life?  If they had the opportunity to control those reserves, what would that do to our way of life?  

On my last business trip to Maryland just before the oil reserves were released, I hit the pumps to fill my tank and paid $4.05 a gallon for regular.  Why am I grateful to be in New Jersey dancing about our low gas prices, at $3.42 a gallon.  What used to take $15 to fill the tank of my Impala  when it was bought new in 2000, has not been filled for less than $50 in over a year.  

Those that know me, and have read some of my published works in the past know how angry I was at the criminals of the oil industry for underplaying the damage BP specifically created in the Gulf.  I had fits of apoplexy over the inhumane slaughter of endangered species by burning those creatures alive with no penalties to the perpetrators.  This was the first time in 20 years or more, that I was moved to be part of the protest participating in Hands Across the Sands.

I believe America has finally had enough.  I believe that there are more people like me that want to be part of the solution.  There are people across the northeast gratefully paying alternative energy suppliers anywhere from $20 - $50 a month just to be a retailer for a third party wholesaler.  They do this because they want to be part of the solution and jumped at the opportunity.

As a consumer, there are many choices in the deregulated states.  There are a hundred small regional companies that are buying green energy in bulk and using brokers to resell to consumers and businesses promising tremendous savings.  I have heard stories and did a little research and specific to NJ, a co-worker has a representative come to her house and try to guilt her into making a decision that minute to sign a contract for 18 years.  When I checked the rates, They were $0.03 higher than the traditional utility company in her area.  When I did some digging about that company on the internet, I learned of a $250 cancellation fee to get out of the contract as well at a $1 charged each month for supplier administrative fees.  So the moral is buyer beware.  Compare your rates and really understand your choices.

I was on the phone last night with an amazing man, Mr. John Costino who shared with me a vision that is becoming a reality.  He warned that many of these alternative energy brokers offering “green alternatives” charge more than the utility company because they are third party suppliers marking up the service to turn a profit. There isn’t a company out there other than North American Power that is the energy producer cutting out the middle man and passing on those savings making 100% green energy at a current lower rate than most of the traditional utility companies.  The company is spending the bulk of its investment capital on the creation, research, development, and sustainability of green energy.  They are building not just a small wind or solar farm here and there, they are looking to build on a larger scale.  Going out as a broker and selling the service is going to create commission sales jobs, but what about the construction of these power plants and renewable energy farms?  What about the day to day operations that are involved with running a power plant and the jobs that will create?  

Most people do not have $10-$15 million laying around to invest in this future of clean energy to reduce our reliance on oil but together, we can create that revenue and make that happen by passing along the information.  But what is exciting and new, is that anyone in America can step up who believes we need to change the way we consume energy can participate in this National Movement.  What is it worth to you?

North American wanted to open the door and connected with Dr. Deepak Chopra, a medical doctor, public speaker, educator, and writer who began his medical career as an endocrinologist and later changed his focus to a mind-body-spirit approach.  He evaluated the business model, evaluated the opportunity and was so impressed with the business plan, he called it the perfect opportunity for everyone.  Anyone can be given a chance to participate and profit from the national green energy movement with NO INVESTMENT and NO RISK.  There isn’t a business in the world that offers that to everyone.  He also looked at the philanthropic efforts giving Millions to charities every year.  

On July 16, 2011 North American is doing something that no other company in the United States is able to do.  There will be the launch of an exciting National Program that will jumpstart and expedite the development of green energy plants, even in the states that are regulated.  Anyone across the country who has had enough, will be able to participate in building a better future.

I am putting forth a call to action to join this national movement to be part of the energy solution.  All I am asking is that you take it upon yourself to evaluate North American Power, their leadership, their business model, and their philanthropic works.  Compare the power rates with your current utility provider.  I am sure you will see the importance in this movement to create energy that is Made in America, and pass along the information.  If you like what you see, I invite you to join us not only as a customer, but as a partner in creating positive change.

If you are in NJ anytime through July 16, 2011 contact me right away and reserve your spot.   Meet Mr. Costino and Dr. Deepak Chopra.  

More information:

24/7 Recording:  614-715-3800  PIN# 69545#

Website:  www.njnap.com

Email:  Jennifer@njnap.com