Power Up Your Personal Brand To Land Your Dream Job

Reposted from careerrealism.com

What do Sir Richard Branson and Lady Gaga have in common? The power of an instantly recognizable personal brand. And whether you are aware of it or not, you already have a personal brand. Your personal brand is both what you are known for and the experience people have of you. You might be known for your integrity. People might experience and talk about your outstanding customer service, all of this forms your personal brand.

Your challenge is knowing what your brand is and bringing ‘brand you’ alive in your next job interview. The good news is, unlike Sir Richard Branson and Lady Gaga, you do not need a marketing juggernaut to do this. The simplest, yet most powerful way to articulate your personal brand is through storytelling. Storytelling is a powerful way to communicate your personal brand because stories paint a picture, capture the imagination, and tap into appropriate emotion. Stories help your audience connect with you and your message and can influence action, in this instance landing your dream job.

The stories you share that show you are a team player, have initiative, will both help you stand out from the competition and nail that next interview.

What is an example of a great personal brand story? Even after his passing, Steve Jobs continues to inspire and engage us through the stories around his personal brand. In Walter Isaacson’s best-selling biography about Steve Jobs, there is a story that Jobs used to explain his perfectionist streak:

As a young boy, Jobs had helped his father build a fence around their backyard, and he was told they had to use just as much care on the back of the fence as on the front.

“Nobody will ever know,” young Steve said. His father replied, “But you will know.” A true craftsman uses a good piece of wood even for the back of a cabinet against the wall, his father explained, and they should do the same for the back of the fence. It was the mark of an artist to have such a passion for perfection.

Isaacson explains that Jobs applied this lesson to each and every computer machine, much to the frustration of Apple engineers who were asked to make the chips line up neatly inside a tightly sealed box. “Nobody is going to see the PC board,” one of them protested. Jobs reacted as his father had:

“I want it to be as beautiful as possible, even if it’s inside the box. A great carpenter isn’t going to use lousy wood for the back of a cabinet, even though nobody’s going to see it.”

Brand Steve Jobs stands for perfectionism in all our minds.

So, where do you start when finding stories that capture your brand? These tips will help you get started.

The first is being purposeful with your personal brand stories. Share the stories that meet the criteria the job requires. There is no point sharing a story on how you bent the rules to deliver great outcome if the job requires a stickler for rules. Pan through all your experiences both work and non-work related to find the stories that meet your purpose.

The second is use stories to support your hard data. If you have a figure like ‘I improved delivery times by 15%’, then support this with a story that shows how it impacted an individual customer. Always use both hard data and stories. The two together create a compelling case for employing you over your competitors.

And third all your stories must be authentically true. This is a “VIP,” a very important point.  In your personal life and in traditional storytelling it might be OK to make up or embellish stories but in business we cannot stress enough that your stories must be authentic.  It is simply not worth the backlash on your reputation or credibility in making up or spinning stories.

Finding and sharing purposeful authentic stories, in your next interview that articulate your personal brand, will help you instantly connect with the interviewer and be memorable for all the right reasons. Power up your personal brand using storytelling in your next job interview and you could land the job of your dreams.

Social Do's And Don'ts For Job Hunters

Reposted from informationweek.com

More and more companies are using social media to find and vet job candidates, and more and more often, social media is giving these companies reasons to not hire a candidate.

A survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder found that two in five companies are using social networking sites to research job candidates, up 37% from last year. Of these companies, 43% have found information on social media that has made them decide to not hire a candidate. On the flip side, 19% of survey respondents said they have found information on candidates' social networking profiles that caused the hiring scales to tip in their favor.   The CareerBuilder study was conducted earlier this year among more than 2,100 hiring managers and human resources professionals. Based on their responses, here are five things you should do on social media when in the market for a new position and five things that you should not do -- or stop doing, pronto.

  Do   1. Convey a professional image (57% of survey respondents said they hired job candidates based at least in part on the professional image the candidates conveyed on social media). 2. Demonstrate that you are well-rounded and have a range of interests (50%). 3. Post information to your pages that supports your professional qualifications (49%). 4. Show creativity (46%). 5. Demonstrate good communications skills (43%).   [ Here are more tips on how to do social right: 5 Social Business Mistakes You're Making. ]

  Don't   1. Post provocative or inappropriate photos or other content (50% of survey respondents said they had declined to hire job candidates at least in part because of questionable content posted on the candidates' social media profiles). 2. Include posts/photos that show drug or alcohol use (48%). 3. Bad-mouth previous employers (33%). 4. Make discriminatory comments of any kind (28%). 5. Get caught in a lie about your qualifications (24%).    

CareerBuilder recommends that anyone involved in or thinking about a job search do a Web search on themselves to see what pops up -- on social media sites and otherwise. You can bet hiring managers are doing the same.   In what other ways can social media help or hurt job candidates? How is your company using social media to recruit new employees? Please let us know in the comments section below.

How to Ace a Phone Interview

You’ve finally decided that you’re ready for the next step in your professional career. You’ve been searching job boards and applying to jobs that sound interesting to you. Finally, a note back from an employer, hoping to get you on the phone for a telephone interview. Woo!

Interviewing is one of the most nerve wrecking tasks, and not being able to see your interviewer face to face can sometimes be even more terrifying. You won’t be able to see your interviewer’s facial cues to your answers and they won’t be able to see you or sense your enthusiasm for the job.  Here are some helpful tips and tricks to get and ace that interview:

• Do your research on the company. You want to find out of this is a company that you’ll enjoy working for, and you want to make sure that it’ll be a good fit for you.  See what the company’s history is, what their stock holdings might be, and any other little tidbits that you can find about their company goals. Also, be sure that you understand the job description and the responsibilities that you will be undertaking. Coming to the interview with some prior knowledge about the company shows initiative.

• Have your resume printed out in front of you.  You might have to reference your resume to explain your duties further, report dates, etc. I suggest having an abridged copy of your resume where you can easily read off your responsibilities rather than reading the prior job descriptions right off your resume.

• Find a quiet place to take the call. Whether you have to lock yourself in your closet (make sure you have good cell signal first!) or you have a quiet working office at home, make sure there won’t be any noisy interruptions.

• Be prepared with questions for the recruiter. Always write a few questions down prior to the interview – whether it is questions about the role or questions about the company’s culture, have 3-4 on hand to ask the recruiter towards the end of the interview. If they’ve answered all of your questions and you don’t have anything else offhand that you can think about, tell them that they’ve done a great job answering all the questions you had.

• Even though you can’t see your interviewer, act as if you’re facing them! You can dress up, smile, and pretend that you’re talking to them instead of speaking through the phone. This will help make you sound more confident.

• Always have a glass of water nearby.  This serves two purposes: quenching your thirst and giving you something to pause and consider questions with.  It’s okay to take a moment to compose your thoughts when you’re asked something! Interviewers prefer a well thought out answer rather than babbling.
• When you are all done with the interview, be sure to send out a thank you note to whomever took the time to speak to you. Not only does it show that you’re appreciative that they took the time out to speak to you, it serves as a reminder of your candidacy. You can even touch briefly on why you think you’re qualified for the job; just don’t brag too much.

By Kristina Mahar
Reposted from mscareergirl.com

Let's Talk Dress Code

Over the last week or two I have been involved in various interviews for positions ranging from administrative support for executives to clerical to trades workers, and I have noticed a common thread - no one seems to know how to dress for an interview anymore (or at least many people don't).  This is disheartening to me, because it is not that difficult to do, and it makes such a difference!  Here are some examples of what not to wear that I have seen in the past couple of weeks:

Sandals/flip flops
Polo Shirts
Sun dresses (even nice heels or a sweater can't dress these up enough to pass as professional)
tank tops
tennis shoes
mini skirts
low cut tops
capri pants

Now, obviously there are exceptions to every rule, and obviously you have to use your better judgment on a case by case basis.  But generally speaking none of the above should be worn to an interview.

Here are some guidelines for proper interview attire -

For women:

Your best bet of course is always a suit.  You can never go wrong with a suit.  Suits can be expensive I know, but not impossible.

Macy's online periodically clears out their suit inventory.  I have gotten several this way over the years and never spent more than $50.

TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls (and similar stores) have beautiful suits (when they have them in stock, it's hit or miss sometimes.  That is the nature of the business they do).  The most I have ever seen for one was $100 (name brand, fully lined and gorgeous), however I found one about a month ago on the clearance rack that was just my size.  It was a lovely Calvin Klein skirt suit, and it was (no kidding) on clearance for $28.

Second hand stores are also a great place to get suits.  There is sometimes a stigma associated with these stores, and I don't understand why.  Certainly not everything on their racks are worth paying for, but if you really look you can find some steals.  I have actually found clothes there with the original price tags still on them.  So you get a brand new item for a fraction of the original cost.

If all else fails  and you don't have a suit (or can't afford or find one in one of the places listed above), wear something reserved and tasteful.  Skirts should touch the knee or just below.  Pants are of course totally acceptable, but they should fit (not too tight or loose, and the right length.  Professional length for pants means that if you have heels on the pant should hit about 1/4 to 1/2 way down the heel.  If you have flats or heels, the leg should lay straight.  It should not break.  Shirts typically should be collared, but you can get away with a nice, reserved shell if you need to.   If you wear a sleeveless shirt, you should have a jacket or cardigan over it.  Stay away from anything lacy, see-through, low cut or flashy.  Colors should be subdued, preferrably black or navy blue.

Nylons are recommended.  Shoes should be modest, complementary to the outfit, and a professional height.  Again, nothing flashy.  Closed toed is preferred.  Make sure your shoes are in good condition.  Do not wear shoes that are scratched or torn up.

For men:

A lot of what I said above can translate to men.  You should always wear a suit, and can (if you look really hard) get one at a discount store.  However, the nature of men's suits is that they need to be tailored, so that adds to the cost.  Because of this, it is acceptable to wear something else (though I do recommend investing in a suit as soon as you can afford one.  It is one of the best career tools a man can have).  Blazers, sports coats, dress shirts and ties can all be purchased very inexpensively at TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls, or even Goodwill.  Make the investment. 

If funds are too tight for this, make do with what you have.  Most men have a button up shirt, tie, and/or sports coat at home.  Wear a combination of these (preferably all 3) that are complementary to each other.  Shoes should be shined - shoe polish is not expensive and lasts forever.  They should also complement the outfit.  Socks should match the pants, and belt should match the shoes.

I have saved the pants for last, because too many men these days don't know the proper length for their pants legs.  The general consensus for professional men is that your pants should have a half break (that crease that is created when your pants hit your shoes). In order to achieve this break, your pants should hit midway between the top of your dress loafer and the top of your shoe sole.

There are other acceptable options, based on your height, but this is a good standard.  For more on this, here is a great article.

For both:

Your hair, nails, and clothing should all be tidy. Again, nothing dirty, flashy, or unkempt.  Accessories should also be tasteful and kept to a minimum. Do not wear perfume or cologne, or make sure it is very light.  The main point of all of this is to keep your resume and qualifications for the position front and center.  If you look professional, it will keep interviewers focused less on how you look, and more on how much they need to hire you!

LinkedIn Strategies That Keep You Unemployed

Here is another great article full of pointers about how not to use LinkedIn.  I think some of the key points in it can be used in other facets of your online presence, personal brand, and your resume.  Here are some thoughts.

 

People disclosing their age as the reason they do not believe they are being hired.

This does not just go for LinkedIn.  Like the article says - legally an employer cannot ask your age.  That being said, in today’s job market, employers are just looking for a reason to eliminate someone since there is an overabundance of similarly qualified candidates out there.  Do not help them put your name in the reject pile. Do your best to keep your age out of it.  Do not put it on your resume; do not put it on your LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook (if these are publicly tied to you).  Some of you will say that the employer can tell from your education and experience dates (or from your photo) what your age is.  This is true, but by you putting it out there (especially in the manner it is portrayed in the article); you indicate to them that it matters to you.  If it is important to you to point out, they may think on it more so than they would have before. 
 

 

Disclosing all the reasons they have heard so far as to why they were not offered a job.

Again like above, do not give an employer any fodder.  First of all, this sort of statement typically comes across as being whiney and/or negative.  No employer in their right mind wants to bring someone into their organization who starts off complaining.  This advice isn’t just for LinkedIn.  We are all guilty of it.  We do not get a job (because, let’s face it… no one gets every job thy interview for) and in our frustration we tell others the why and how of it.  Clearly we are not saying this as a positive thing, and negativity turns people off.  If you must say something, think of a positive spin.  For example, if they say you are overqualified find out what the next step up in the organization is and set your sights on that.  See if someone in HR or the hiring manager can give you feedback on how you can prepare yourself to be an ideal candidate for that position the next time it comes around.  Bottom line - be Proactive, not Reactive.

 

Derogatory statements about HR professionals, recruiters, and hiring managers.

Again, avoid coming off as negative at all costs.  I can’t stress this enough, and neither can the author of the article.  In a professional environment (and honestly, even in personal situations as well), you should be cautious about everything you say.  When a potential employer hears (or sees) you badmouthing a former employer, another potential employer, or anyone at all, they will automatically assume that they can count on similar treatment from you also.  It’s human nature.  If you put across a positive image, you will get one back.  If you put negativity out into the world, you will get it back.  If you are making negative or derogatory comments regarding other professionals, you might as well throw in the towel now.  You cannot ever hope to have an employer think of you as a viable candidate if all they can see is the tension and conflict your negativity will bring to their organization. 

 


The best advice I can give is this… The world is watching.  You no longer have the luxury of speaking your mind and having it stay private.  Everything you put online is permanent.  There is no taking it back, and it is difficult to separate yourself from it once it’s out there.  So be very careful what you say.  Approach your online presence as if you are already sitting in the lobby, waiting for your interview - best foot forward, on your game, and ready to set the world on fire!

5 Things You Must Do Before Applying For A Job

I read this article the other day. What a great reminder regarding cleaning up your online presence.


Never apply for a job without making sure your online presence is as ready to interview as you are. Employers will look at the online version of you before they invite the in-person version to an interview, so make sure what they see helps solidify their impression of you as a candidate. Here are five things you must do before applying for a job:

 

1. Update Your LinkedIn Profile

If you haven’t revised your LinkedIn profile since your last job, it’s time to make some updates. Rewrite your summary to include your current career objective, and ask colleagues to endorse you and provide recommendations that reflect your job search. Make sure your online resume includes all your newest accomplishments. If you don’t have a professional picture to add to your profile, it’s time to have one taken.

 

2. Update Your Social Media Profiles

It’s easy to forget to keep your social media profiles updated, especially when you have multiple accounts. Log on to each of your social media services and make sure your profile photo is current and flattering and your profile blurb is accurate. See if you can make your profiles subtly reflect your professional skills without reading like a job application; “I see your copy errors” is a good line for a Facebook profile, while “I have six years of copy editing experience and am looking for work” is too much.

While you’re at it, untag those unflattering or unwanted pics, and delete any posts or tweets that don’t reflect well on you or your candidacy.

 

3. Google Yourself

You know your potential employer is going to Google you, so go ahead and Google yourself first.
Ideally, your top results are reflections of your work and personality: they should include any articles or print media about your work at previous organizations as well as links to your LinkedIn, Facebook, and other accounts. If you have a professional blog, it should be within the first five links as well and clearly identifiable as your work.

If your Google search turns up negative results, consider a service like Reputation Changer. This service removes negative references and past mistakes on the Internet, leaving your online presence more reflective of your current skills and abilities.

 

4. Make Sure Your Personal Life Is Out Of The Focus

Many people have personal blogs, Instagrams, or Tumblrs. It’s a good idea to use avatars for personal sites in order to keep your name associated with your professional work and your personal life out of the focus.

However, if you do use an avatar or online handle, make sure to disassociate it with anything you don’t want potential employers to see. You’d be surprised how many people use their Twitter handle as their OKCupid name, for example; and even if your interviewer doesn’t search far enough to make the connection, your new colleagues certainly will. Choose anonymous, unrelated handles for dating sites, diet sites, and anything else  you don’t want your employer to see.

 

 

5. Write A Well-Placed Blog About Your Industry

Believe it or not, it’s relatively easy to get published on an online magazine’s blog section. Write a post about a discovery you made while working or your thoughts on industry trends, then submit it to Open Salon or the Huffington Post. If you know your industry reads certain blogs or online publications, submit to them as well. Remember to stay positive and write well of your industry; this isn’t just an opportunity to share your opinions, it’s an audition for future work.
People on the hiring end: how do online searches reflect your opinions of candidates?
Job interviewers: what else have you done to prepare your online reputation before applying for jobs?