Last time we connected, I gave some tips and advice on setting yourself up to win during a job search. Another aspect of the search is creating a brand of YOU, Inc. that is distinct and truly makes you feel good about yourself.
CURATE YOUR CONTENT
Remember that baby book you put together for your first baby…? Think of how lovingly (or not) you curated each photo and note. How carefully you put together a perfect little book of “Look what I did”.
Now, do it for yourself in your career.
Get a portfolio of what you have done all in one place. Whether it’s an electronic folder or a notebook or a box with all your projects, put everything that you deserve a pat on the back for in one spot.
List awards, websites, articles, publications, campaigns, projects, implementations, courses you’ve developed/ delivered/ made happen. Look at your work. You did that. Congratulations. No amount of “I don’t have a job,” can take away from what you have done previously. Nothing can take away your accomplishments.
I have a list at the back of my notebook that says “I did this,” with my successes, triumphs and projects from the year. I take the last day of the month and write out everything I have done that I deserve praise for. Because you are your own boss and this is a way for your boss to reflect on your accomplishments. This helps me to remember that although my brain feels like mush, I am valuable, I am accomplished, and this too shall pass.
Having this portfolio gets me ready for an interview. I can review it and create the stories needed for questions that start with….“Tell me a time when…” I feel prepped for the big conversations about my value, my accomplishments, and the types of roles I can step into.
MAKE TIME TO NETWORK
For folks like me who love to talk, this may seem easy. IT’S NOT!!! You have to go out and meet people and really you’d rather play with your toddlers or candy crush and drink wine alone or write a blog.
Start with the low hanging fruit—former co-workers you liked, people in groups you have an interest in, parents at school. Talk to them. Let them know that you are on the hunt for the next spectacular adventure. And then ask them if they have any leads, let them know what you are in the market for, and something might pop!
Here’s a page straight from my playbook: “Hi, I don’t know if you heard but I’m in a career transition and going a little bonkers being at home all the time, searching. Let’s plan a playdate for our monsters and we can talk work and mom shop. I could use you to bounce ideas off of as our kids bounce off the walls. I’ll bring snacks….sound good?”
This has worked every time. Because of my transition and my honesty with it, other moms started connecting and an email group was started for those that are looking. Best value add, my girls now have a number of kids to play with and I am not the meanest mommy in the world!
Garth Books/Billy Joel said it best. I’m Shameless. It wasn’t my choice to not have a job, I can’t hide it, and someone is looking for me to add value to their company. I tell everyone I’m in a career transition. I never know who will know the person who is looking for my needle in their haystack.
I met someone at Church who has girls about the same age and bonded. We planned for a Whine/Wine night on her front porch. After 2 bottles and countless laughs, she is now speaking my name to other people she meets about my skills. I have a contact for a potential consulting gig because of my networking. Being shameless works in your favor, and you might actually get a new Mom friend!
CONNECT WITH SOCIAL MEDIA WITH PRECISION
Now is not a time to be quiet on social media. Let people know, in your own way, that you are in a career transition and open to connecting. I have found on more than one occasion, just by reaching out on a Facebook status update, I have LOTS of people routing for me.
I also connected with two grammar school friends who are recruiters, a couple of folks from high school that work for global corps, and countless former colleagues that have recommended me on LinkedIn or passed leads my way.
In fact, a couple days ago my LinkedIn profile was featured on the Today Show in a segment with Suzy Welch. It wasn’t that the producer was searching around online and found me, she was at her desk, a former classmate of mine walked by, they connected and shared their difficulties of the day. During the exchange, the producer told her about an upcoming segment, and my classmate said “I might have someone for you.” That someone was me.
For LinkedIn media presence, update your profile AFTER you have turned off your notifications. Email contacts and ask for recommendations for your work. Link with former colleagues or co-workers, friends, family, people you know. Write recommendations for others that you have worked with. Connect with recruiters in your industry or geographic location (or locations where you want to be).
What ends up happening when you connect on social media is that you are in the forefront of people’s minds. They know you, they know your skills, and most times want to assist in some way. Keeping posts light and fresh, but keeping yourself out there is a good way to cast a wide net for those that are willing to support you.
UPDATE YOUR SKILLS
A friend introduced me to someone who may be hiring. During the networking conversation, she indicated that I would be more suitable for something else, but I didn’t know the computer software the job would require.
I asked for a week to put a proposal together, and hid out in my office. In a few short hours with my buddies YouTube and Lynda.com, I was able to learn the software enough to put a presentation together and outline what I could do for them.
While in your job search, take the time to read and research directions that your industry or profession may be going. Then do a very quick inventory on where you are currently in your skill-set and determine if there are gaps. For me, I am an excellent Training Director and Instructor but my gap is in developing e-learning. I’ve taken on building my muscles in that area by researching technologies, companies and software, and practicing on material I had created for a classroom.
PLAY AND GET CREATIVE
Here’s the fun part. You have no one to hold you accountable for your search. It’s not like a job where people are waiting on you for a deadline, so if it’s all imaginary, then have some fun with it.
Adding in play to a very serious search has allowed me to breathe and dream a bit. Right now, I get to create the most ideal position with the most ideal company and when plopped back into reality, I see if it matches up!
– Create a vision/ inspiration board filled with positive things that you want in your life. I use magazines, quotes, fabric and colors to inspire me. Write out in detail what a day in your new (made up) position will feel like.
– Make a 3×5 card with the offer on it. Include title, salary, bonus, benefits, vacation, start date– anything you can think of that you would want.
– Write an offer letter to yourself from the view of the hiring manager. Include all the reasons why you are a perfect match, and how excited they are about you coming to your new job.
Think about it, the kind of imaginative play we want our children to do somehow eludes us as adults. Why not pump yourself up with your creativity, and then use it as a touchstone during the dark days of searching? I know that my 3×5 index card (that I carry everywhere with me) with my “Job Offer” helps me focus on the positions that I want, not just on the ones I can get.
Playing doesn’t seem like it would be a part of curating your content in a very serious, no nonsense, buckle down and get a job, except it is exactly what you need. That freedom to air out your head and have fun might shake something loose inside yourself.
Again, when it seems like all you are doing is searching through job postings, take a step back and breathe. Play and get creative, update your skills and connect on social media. This will give you opportunities to network and get all your accomplishments in one space. Because no one else can Curate the Content of YOU!
Do you have any tips to add? Comment below!
