Jobseekers – 10 tips to getting that job

This post was motivated by yet another TV programme “Frontline” that managed to add to the general despair and hopelessness that currently exists in the environment.
The reality is there is hope – the world is a small place and people have opportunities to get that job or create one.
The reality is also in the absence of political leadership, we need the media to be presenting pictures of possibility not just continuing to be prophets of doom and gloom.
So what can jobseekers do today to enhance their efforts to finding or creating a job – take 10!
1. Take responsibility – invest in the blame game and dilute the focus and energy required for getting that job – yes we have a complete absence of political leadership – yes we have a media that feeds off doom and gloom – nothing else but they cannot change your life – only you can choose that reality.

2. Realise that all is not lost – the majority of people cannot answer the following question at an interview “why do you want the job?” Mastery at this question will put you in the top ten per cent.

3. Go for a job in your industry of choice – don’t just go for any job energetically interviewers will know that you don’t really want it, and will wait for someone who truly does. Be prepared to work at a junior level to follow your dream – it is easier getting up the ladder than in the door.

4. Build a compelling book of evidence that will prove you truly want the job this should include highlighting past experience and Web presence on the topic.

5. Become an expert in your area – follow the 10,000 hour rule invest three hours a day on researching your passion – open your mind to creating not just finding a job.

6. Leverage power of the net to develop expert status -set up google alerts on your topics of interest- develop your own virtual research team for free.

7. Imagine attending an interview with expert status in your field – opens up subcontract possibilities – at minimum you have differentiated yourself from the competition.

8. Develop interpersonal skills simply open your eyes and be led by interviewer’s body language not your notes – awareness is key – if they are asleep they are asleep! So change strategy or choose to travel the insanity loop where you keep doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result.
9. Too often interviewers recruit those that mirror their own inadequacies or brilliance -so talent doesn’t always win the day. Be aware and mirror where they are at.

10. Have faith -true talent will always find a way.

Ten more tips to follow in due course.

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Refocus on your industry of choice

A global poll conducted by Monster.com indicated 89 percent of job seekers surveyed across Europe, the United States, and Canada would consider an industry job change in their search for new employment during this present economic climate.

The company said its Monster Global poll asked 22,444 visitors to its sites “Would you consider a job in another industry?”

If the jobseeker’s focus is now on getting a job in their industry of choice – a place where they can realise their dreams – a place where they can find a job that satisfies their values and interests; well then they are heading in the right direction.
If on the other hand they are looking to get any job in any industry; I believe they may be disappointed.
It is as challenging at the moment to get any job as opposed to going for a job in an industry that ticks all the boxes for you.
Why?
Because of the law of supply and demand. As there is an oversupply in the marketplace, employers can wait for someone who really wants their job. This will be evident within minutes as who you are screams at me without you opening your mouth!
Go for your preferred industry – build up a compelling book of evidence that you want that job which would include embracing web 2.0, and see what happens!

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Non Profit Unemployment Initiative – Lessons learned

Based on my non profit unemployment initiative experience around the country, I believe that three areas need addressing in the context of bringing the country to the next level.

1. Attitude shift amongst some of the unemployed. Unfortunately, I believe that there are too many people out there waiting for the apple to fall off the tree. The reality is that the paradigm has shifted from “instant gratification” to “ongoing graft;” if a person wants to find their dream job. Note “dream job/industry” – at this moment it is equally as difficult to find any job, as it is to find a post in your chosen discipline. The unemployed need to work smarter in addition to harder. Target your industry of choice and build a compelling case that this is your area of bliss embracing Web 2.0, to prove beyond all reason doubt that you really want that job.
2. The media needs to up it’s game in the context of providing it’s audience with balanced coverage of the days events. Currently the proliferation of doom and gloom is strangling creativity, enthusiasm and vision and making the dark hole even deeper. Many journalists told me off the record that “positivity and how to” weren’t exactly the most compelling news pieces. This was reflected in the absence of coverage with the exception of one show on the National Airwaves and papers. To reiterate, the media need to realise that people’s minds work similar to computers – Garbage in, Garbage out.

How can you expect an enthusiastic, visionary, creative population if all they are being feed with is doom and gloom, which unfortunately is then being recycled within their daily conversations. You dont have to be a motivational speaker to have worked that one out.
3. Greater cohesion amongst all the agencies and social entrepreneurs who are trying to make a difference.

The experience was very rewarding on a personal level. Considering that the average course rating was 9/10 from course attendees, it obviously gave real value to our target audience.
One piece of feedback will always stay with me: “It was the first time since I became unemployed that I didn’t feel invisible.”
As a motivational speaker, it is that type of feedback on its own that makes the journey worthwhile.

Find out why so many have recruited him as a keynote speaker in Europe, Asia and the US.

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