Help Wanted

It has often been said that your job search will probably last about one month for every $10,000 in income you were earning in your last position. In today's challenging economy, searches are taking even longer, so what can you do to stretch your severance pay and unemployment and avoid depleting your savings and retirement investments while you look for work? Today we'll talk with Dan Liehr, a Certified Financial Planner who has been through several career transitions of his own, about what you can do to manage your money while you manage your job search.

Just as most of our ancestors owned the means of production in the past, today's knowledgeable worker can opt out of working for someone else. Today we continue our discussion of what it takes to be successful as an entrepreneur, and wrap up our review of the 20 things you should consider and plan for if you want to be your own boss.

Technology, changes in the market and shifts in customer needs and preferences are constantly changing the way companies do business. Changes in lifestyle, location and personal health often motivate changes in the way we personally do business and the way we think about our work. Any or all of these factors can spark an interest in changing careers, so today we look at how to determine if a change is in order, and what you can do to plan for the journey.

Working with search firms, recruiters and employment agencies can enhance your job search efforts, but you need a clear understanding of how these relationships work, and it's important to manage these resources and activities as part of your overall strategy. We will also take a look at the pro's and con's of contract work—as an employee, and as a consultant or independent contractor.

While a Curriculum Vitae—often referred to as CV—contains information that a resume does not, some people use the terms CV and resume interchangeably. Today we'll discuss how they differ and which approach is right for you. We will also take a look at how to prepare both as well as short- and long-form biography and the importance of creating a full profile for LinkedIn.

Employee engagement and on-boarding for new employees are two very important topics that you want to consider and be aware of as you get ready to start your new job. Our guest for this episode is Tania Brammer, an HR professional who is currently serving as the director of People Engagement at HRM Innovations. She has some great tips on what to look for and what to ask for to ensure that you and your boss are on the same page and to make sure you have every opportunity to be successful in your new position.

Join us as we take a fun look at some crazy things that have happened during interviews and some truly unusual answers that should never be repeated. We will also review some tough questions that come up consistently in interview situations, provide some ideas on what they're looking for, and offer some suggestions on how you might respond.

During your search, you need to communicate effectively in person, in writing and over the phone. You also need to communicate effectively about yourself and how you contribute, about your search and where you're headed, and you need to identify and request the information and resources that will help you be successful with your search. In this episode we will examine all of these components of your communication needs and offer some tips on how to manage your communication strategy and efforts.

Today we will finish up the discussion we began last week about coping with job loss and unemployment with some suggestions about what you can do to process your feelings, frame your challenges, and begin moving forward with clarity and poise. We will also deal with a variety of frequently asked questions on a every aspect of your job search including how to secure references, how to handle thank-you letters and follow-up calls, how to determine if recruiters and contract agencies should be part of your search, and managing your time.

Job loss can be very challenging, and there is a grieving process associated with it. Understanding the issues and concerns that can come up for you if you are in this situation may help you get through a difficult time more easily. It is also a must to understand what may be coming up for the important people in your life when you are out of work, because their issues may become your issues. Learn what you can do to process your feelings, frame your challenges, and begin moving forward with clarity and poise.

Our motivation to work ranges from a need to feed our families to a desire to feed our souls. For most people, job satisfaction falls somewhere in between. Today we explore the many different ways to define success on the job and some ways to create greater alignment between the gifts we have been given and the ways we express them in our work. We'll also finish up the discussion on negotiating an offer with some tips on how to close the gap if you need or want something different from what they've offered.

Questions about your past earnings and salary expectations will come up throughout the search and selection process, so you have to be comfortable with answering them. We will also take a look at how to analyze and review a job offer, consider relocation issues, and negotiate a package that meets your needs and expectations while maintaining the trust and respect of your future employer.

Time and information are two of your most valuable resources and you have to be a good steward of both. Today we will look at all of the activities you need to manage, and working with a 40-hour work week model, we will explore how to insure a balanced approach. Your weekly plan needs to address the formal market, the informal market, working your communication plan, completing your follow-ups, and time for reflection and self-care.

Information Meetings are conversations with a purpose and they are a valuable source for input, ideas, feedback and leads. These conversations help you determine where to look, what to look for, who to talk to and how to make connections with the people who can open doors for you. When you are looking for work, there are two ways you can get inside a company. You can transport yourself through the Internet, and be one of many—or you can walk through the door because you have been invited in. Learn how to secure that invitation with your Targeted Approach Letter and Search Plan.

The selection process has more steps and more players than ever before. Some organizations can reach a decision in 30 days, and in some companies, it can take as long as 90 days or more. It's much easier to be patient with the process when you understand what's happening and why, and you will move through the selection process with greater confidence if you strategize your answers and organize your thoughts in advance of the actual interview. There are 10 questions every job seeker should be prepared to answer, and 10 questions they should be prepared to ask. Tune in this week to find out what they are!

If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there! Time and information are your most valuable resources when you are in a job search. Be a good steward of both, and you will reap more than you sow. Jump in without a plan and you could find yourself spinning your wheels. Today we'll look at the importance of having target organizations, a robust list of contacts, and a networking plan to move you forward.

Opportunities for new jobs exist in two different places—the formal market (where virtually everyone spends the majority of their time and effort), and the informal market (which most job seekers don't understand, and pursue ineffectively, if at all). This week we focus on informal opportunities and why you need a comprehensive strategy for finding and pursuing them.

Opportunities for new jobs exist in two different places—the formal market (where virtually everyone spends the majority of their time and effort), and the informal market (which most job seekers don't understand, and pursue ineffectively, if at all). In this episode we talk about why you need to spend time in both and which might be your best option given the type of search you are conducting.

There are two questions that come up repeatedly as you are looking for work. One is “Tell me a little about yourself,” and the other is “Walk me through your résumé.” This is your chance to tell your story, and you can hit a home run with both of these questions with an organized approach and some quality prep time. Be a part of this important discussion so you can put your best foot forward and make the most of your job search.

Listen in as your host Judy Pilat discusses how to make a strong first impression with a well-crafted introduction of your skills, experience and personal brand. The Career Summary is almost as important as your work history, yet many resumes don't even have one.

Tune in to this episode when your host Judy Pilat describes the key components of the résumé—which format and approach is best for you and how to organize your thoughts and information in a way that lets you put your best foot forward.