Seeking New Opportunities The Email You Write

Seeking New Opportunities The Email You Write I recently got an email from a friend who just got laid off and thought I would share how I would coach this person to write it differently. I know this person, trust this person, and would help this person as much as I can which is a little different than those out-of-the-blue, cold-contact from strangers emails you get from LinkedIn. Im sure youve either sent something similar, or youve gotten something like this. First, the email: (1) Jason, (2) I hope you and your family are doing well. (3) I am currently seeking new opportunities. (4) I have been let go from my previous employer after a restructuring. (5) If you hear of any opportunities (6)  for someone of my skill-set, I would greatly appreciate any recommendation you can give me. (7) Thanks dude. (8) Best wishes, [name] (9) I was delighted to get this email since it was from a friend I hadnt heard from in at least a couple of years, probably more.  The email was good, but it was definitely lacking.  Heres what I recommend: (1) Keep my first name there just like you have it (and dont put dear). This makes it personal and I know Im not on a bulk email, althought if I were on a bulk email from this person, it would be okay (because of our past relationship and trust). (2) Keep the first sentence, which puts it at the friend-level, before anything else. (3) Im glad to cut to the chase and hear that you are looking for a new gig (or, opportunities).  Immediately my attention is gotten and kept.  Good. (4) The sentence that you got let go, and keeping it from sounding bitter, is perfect.  Nothing more to say.  Dont lay blame, dont assume blame, dont sound jaded just state that much and lets move on to the purpose of this communication. (5)  Good let me know how I can help you is essentially tapping into the hidden job market. (6) Okay now this is where you lost me.  You see I dont know what your current skill-set is. It has been a long time since we worked together.  But honestly, even if we worked together yesterday, I think you should explicitly state what your skill-set is.  I dont know if you want me to focus on your software skills, or your customer skills, or your product management skills, or your project management skills, or your management skills. Or, you could be interested in some other skill-set that I dont associate with you, but others might.  I need you to explicitely spell this out, and I would do it concisely (not all of your skills, but the ones you are most interested in) in another paragraph (just to keep a good amount of white space in this email). Heres what I would include in this email, which I think will immensely help others help you (which is what you want to do, right?): Im specifically looking for a role at a company in the x, y, or z industries.  Something like CompanyA, CompanyB, or CompanyC would be awesome, but those arent the only companies Im looking for.  My title might be software developer, programmer, senior program, or something similar.  Do you know any9one at those companies, or do you know anyone with those titles, that you could introduce me to so I could have a short conversation with them?  Do you know of other companies or people I should talk to? The first part of this short paragraph expands their vision of where I want to end up, and what I want to do.  The last two questions are yes/no questions easy for them to answer. (7) I was a little on the fence about this, but this totally fits this guys personality. (8)Get ending but. (9) I would LOVE to get a link to your LinkedIn Profile, at a minimum, and perhaps a personal website or blog where I can read up on you, your projects, etc.  Give me some meat so I can stalk you for a few minutes, and perhaps jog my memory of all of your professional coolness so I feel confident in recommending you. So thats about it a real world email from someone looking for help, and two main things I would add. I have some video courses you can watch to bring you up to speed on some of these things. Remember, watch a full course, at no cost, and you get an additional 7 days of premium on JibberJobber.  Video explaining this here. Pluralsight courses I recommend related to this post: Informational Interviews (once you get introductions, this is your next step) Effective Email Communication Designing a Killer Job Search Strategy Developing a Killer Personal Brand LinkedIn Strategy: Optimize Your Profile LinkedIn: Proactive Strategies Resumes and Self-marketing for Software Developers Career Management 2.0 To watch these for free, and get 7 days JibberJobber premium for each course you watch, watch this video: Seeking New Opportunities The Email You Write I recently got an email from a friend who just got laid off and thought I would share how I would coach this person to write it differently. I know this person, trust this person, and would help this person as much as I can which is a little different than those out-of-the-blue, cold-contact from strangers emails you get from LinkedIn. Im sure youve either sent something similar, or youve gotten something like this. First, the email: (1) Jason, (2) I hope you and your family are doing well. (3) I am currently seeking new opportunities. (4) I have been let go from my previous employer after a restructuring. (5) If you hear of any opportunities (6)  for someone of my skill-set, I would greatly appreciate any recommendation you can give me. (7) Thanks dude. (8) Best wishes, [name] (9) I was delighted to get this email since it was from a friend I hadnt heard from in at least a couple of years, probably more.  The email was good, but it was definitely lacking.  Heres what I recommend: (1) Keep my first name there just like you have it (and dont put dear). This makes it personal and I know Im not on a bulk email, althought if I were on a bulk email from this person, it would be okay (because of our past relationship and trust). (2) Keep the first sentence, which puts it at the friend-level, before anything else. (3) Im glad to cut to the chase and hear that you are looking for a new gig (or, opportunities).  Immediately my attention is gotten and kept.  Good. (4) The sentence that you got let go, and keeping it from sounding bitter, is perfect.  Nothing more to say.  Dont lay blame, dont assume blame, dont sound jaded just state that much and lets move on to the purpose of this communication. (5)  Good let me know how I can help you is essentially tapping into the hidden job market. (6) Okay now this is where you lost me.  You see I dont know what your current skill-set is. It has been a long time since we worked together.  But honestly, even if we worked together yesterday, I think you should explicitly state what your skill-set is.  I dont know if you want me to focus on your software skills, or your customer skills, or your product management skills, or your project management skills, or your management skills. Or, you could be interested in some other skill-set that I dont associate with you, but others might.  I need you to explicitely spell this out, and I would do it concisely (not all of your skills, but the ones you are most interested in) in another paragraph (just to keep a good amount of white space in this email). Heres what I would include in this email, which I think will immensely help others help you (which is what you want to do, right?): Im specifically looking for a role at a company in the x, y, or z industries.  Something like CompanyA, CompanyB, or CompanyC would be awesome, but those arent the only companies Im looking for.  My title might be software developer, programmer, senior program, or something similar.  Do you know any9one at those companies, or do you know anyone with those titles, that you could introduce me to so I could have a short conversation with them?  Do you know of other companies or people I should talk to? The first part of this short paragraph expands their vision of where I want to end up, and what I want to do.  The last two questions are yes/no questions easy for them to answer. (7) I was a little on the fence about this, but this totally fits this guys personality. (8)Get ending but. (9) I would LOVE to get a link to your LinkedIn Profile, at a minimum, and perhaps a personal website or blog where I can read up on you, your projects, etc.  Give me some meat so I can stalk you for a few minutes, and perhaps jog my memory of all of your professional coolness so I feel confident in recommending you. So thats about it a real world email from someone looking for help, and two main things I would add. I have some video courses you can watch to bring you up to speed on some of these things. Remember, watch a full course, at no cost, and you get an additional 7 days of premium on JibberJobber.  Video explaining this here. Pluralsight courses I recommend related to this post: Informational Interviews (once you get introductions, this is your next step) Effective Email Communication Designing a Killer Job Search Strategy Developing a Killer Personal Brand LinkedIn Strategy: Optimize Your Profile LinkedIn: Proactive Strategies Resumes and Self-marketing for Software Developers Career Management 2.0 To watch these for free, and get 7 days JibberJobber premium for each course you watch, watch this video:

Summary For Resume Writing - Why Employers Use The Summary For Resume Writing

Summary For Resume Writing - Why Employers Use The Summary For Resume WritingIf you're trying to compile a list of possible job titles for your summary for resume writing, you might be surprised to learn that the office of human resources and information technology are your best choices. The reason is that they have a long history of being one of the most effective companies in providing employee services. They have proven to be very effective at creating an environment that will help get you hired and keep you employed even after you have started your career as a job applicant.The first thing you need to do is decide on the purpose of your resume. After you have chosen the title that will be your summary for resume writing, you must then choose the specific job title that will represent that job. The summary for resume writing should also provide a brief description of the job and the specific responsibilities for the job.An important part of your summary for resume writing is the d ate. It is important to point out when you took the job, because it can actually be significant for your future employer. For example, if you take the job in September, you might be a month away from qualifying for the next federal wage increase and this could also be a good time to look for a raise yourself. However, if you take the job in April, you may have to wait a year before another federal wage increase could benefit you.The summary for resume writing is also the beginning of the job search. You can use the summary for resume writing to reveal the details of the job, such as salary range, location, job duties, qualifications, and additional details that will help you create a written job application. The summary for resume writing is also the first thing that an employer will see, so you should include all the essential details about the job. Keep the summary for resume writing as concise as possible, because an employer is only going to read one paragraph and you do not wan t them reading a million words on just one position.Thetitle of the summary for resume writing is usually followed by a summary for the job description or a summary for the title. This is used to give information about the job to someone who might not be familiar with the specific duties and responsibilities for the job. In this way, you can let them know what the job entails, but they will still need to visit the company website for more details.The summary for resume writing is also used to offer any additional skills that the job might require. If the employee is required to have knowledge of any particular type of software, you can include this in the summary for resume writing to avoid the employee having to hunt for the software or spending a lot of time researching it on their own.Finally, the summary for resume writing will offer some information about the job itself and what kind of work and environment the employer expects to have. This includes things like benefits, work environment, schedule, and other requirements that are expected from the job.Summary for resume writing is an important part of your job search. The summary for resume writing can help make your job search go much faster, and you will be able to narrow down your search much more efficiently. Using this guide, you will be able to prepare a comprehensive summary for resume writing.

5 Steps to Look Gorgeous and Sophisticated on Your Graduation Day

5 Steps to Look Gorgeous and Sophisticated on Your Graduation Day One of the things you look forward to most when you are in the senior most class is your graduation day. It’s a wonderful feeling.   You are left both happy and teary-eyed.   It is a great moment of pride. And special occasions deserve special dresses.   In this post we give you five easy steps to look innocent, beautiful and sophisticated at the same time. This may or may not have been the final step that you were expecting to look gorgeous on your graduation day. But do not underestimate its importance. Most institutions nowadays encourage students to talk about their experiences and their future plans on the graduation day, rather than simply focus on lectures from the alumni and the dignitaries. They want to know what the students felt about the institution, their teachers, and the memories they will carry forever. Hence, it is important that you have a speech ready, a heartfelt speech written by you. Even if you are asked to speak impromptu, you will not falter or feel at a loss for words. You can always volunteer to say something about your alma mater yourself, before you enter a new phase of your life. A confident and honest speech will strike chords and may very well make you the school hero on graduation day.

5 Tips on How to Effectively Communicate with Your Manager -

5 Tips on How to Effectively Communicate with Your Manager - Let’s face it. When it comes to open communication in the workplace, there is a very thin line between hired and fired. Often times women of color are seen as overly aggressive when trying to communicate their thoughts, which leads many to shut off the notion of open communication at all. We all know that issues are bound to come up when dealing with different personalities, so how do you effectively communicate with your manager to be happier in your workplace? Julia Rock, a supervisor at a Fortune 500 Company, certified career coach, and owner of  Rock Career Development  breaks down 5 steps on how to effectively communicate at your workplace. Utilize formal feedback sessions  â€" If your manager schedules monthly one-on-one sessions with you, use that time to share some of your concerns. Many times your manager may come into that session with pre-planned topics, so feel free to alert them in advance that there are topics you would like to discuss as well. Prepare and practice in advance of the conversation so that you will be able to effectively communicate what specific issues you are facing and potential solutions. This helps to ensure you don’t waste your manager’s time or don’t come across as just venting or complaining. Opt for in-person, verbal communication instead of email â€" Your tone can either get misconstrued or lost in written communication.   So make an effort to discuss sensitive issues with your manager face-to-face. This allows them to hear your tone, read your body language, and better understand the gravity of the concern you are expressing. In addition, the continued face time helps you maintain a stronger personal relationship. Develop a method for real-time communication  â€" If you are facing issues that are causing you discomfort in the workplace, it’s imperative that your manager is made aware early and often. You don’t have to wait until there is a scheduled conversation/meeting. Request just a short amount of time (perhaps 10-15 minutes) to discuss. You can even offer to purchase your manager a cup of coffee from the cafeteria or nearby coffee shop to help keep the meeting informal while you communicate your concerns. Find whatever system will work for you  while still being considerate of your manager’s time. Invest time in developing a relationship with your manager  â€" The most important relationship you will ever have at your company will be with your manager. They should be your biggest advocate and supporter, seeking ways to enable you in your career.   Therefore, it is important to make sure you develop an organic relationship that allows for open honesty and trust. You shouldn’t only find time to speak with your manager when you have an issue. Stop by their office intermittently to simply ask how things are going.   If they’ve been tasked with a project, offer to assist in planning or coordination. Skip lunch with your girlfriends occasionally. Go out with your manager to just sit down and get to know one another. It is much easier to communicate with people that you are comfortable with and have already established a rapport with.   So taking time to build a strong relationship with your manager will help to relieve the pressure on future conversations when there are real problems to resolve. Tap into your circle  â€" If you have trusted confidantes, particularly other women of color at your company, make an effort to get their perspective on how to potentially communicate issues to your manager. This is especially important when there is a more serious or sensitive matter that may trigger a negative discussion. A close confidante can serve as a neutral third party who can objectively listen to you as you voice your concerns and can give you feedback as to your delivery and how your points may be received. Communication truly is key and proper communication is essential. Remember these 5 steps to help you facilitate a happy work environment that is conducive to your personal ethos. To learn more about Julia and her career services, visit  Rock Career Development. This guest post was authored by Julie Rock Julie  is a certified professional resume writer, employment interview professional, and career consultant. In 2007, while pursuing her Bachelors degree, she found her passion in helping others achieve their full career potential.   In 2013, Julia launched Rock Career Development.   She is dedicated to help job seekers and career changers take the guesswork out of the job search.

Important Information About Cover Letters

Important Information About Cover LettersWhen you are writing a resume, consider including a cover letter to introduce yourself and set the tone for your resume. You should send a cover letter to prospective employers before they actually see your resume. Your resume is a representation of you want to make sure that potential employers will be able to get a good picture of who you are as a person.The purpose of the resume is to show an employer that you are the best choice for the job. To accomplish this, you need to have a professional, well-written resume to show employers what you are worth. By including a cover letter, it will give employers a glimpse into your personality.The process of editing your own cover letter will be slightly different than editing other people's resumes. This is because you are applying for a job that has already been filled and the objective for this resume is to show the employer why you are the best candidate for the position. In order to make your re sume stand out, you will need to include some unique information about yourself that others are not including in their resumes.A first important aspect of your cover letter is to include your contact information. You want to be certain that you include a business or home phone number and an email address. You will also want to include your physical address.A very important aspect of a cover letter is to include a letter of recommendation from a family member, friend, or coworker. This is to demonstrate to the employer that you have real experience. If there is no reference from a current employer, then you will need to research to find a current employer that will write a letter for you.After you have completed your resume, you may wish to use this letter as a tool for creating a resume that includes a few different sections. Itis important to understand that this resume is only a representation of you and will not include all of the information that you will include when applying f or a job. If you have already applied for a job, you will want to update the resume with the information you have gained during your employment history search.By incorporating a cover letter into your resume, you are placing the opportunity for a job interview squarely in the hands of the employer. They can use your cover letter as an opportunity to really hear you and find out more about who you are. They can also review your resume and see if you really qualify for the position you are applying for.As you continue your career and begin to apply for more jobs, you will likely want to include a cover letter as part of your resume. By incorporating a cover letter into your resume, you will increase your chances of being called in for an interview. You will also help the employer decide whether or not you are the right candidate for the job by including a well-written cover letter.

Format Wars Whats the Best Way to Showcase Your Media CV - CareerAlley

Format Wars What’s the Best Way to Showcase Your Media CV - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Live out of your imagination, not your history. Stephen Covey In the last few years, the humble CV has advanced in leaps and bounds. What was once a simple sheet of A4 two if you were feeling flash has now mutated into a dizzying array of media formats. If youre applying to media jobs, it stands to reason that you may wish to present your CV using a medium that is in keeping with the industry youre entering. Thus, if youre trying for a digital media job, you might wish to digitally display your CV via an online hosting site. Likewise, if youre applying for a job in film or television, why not create a video resum? After all, proving just how at ease you are in front of the camera cant do your employment prospects any harm surely? Even if you do have the gravitas of a news anchorman and the oratory skills of a presidential frontrunner, thats not to say you should reach for the record button however. When applying for jobs especially in new media the temptation is to demonstrate just how at ease you are with technology. Theres nothing wrong with that, but dont let the message get lost in the medium: if youre truly the outstanding candidate, with the most relevant skills and experience, you could probably scribble your resum on the back of a napkin and still get hired. Conversely, even the most polished online CV will not withstand scrutiny if theres nothing on it worth scrutinising. Another innovative take on the trusty curriculum vitae is The Social CV. This online portal aggregates data from your various social media accounts into a single webpage, enabling prospective employers to glean a measure of you the person at a glance. The trouble with this, of course, is that many people are accustomed to blurting out the sort of status updates and tweets that they would never dare utter in the workplace. The Social CV is a clever concept, but one that could come back to haunt you. While video resums, digital CVs and social media aggregators can get you so far, its what you say not how you say it that will ultimately determine whether or not you land that coveted media job. In spite of technological advances, the CV, in paper form, is still going strong. If in doubt as to the efficacy of a new format, you could do a lot worse than to stick with what you know. Media Week Jobs specialise in listing the latest advertising manager jobs, broadcast jobs and TV jobs from direct employers and recruitment agencies. Good luck in your search.

Book review Orbiting the giant hairball - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Book review Orbiting the giant hairball - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog Gordon Mackenzie spent 20 years working for Hallmark, and his experiences there have enabled him to write what he calls a corporate fools guide to surviving with grace. Theres no doubt that Gordon is a free spirit, and here he shares the mindset and that allowed him to survive and prosper in a large, conservative organization. Thats how he came up with the mental image of the corporate hairball a disgusting but instructive metaphor This hairball comprises all the red tape, all the hidden assumptions, all the unavoidable history and entangled bureaucracy of any organization. The author describes how to orbit the hairball; keep so much momentum that you dont get sucked into the hairball, but not so much that you tear yourself away from it altogether. The book itself is short, and most of its knowledge is communicated through some great anecdotes, and some even better drawings by the author (he did work on greeting cards fopr a long time after all). So the book is big on story, short on theory. And it works perfectly. This is a happy book! To me, the central insight of the book, is that Gordon MacKenzie is not afraid of being a fool and that this is how he achieves many of his successes. So people laugh at him and his ideas thats fine with him. Reading this book certainly put a huge smile on my face. Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related