Friday, May 29, 2020

The power of targeting and alignment

The power of targeting and alignment When I started JibberJobber people would ask who is this for?  Or, who is your target market/audience? I would say, enthusiastically, EVERYONE!! Of course, all job seekers should use it. Thats a no-brainer. But if you are applying to colleges and you want to keep track of those applications and follow-up, JibberJobber would be great, right?  If a grandma, far removed from her career, wants to keep track of the birthdays of her grandkids and grand-nephews and grand-neices and inlaw, etc., she could simply set up JibberJobber to get birthday reminders. Pretty awesome, huh? Yes, it is pretty awesome. However, in this message of everyone people start to hear everyone except me, specifically, because Im unique. My product was aligned towards these three groups of people (job seekers, college hopefuls, and grandmas) but my messaging started to say we dont focus enough on a particular problem to the point of being expert at that problem. And people look for the expert solution. Last week a good friend asked me to review her resume. Ironic, because I had just written this post: “Will you review my resume?” How to Review someone’s resume One of my questions to her was what job is this for? What will you use this to apply to? Her resume was general, covering what she thought was her accomplishments and skills, and it could be used to apply to a variety of jobs (kind of).  At least, it wasnt targeting one particular job. It wasnt limiting her to a job. In short, my response was that this was a great start at creating what we call her master resume. A master resume has EVERYTHING on it, and can easily be pages and pages long.  You never send someone a master resume, but you use it to create a targeted resume. Why? Because the master resume doesnt have the right marketing message, and we all know that a resume is a marketing document. The master resume says Ive done a lot of amazing things, and Im probably great at most things, while the targeted resume says Im the right person for THIS job, and heres proof. You use language and substantiation that is aligned with THAT role. I cant overstate this enough. Years ago, when I was in my job search (Jan 2006) I used a resume that was NOT aligned with the jobs I was applying to.  Guess how well that went? If you want to me like me, one of the biggest job search failures, use a general purpose or good enough for anything resume. If you want to land a job, make sure your resume is 100% aligned with the role you are applying to. I know its extra work, but its work that is imperative. The power of targeting and alignment When I started JibberJobber people would ask who is this for?  Or, who is your target market/audience? I would say, enthusiastically, EVERYONE!! Of course, all job seekers should use it. Thats a no-brainer. But if you are applying to colleges and you want to keep track of those applications and follow-up, JibberJobber would be great, right?  If a grandma, far removed from her career, wants to keep track of the birthdays of her grandkids and grand-nephews and grand-neices and inlaw, etc., she could simply set up JibberJobber to get birthday reminders. Pretty awesome, huh? Yes, it is pretty awesome. However, in this message of everyone people start to hear everyone except me, specifically, because Im unique. My product was aligned towards these three groups of people (job seekers, college hopefuls, and grandmas) but my messaging started to say we dont focus enough on a particular problem to the point of being expert at that problem. And people look for the expert solution. Last week a good friend asked me to review her resume. Ironic, because I had just written this post: “Will you review my resume?” How to Review someone’s resume One of my questions to her was what job is this for? What will you use this to apply to? Her resume was general, covering what she thought was her accomplishments and skills, and it could be used to apply to a variety of jobs (kind of).  At least, it wasnt targeting one particular job. It wasnt limiting her to a job. In short, my response was that this was a great start at creating what we call her master resume. A master resume has EVERYTHING on it, and can easily be pages and pages long.  You never send someone a master resume, but you use it to create a targeted resume. Why? Because the master resume doesnt have the right marketing message, and we all know that a resume is a marketing document. The master resume says Ive done a lot of amazing things, and Im probably great at most things, while the targeted resume says Im the right person for THIS job, and heres proof. You use language and substantiation that is aligned with THAT role. I cant overstate this enough. Years ago, when I was in my job search (Jan 2006) I used a resume that was NOT aligned with the jobs I was applying to.  Guess how well that went? If you want to me like me, one of the biggest job search failures, use a general purpose or good enough for anything resume. If you want to land a job, make sure your resume is 100% aligned with the role you are applying to. I know its extra work, but its work that is imperative.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

3 Unusual Weekend Activities You Should Try When In Costa Rica

3 Unusual Weekend Activities You Should Try When In Costa Rica Costa Rica is the poster child for the vast Central American region. It is the land of sun, fun and a million places to explore. Whether you are seeking adventure, exploring nature, or just out to get some sun, Costa Rica has it all. But to get the most out of your trip, it’s important to for you to have an idea of the kind of activities you want to do during your stay. With the secret beaches, the exorbitant jungles and the tropical beaches overlooking the picturesque coastlines, Costa Rica has something in store for every kind of traveler. Coming up with a travel itinerary can be tricky because there is so much to choose from and you may not want to miss anything. Experts say that when visiting a new place, ensure that the activities that are unique to that location top your list so that your experience will be memorable and completely unique. If you are looking to indulge in unique and unusual activities that most people ignore when they visit Costa Rica, here is a brief guide to get you started: Go Bird Watching Costa Rica is the ideal location for bird watching enthusiasts. It is home to the largest variety of tropical birds with over 800 bird species identifies. And you don’t even have to go far or cross the deepest jungles just to see some of these exotic species! You can spot them even in the comfort of your room. Arm yourself with your binoculars, notebook and your preferred equipment then head out to witness some of nature’s finest bird species. If you want to optimize your bird watching experience, it would be wise to sign up for a guided bird tour. The experts that organize this activity are well versed in the best places to find bird species that will definitely blow your mind. Mud Baths and Hot Springs Spend your afternoons soaking in the naturally occurring volcanic ash mud baths around Costa Rica. Mud baths are popularly used for softening and getting rid of impurities from the skin. The volcanic ash is laden with minerals that are healthy for the skin and body.   After a mud bath, you are assured of better blood circulation, smoother skin, relaxed muscles and a feeling of relaxation. You can then head over to the hot springs and soak your body. Take in the lush environment while getting the best natural benefits from Mother Nature’s own spa. Explore the Cloud Forest In the Dead of the Night Since you’re here, you must be looking for experiences that you are going to remember for the rest of your life. There is nothing as exhilarating as walking through the deepest depths of the rainforests of Costa Rica. You can choose to go on a guided tour or just gather all your bravery and take the tour with some of the locals. Right after sunset, get your hiking gear ready and set out to interact with some of the nocturnal creatures of the forest. You will get a chance to see the forest in its most natural form and ultimately gain a new perspective on what happens there when the rest of Costa Rica goes to sleep.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation Welcome to my new weekly post called Monday Motivation! Every Monday morning, I will share with you some of my favorite links around the web. These may be about personal development, goals, career development, networking,.who knows! I promise you that these tips will be a great start to your busy week and you will be able to use some of these tips at work or at home this week. Feel free to share in the comments how these tips have helped you or add your own positive and motivating tip! Have a wonderful week! Here are a few great posts around the web to start your week off right! The Busy Womans Guide to Saving Money at Lunch by Corporette Love these tips from the online magazine bizMe.biz on Leadership: Leading from the middle.   When was the last time you asked your boss  what you can do to  help or you asked the office assistant how his or her day was going?   Do these tips in this article and you will start rising the ranks in no time! Fellow MBA student, Jeremy C. Wilson, learned these  Five Leadership Lessons  while going to lunch with the Chairman of his firm.   My favorite lesson is  that in order to make it to the top of a company, you have to do something that you are passionate about. Best Get-Ahead Books for Alpha Females from Marie-Claire.   I am definitely adding these books  to my reading list! “Take your work seriously and yourself lightly.” Bob Nelson (Author of 1001 Ways to Reward Employees)

Monday, May 18, 2020

HR Assistant Job Description Sample - Algrim.co

HR Assistant Job Description Sample - Algrim.co Hr Assistant Job Description Template Download our job description template in Word or PDF format. Instant download. No email required. Download Template Using Your Template Follow these instructions to use your new job description template Step one: Fill out all details in your job description template using the provided sample on this page. Step two: Customize your requirements or duties to anything special to your workplace. Be sure to speak with team members and managers to gauge what's required of the position. Step three: When the census of the team has agreed on the description of the work, add in a Equal Employment Opportunity statement to the bottom of your job description. Step four: Check with your legal department, management team, and other team members to ensure the job description looks correct before creating a job advertisement. Choose a job board that's specific to your needs. Related Hiring Resources HR Assistant Cover Letter Sample

Friday, May 15, 2020

Using a Resume Cheat Sheet - Why It Can Help You

Using a Resume Cheat Sheet - Why It Can Help YouUsing a resume cheat sheet can be one of the best ways to help you create your job hunting tool box. You will want to make sure that you use this right, so it will help you in the end. Having a resource that is specifically created for job hunting can make a huge difference.Resume books are easy to find, and they will come with a hefty price tag. However, you can get an easy to follow and use resume book that will work for you. The trick is to find a resource that is designed specifically for job searching.It can be difficult to find a resource that will help you get the right job search. While the search engine seems to be working great, it does not bring you where you need to go. This is where the online resume guide will come in handy.A resume cheat sheet is a resource that can show you how to design your resume. If you are interested in creating one for yourself, it can be helpful. If you are looking for a guide for a specific posit ion, you will have to look elsewhere.When searching for these free resources, you will need to make sure that they do in fact contain everything that you need. Most sites will give you some sort of outline for your resume. Then you will need to find the information that you need.When you are getting your resume together, it will usually look the same as everybody else's, but the layout may look a certain way that will need to be adjusted. This is where using a resume cheat sheet will come in handy. This way, you can adjust the layout, format, and even use different fonts.Finding a good resource is important if you want to land the job of your dreams. You want to be prepared when a company needs a resume in a hurry. Being prepared is the key to your success.Always keep in mind that a resume is going to be one of the most important things in your life. If you do not know how to create one, it can be quite frustrating. Using a resume cheat sheet can make your job hunting experience muc h easier.

Friday, May 8, 2020

45 and Over The Hill - Jane Jackson Career

45 and Over The Hill - Jane Jackson Career According to studies since 2012, Australians over 45, who are considered by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as mature aged workers, contribute $65 billion to the economy annually.So, with the mature age workforce such a benefit to the economy, why is there this perception that there is ageism in the workplace?According to an article in the Australian Financial Review on 10th July 2015, the Westpac Women of Influence  Report questioned nearly 1200 women and more than 500 men, earning over $85,000 a year and in senior leadership positions with responsibility for business performance or managing a team.What they found was, older workers are thought to be more  expensive to retain than hiring young people, and have outdated skills.   However, nine out of the 10  people surveyed said older workers are underused, and that workplace diversity, which includes diversity of age, gender and cultural backgrounds, is good for business.     In fact, a 3 per cent increase in mature-aged partici pation above what is now expected,   would add $33 billion to the GDP.So it makes perfect sense to remove the stigma that mature age workers are stuck in their ways and behind on new methodology and technology and appreciate the benefits that come with experience, extensive knowledge and maturity.For the mature age worker, it is their responsibility to maintain an open, positive and adaptable outlook, to be willing to learn, to be willing to adapt to changing circumstances and to maintain health and vitality during what, I believe, is the perfect time for professional and personal growth.For those who are struggling with securing another role due to what they perceive is agism, here are some actions points that will help you to progress in the job search:STEP 1: Reset your mindsetMaintain your confidence (you are still the same competent and capable professional you were at the beginning of this process.) Be fearless and know the value you have to offer employers â€" an amazing resu me isn’t much use in the hands of a depressed candidateSTEP 2: Identify your goals and values Create clear and concise career goals that align with your values. Be sure you know what you want so you can focus your efforts in the right places.STEP 3: Identify and nurture your refereesIdentify those who will be strong referees for you. Choose previous managers, co-workers, customers or vendors who know you in a professional capacity and think you are GREAT! Let them know your progress so you can prepare them when a reference check is imminent.STEP 4: Create your action planIt’s much easier to get to your destination if you have a roadmap. Let your action plan guide you with the tasks you need to complete on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Set your own KPI’s (e.g. How many calls to your network will you make each day to set up how many meetings each week? How many hours will you spend each day researching companies, contacting recruitment agents, making applications, etc?) Ha ving set targets to reach each day gives you regular small ‘wins’, ensures a sense of accomplishment and gets you closer to securing that interview.STEP 5: Identify whom you know in your target marketThis process should primarily be a people search, not a job search. People are the ones who make the hiring decisions. Online Job Boards are part of the process however your network will point you in the right direction. The right people can recommend you to those who are decision makers in your target market. Use LinkedIn to find out who can link you to people who can provide information, advice, guidance and, if you play your cards right, referrals to those who can get you in front of people who, in turn, can get you closer to the decision makers. (It’s a step-by-step process, sometimes it’s one step forward, one step back, so learn to dance in the moment!)STEP 6: Identify your economic value to an organizationIdentify your economic value and the organisational worth you bring to the companies in your target market. What will resonate best with the hiring manager? Research the challenges the department, the team or the manager is experiencing â€" you can use this information in your applications to stand out from other candidates.STEP 7: Prepare your written and verbal introductionMake sure you know what you want to get across in your career summary in your resume, in the opening paragraphs of your cover letter and when meeting with your network. What are you going to tell people about yourself? What is most relevant? Here’s a guide to your introduction if you get stuck.STEP 8: Tailor your applicationCreate a powerful cover letter and resume; make them high-impact documents that communicate your ability to produce results. Provide proven examples of success in areas that are relevant to the role. If you need help with this, click here. Pick up the phone first when responding to an advertised position. By speaking with the advertiser you give yourself a chance to market yourself even before submitting the application. By asking for more information you may gain valuable insights so you can tailor your cover letter and resume accordingly.STEP 9: Practice self-careTake good care of yourself. Create a routine that feels good, take time every day to release tension â€" exercise, meditate, prepare nutritious, regular meals, get enough sleep. Schedule some time to meet up with your friends and allow yourself time to relax.? When you get called in for an interview, you want to be well prepared and confident, not frazzled and exhausted.STEP 10: Reassess every 2 weeks Identify the strategies in your action plan (networking, working with recruiters, online applications and target marketing) that work for you and reassess what is not working. Focus on what yields the best results for you while keeping in mind that the majority of your time expanding your network in your target area. Jane Jackson is a Career Management Coach and Author of #1 Amazon Australia (Careers) Bestseller, Navigating Career Crossroads. Click here for the paperback version or here for the eBook.Listen to Jane’s career podcasts on iTunes: Jane Jackson Careers To book in for a chat about changing career direction with Jane, click here