Billie Sucher Blog

700 Characters to Résumé Success Via a Think Tweet Mentality

I love the feedback I get regarding Twitter when I am teaching a client to integrate a “Think Tweet” concept into résumé writing.

Tweet? What is a tweet?

Twitter? – can’t say that I have heard of it!

What the #$%^ is a “think tweet” concept?

Tweets -- would that be about birds or something?

Nope, Twitter is Twitter! Twitter rocks. Twitter is not about birds, unless of course you post tweets about birds.

If you do not get Twitter, participate in posting tweets, or connect with people on Twitter, I hope you will be open to considering how a “Think Tweet” concept is most applicable to professional / executive résumé writing and job interviewing.

One of the activities I invite clients to consider in crafting a rock-solid profile on their résumé (I love profiles – not everyone does) is to prepare five of the most relevant, compelling, supportive, and essential pieces of direct evidence they can produce to prove to a prospective employer that their candidacy warrants an interview.

HOMEWORK EXERCISE:

Compile five of your very best tweets in the space below, proving first to self, then to others, that you are a rock-solid contender for the job to which you aspire. When you have the tweet completed, review your entry for number of characters with spaces. If the number of characters with spaces exceeds 140, then rewrite your thought (tweet) until it complies with the Twitter standard. Not only will this exercise help you improve your résumé profile and overall résumé-writing abilities, it will also enhance your interview skills as you will know with intention and purpose what to say when the FAQ Tell Me About Yourself is asked. Good luck and happy tweeting!

Job Target/Title: ____________________ 

Five Tweets of Your Best Direct Evidence Showing Proof That You Are A Worthy Candidate for the Job.

                                                                                                                                                                                                               ProofProof Proof #1 – 140 characters with spaces

Proof #2 – 140 characters with spaces

Proof #3 – 140 characters with spaces

Proof #4 – 140 characters with spaces

Proof #5 – 140 characters with spaces

140 x 5 = 700 characters with spaces to success.

Think Tweet, thanks to Twitter!

P.S. Feel free to follow me on Twitter for more job search tips and tweets: @billiesucher 

Darning Your Professional Life

Forgiveness is the needle that knows how to mend. ~ Jewel

In a recent chat with a family member, the subject of darning entered the conversation. Darning is an age-old tradition that perhaps your grandmother or great-grandmother performed. Mine did, although I never mastered the task. Perhaps you have and still carry on such a practice.

What I did find fascinating about the darning process was that of watching my grandmother restore her socks to good use again through the simple feat of darning. I would sit beside her and watch as the darning needle did its magic in weaving new life into tattered stockings.

Sometimes, I would get to hold the yarn. Sometimes,  the ball of yarn would get away from me and there it would go -- bouncing and rolling across the floor, unraveling into a mess of yarn that I tried to return to its original state, though it never seemed to look the same as before. Grandmother didn’t seem to mind.

Unraveling.

My client used that word the other day to describe his current “between jobs” status.

“I feel like my life is unraveling before my very eyes.”

“My plan to change jobs unraveled before I had a chance to get another one.”

“With the new boss, everything seemed to unravel.”

What, if anything, is unraveling in your professional life?

What steps are you taking and what strategies are you using to mend your situation?

How are you darning your professional life to good health and new purpose?

Poets don't draw. They unravel their handwriting and then tie it up again, but differently. ~ Jean Cocteau 

Memorial Weekend 2012 ~ Remembering

Service

Selfless

 

Sacrifice

 

Struggles

 

Honoring

 

Remembering

 

Respect

Regard

 

 

 

Grateful

 

 

Gratitude

 

Appreciation.

 

Acknowledgement.

Heartfelt.

Thank You.

 

Does Your Résumé Suck? 22 Things to Consider

A recent conversation with a business executive started with “Basically, I am here today because a recruiter told me my résumé sucks and they don’t want to work with me until I get it in better shape. I am hoping you can help me.”  His words reminded me of a blog post I had written a while ago titled Your Résumé Sucks If…

• a recruiter, hiring manager or HR manager can’t get the gist of you and your story in less than 10 seconds --and five seconds, even better!
• you can’t stand to look at your own résumé because you dislike it so much.
• it is loaded with buzz words and meaningless filler you copied from the Internet.
• it looks like a template.
• it is longer than two pages.
• it doesn’t sound authentic – like you’re a real person who solves real problems.
• it contains lies of any variety – big or little.
• it contains exaggerated job titles.
• it doesn’t showcase your key successes, achievements and accomplishments.
• it doesn’t integrate a present-future focus along with your past employment record.
• it looks like 250 other résumés in the pile.
• it doesn’t sound like you.
• it lacks a flow and good organization.
• it reads like a job description.
• it isn’t inviting to view, either online or offline.
• it is a boring account of your work history.
• it doesn’t provide direct evidence (proof) as to why your qualifications warrant an interview.
• it contains errors of any variety.
• it doesn’t represent you with excellence in your absence.
• it gives the reader one single reason to not speak with you.
• it doesn’t exemplify the very best of you and your amazing brand.
• it doesn’t generate any action for you.

Does your résumé suck?

How Do You Get Courage?

Last week, one of my clients asked me this question:

How do you get courage?

How do you get courage, anyway? Are you born with it? Is it in your DNA? Does a teacher teach it? Do you acquire it with time and experience? Is it something you pick up along the way?

As a job seeker, how do you get courage? As an employee, how do you get courage? As a small business owner, how do you get courage? As the leader of a global organization, how do you get courage? Some thoughts for job seekers:

Compile a list of your top three to five fears. Beside each fear, write a strategy on how you can move from fear to finding a coping mechanism that works for you, not against you, in managing your fear(s). Then, put the strategy into action, modifying as needed to support your goal of getting courage.

Observe individuals who you believe to have courage. What are they doing that you aren’t? Schedule a time to meet with them, if it is possible, and ask them this simple question:  How do you get courage? Listen to what they say and if it seems applicable to you and your brand, go for it!

Understand that moving from a lack of courage to gaining some courage, let alone an abundance of it, is a process that takes time, effort and commitment.

Reward yourself on a consistent basis. Think of a small reward that won’t break the bank, yet signals to self that you are worthy of the prize based on your performance.

Ask your circle of influence for ideas on how to find courage. Out of all the ideas, make a list and display it in a prominent place to serve as a constant reminder of how to get courage.

Give back and get involved. When the focus is other-driven and outwardly directed, you may find yourself so immersed in serving someone that you forget that you don’t have courage. That act alone of helping someone, especially in a time of need, takes courage.

Enroll in a Toastmasters International program. In my opinion, it is the single best courage-builder I have yet to encounter in my professional life. Graduate school was awesome. Continuing education is important. For me though, Toastmasters was a life-changer and a game-changer in courage.

How do you find courage?

 "There are three essentials to leadership: humility, clarity and courage."
Chan Master Fuchan Yuan

Job Loss: He Said What?

In graduate school, I recall taking a Stress Management course. I also recall learning that next to death and divorce, job loss is a leading stress inducer. And with the loss of a job, all shapes and sorts of emotions emerge (or not) in response to the event. Some of my clients cry. Others get angry. Some find themselves in a state of depression. Some ride an emotional roller coaster that goes up in the morning and crashes down in the afternoon. Regardless of how a client responds to his or her loss, I frequently hear this:

“I can’t believe she said that to me” or “I can't believe how insensitive his remarks were.”

Here are a few examples of what clients have been told this year as a result of losing their job:

“Too bad you lost your job – the market sucks.”

“You’ll be unemployed a long time in this economy.”

“Welcome to the ranks of the unemployed –  good luck with that.”

“Sure hope  you’ve signed up for unemployment – you’ll need it!”

“Glad I’m not in your shoes if you know what I mean.”

“It’s tough out there – glad I still have a job as much as I hate it.”

“Hope you don’t lose your house over this.”

“Well, I suppose “Charlie” won’t be going off to college now.”

“You must have really irritated the wrong person.”

And on and on and on the list goes.  

While the above comments may have been well-intentioned, it surely stings for the person who hears them. If you know someone who has lost a job, perhaps you will consider engaging them via the following conversation starters:

What can I do to help?

I am sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts.

Please let me know what I can do to lend a hand.

Here’s my business card – let’s have coffee next week.

When you are ready to chat, I have a couple of ideas for you.

Let me know how you are doing – feel free to call my cell at this number.

Let’s stay in touch – I’ll check in with you next Monday first thing, okay?

I understand how you are feeling – I lost my job three years ago. When it’s convenient to visit, I can tell you what worked and what didn’t in finding a new job.

Have you considered talking to a career pro – here’s the name of someone I really trust – he helped me a lot.

Want to grab a cup of coffee and talk – I’m game if you are.

I read a really good book about job loss – let me track it down and get it to you right away.

I have some free tickets for the ballgame – want to go? I’d like to introduce you to some friends.

The next time you bump into a person who has lost a job, consider this:

Will what you say make the person feel better or worse about their current in-transition status?

Kuh-hoh-neys and Your Job Search

I love listening to my clients – they always keep me thinking.

And what I have been thinking about of recent is this word:  kahonies – a word a client used to describe her former boss. She said that her boss had “no kahonies” which, in part, is why she no longer has a job, or so she thinks.

Kahonies – I looked for a meaning of the word and came up with two things:

1. That my spelling of kahonies is incorrect and that the correct spelling is: cojones and
2. A definition: In English, as a loanword, it means courage, brazenness, "nerve", "guts", etc.

If you are looking to change jobs – or find a new job if you happen to be in career transition – do you have some cojones? You know, cojones that will help you:

~ Focus when you are so stressed you can’t think because you’ve been rejected so many times.

~ Stay with the job search process even though you feel like giving up.

~ Shrug off negative comments about you and your candidacy.

~ Withstand criticism when it comes your way about how you are not doing a good job of looking for new employment.

~ Deal with people who do or do not like you and your brand. Think: brand attraction/brand repulsion.

~ Confront controversial issues that need resolution. 

~ Approach people you would like to meet but do not have the courage.

~ Network with strangers even though it is dreadfully uncomfortable for you.

~ Reach out to others when you would rather curl up on the couch. 

~ Enlist help when it’s the last thing you want to do.

~ Call your former boss and ask him for his for support with important work recommendations.

~ Ask someone for forgiveness instead of avoiding them.

~ Let the world know of your assets / credentials when you are told “there are no jobs.”

~ Stand up for yourself, your brand, and your value.

Cojones.  Got some?

Seven Sisters and a Potato

The last story my brother John ever told me was on March 21, 2012 around 10:50 A.M. He could still speak a little bit then. He could still hold a cup of coffee for a few seconds then. He could still focus his beautiful sky-blue eyes then. He could still laugh a gentle laugh and share his generous smile then.

My brother’s story was about one of my favorite things – roses and in particular, the rose we grew up with. While I didn’t know the rose had a name in our “growing up” years, I have since learned that the rose is called “Seven Sisters” named for the myriad of colors that appear in each cluster of flowers: pink, purple, magenta, lavender, mauve, white and cream.

My brother had been eagerly awaiting my arrival that misty Wednesday morning. I had brought him his favorite – cake donuts – no glazed ones, please! Did I mention he could still eat then? Did I mention he could still swallow then? Word by word, ever so slowly and deliberately he started his story. And I savored every word as he slowly stretched each syllable into a complete word.

So, Robert was telling me about how to grow a rose. (Robert is an Amish man my brother befriended years ago and according to my brother, knows more about building and growing things than most).

And so now I am going to tell you how to grow a rose and maybe you can start one of your roses for me.

You take a slip off the rose bush – the rose bush we grew up with – the Seven Sisters one.

Then you get a large red potato. Do not use a white potato. Big difference.  It has to be a red potato.

Cut a hole in the potato and put the rose slip in the potato hole.

Then put the whole thing in the ground.

Cover it up a little with some mulch or something like that.

And that’s how you start a rose from scratch.

My brother died this morning, May 2, 2012 at 9:25 A.M. from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS – an acronym I don’t understand. ALS -- an acronym dispensed when all else has been ruled out, so my brother said. ALS -- an acronym my brother accepted with grace and a gentle, generous smile. I will be at his graveside service this Friday. I will read a short verse I found online, followed by these words I wrote for my brother:

I will remember you always, my brother, my friend

I will forever love you, from now until the end.

When I see fresh dew and blue skies like your eyes,

When I find a penny, I know you’d tell me don’t cry.

So, here’s to you, my brother – blue jeans, boots and all.

Here’s to Jack D and Tennessee – and now you are free.

When I see a white bleeding heart, or a Knock Out rose

Or catch a summer breeze that softly blows.

You are now in a place of peace, calm and serenity evermore.

And when I get sad,

And my sorrow seeps to the core

I will trust what you would tell me

Because you’ve told me before.

Might as well be happy

And wipe that tear from your eye.

I’ll keep you close in my heart

From day’s dawn until nigh’.

A Little Dent and One Exec's Job Search Success Story

In my work as a career management professional, I am always so grateful when I hear client success stories. Sometimes, I receive them in the form of letters, other times a phone call and more recently, an email correspondence. With my client’s written permission, I am happy to share this executive’s success story which I found most encouraging, uplifting and inspirational.

Billie,

I wanted to circle back with you and give you and update on my job situation.  I accepted a job with -------- after leaving ------  on ---- date---.  I owe you a HUGE thanks for making this transition possible.  The information you gave me was spot on which you already know.

A few highlights and things I learned:

- I got great feedback on my resume, both content and format....thanks to you.

- The transition toolbox was very helpful both for me and to communicate during interviews.

- The 3 words that distinguish me worked very well.  I chose FIX, CAPTURE AND GROW.  They really liked it.

- Evidence was very important and I took quite a bit of time to align it to my message. 

- Finally, this is a relationship game.  I got the lead from a friend and he helped me all along the way.  Blind resume sending doesn't work.....at least not for me.

- Despite my lack of company and industry knowledge, I beat out four internal candidates, one of whom was the odds-on favorite to get the job.

So in # weeks I start a job that is practically a mirror image of the one I left.......manager, team, big clients.  In terms of compensation I will actually get a little bit more money with significantly more upside.  Factoring in the fact I leave -------  with a pension, I will see at least a 20% increase in my annual compensation.  Not bad.

I certainly would not wish this experience on anyone.  However, I learned a great deal about myself, my family, my company, my coworkers and my friends.  And I learned there are great people like you who can help make one of the most stressful times in one's life a positive experience. 

Thank you, Billie.  You are very good at what you do.  Good luck to you and all who walk into your office.  Take care.

A little dent. Today, especially, I felt like I made one.

Icebreaker for Job Search

In a recent conversation with a good friend, we were discussing rehearsal dinner game possibilities since both of us have a son getting married this summer. I was sharing with her the Who Does What shoe game I’d watched in Virginia last fall which led to yet another idea. At my friend’s workplace last week, the team meeting started with a Fortunately / Unfortunately Icebreaker. For example, the team leader opened with:

Fortunately, it is a beautiful day today. And the next person piped up: Unfortunately, we are all stuck inside here.

And on and on until each team member had a turn. As I listened to my friend describe the icebreaker, I thought what a clever application for career transition and job seekers:

Fortunately, I love my job.

Unfortunately, I am losing it.

Fortunately, I am getting a severance package.

Unfortunately, I am not receiving career transition services.

Fortunately, I have some money in savings.

Unfortunately, my daughter’s tuition is due.

Fortunately, I have a college degree.

Unfortunately, my student loan debt is astronomical.

Fortunately, I have an optimistic outlook.

Unfortunately, the competition is intense.

Fortunately, I have a strong network.

Unfortunately, my network is industry-specific.

Fortunately, my spouse has good health benefits.

Unfortunately, our health care insurance costs more than our mortgage payment.

Fortunately, I was referred to a career management pro for help.

Unfortunately, he isn’t taking new clients until June.

Fortunately, I like to talk.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a clue about personal branding.

Fortunately, I meet people easily.

Unfortunately, I dislike asking for help.

Fortunately, I am focused and goal-driven.

Unfortunately, I have no idea what’s next.

Fortunately…

cross-posted billiesucherblog