JOBSEARCH: STRATEGY Get your writing noticed?

Thursday, March 26, 2009

OK, we all agree its a tough world out there.

And, as you despite being an expert in <insert favorite aspect of your career>, you, (and me), AIN’T drawing a paycheck.

(And, for those smug overconfident soon to be unemployed, you may have drawn your LAST one!)

Here’s a way to get your content out there. I don’t particularly care what content it is. AS LONG AS IT’S SPELLED RIGHT and gramatically correct. (Wouldn’t that be the kiss of death. Like having a typo on your resume!) And, it isn’t too controversial (e.g., “How I was abducted by aliens”; “How to conceal your drug habit?”; “Padding your expense account”; “Best racist dirty jokes”). You get the idea.

I do know that this site has “buzz”, is indexed by Google, and has high traffic counts.

SOME folks are even putting their resumes on there. (I’m not so sure that’s a great idea.)

But if I was a lean and hungry seeker. I’d get soem high quality content up there. ESPECIALLY if I was an expert in something other than the lifestyle of turkeys (i.e., out of work jobseekers) large and small.

fjohn
the big fat old turkey hisself

p.s., I’m putting stuff up there. We’ll see if it works for fat old turkeys!

http://www.scribd.com/

*** begin quote ***

Welcome to Scribd!

Congratulations, you’ve just joined the world’s largest community of readers. Now that you have an account, you can:

* DISCOVER fun or functional writings and documents on any subject – explore by category, by browsing or just typing in a search topic.

* SHARE your own writings and documents – dust off all that great content on your hard drive or in print. Then check back for comments and analytics on how many people have read or downloaded your doc.

* DISCUSS topics of interest to you – leave comments on other people’s documents, join groups and express yourself.

… and a whole lot more. Also, don’t forget to check out the Scribd blog for updates on new product features and other Scribd news!

– The Scribd Team

*** end quote ***

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JOBSEARCH: Age Discrimination? No, really!

Friday, March 13, 2009

http://blogs.jobdig.com/wwds/2009/03/11/age-discrimination-is-the-new-reality-in-job-market-says-guest-expert-dave-opton/comment-page-1/#comment-117011  

Age Discrimination is the New Reality in Job Market Says Guest Expert Dave Opton
Posted in March 11th, 2009
By Dave Opton, CEO and Founder of Execunet, AARP member, exclusive for WWDS.

*** begin quote ***

If you are anything like me, while you always knew there were laws against age discrimination on an intellectual level, it wasn’t until you got out there in the real world looking to make a change at say 45+ that you came to internalize emotionally age discrimination was more than a phrase you read about from time to time but actually came with raw nerve endings. To understate the case, not a great feeling.

*** end quote ***

Unfortunately, you’re right. Exponentially.

From a societal pov, with the market crash killing 401ks and “savings”, as well as the home value crash, “we” as a society have a big problem. “We” are raising the social security retirement age, and more importantly the Medicare age. And, “companies” are shooting anyone under 40 at their first opportunity. How many “consultants” can our economy support?

As you know, I’m advising turkeys that after 50, they will find it IMPOSSIBLE to get another salaried position. (Now that may be a SLIGHT exageration, but NOT MUCH!)

I’ve revised my “emergency fund required” formula. The age component multiplier goes from a one multiplier at ages below forty to a plus one multiplier for every five years of age OVER 40. (That is 40-45 is DOUBLE; 50-55 is quadruple; 60-65 is five times. SHOCKING? You should see the old farts, myself included, who I tell that they will never work again at a salaried job like the old days! Their stunned. Some have high school age or younger kids in second marriages. Are they surpprised!)

This reflects the reality that “jobs” are really hard to come by.

I tell anyone who will listen that: “Success for future generations is: (1) ruthless financial discipline — no bad debt; (2) a life long interest in learning — education — a degree — they can’t take it away from you; (3) a white collar job in order to save big bux; (4) a blue collar skill for hard times — never saw a poor plumber; (5) one or more internet based businesses — your store is always open; (6) a free time hobby that generates income; and (7) a large will-maintained network of people who can “help” you.” Funny how no one believes me?

ERISA changed the corporate behavior of discharging “old” aerospace engineers before their pensions would vest. SO to we will need such a “game changer” to allow us to “bridge” “old age” to retirement.

I suggest that old farts, or those soon to be old farts, like myself, INSIST on an employment contract before they jump to the next opportunity. Can’t get it; be advised! You’ll soon be screwed. We have to change from an “at will” employment culture to something else.

:-(
fjohn
the big fat old turkey hisself

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JOBSEARCH: Learn to Network

Saturday, February 21, 2009

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/jobs/21career.html?_r=1&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Career Couch
You May Not Like It, but Learn to Network
By PHYLLIS KORKKI
Published: December 20, 2008

*** begin quote ***

Q. Everyone is saying that you need to network to find a new job. But you hate networking. Do you have to do it?

*** end quote ***

As anyone I have coached will tell you, I’m a fan of Lucht’s formalized face-to-face networking. I see folk practicing “networking” without doing the proper preparation. Even worse, they don’t follow up.

Very frustrating.

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JOBSEARCH: Two minutes of inspirational speeches

Saturday, February 21, 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6wRkzCW5qI&eurl=http://blogs.jobdig.com/wwds/2009/02/09/inspiration-motivation-just-the-way-i-like-it-short-sweet-2-minutes/&feature=player_embedded

Inspiration, Motivation Just the Way I Like It: Short & Sweet 2 Minutes

Posted in February 9th, 2009

Hat Tips: eppsnet.com, http://blogs.jobdig.com, “What would Dad say”

Two minutes of inspirational speeches.

# – # – #

Excellent for turkeys who are down in the dumps.

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JOBSEARCH: Granfalloons as a jobsearch tactic

Friday, February 20, 2009

In doing my personal “lessons learned” after action follow up, I found one glaring oversight that came up in the “after chat”. Granfalloons! How could I have missed that tip?

*** begin quote ***

Granfalloon – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A granfalloon, in the fictional religion of Bokononism (created by Kurt Vonnegut in his 1963 novel Cat’s Cradle), is defined as a “false karass.” That is, it is a group of people who outwardly choose or claim to have a shared identity or purpose, but whose mutual association is actually meaningless. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granfalloon

*** end quote ***

To a certain extent, “manhattan college alumni” is a granfalloon. But, it would be unpolitic to use that. So let me give an example, I use every day.

“Birthdays on Facebook”

Every day, after I “do” my Jasper obits, but before I “do” Jasper Jottings overnight news reported by Google, I do “Facebook Birthdays”. That’s basically a three step process. First, I go onto the Facebook site, which very gerously tells me which of my Facebook friends is having a birthday. I copy them over to a Facebook personal “Facebook Friends List” called “bday”. Opening up a new browser window for each of them, I write a form Happy Birthday message and send it. Then, I use the “Facebook Share Friends” feature to suggest their fellow borthday-ites to them. Using the “bday” list is very quick. Finally I send the group the following message:

*** begin quote ***

To: [individual list of names]

Fr: FJohn Reinke

Re: Hey, you folks share a birthday!!!

Best wishes on your mutual day.

I always thought birthdays were a great way to setup a granfalloon — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granfalloon — strange idea. A very important concept in “job search”. I’ve sent you connection suggestions of some “sharers”.

This is a Robbie Burns message. You know the gift to see ourselves as others see us. Facebook tells me that you share the day; it doesn’t tell you. Here’s a gift. A networking stretching weird one.

Nota Bene: They did say that “opportunity” knocks. What they did NOT tell you was what you’d find when you opened the door. It’s a great free offer requiring nothing more from you but to be open to something new. What throws you off, in this case, is that “opportunity” is disguised as a fat old man with strange ideas. ROFL!!!

fjohn

Attached: [Facebook copies the Wikipedia definition of granfalloon]

*** end quote ***

I have received a lot of positive, but some negative feedback about it. On the positive side, some “birthday circles” have formed out of it. My estimate is that about 1 in 3 “days” have some “Facebook Friending” takes place. At least based on what I see reported to me by Facebook. On the negative, some “Facebook Friends” have “defreinded” me. (As an old data guy, I track activity manually and know what they’ve done. Special mark in their record that I keep. I don’t depend on any cloud service to keep all my records. Be funny when they come back to me for something. A networker, like an elephant, never forgets.)

I don’t see an immediate payoff to me. Yet? But, I have people message me that other Granfalloons I have suggested have paid off big for them.

So for example, the “Alumni of Marketing Presentation 2009-02-04” could be a granfalloon that a student might set up to “capture” the synergy of yesterday. It would tie them both to their fellow students (very valuable imho) as well as to the faculty adn alums who were there yesterday (less valuable imho). It’s a trick to create those “webs of weak links” that are so valuable in job search.

Anyway, that’s what I would have liked to communicate to the audience about “granfalloons”. Maybe you can pass this along as a handout. Of course, if anyone has any questions, I’d be happy to answer by email.

Thanks again,
fjohn68

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JOBSEARCH: Everyone is their own jobsearch

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1376776

What role do we play in our own job search? by Jason Monastra

*** begin quote ***

A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations from the beginning of history has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations always progressed through the following sequence:

From bondage to spiritual faith; From spiritual faith to great courage; From courage to liberty; From liberty to abundance; From abundance to complacency; From complacency to apathy; From apathy to dependence; From dependence back into bondage.

Apathy is defined as a state of indifference, or the suppression of emotions such as concern, excitement, motivation and passion. An apathetic individual has an absence of interest or concern to emotional, social, or physical life. They may also exhibit an insensibility or sluggishness.

*** end quote ***

sigh!

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JOBSEARCH: Sometimes you’re just stuck in the mud!

Monday, February 16, 2009

poster71877900

Sympathetically, especially with us older “turkeys”, geography lashes us to the deck of the Titanic as the band plays sadly “Nearer My God To Thee”. Commitments are the tiny threads that continually add to bind us to our geographic comfort zone. The Youth just out of school don’t even consider it; the Old “turkey” has no choice but to. Old parents, children, and supportive friends are the “ball and chain” of our thinking.

Sad to say, I understand not being able to flit around the countryside, hither and yon, pursung the gold that’s in “them thar hills”. When you have responsibilities, you have to be responsible.

Hopefully, one can blend all the “requirements” and be open to the opportunities that the Universe giving you. It’s always what you need; not necessarily what you want. If you can recognize it. Sometimes it’s a wake up call to face facts. An old stuck-in-the-jobsearch-mud “turkey” is just that. Stuck in the mud. Being sucked down, hardening, and fixating that poor bird to a spot where one has to take what’s offered. Even if it’s just the greeter at WalMart.

Beware callow youth where you take your first job. It just might be that first thread that ties you down. For sixty or seventy years! Be sure you like that dirt under your feet. You my be there a long long time.

signed: the big fat (old) turkey

Respectfully submitted for your consideration,
the big fat old turkey hisself
stuck in the mud in Nu Jerzee

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JOBSEARCH: Layoffs are the American “Way of Life”

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Layoffs are the new American “Way of Life”.

For “salarymen” like us, it’s “early retirement”.

As a nation, I’m not sure we can afford it. It would seem that we need an ERISA-like law to protect the older workers. 40 plus!

Perhaps, instead of employment at will, it becomes a “default employment contract”. At 40, you have to get 12 months warning that your contract will not be renewed.

Figure retirement age for Social Security is 66. Society has some obligation to ensure you can work to that age.

At 60, it’s a six year contract?

F(40 years of age) = 12 F(60) = 72

x1-x2 = 60 – 40 = 20

y1-y2 = 72 – 12 = 60

3 months extension for every year of age.

45 = 1 year + 15 months. 50 = 42 months. 55 = 57 60 = 62 months

Not exactly sure how that would be formulated. Like pension vesting?

Clearly, only government workers have pensions. So industry got round that restriction. And, got back to being able to “nuke” people without a care in the world.

I’m also reformulating the advice I give turkeys in the 20 to 40 range. They need their own form of “unemployment insurance”. Try to convince them of it.

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UPDATE: No surprise here

http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/02/14/2434788-charlotte-in-same-predicament-as-wall-street?email=html

*** begin quote ***

After being laid off from his bank consulting job 11 months ago, Jim Edwards’ daily routine of networking, applying for jobs and going to the gym keeps his spirits up.

“I’ve been out of work and living on my retirement income,” said the 62-year-old, who added it’s been a struggle finding employment because no one is hiring.

*** end quote ***

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JOBSEARCH: Google tools for your search

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

https://docs.google.com/View?docid=dds75d9q_5546hhh2tgd&hgd=1

Tips to Enhance a Job Search Using Google Tools
By Jennifer Petoff, PhD, Google University Programs

*** begin quote ***

Here’s a quick snapshot of some tools that you can use to:

   *   Identify and target companies of interest

   *   Network, enhance your web presence, and showcase your accomplishments to potential employers

   *   Prepare for an interview and ultimately land an ideal position

*** end quote ***

And, a list of the ways you can use Google in jobsearch.

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JOBSEARCH: An interesting “job search” “social networking” site

Saturday, February 7, 2009

http://www.zumeo.com

Interesting approach to start. Should weed out the zombies and other strange people.

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JOBSEARCH: H1Bs benefit at the expense of American workers?

Thursday, February 5, 2009

http://news.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=09%2F01%2F24%2F078245&from=rss

Senator Prods Microsoft On H-1B Visas After Layoff Plans Posted by Soulskill on Saturday January 24, @08:18AM

from the checking-their-priorities dept.

*** begin quote ***

CWmike writes “US Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) told Microsoft this week that US citizens should get priority over H-1B visa holders as the software vendor moves forward on its plan to cut 5,000 jobs. ‘These work visa programs were never intended to allow a company to retain foreign guest workers rather than similarly qualified American workers, when that company cuts jobs during an economic downturn,’ Grassley wrote in a letter sent Thursday to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. The letter asked Microsoft to detail the types of jobs that will be eliminated and how those cuts will affect the company’s H-1B workers.”

Reader theodp adds, “On Friday, Microsoft coincidentally announced it would postpone construction of a planned $500 million data center in Grassley’s home state of Iowa, although work on data centers in Chicago and Dublin will continue.”

*** end quote ***

Sounds like the “barbara streisand” is going to hit the proverbial fan.

I’m no fan of gooferment action. But corporations are creations of the gooferment.

Sounds like INS should yank 5k of H1Bs serving Microsoft. Today!?!

imho

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JOBSEARCH: A book is recommended to me

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

http://www.amazon.com/Do-What-You-Are-Personality/dp/0316167266/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231976366&sr=1-1

Do What You Are by Paul D. Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger.

Already a classic in the genre, Do What You Are has helped hundreds of thousands of people find truly satisfying work. Do What You Are introduces Personality Type – how you process information, make decisions and interact with the world around you – and shows you which of the 16 types describes you best. It lists dozens of occupations that are popular with people of your type. Then, using workbook exercises and real-life examples to highlight the strengths and pitfalls of each personality type, it shows you step-by-step how to use your unique strengths to customise your job search, ensuring the best results in the shortest period of time. And if you plan to stay in your job, Do What You Are provides savvy advice for getting the most out of your current career.

# – # – #

Maybe I should read this one? I’m an ITSJ.

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JOBSEARCH: Fear of layoff is very good; it’s essential

Thursday, January 22, 2009

http://gigaom.com/2009/01/07/bad-things-or-layoffs-happen-to-other-people/

Bad Things (or Layoffs) Happen to Other People
Om Malik | Wednesday, January 7, 2009 | 6:00 AM PT

*** begin quote ***

Despite the dismal economy, widespread layoffs and rising unemployment, a large majority of employees are optimistic about their future, according to a recent survey. 4 out of 5 adults are not concerned about layoffs – it must be happening to “some other people”

*** end quote ***

Yeah, right! If your employed, be afraid. Be very afraid. Awarenessis essential to keep from being fodder.

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JOBSEARCH: “Pastime into a Gold Mine” (Heard that before?)

Monday, January 19, 2009

http://www.scottcommonsense.com/DollarsAndSense/Articles/TurnyourPastimeintoaGoldMine.aspx?articleID=53&catID=5&wt.mc_id=scsc_csc_email

*** begin quote ***

Turn your Pastime into a Gold Mine!

These days, everyone’s looking for a way to maximize his or her earning potential. The answer to boosting your income could be right at your fingertips – especially if those fingertips are accustomed to typing stories, clicking a camera shutter or guiding fabric through a sewing machine.

Every year, creative people supplement their income by turning their hobbies into fledgling businesses. If you have a special talent or the professional-quality equipment that comes with a serious hobby, you could do the same. Here are some ways to capitalize on your resources:

If you’re a good writer, consider:

{Extraneous Deleted}

If Photography is your hobby, look into:

{Extraneous Deleted}

There are lots of opportunities if you are proficient in electronic media:

*** end quote ***

Remember my 7 prong strategy for success?

“(6) a free time hobby that generates income;”

Here’s a page urging the same thing.

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JOBSEARCH: High-End Help for Job Hunters: Does It Pay?

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123118267978154615.html?mod=rss_Careers

High-End Help for Job Hunters: Does It Pay?

   * MANAGING YOUR CAREER
   * JANUARY 5, 2009, 11:35 P.M. ET
   * Joann S. Lublin at joann.lublin@wsj.com
   * Wall Street Journal Online

*** begin quote ***

Reach recently launched a free “Career Bailout” program — in which 13 certified strategists provide services such as a résumé review and online identity evaluation. Yet few victims are using the limited assistance. “We have not spent enough time making the program visible,” Mr. Arruda says.

*** end quote ***

Bottom line: Even though the WSJ was to PC to say it. Doesn’t sound like it pays.

I have three objections: no objective results; pay upfront; and it’s like a black box.

But, I’m going to try the free service.

:-)

Free is the right price for any seeker!

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JOBSEARCH: “Quick networking building” is “jumbo shrimp”

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1331895  

8 Simple Ways for Building a Network Quickly! by George Hayes

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IMHO, there is no way to build one quickly.

“Networking” is the creation of a web of interested people, that you have bonded with in someway, who will alert you to things you should know. It’s using the law of weak links to create a vast army of job search agents. They know what you want and are standing by to “call it in to you” when they see it.

By definition, you can’t do that quickly.

As readers here know, I “subscribe” to the Lucht school of networking. A formal process of gettikng in front of someone and asking for help.

Effective, but time consuming.

IMHO, networking is “first seek to help, then be helped”.

By definition, you can’t do that quickly.

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JOBSEARCH: How does society deal with employment age discrimination?

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Age discrimination is well-known. It’s an article of faith among seekers and soon-to-be seekers (i.e., old employees).

Akin to the ERISA laws that put a crimp in the aerospace companies that dumped old engineers before they had a chance to earn a pension. Young engineers were cheaper salary-wise, more productive in a dollars sense, and could be induced to work harder (i.e., to pay their dues). ERISA put an end to that pension scam. Once the tactic was exposed, baby engineers weren’t applying at the aerospace firms as a first or second choice.

As the demographics change, and the “social security ponzi scheme” age is ratchets up, we are going to come a time when more “Human Resources” are unemployable and yet unable to collect retirement benefits. It’s the “too old to work” “to young to retire” gap. As a nation, we are losing their contributions to the common wealth. (Not socialistic, but their productivity is lost to the GDP.)

Clearly, “at will” employment has to go.

As well as psuedo “performance reviews”, that are used to cover folks being forced out.

So as a society, what can we construct to fix this problem.

As a little L libertarian, I’m not a fan of gooferment action. But, large corporations are a product of the gooferment, and as such are fair game for regulation.

We see that after 40 the discrimination starts and after 50 it’s rampant and forget after 60.

So we need a way of changing the “cost” of pre-40 and post-40 employment.

“Employment Insurance”?

A company, who hires or continues employing a old person, gets a tax credit?

So the way I would construct it would be a tax and credit scheme.,

20 years @ 5% of a 1$ = $.37

The under 40 payroll would be taxed at $.0037 per dollar of comp. The over 40 payroll would be credited at the same rate.

It would put the gooferment’s thumb on the employment equation just slightly.

Thoughts?

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JOBSEARCH: Recent advice to a new “turkey”

Sunday, January 4, 2009

— In MyVirtualPowerForum, I wrote:

> > Jackie,
> > If I were you,
> > FIRST: I’d PUT JACKIE FIRST – I’m aware that this position may be

With all due deference, politeness, and know I may upset the tender sensibilities of the readers …

Dear Ms. Jackie:

SCREW THEM!

They have just “voted you off the island” and your worried about doing a good job for them?

Are you NUTS?

Yeah, you want your thirty days of continuing paychecks, BUT, (there is always a big butt), you have to “look out for Numero Uno.

You need to do a “wet ware control alt delete”. Force Quit all the obsolete notions of employment loyalty of yesteryear. (“I love you my company. You my company love me. Oh how happy we will be … as you send me over Niagara falls sans barrel.”) Don’t sing the company song on the way to the firing squad.

You have a long road to travel. I’ve been down it 6 times and am currently going down it. The “trash-situation-transition road”. Been there, done that, and have the tshirt. And the scars to show for it.

By way of help:

(1) I have a “turkey farm” (that what job seekers are) (Me included!) http://tinyurl.com/lxu93 Feel free to browse and “steal” anything useful.

(2) Feel free to LINKEDIN to me “reinkefj”. Send me an invite.

(3) Listen to VW’s sage advice. (VW: I’d have said “assess financial status” first. Then get working. Need to know how close this shave is going to be.)

(4) Browse the state unemployment website NOW. On company time. They have a check for you. Understand exactly when you can get it and what you have to do for it. They don’t make it easy. But it’s gotten easier over the years. I know personally!

(5) DON’T spend money for “job search” help without vetting it here FIRST. I know the WSAs, the “get a job fast” industry, and “work at home” “barbara streisand” is VERY attractive but it’s designed to separate you from your money and it wastes your time and attention. You may need help with a resume. But that is NOT your immediate need. And, that is relatively cheap. (The good ones that is. Some are overpriced at any price because you do all the work.)   I don’t want to overload you with too much, but you need to quickly reorient yourself to the real world, figure out your Life’s Goals, define your Unique Value Proposition (I see everyone rolling their eyes!) to state what you are going to do to release value, and your Unique Sales Proposition (More eye rolling, I see) to state how you are going to “sell” yourself. Then get going.

Feel free to use me or my stuff or my network. And remember these lessons forever. Unfortunately, too many of our fellow turkeys fall into that old thinking immediately after they land.

We are a nation of “consultants” now. Very short term ones at that!

Best of luck,
fjohn
the big fat old turkey hisself

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JOBSEARCH: What rights do employers have over laid off workers?

Friday, January 2, 2009

http://tech.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/12/26/142227&from=rss

RIM Accuses Motorola of Blocking Job Offers
Posted by ScuttleMonkey on Friday December 26, @11:48AM
from the if-i-can-have-you-nobody-will dept.
Businesses Technology

*** begin quote ***

theodp writes “Taking a page from the insanely-jealous-husband-playbook, Motorola management has adopted an if-I-can’t-have-you-nobody-can stance on its fired employees, reportedly blocking RIM from offering jobs to laid-off workers. In a complaint filed in state court, Motorola is charged with improperly trying to expand a previous agreement ‘to prevent the RIM entities from hiring any Motorola employees, including the thousands of employees Motorola has already fired or will fire.’ Through its Compete America membership, Motorola has repeatedly warned Congress that failing to accommodate the lobbying group members’ ‘principled’ demand for timely access to talent would not be in the United States’ economic interest and would make the U.S. second-rate in education and basic research.”  

*** end quote ***

A new wrinkle to make seeker’s lives miserable. Motorola want to own their future too.

Argh!

We need to change the playing field!

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JOBSEARCH: Building value on Facebook

Monday, December 22, 2008

So, you’re on Facebook and you have dotcomeraden! (https://reinkefaceslife.com/2007/10/23/fun-dotcomeraden)

Big deal!

What can you do on Facebook that is UNIQUE and helps your “facebook friends”?

Remember before anyone is motivated to do something for you (e.g., tell you about your perfect job they heard about; email you encouragement when you’re in a rough patch; just send you the latest joke; write you a LinkedIn recommendation; not “defriend”” you), you have to do something for them!

So, here’s an idea.

Facebook tells you every day, who among your dotcomeraden has a birthday. Send them an “hb”.

AND!

If you have dotcomeraden on Facebook who share a birthday, send them a message, a “you should be friends” Facebook option.

Here’s what I send:

*** begin quote ***

Best wishes on your mutual day.

I always thought birthdays were a great way to setup a granfalloon — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granfalloon — strange idea. A very important concept in “job search”. I’ve sent you connection suggestions of some “sharers”.

This is a Robbie Burns message. You know the gift to see ourselves as others see us. Facebook tells me that you share the day; it doesn’t tell you. Here’s a gift. A networking stretching weird one.

Nota Bene: They did say that “opportunity” knocks. What they did NOT tell you was what you’d find when you opened the door. It’s a great free offer requiring nothing more from you but to be open to something new. What throws you off, in this case, is that “opportunity” is disguised as a fat old man with strange ideas. ROFL!!!

fjohn

*** end quote ***

It’s a modest effort to build a community.

Even if I’m not elligible to be in it. Not sharing the same birthday, that is.

I’m hoping that in the coming months that one of my many “birthday grandfalloon” attempts tells me that they have “encircled” and had positive results (i.e., partied at the half-year point, made real friendships, exchanged “help” of whatever kind, or such!)

That’s why I’m doing the “birthday gathering chore” each morning.

:-)

Yeah, I know, get a life.

But what have you DONE to build value for your dotcomeraden on Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, or such.

At least I’ve found one small thing.

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JOBSEARCH: Evaluating your network’s “strength”

Sunday, December 21, 2008

http://personalbrandingblog.wordpress.com/2008/12/09/top-5-personal-branding-tips-for-recent-graduates/

200812091752.jpg

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Jobsearch: Maybe “repair” is important in jobsearch opportunities?

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

http://www.pennyjobs.com/pp/public/Articles.aspx?aid=244

Repair Business On the Rise
Curtis Ophoven
12/1/2008

*** begin quote ***

Over the thanksgiving holiday, I got the chance to talk with many of my aunts and uncles about the economy.

*** and ***

If your business is looking for growth, consider adding a department to repair or fix older products – even your competitor’s products. In many cases products can be fixes cheaper then they can be replaced.

*** end quote ***

Perhaps, we need to “aim” differently.

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JOBSEACH: A budding engineer asks my opinion?

Thursday, December 4, 2008

>>Do we know each other or have some connection i’m blanking on?

>Nope, I’m just a reader of your blog and noticed you were on Facebook.
> Just thought I’d add you.
> Oh and I noticed you’re an engineer. I’m on my way to being a mechanical engineer and
>was wondering if you would recommend electrical over mechanical.

Well, I can’t say much about how you waste your time. :-) Reading my blog. Thanks. It’s a very confused modest effort. I’m happy to do the Vulcan mind meld with you on Facebook.

I’m more of a “computer” injineer. I took an EE program because that was how “computing” was done in those “old days”. My first degree was actually BEEE for Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Did the 148 credts for Electrical and an extra 28 credits of “Senior Level” courses for the “Electronic” side. Semiconductor theory, Compiler theory, and such. For the College, who was just dipping their toe in that “pond”, it eventually became their Computer Science major that was jointly offered between the Engineering and Business Schools. I went on to exploit it in the “business world”, as opposed to “scientific” or “theoretical”. The rest is history.

I’d say you’ve got a Chevy versus Dodge choice. It’s in the eye of the beholder. It really depends upon what your vision for your life is. Does electricity or mechanical systems float your boat. IT’s a tough economy out their right now, BUT, (there is always a big butt), I think “engineering” trains you to think in a certain fashion. Must be all the math. Two important caveats: (1) “Life” and “People” are not suitable for “engineering solutions”. You need diferent skills for dealing with them that you don’t necessarily get in engineering school. Engineers are very blunt; that’s not so good. (2) Engineers always think there is a “right answer”, add a safety factor, and everyone will agree. Doesn’t work that way with “soft” problems.

I can’t tell you to pick one over the other. I can suggest that life is much harder for your generation. Success for your generation is: (1) ruthless financial discipline — no bad debt; (2) a life long interest in learning — education — a degree — they can’t take it away from you; (3) a white collar job in order to save big bux; (4) a blue collar skill for hard times — never saw a poor plumber; (5) one or more internet based businesses — your store is always open; (6) a free time hobby that generates income; and (7) a large will-maintained network of people who can “help” you.

I think: (A) You need to talk to your Deans at school. I assume you have a Dean of Engineering, an “Electrical” Dean, and a “Mechanical” Dean. Seek their guidance. I think you’d find them to be very open and knowledgeable. (B) Talk to at least four alumni from your school. Two in each discipline. Get their opinions of their respective fields. (C) Talk to the jobs people at your school. Find out where the last few graduating classes went. (D) Finally, talk to your parents. (They know you best. And, have your best interest at heart.)

I’m jealous. I wish I was just starting out again. But, I’ve made my mistakes. Paid dearly for them and hopefully learned from them. You’ve got virtually unlimited possibilities. It’s a great time to spread your wings! The world is your oyster. If I were you, I’d seek what made me choose “Engineering” in the first place and carefully “follow your gut” from there.

Good luck, feel free to “stand on my shoulders” anytime. I hope this was helpful.

Your e-freind,
fjohn

P.S.: Begin to build your professional profile on LinkedIn and connect to me there also. It’s like “Facebook” for recruiters and job seekers.

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I’m humbled that (a) Someone actually reads my blog. (b) Actually asks my advice on their life.

That’s a very scary position to be put in. I could ruin his life and view of people. So I took the time to bang out an honest and complete answer. I include it here because I have always felt that when some one takes the time and courage to ask, then they deserve an answer. That and if there’s one questioner, there are others out their too timid to ask. Not that I am some “temple of wisdom”, but like I once heard a quiz show exclaim: “But I gave my answer quickly!” That’s me, maybe wrong, but quick. And, approachable. :-)

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JOBSEARCH: “Linking The Laid Off”

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Linking The Laid Off On Linkedin, On Facebook, And On MyLinkingPowerForum.com

To members of My Linkedin Power Forum

Are you, or someone you know, one of the 1.2 Million Americans who lost their jobs in 2008? If so, please join us in “Linking The Laid Off”.

The purpose of “Linking The Laid Off” to help those who’ve been laid off to expedite their job search via brainstorming about the social media services you and I know so well. If social media can be used to help fill the most powerful job in the world, it stands to reason that social media can help you and me find the jobs we need for ourselves and for our families.

At present there are three places you may choose to join “Linking The Laid Off”:

1. On Facebook, it’s located at: http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/group.php?gid=33270034268

2. On Linkedin Groups, it’s located at: http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/1207327

3. On My Linking Power Forum, it’s located at:http://mylinkingpowerforum.ning.com/group/LinkingTheLaidOff

We intend to focus on job search so, PLEASE help us get the word out.

Thanks, and Keep STRONG, Everybody!!

Vincent Wright

Entrepreneurial Recruiter/Social Media Consultant

Linkedin.com/in/VincentWright | Twitter.com/VincentWright

SocialMediaConsortium.com | MyLinkingPowerForum.com | MyVirtualPowerForum.com | MyLinkedinPowerForum.com |

Skype/Gtalk = MyLinkedinPowerForum

+1-860-967-0563

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JOBSEARCH: Free ebook on topic

Friday, November 21, 2008

http://www.careerrenegade.com/

*** begin quote ***

Jonathan Fields has launched the Career Renegade site, and with it he’s giving away a great free ebook called the Fire Fly Manifesto

*** and ***

… shows us that this bad economy, downsizing and all, is actually a great opportunity to do a whole bunch of things with your career, if you look at things in a new way.

*** end quote ***

I’m reading it now.

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JOBSEARCH: “Succeess Security”?

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

http://www.linkedin.com/answers

Jason Alba CEO of JibberJobber.com, Author

*** begin quote ***

Might this be the new way to say “job security?”

I was speaking at a library on Bainbridge Island (near Seattle) last night and tried out a new phrase to replace “job security.”

… because everyone says there is no such thing as “job security” anymore. But I still want to talk about some kind of security for my future. “career security” doesn’t seem to fit… what about:

income security?

*** end quote ***

TO WHICH I RESPONDED

I think it’s two different things to two different class of people. Consultants (Yeah I know an employee is a consultant with no choice where they go tomorrow!) and Employees. To consultants, it’s the ability to diversify revenue stream and enhance it. To employees, it’s the ability to keep the paycheck flowing in and develop the next stream of paychecks. (One of my Turkey-isms is that you are, or should be, looking for your next job while you keep the current one happy.)

So I think there will be some confusion between what “it” means to those different communities when looked through the two different lenses. (Yeah, I love Gartner’s simplistic four box view of the world!)

It corresponds with what I tell younger folks who might be open to a “pearl”. Success for your generation is: (1) ruthless financial discipline — no bad debt; (2) a life long interest in learning — education — a degree — they can’t take it away from you; (3) a white collar job in order to save big bux; (4) a blue collar skill for hard times — never saw a poor plumber; (5) one or more internet based businesses — your store is always open; (6) a free time hobby that generates income; and (7) a large will-maintained network of people who can “help” you.

So, imho, with apologies to Covey, it’s “The Seven Dimensions of Success”.

Yeah, everything I ever learned was from a self-help book! Isn’t that the definition of a book? “Help Yourself!”

I think the term you are looking for is “Success Security”?

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