Yes of course there is such a thing as Update Your References Week!  So, get out your resume and references.  When was the last time you contacted your references? Can’t remember?  Well, get on the phone and start calling them.

I always advise my clients to call their references and make sure nothing has changed, especially if they are about to go on an interview. Good thing because yesterday, John called me to say that on Friday he went on a interview and he said “Thank goodness I heard Violet’s voice in my head saying….’don’t forget to call your references!’ “….John called them on Thursday and found out that one of his best references phone number was out of order…he was able to email him.  His number was disconnected because he lost his phone and some other drama transpired, that he had to change his number.  Had John not called, an employer may have tried to call his reference and got a disconnected number. That would not look to good.

Make sure your resume is up to date and email a copy of your resume to your reference, especially if it is a past employer or co-worker that wants to know where you have been since you left them. Also, they can see your current accomplishments and at the same time, get a refresher course on what you were hired to do at the company you both worked at.

So, just as I advise you to keep your resume updated, same goes for your references. Happy References Week! May 7-14!

Looking for a job? Looking for professional help for your resume?  Join me on Friday!  I will be doing a workshop in Miami at 12 noon on resumes!  Bring your resume and I will review as well! Make sure you sign up today!

http://www.miami.jobsdirectusa.com/

See you then!

Violet

Here’s the deal….

Young lady…currently employed, but looking for new opportunity…very talented, educated, can prove measured results on her resume, and more…so far so good right…well, at work a week ago, she had some time and decided to look for jobs while at work!!!!!!

BIG HUGE MISTAKE!!!!

Her boss came by her desk while she stepped away to use the restroom! She forgot to close the web browser on her computer that had open job boards!!!! DUH!!!!!

By the end of the week, people were coming in for interviews…FOR HER JOB!!!!! What was she thinking!

If you did not get it by now…..DO NOT LOOK FOR A JOB WHILE YOU ARE AT WORK! (unless there are certain circumstances where there is an understanding between you and the employer, otherwise, no!)

I understand the frustration being in a job you do not like, but do not put yourself in a position that will jeopardize a reference for you from your previous employer.  Do not try to get fired, you will have to explain it to your potential new boss…if you even get that far.

Do your job search on your own time… in the morning, at night, during lunch or work with a professional that can help you.

Be forward thinking not having someone say to you… WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!

Have a great day!

Violet

Yes…this is the perfect time to look for a job!  There are so many parties and get togethers during the holidays, that the meaning of networking really comes to play.

For the most part, people are in festive moods during the holidays and are in a giving spirit.  If you are looking for a new opportunity, seize the moment.  Prepare your 30 second commercial and let it out at the parties.  Be specific and targeted as to what you are looking to do and be open to all situations.  Make sure you also listen!  Everyone loves to talk about themselves, so be aware that human nature is still out there and no one cares more about you, than you.  Show interest in the conversation and offer to help the person you are speaking to even if they are employed and you are not.  Remember it’s about givers gain!

Once you have established that key person that can help you and you had a great conversation…FOLLOW UP!  Don’t leave an opportunity on the table because you did not follow up.

Oh!!!!!!  Make sure you are positive and upbeat!  Nothing brings down a party more than the grinch!  Don’t be a downer…if that is how you feel…try to cheer up, but do not attempt to go to a party, trash your last job or boss and expect people to respond in a positive way.

If you happened to have lost your job by getting fired or laid off…. put if behind you… TAKE ACTION TODAY!

Polish up your resume…get your networking hat on….put on your smile and start networking!

Happy job hunting!

Today I spoke to a job seeker and he mentioned there is a job fair tomorrow. I said the South Florida Diversity Job Expo to be held from 9am-3pm at the Sheraton Suites Plantation…he said yes!  I advised him I will be there and speaking on a panel from 9am-10:30am. He said should I go?  I said are you doing anything? He said no…. I advised him to go!  I know sometimes at job fairs the companies are not what you are looking for or you may feel like you are wasting your time, but how about if you went in with the attitude that you may meet someone that can open a door for you including another job seeker!

You must keep a open mind about networking and events.  No, they will not always pan out, but if you give up, then it is your loss.

Stay focused and positive.  Also, make sure you find out what will take place at the job fair.  For example, this job fair will have contests, speed interviewing segments, and an expert panel on recruiting and best practices. So you are also getting educated!

SO, I SAY GO!!!!!

If you go, come say hi!  I will be there from 9-10:30am!

Violet

What is the reoccurring theme in this espisode and in every Apprentice episode? Sales!

All of these candidates upon their arrival had to sell themselves. For James to say that he has never been in sales is a big mistake. You heard Donald Trump, he said sales is a must! Doesn’t James know that at the top of every law firm the top lawyers are great at sales….who do you think is bringing in the business?

In the boardroom, now it is who produced, measured results, sales…and the other part of the sales is selling your story as to who should stay and not be fired

Alex got fired because he was weak, a follower, and did not produce.

Can you learn to sell? Yes, but it takes practice and motivation. Did you know that sales is becoming so important that NovaSoutheastern University right here in Fort Lauderdale will be opening the Sales Institute on October 13!!!! it is an incredible,e facility and out of approximately 1400 business schools, only 60 have sales courses… However, Nova will have the first state of the art Sales facility.

Sales will always be a part of any company or job! As a job seeker today, you need to stand out from the rest and sell yourself. Why hire you? What do you have to offer? What are you known for? Again, measured results!

Among the competition that is clearly visible in this season, let us not forget how easy it is to turn on someone…criticism, backstabbing, disloyalty, etc. Is very visible. Is this happening in the corporate world today? Yes, with layoffs, downsizing and more…key people with valuable information have become hoarders of information for fear of others capitalizing on their knowledge.

Buckle up campers…stay tuned for next week, but practice your sales pitch and watch out for the knives!

Cheers!

Violet

The Apprentice Week 1 Recap!
By now, you know I love the Apprentice!  This show has so much value and relates to my business, that I can’t help but watch and  give my opinion.  If you are a job seeker, you will definitely gain some insight in how people work or not work together, how people react in the real world (ok I know it’s TV, but humor me), what scenarios are thrown out and how people react, what strengths and weaknesses people have, who has or does not have the power to be #1, and ultimately, what it takes to be the Apprentice.

I will be tracking the show, commenting on various aspects from the candidates interaction with each other, individually, with Mr. Trump, the tasks, and more. Being a Career Services Professional, I want to offer my expertise to what is happening on this show and what you can take away to apply to  your siutaion.
I welcome comments and feedback.  If you have questions, please feel free to ask! I will be happy to respond.

Need resume help…go to www.violetonresumes.com for a free video download and next Wednesday, September 29, at 1pm I will be doing a free teleseminar with a job seeker success story to wrap up International Update Your resume Month! I’ll blog about that tomorrow as well!
So stay tuned to the Violet Apprentice Comment Show! Below you will find my Face book comments as a recap. I’m still hoping Masha will survive, but she needs to tone it down!  Follow me and interact with me.

Have a great day!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Apprentice: wow I am in shock…men won! Congrats Gene! It will be a cat fight with the women….stand by! Nicole be prepared!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Oh my God!!! Donald!!! Sluty! Oops!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: You know I love the Apprentice by face booking then blogging later with a fever, start of a sore throat…etc. Go away cold! I need to be productive! Work, weddings and more thus weekend!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Apprentice: hey Mr. D I love you but come on…. Nicole was wishy washy …

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Apprentice: I think women won based on their design… Who’s going home …men will throw PM Gene under the bus…. Let’s see

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Apprentice: Boardroom time! The Donald “I didn’t like either space very much” should be interesting.

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Apprentice: David stepping up after realizing what’s on the line… Gene is trying to be a leader but offending others… The women… Ugh, need I say more…

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Apprentice: David, you are not the only one on this earth unemployed or struggling… Tip: yes it’s ok to be upset and breakdown, but you must get up, focus and stay positive… David you already won!!! You are on national TV with The Donald! Not to mention your five children! Chin up!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Apprentice: what is Tyana thinking with that painting?

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Just for clarification until my blog after the show… I’ll reference my comments.
Apprentice: David is out of control…I see him facing the “D”!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Ok, one major observation… The frustration of finances, no job, family etc have taken a major affect on David…I’m thinking he won’t be on long… I like Masha she takes no BS

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Anand, James, Tyana, and Masha trying to position themselves…. Already PM’s Gene and Nicole are being thrown under the bus! Where are all the others?

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: The claws come out!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Men vs Women on the first task…..I Octane vs Fortitude..Project Mgrs Military vs Beauty Queen…first impressions…I do like Steuart the entrepreneur… More comments later….

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: The Apprentice!!!! Here we go! Follow my blog



Wow!  I have always been a fan of Donald Trump and then when the Apprentice came along…I fell in love with the show!

This season of the Apprentice makes me very happy because I will be following the show very carefully, blogging about it every week. You see, as a Professional in Career Services…having the show focus on people that are are currently unemployed is right up my alley! I will be giving my perspective on what is happening…my favorite candidates…giving you tips and my opinion of what is going on.

I have read the profiles of the candidates and I am very impressed with all of them!  Join me on and follow my blogs posts!

Ask questions, give your comments, let’s have fun, and learn!

Violet

September is International Update Your Resume Month!

Since most careers require a resume in order to gain employment, it’s important that job seekers take a proactive approach in order to be ready for any and all opportunities that crop up. Too often people try to write a resume at the last minute, which is the worst time to prepare a document that needs to be perfect. A well-crafted, winning resume takes time and research, and Update Your Resume Month is a perfect reminder to be prepared for new opportunities.

Today, September 1, at 1pm, I will be doing a Free teleseminar to answer your pressing resume questions. Sign up at www.askvioletnow.com

I will give you tips and all month long I will do weekly teleseminars on different aspects on resumes.  If you are in the South Florida area…I will also be doing various workshops and hosting events in Broward county.  One will be Tuesday, September 14 at 6:30pm for the Hollywood Junior Chamber of Commerce! 2930 Hollywood Blvd. on the SW corner of 95 and Hollywood Blvd.  You can also learn about the Hollywood Jaycees too!

Bring your resume and a notepad. You will be able to get valuable information, network, and have your resume reviewed!

Happy International Update Your Resume Month!

Violet

Yesterday I met with a new client that I met over one year ago when I was a guest panelist for Women in Communication. We connected via facebook and she would get information from me about my teleseminars, events, and more… however, this is not the reason for this blog… this is just a bonus.

The story about ‘Keeping in Touch’ does come from this client.  At the same event I met her, she met another young lady that was looking for a job in Marketing/PR/Communications.  This young lady happened to ask me a question about looking for a job.  In my response to her, one item that I mentioned to her is to get involved in an organization or company and volunteer for them.  After the event, my client that happens to work in television, approached her, spoke with her, in essence, they networked and kept in touch.…Literally, two weeks ago… my client had a casting call for dancers.  She needed some volunteers to help with the casting and she contacted the young lady at the event that she had been in touch with.  The young lady was just working part-time and not in her field.  My client called her, gave her an opportunity to volunteer, and just this week, per my client’s recommendation, she got a job!!!

This all happened because they kept in touch.  The young lady was able to get a job in the industry she went to school for and dreamed of.  So far, everyone is happy.  A successful story! So, Keep In Touch!

Violet