I spoke with a client of mine today that had a phone interview yesterday and I love to know what questions were asked and this intrigued me, so I wanted to blog about it.

The question was “If I asked your best friend to describe you in one word, what would it be?” WOW!  The power of one word… it could make or break you!  Her great response was “Adaptable!”  Great!  What would you say?

When I give advice to my clients on interviewing, I always tell them to be prepared for the unexpected, and this was an unexpected question.  So, here is another example of when you put your resume out there, and get a call for an interview, this may be a question that is asked!  OH…P.S. this was a spur of the moment call, and that was the interview, before the in person interview…. so, once again, beware….if you put your resume out there and you do not know who is calling you, let it go to voice mail, and then be prepared to return the call because it could be that employer of your dreams!

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

Have you ever seen an objective on a resume that goes something like this….Seeking an opportunity in a solid company that offers growth and stability where I can utilize my education, skills, and experience? You have?!  On your resume?  If yes, kill it now! Objectives are obsolete… may they rest in peace (RIP).

Objectives are outdated and are fluff.  You need to lead the employer in the direction you want to go in.  If you are applying for a job as a Biological Research Associate, then title your resume as such, right at the top in the middle of the resume. Continue with a profile paragraph that is crisp, clear, and concise as to what qualifies you for the position.  What are you known for and maybe have a powerful statement as to what you have accomplished.  Throw in keywords and buzzwords…your areas of expertise.  You can also include these right under your title….for example:

Director of Information Technology
Visionary Leadership for Global Business Solutions Impacting Infrastructure, Revenue, and Costs
Innovative Revenue Streams | Cost Containment | Technology Performance

This tells the reader what you are looking to do and your key areas of strength and focus…You see this…and we did not even get into the profile yet!

Think about what you are writing.  Take out a sheet of paper and have a brainstorming session with yourself.  Then, start to make sense of it by making it look crisp, clear, and concise. Being successful in your job search starts with you being crystal clear of what you want to do…do not generalize or send the employer on a wild hunt for what you would be qualified for, tell them, show them.

So as we say our farewells to objectives, we say hello to targeted specific opportunities that will get our phone ringing!!!

Former Broward County Supervisor of Elections Miriam Oliphant lost her $75,000 job as a Broward County Guidance Counselor partly because of inconsistencies in her job history on her resume.

Could you imagine losing a $75,000 a year job with great benefits, time off, and great hours because you added extra time to the length of service you were at your previous job?!   Let me ask you, have you ever lied about the dates on your resume?

I can tell you it happens on a daily basis and when I speak to a new client, I immediately tell them, TELL THE TRUTH!!!!  It will come back to haunt you!

Consider the case of George O’Leary who lost his dream job as the head football coach of the University of Notre Dame when it came to light that he lied on his resume about receiving a master’s degree from a non-existent college.

These are just two examples of what can happen when you lie on your resume. I wish that Miriam and George would have contacted me…I would of been able to give them the right advice to help them present their true and factual information…they may have still been employed!

So, remember, that lying can come back to haunt you and possibly ruin your career, not to mention damage your reputation.   My suggestion is, if you are having trouble presenting information on you resume, contact a professional to assist you. For more information about resumes, go to www.violetonresumes.com

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!

I am a firm believer that everyday I learn something new either through taking a new class, seminar, workshop, attending a conference, meeting, and mostly through listening to other people.  No one knows everything and for those that think they do, disconnect from them…they will bring you down.

How about surrounding yourself with successful people?  Seek out those that you find are successful and can easily get access to.  Pick their brain, ask them questions, network with them.

This weekend, you have the opportunity to connect with many powerful and successful women in our community.  The event will be life changing for many women in attendance.  Come learn and experience what our community professional women have to offer.

The event will take place at Nova Southeastern University.  Please see link for more info.  I will be presenting a class on Saturday at 12 noon! Inspiration University presents: The Total Working Womens Weekend

Come learn and network!

http://www.inspiration-university.com/2010/09/05/register-now-for-the-total-working-womens-weekend/

In the Sun-Sentinel yesterday, the front page article was jobs open but, but workers need matching skills.  I can not stress this enough.  When you are looking for a job, be sure to read the job description.  I am sure that if you read it, it will indicate what they are looking for, especially skills, possibly a certification or license, even a specific technical skill.  Do you have these skills?  My clients know that I speicifcally add keywords or buzzwords that apply to what their desired position it.  You must be crips, clear, and concise as to what you want to do.  Target the position you want, tell the reader what you want, then show them what you have!

There is a need in the market place, can you fulfill it?  This is why it is so competitive.  Employers are cherry picking the candidates that fit what they are looking for.  You must be willing to acquire the skills you don’t have to fit the job you want, if you really want it.  can you volunteer? yes…can you go to school? yes…can you get on the job training? yes

Technically savvy people have an edge over those that are not.  If you are unemployed, this is your chance to inprove your skills, learn new skills, and volunteer to network and meet people.

Again, Stay positive, keep up with what is going on in your industry and focus on industries that are up and coming.  Make sure to keep your resume current and relevant to the position you are applying for.  Stay busy and remember, volunteer to close the gap on your resume!

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