Yes, I always have a lot to say and thankfully what I have to say can help people!  See my latest article in East Magazine!

Don’t forget it’s Update Your Resume Month!

Most people think of Labor Day as the last day of summer fun… no more white after today…last day for barbeques and outside events before winter and the holidays.

For me, of course I think of family and get togethers, but since I am in the business of helping people end their job search frustrations, Labor Day makes me think of what I can do different to help people find their next job.  So next Tuesday, I will be doing a free event in conjunction with the Hollywood Junior Chamber of Commerce.

An event to help you with your resume, interviewing, networking, and dressing for success! So, if you are in this situation, come out on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at the Hollywood Jaycee Hall 2930 Hollywood Blvd, on the SW corner of 95 and Hollywood Blvd at 1pm.  We will be doing all kinds of workshops until about 4pm.  Then at 5:30pm, join the Hollywood Jaycees for their monthly meeting and network! Find out how you can get involved!

Also, we will be doing a PROFESSIONAL CLOTHING EXCHANGE!  Yes, bring in your professional clothes that you would like to trade for something new.  All item left will be donated to Women in Distress and Broward Outreach.

Happy Labor Day!

Is this a dream? NO! This is a real job and the Seminole Casino is searching for the right person! Get your resume ready, pictures, video, and positive attitude! GO FOR IT! Make sure you read the requirements. Application deadline coming quick.  Go to:  http://www.faceofclassic.com

Good luck!

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

This is a tip that I received from one of my good friends that works for a very well know company.  She is their general counsel and was interviewing candidates for job opportunities.

She interviewed one candidate in particular, liked her, and then received a follow up email from her that really did not sit well with her.

As a candidate for a job, you must know the basic rules of what not to discuss in an interview or in a response letter.  In this instance…the candidate sent an email to the employer stating that it was nice to meet her and was following up….however, what she missed….this was her personal email and on the bottom of her email,  she had references to religious beliefs. I see this all the time on people’s email…. whether it’s a quote, inspirational message, etc.  I personally ignore them, but someone else may not.

Regardless of what you believe as far as religion goes or politics, do not bring them into the workplace unless your job specifically deals with those subjects.

This candidate should of known better, also being that she was an attorney!  So in the end…make sure you read your emails and anything that you are sending out.

Don’t let a little detail like this ruin your chances for a great job.  ***I know maybe you are thinking she was qualified etc, but the bottom line is…she is not the decision maker…just be careful what you put out there.

Happy job hunting!

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!

Ok…I do not want you to trick your way into a job, but getting  your next job would be a treat!  Here are some tips!

Remember, I keep telling you to get out there and network…. yesterday, I was at the South Florida Diversity Job Expo and every single recruiter or employer that was with me on the panel said you must stand out, follow up, and of course network! So listen up!

This weekend is Halloween.  If you have children or not and celebrate Halloween even a little, I want you to get in the spirit of networking! This is a prime way for you to talk to people you do not know…how?  If they are wearing a costume, you can comment on it, if not, ask them what their plans are… you can take the conversation in so many directions.  Even more effective… how about in trick or treating with your kids?  Did you know most people do not even know their neighbors?  You never know who may be living next door or across the street.  You can make small talk and it could lead to an opportunity. Don’t be scared!!!

If you are attending business networking events tonight or parties this weekend…same thing… network!  Have your 30 second pitch ready to go.  Identify specifically what you would like to do and an accomplishment or two, and your key strengths.  Offer the person you are speaking to a treat….Listen to what they are saying. Do they have a need?  See if you can fill that need for them…this is a treat!  Always try to offer your help first!

I know you will be brewing up lots of opportunities and make sure you follow up!  Remember, no tricks just treats!

Enjoy! Happy Halloween!

Violet

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