Tag Archives: Job Search

A New You In 2012

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                                                      Lot’s to Celebrate About

I’m Super Excited about 2012. Why? Because of one word “New.”  Throw out everything old and usher in everything New.

Who doesn’t love new things right? Is there anything better than a new car or new house. Or a new dress or a new love or a new baby! New is awesome, don’t you agree. With that, I’ve been spending time looking at what “newness” I can bring to my life and I highly recommend this practice for you too. These aren’t necessarily resolutions, but certainly can be, the choice is up to you.

My “New” Plan includes the following To Do Items.

(1) New Online Branding – With so many social platforms that have my image attached, I’ve been updating each one with a current image of who I am. When I worked in TV, the networks always re-freshed their logos once a year to energize the viewers. Well, the same principle applies here in regards to social photos.

(2) About Me – Several “Blogworld” Conference sessions pointed out that the most overlooked section of our online branding dealt with the “About Us” section of our profiles. Have you read how you are describing yourself on LinkedIn, twitter and Google lately? If not, go back in and do some updating. Let us know about some of your recent hobbies and other such news.

(3) New Job – I’m going to actively pursue a new fulltime corporate job, but, this time I’ve opened my options to include areas that are “new” and will be stretching. I’m so excited to see what transpires as I walk down new paths.

(4) A “New” Attitude – Instead of automatically waiting for the other shoe to drop, I’m going to drink from my half full glass. Yep, I’ve read enough studies lately that prove that individuals who have life-altering events handle them so much better with a positive outlook. Pessimism was so 2011…Optimism is what’s in store for me in 2012.  Here’s what I mean.

  • I will land a new job.
  • I will lose weight.
  • I will continue to exercise.
  • I will continue to take the high road.
  • I will ask for forgiveness and forgive others.
  • I will find love and exude it to others.
  • I will continue to stretch myself and continue to learn new things.

Being Nice To Yourself

(5). I will look for opportunities to “Be Good To Myself.” We are always so hard on ourselves and well, this year, I’m going to be more mindful of what my body and mind are really saying to me and heed that advice. What does this look like? Below are some samples of what I mean.

  • I’ve consolidated my blogs down from four to two now. It was just too hard for me to keep up producing content for each one – so I’m making it easier for myself. And it still is just as effective.
  • I’m reaching out to friends/family whom I cherish and being proactive in staying in touch.
  • I’m looking at groups and clubs in my life and assessing which ones I enjoy and learn from and then spending less time with the others.
  • I’m realizing that life is short and thus, I am not procrastinating on planning things that I want to do.
  • I’m trusting God and putting all worry in His hands. And as such, I’m freeing myself up to enjoy more moments and be the person He wants me to be.

That’s just a quick glance at what “newness” I hope to achieve. I do hope that I’m able to live up to at least half of them…for it sure would be great to enjoy life to its fullest.

I’d love to hear what new things you’re bringing into the “New” Year.

Happy New Year,

Cindy

 

 

 

 

 

How To Land the Right Job After College

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Grads: The World is at Your Feet...Copyright All rights reserved by Albert Kenyani Inima

The headline of “How To Land the Right Job After College” may be a bit loaded I know. Landing jobs are difficult for everyone, no matter when you graduated or will graduate. But, I do feel that recent college grads and soon to be college grads can get hired in the positions that they have always dreamed about.  By following a few of these suggestions below, any aspiring employee can get closer to the job of their choice or at least assist in job search.

How do I know? What makes me an expert on this topic?

I’m no job education expert, but I am an experienced executive who has worked at major corporations. I also am skilled in job search, due to a professional program I recently attended thanks to a former employer.  And I often speak at local colleges, so I do have a sense about what college students are feeling these days.  So for those reasons and those reasons alone, I strongly suggest you read on and heed some of my sage advice in this matter.  Here we go.

JOB SEARCH TO DO LIST

(1) When asked what type of job you are looking for..NEVER NEVER NEVER answer this way: “I’ll take anything really, I just need a job.” This is a wrong answer. Go immediately to Point No. 2.

(2). Did you know that 97 percent of all jobs are acquired through networking and people you know? That’s a true fact.  Therefore, if you don’t know what kind of job you want or what company you would like to work for…people like me can’t help you. I have no idea what you majored in or what your passions are. This answer hurts you more than it can ever help you. Never be vague. At least give us something to work with…

Some things that you could say if you aren’t preciously sure of what you are looking are answers like these…”I’m interested in an entry-level position at a national hotel chain (insert area here) and I would like to stay in this area.”  Or “I would like to work for a mortgage company and I will relocate for the best opportunity.” Or “I interested in pursuing a career in the action sports industry. I’d like to work in marketing and promote apparel lines and will relocate if necessary.”

Can you see how these answers are a major improvement? It helps give people a better sense of how they can help you. And people really want to help you. Heck, in this tight economy, everyone knows that we need to help each other.  It’s a given.

(3.) Now that you know what kind of position you want, you need to ask everyone and anyone to help you connect with the right companies and the right people who can hire you.  In job search, shyness isn’t allowed. You’ve got to overcome your job fright. Never be embarrassed when you meet people to immediately ask them if they know anyone in the area of your job search.  This applies to your parent’s friends who come over, your teachers, your pastors, your music teacher, your grocery clerk, your bank teller and your doorman. Heck, even ask people you meet in the elevator. Well, that may be a bit too much, but heck how can it hurt. You have to solicit for your job. I mean I’m constantly having my door bell rung with kids asking me to buy cookies, magazine subscriptions, or wrapping paper to support their school drives. If you could do it then, you can do it now. Say hello and then go into your job spiel…Hi I’m So and So. I’m graduating this month and I am looking for a position in organic farming. Do you know anyone in that field that I could talk to?  Again, don’t be shy. Heck, email me and ask me for help. I’m now a connection for you. Ask people on your Facebook page. Put it out there. We’re here to help.

(4.) If you’re still perplexed about what you want to do…stop right now for I have some homework for you. Write down the five companies where you would like to work. Remember once you get hired, that company is going to grab 40 or more hours of your time a week, so why not work at a company you actually want to work for! Try to work at those companies first.

And then add those companies to your job speech…”Hi I’m a recent graduate of BLANK and I’ve majored in engineering. I am looking for an entry-level position at one of these companies GE, Boeing, Apple, Microsoft or Northrup. Do you know anyone at one of these companies? And if so, would you mind contacting them on my behalf?”

You Should Feel Like A Winner When You Land Your Job

(5.) Be confident and don’t be desperate. You’re in charge of your destiny and your search. You do not have to take any job that comes around. First go after the companies on your target list. Do it. I don’t want you to wake up one morning and regret that you never worked at Facebook. You don’t know until you try. And once you get hired…remember to keep networking for you need to always be ready for your next great job…even if that’s a promotion at the same company.

So go get that job of your dreams. Or least one that is a close match. You have invested a great deal of time and money into yourself going after that college education. 

That’s why you deserve to work at a company that you want as well one that wants you.

If you ever need any encouragement, please contact me. I’d love to pass on more words to help you feel like “Rocky.”

Cindy

Love the Group of Students at Cal Poly Pomona and My Shirt! Thanks again.

(This post is in honor of all the students at Cal Poly Pomona. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know them over the last semester and from my time spent there, I surely feel our future is in good hands. Congrats Graduates and to everyone else I look forward to seeing you next year!)

 

About the Author: Cindy Ronzoni has spent the majority of her career in entertainment publicity at major corporations. She now wears an additional hat, that of, blogger. She blogs here and at her company’s website: SocialSpreadMedia.com. Feel free to friend her up on Facebook and follow her on twitter. She has a soft spot in her heart for students and is a big supporter of PRSSA local chapters.

 

Resume Rx

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What Shape is Your Resume In?

How’s your resume?  Is it in tip-top shape and includes your most recent position? Or is it something that needs life support-a document that just overwhelms you at the thought of updating it?

If you are like most, you dread having to work on your resume.  But, today’s the day for those of you who need to give it some attention will do just that.

Yes, I know that I am supposed to be writing about PR and I really am for your resume is an important aspect.  Your resume is a tool that will help keep you sharp, well-defined and on target. It’s your road map…it tells you where you’ve been and points others to your next direction. It is the single most important thing you can do for yourself.

So again, I ask you – how’s your resume?

If the thought of revising it brings a dark cloud of misery your way – ignore it.  If confusion enters your mind because you think you should pay to have someone do it – don’t go that route until you’ve at least tried to update the one you already have. I just want you to start to write it.  Why?

There’s something about thinking about all the past experiences you have had that is good for your soul.  Remembering and recounting all the wonderful things you have done in college or on the job is a great morale booster and who doesn’t need that during these difficult times.

If you think you are alone, you are not. I’m in the same boat.  I just re-tweaked my resume yesterday and will probably again later this week.  For me, I’m not sure if I’m being clear enough describing what I bring to the table. It’s a work in progress, but I’m working on it.  And so should you with yours.

As I’ve mentioned, 97 percent of all jobs are found as a result of someone helping you get that job.  With that being the case, you never know when an opportunity may come around and you need a resume in less than an hour.  That perfect job may be lost because you had to frantically whip together a resume that didn’t characterize your true strengths.

Like any good Boy Scout, please be prepared and have your resume ready at a moment’s notice.  You’ll be glad you did the advance work, believe me.

There are some great resources on the web for resume writing.  However, here are some key points that I would like to leave you with about resume construction.

1) OBJECTIVE STATEMENT – You do not need to include objective statements any longer so don’t fret about writing that section. However, I still like to use a summary statement to start each resume.

2) RESPONSIBILITIES – Drill down on each past position and write out the responsibilities you handled.  Write out each task.  I love this exercise because you often forget the little stuff which is actually the big stuff like the fact that you handled a 3 million budget or that your idea saved the company thousands of dollars.

3) SUCCESS STORIES – After you’ve written your job tasks, pick out the best three to five responsibilities.  These responsibilities should be the ones that set you apart…they are your success stories…how you saved the company money…organized the entire office….etc., etc.

4) CONTACT INFO – Make sure your email address is your name.  Please do not use any vanity email addresses like “fuzzycat1000″ or “lovetoboat”…If you impressed an HR rep and they wanted to find your thank you email…they will search for your name….so be sure to make a new email address for job search using your formal name.

5) PRESS THROUGH – Keep on keeping on.  Don’t become discouraged about this process. Just start it and complete at least one version of your resume. You can subsequently keep enhancing it and changing it as you go a long.

And if that all fails, send me a note. I’ll send you some encouragement and am more than happy to take a look at your resume and offer a few suggestions.  We’re all in this together…but now is the time for you to address your resume.

Happy writing,

Cindy

Freelance Freedom

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Hop on the Carousel of Freelance Life - You'll Love it. Credit: Flickr: Link576

Today I am speaking at a breakfast event held at the Publicists Guild in partnership with the Entertainment Publicists Professional Society (EPPS). The topic of the panel is freelance public relations.  And as such, the point that I hope that I am able to convey to those in attendance is the great need for them to allow themselves to work and think in entirely new ways about their work and their individual lives.

I do think that the statement “out of the box thinking” is over-used, but its meaning is spot on and not trite, trendy nor part of yesterday’s news.  It’s relevant for today, in fact, its mandatory. For if you haven’t noticed…things are not the same (job-wise or economy-wise) as it was say three years ago.  Things have changed and we, as PR professionals, must hop on that merry go around and learn how to enjoy the ride.

Facebook. twitter. Foursquare. Groupon. Blogs.  They’re here. They are real. And they are here to stay. And they are a major component of our communication tools.

Not only is social media a reality, but so are the manners in which we work.  With reductions of full-time positions, PR executives who were downsized are forced to become freelancers/consultants until something permanent does come around again.  And this can be an exhilarating experience and not one to be dreaded if you allow yourself to dream, think differently, and diligently break from traditional work practices.

As a freelancer, you finally are not shackled with promoting one company or touting a company line – you have FREEDOM to explore deep within yourself what would make you happy and finally Do what you’ve always wanted to do….like work for a non-profit that you are passionate about or take culinary classes and start your own cupcake business or open up your shingle and promote a wide range of services. You can do anything that you want…you are the boss of your own company. So who do you want to be?

Don’t let panic or desperation seep in.  Allow yourself the ability to dream.  Don’t stop working on landing a full time gig, but do that six hours in the day.  Spend  a couple hours each day to work on the job you would love to have and develop it.  You can create anything that you want.  Drop down the sides of your box and stand in the middle of it with your head raised skyward and  your hands held high…and enjoy your new found freedom.

I allowed myself to lead a job search work team and created a website.

Who am I to write such statements?

Well, I’m living this at the moment.  And I’m lovin’ it. My hands are no longer held tightly onto the carousel horses, but I’m hanging from the outside of the merry go round.  I’m smiling as it goes round and round and I’m letting the wind and sun shine on my face.  My clients and directions make no sense in the traditional world and I’m glad. I’m living in the social media world where we can create the things that make a difference in the world and matter.  And you know as you make a difference in the world, you are making a difference in your own life. It’s a win-win for all involved.  Let yourself serve wherever you can.

So, what am I doing?  I have a couple clients that are from my career experience, but now I’ve expanded my box to include teaching job search skills to those who are living in transitional housing facilities. I’m showing seniors how to use Facebook.  I’m speaking at colleges and churches. I’m learning how to code CSS and I have my own voice now on several platforms.  I could have never invented this crazy path, traditionally, but I allowed it to take its course and I’m working with nature and not against it anymore.

My box does not have walls…my office is virtual…and I’m free to create.

Freelance-Fear=Freedom

I love this quote that I stumbled upon on twitter from the eschelon2010 conference and I wish I could credit the writer. I hope it inspires you as it did me.  “If you want to make a successful start up, you need a huge vision, not something small.”

Let yourself think. As Seth Godin always reminds us – we are all artists…so allow yourself to create. Grab a paintbrush and put some paint on it.

If you need a little more inspiration….I’m including my favorite clip of all time regarding transitions…The Lemonade Movie.  Please watch it below and become inspired.

Here to serve,

Cindy

So now my question for you is…what would you write on your lemon? If you could what would want to do? Be sure to let me know, I’d love to hear.