Sunday, May 31, 2020

Your Job Search PROBLEM, Or Just Problems

Your Job Search PROBLEM, Or Just Problems As Senior Product Manager of JibberJobber, I have a lot of things I am working on. One of them is making sure my develops are working on the right things. How do you figure out what they should work on, and when? As Product Manager I have two Biggest Problems Im working on: one is getting more people to sign up, the other is getting more of our users to upgrade. As a a job seeker  my two Biggest Problems are similar: one is getting more companies interested in me, the other is getting offers for the right jobs. The PROBLEM for an business is more sales. But how do you get there?   You dont just work on more sales, you break it down and figure out smaller problems to address, and sometimes break those down to smaller problems. Eventually you have a big list of things to work on and then get to choose where to put your time and team. Choosing one problem means putting off other problems.   And thats where it gets tricky. What if you put off the wrong problem for too long? In JibberJobber we have broken down our PROBLEM and have identified smaller problems, and are strategically working on each of them. Were methodologically working on what we think are the right ones, and then well move to the next right ones, etc. In your job search I know that your PROBLEM, not having a check, not having a job, or a title, is so big and distracting that its hard to think of anything else. You know you need to work on your LinkedIn Profile, or your resume, or prepare for an interview, etc., but the suffocating feeling of being a job seeker (who feels like you are spinning wheels) can overwhelm you to the point where you neglect the smaller problems or the steps to solve your bigger problem. Let me suggest that you break down your PROBLEM and then figure out what to focus on.   Here are some ideas, with sub-ideas. Some of you need to work on some of these, others need to work on others its a pretty individual thing: Soft Skills:  Listening, phone skills, empathy, work ethic, teamwork, tenacity, attitude, etc. Any of these can be a lifelong pursuit, but if you know you need to work on certain skills, learn where to start and what to do to improve them.  This is the 7th habit from Covey (sharpen your saw). Hard Skills:  What do you need to do or show to prove that you can actually do the job? Perhaps this is through a degree, certifications, licenses, hours logged, new skills (breadth), or improving current skills (depth). This is also the 7th habit from Covey (sharpen your saw). Job Search Marketing Material: Creating a master resume, crafting resumes based on postings, business cards, making your LinkedIn Profile better, etc. Dont get hung up on these things for weeks, and neglect other things you should be doing (like talking to people!) Your Presentation: Maybe an updated wardrobe, or just getting a haircut or makeover or something. Not necessary for everyone, but first impressions count, right? I went to my first big interview in a much outdated suit (but I still got the job :)) Networking: find networking events you should go to, schedule them in your calendar, actually go to them, meet with individuals one-on-one, and please, please: following-up! Interview Skills: create your response(s) to tell me about yourself, create short stories you can use in response to interview questions, plan your closing remarks, and script out responses to any question you can come up with. Personal Marketing: Does anyone know who you are, and what you want? Do they know your target companies and what titles you are applying to? Your job, as a job seeker, is to get your name out. This means you have to get out, meet people, and (tactfully) communicate these things. Sure, you can (and should) do things on LinkedIn and through email, but dont neglect communicating your brand with individuals and groups. Personal Branding: What is your brand? Can you communicate it in such a way that people can understand and repeat it (even if they arent in your industry)? Refine your tagline. Define the main parts of your claim, and then figure out how to communicate those so people get your brand. Your personal branding strategy is a big part of your answer to how youll tap into the hidden job market. What do you need to work on? Do you need a coach to help you? Notice my question isnt what is most comfortable for you to work on it is, in order to get a job, what do you need to get fixed or resolved? Make your own list, with priorities, and even if its uncomfortable, make sure you work on the right things! Your Job Search PROBLEM, Or Just Problems As Senior Product Manager of JibberJobber, I have a lot of things I am working on. One of them is making sure my develops are working on the right things. How do you figure out what they should work on, and when? As Product Manager I have two Biggest Problems Im working on: one is getting more people to sign up, the other is getting more of our users to upgrade. As a a job seeker  my two Biggest Problems are similar: one is getting more companies interested in me, the other is getting offers for the right jobs. The PROBLEM for an business is more sales. But how do you get there?   You dont just work on more sales, you break it down and figure out smaller problems to address, and sometimes break those down to smaller problems. Eventually you have a big list of things to work on and then get to choose where to put your time and team. Choosing one problem means putting off other problems.   And thats where it gets tricky. What if you put off the wrong problem for too long? In JibberJobber we have broken down our PROBLEM and have identified smaller problems, and are strategically working on each of them. Were methodologically working on what we think are the right ones, and then well move to the next right ones, etc. In your job search I know that your PROBLEM, not having a check, not having a job, or a title, is so big and distracting that its hard to think of anything else. You know you need to work on your LinkedIn Profile, or your resume, or prepare for an interview, etc., but the suffocating feeling of being a job seeker (who feels like you are spinning wheels) can overwhelm you to the point where you neglect the smaller problems or the steps to solve your bigger problem. Let me suggest that you break down your PROBLEM and then figure out what to focus on.   Here are some ideas, with sub-ideas. Some of you need to work on some of these, others need to work on others its a pretty individual thing: Soft Skills:  Listening, phone skills, empathy, work ethic, teamwork, tenacity, attitude, etc. Any of these can be a lifelong pursuit, but if you know you need to work on certain skills, learn where to start and what to do to improve them.  This is the 7th habit from Covey (sharpen your saw). Hard Skills:  What do you need to do or show to prove that you can actually do the job? Perhaps this is through a degree, certifications, licenses, hours logged, new skills (breadth), or improving current skills (depth). This is also the 7th habit from Covey (sharpen your saw). Job Search Marketing Material: Creating a master resume, crafting resumes based on postings, business cards, making your LinkedIn Profile better, etc. Dont get hung up on these things for weeks, and neglect other things you should be doing (like talking to people!) Your Presentation: Maybe an updated wardrobe, or just getting a haircut or makeover or something. Not necessary for everyone, but first impressions count, right? I went to my first big interview in a much outdated suit (but I still got the job :)) Networking: find networking events you should go to, schedule them in your calendar, actually go to them, meet with individuals one-on-one, and please, please: following-up! Interview Skills: create your response(s) to tell me about yourself, create short stories you can use in response to interview questions, plan your closing remarks, and script out responses to any question you can come up with. Personal Marketing: Does anyone know who you are, and what you want? Do they know your target companies and what titles you are applying to? Your job, as a job seeker, is to get your name out. This means you have to get out, meet people, and (tactfully) communicate these things. Sure, you can (and should) do things on LinkedIn and through email, but dont neglect communicating your brand with individuals and groups. Personal Branding: What is your brand? Can you communicate it in such a way that people can understand and repeat it (even if they arent in your industry)? Refine your tagline. Define the main parts of your claim, and then figure out how to communicate those so people get your brand. Your personal branding strategy is a big part of your answer to how youll tap into the hidden job market. What do you need to work on? Do you need a coach to help you? Notice my question isnt what is most comfortable for you to work on it is, in order to get a job, what do you need to get fixed or resolved? Make your own list, with priorities, and even if its uncomfortable, make sure you work on the right things!

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Do You Need Help With Synonym Resume Writing?

Do You Need Help With Synonym Resume Writing?Synonym resume writing is a good way to find synonyms for your college major. This will allow you to make use of keywords and synonyms while writing the resume. Your goal in this method is to make it look like a resume and not a novel. The point is to give the impression that you are browsing the internet for examples of resumes, you can do this by writing synonyms for your subject.There are many ways to find the right keywords and synonyms. One option would be to use an academic dictionary. By doing this you will have words that have been used by others in their work. You may even come across words that people have used that you do not know, so use this method as a trial and error method to see what works best for you.Another method is to research online. There are websites that specialize in providing ways to do word searches. You can also find reverse searches that allow you to enter your search term and it will list the most commonly u sed terms.You should also be able to get a synonym search tool that is free to use. The fact that you have to pay just shows how great a service these websites offer. You will save a lot of time searching through these free services.The best way to do a keyword search would be to go to Google, type in the subject of your major and see what comes up. You will have to do this a couple of times to get all the important terms. Look at the top hits as these are what you want to use.The next step would be to research some synonyms. Do not be afraid to use the 'online'linkedin' because they are synonyms and you will not come across many others. These are websites where people post their profiles and include their social networking information. It is likely that you will come across someone who shares the same major that you do.Using the above mentioned methods and finding the best keywords and synonyms will allow you to have a better chance of creating a good looking resume. The best part is that you do not have to do this all alone. There are many professionals that will help you with this process.If you find yourself to be the most appropriate candidate for a position, you will have to write a great cover letter and apply. Your aim is to stand out from the crowd, so make sure that you do not do this by limiting yourself in your choice of words and keywords.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Like Shiny Objects Heres How To Become a Jewelry Dealer! -

Like Shiny Objects Heres How To Become a Jewelry Dealer! - During times of economic and political uncertainty, many people turn towards gold as an asset they can invest in for the long run. While some just use bullion for holding their assets, others take the gains and make a living by buying and selling gold and gold jewelry. Jewelry dealers, as most such entrepreneurs are known, tend to buy basic gold, add value to it and then sell it forward to their clientele. Women with a keen sense for fashion and jewelry have stepped into this field now, and are making strong gains in the face of the options present. Knowing the opportunities in the market, we have made a list of steps to follow to become a jewelry dealer. Remember that this is not an overnight job, as adherence to your principles and the steps mentioned here would only get you to the beginning of the coveted revenue stream you want. Develop a Business Plan This is without a doubt the first step in the way towards becoming a jewelry dealer. Obviously you might have a plan of sorts to define your selling routine and the market you will be targeting. To excel in the gold market, you should have your niche sorted out. Are you going to do assorted gold items for weddings and festivities, or do you want to provide antique gold jewelry in the market? These are all questions that you need to have answers to. Additionally, also have a budget on your disposal to know your immediate costs and the best way to manage them. Decide how you want to sell.   Is your preference for an exclusive online website?   For sites that conglomerate sellers such as EBay or Amazon?   Or do you want to venture into direct sales or even a brick-and-mortar storefront?   Each of these has benefits and disadvantages.   Youll want to weigh the options carefully. Market your Business What sets you apart from the thousands of other jewelry dealers operating in your town, city, state or country? There has to be a unique selling point. If the USP isn’t strong enough, then you’d have to focus on marketing as a tool to leverage your sales. Pull people over to you, and give them an offer that they cannot reject. Also make sure that you market only what you can actually provide. Do not give overwhelming offers and promises, only to backtrack later on. Test and Buying Gold Buying gold is an art that you can learn from any expert in the market. This process requires going to different events and locations, and testing gold to prove its authenticity. Two common methods for testing gold are to use acids and magnets. Gold is not attracted to magnets, so if anything proclaimed as the yellow metal does get attracted, then it is not pure gold. Acid tests also check the authenticity of gold, and come with unique instructions mentioned on them for clarity and inference. Make sure you purchase gold in high enough volume to break volume buying thresholds   and serve your clientele. Keeping an Eye on the Prices It is   necessary for you to keep an eye on prices and check them for trends, if any, as often as possible.     Gold prices keep fluctuating, sometimes moving unexpectedly, and you might miss out on some gains by not keeping a stringent check on these fluctuations.