Carla, a longtime blogging friend, posted this on my Facebook wall yesterday:

I want to pose this question, Dan, to you and some of your readers of your blog. I am pondering the answering to this in my own life because I need some perspective in my own family’s situation, and would like some thoughts from others on this too. “What is unemployment teaching you”–about how you see life, family, Faith etc. It’ll be interesting to hear answers to this question!

When I think about the times I’ve been unemployed (and even underemployed), they have been defining moments for me.

I think I’ve been able to see my life as more than just a job. Unemployment forced me to separate work from my identity. With so many other people unemployed, and with the “wounded animal” demeanor that often accompanies the announcement that one is unemployed, I resolved to not let it be the most interesting thing about me.

It has naturally been a huge strain on my family financially. Unemployment benefits are certainly better than nothing, but they are barely enough to live on. So it forced us to really consider what is important.  As one friend told me, when it’s really boiled down, all we really need is food, shelter, and clothing.  This friend has been seriously reconsidering the direction his life is taking and is making some changes.

Managing the emotional side of job search has been one of the key things I really went after this time around. I resolved at the beginning of 2010 to be an incurably tough-minded optimist. It’s been hard, but that resolve has helped me focus on protecting my mind from negativity and disappointment.

I’ve read so much more during this period because I knew I needed to continue growing and changing, and I look forward to continuing this habit.

Having emotional support, not only from my family, but also from my church community and local job search support groups, has been very important this most recent time around.

Now it’s your turn…

What do you think about what Carla has asked? What is unemployment teaching you?

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What is the hardest part of your job search?

Is it finding contacts to one of your target companies? Is it building a list of companies you’re targeting? How about preparing for interviews?

For me, the hardest part of my job search is also the most important part.  What I’m about to say is echoed time and again from people I’ve interviewed for the How I Got My Job job search success stories podcast. I believe it’s the most important part and most often the hardest. Because it requires so much work up front.

The Hardest Part of Your Job Search

The hardest part of your job search is finding out who you are, what you have to offer, and communicating that value to others in a clear manner. One of the most common qualities of successful job seekers is Authenticity. These are people who understand themselves and have communicated it in such a way that matches what hiring managers are looking for.

Why It’s Hard

In his latest book, Linchpin, Seth Godin talks about “thrashing.” In my own words thrashing is that emotional and even physical unrest we experience to some sort of change. It’s the body’s way of trying to protect itself from harm, part of the survival instinct that craves routine.

When you find yourself out of work and needing to reinvent yourself, this thrashing occurs. Someone has said that they don’t need you anymore, and it’s not surprising that you find yourself in an emotional tailspin.  So you thrash as you work toward finding out who you are and what value you have to offer.  It’s good that it occurs, actually, because you need to work out the emotions to get to the other side of the process.

(Re)-Discover Who You Really Are

I’ve been thrashing over the past day, weeks, and maybe even months, working on identifying what I have to offer. I’ve spent the past 14 years primarily doing paid work in information systems, in application development.  But over the past 8 years I’ve also developed some great expertise in social networking, so much so that others routinely ask me for advice and have even hired me from time to time to help them.

I’ve also gone through the StrengthsFinder assessment process and have learned that I have the following top 5 strengths:

1. Woo: winning others over; connecting easily with others
2. Positivity: seeing the best in people and situations
3. Strategic thinking: seeing things from the 40,000-foot perspective, ability to make the complex simple and easy to understand
4. Communication: expressing ideas in oral and written form, especially through stories
5. Activator: kick-starting projects, getting others excited about ideas

So maybe I don’t fit the profile of a typical application developer. But what to do with this experience and background? And how can I work that into a marketing document for myself?

The Resume Exercise

I agree with Dan Miller, the author of “48 Days to the Work You Love” and “No More Mondays,” that the exercise of putting together a resume is important, whether we’re planning to go to work for someone else or doing work for ourselves. The act of being able to authentically communicate who we are and what we offer to people who can hire us is of course important to them, but it’s equally important for us.

And yet this is where I’ve thrashed. Hard.

I think I’ve experienced what Cincinnati author Andrea Kay, in her book “Resumes That Will Get You the Job You Want,” calls “Rigid Resume Syndrome” (RRS). It’s this ideology that resumes must be a certain format or have a certain number of pages, and so forth. Different people tell you different things. The best resume is the one that gets you the interview, though, right?

I’ve had a technical resume that focused on what I did at my last job.  I’ve also put together a functional resume that highlighted my experience in the social networking space, but I was wasn’t really satisfied with it.

A Cause for Urgent Thrashing?

Yesterday I got a phone call from the co-owner and President of the company who was our primary vendor at my last job. He asked me to interview, based on a recommendation from former coworkers. And he also wanted me to email him my resume.

So I thrashed. But I eventually overcame the resistance I’d felt and was finally able to put together a resume I feel brings out the combination of skills, strengths, and experience that make up who I am and what my unique value proposition is.

In typical social media fashion, I’ve uploaded it to my Virtual Business Card page where people can download it.

Parting Thoughts

In a world where many of us are continuing to build our digital footprint in the online space, it’s easy to expect it to be enough for people looking to hire us to seek us out that way and that resumes shouldn’t be required. I’ve wondered why hiring managers have continued to ask for my resume.

I see things differently now. The experience of creating the resume has further distilled my personal marketing message, and I feel better equipped to talk about who I am and what I’m looking for to others.

Your Turn

What about you? I’d love to hear about your experiences in this area. Feel free to leave them in the comments below. Or, if you’d like to discuss privately, you can get in touch via the Contact page.

Note: I’ve included affiliate links to books mentioned above because I’ve found these resources helpful and believe you might as well. Also, this post was inspired by this morning’s Google Buzz update. More about how I’m using Google Buzz.

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crossposted to danieljohnsonjr.com/main

Yesterday was a down day. I don’t think I’ve felt so down like this in quite a long time. It was quite an emotional day of dealing with insecurity, anxiety, stress, and self-doubt.

As I think back to what contributed to this, I can definitely see that, among many things, I was very tired from having overextended myself earlier in the week. In addition, I haven’t been as active physically lately. I’ve loved taking our dog for long walks and using that time to relieve stress and haven’t been doing that as much.

I think down days are good for us, and I’m grateful that I saw it as only temporary. When we’re in those down periods, it’s good to explore why we’re feeling what we’re feeling to see what we can do to get back up.  For me, it was taking a long nap and getting out of the home and going for that long walk with the dog.

I’m grateful to have great emotional support from my family. I’m glad my wife encourages me the way she does, and that I have a daughter who thinks I’m the greatest Dad ever. Because it’s so easy for me to look in the mirror, or be told on the phone or in an interview or a rejection letter that I don’t measure up to expectations.

I’m grateful for a network of friends who think very highly of me and let me know. I need to be reminded of my accomplishments, to be encouraged, just as much as I encourage others.

So I spend time in prayer and meditation. I find that music to help me with my mind and listen. I watch funny movies. I check out these 37 Videos That Will Blow Your Mind (thanks again, Chris Ryan, for pointing me to the link!).

And I blog.

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I made a confession on Twitter and Facebook yesterday: I hate writing resumes and cover letters and sending them off to people. I realize it’s a necessary part of the hiring process, but I’ve found it tedious and in some ways overwhelming.

I think the reason for this has to do with changing a career. I have a resume that somewhat worked for what I did at my last job, but, since I’m now moving in a different direction, I have to come up with a different resume. In my mind that often seems to be like an insurmountable task.

Last week I went to the library and browsed the books in the job hunting section for inspiration. I noticed this thin, tall book by fellow Cincinnatian Andrea Kay, entitled Resumes That Will Get You the Job You Want (affiliate link). This book was first written in 1997, and it contains a lot of things that are helping me overcome my dread of writing a resume.

Andrea writes in a real, down-to-earth style, and I love the approach that the book takes. She starts from having us inventory our strengths, expertise, and experience. Then she helps us get to the core of what we want to do and how we can make a difference, combining this into a thesis statement and objective. Once we do that, we’re able to put the accomplishment statements that support the thesis on the resume.

I’m still reading the book, but I wanted to let you know about it right now, because it’s actually given me hope that I can overcome my dread of writing a resume. I also have no problem recommending you check it out and use my affiliate link. Check it out at the library, or get it here.

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Ever feel like someone’s trying to tell you something?

1. Early this afternoon I did an in-person interview for How I Got My Job with a good friend of mine, Marc Hopkins, about how he got his recent job as an adjunct professor at a local university. During that interview he talked about YourOneDegree.com. From their website: “Your One Degree is the specific focus and direction you were put on planet earth to pursue and accomplish.”
2. Later this afternoon, while browsing the aggregate feed for this year’s National Podcast Post Month (NaPodPoMo) website, I found this post from Will Brown entitled Pursuing Your Passion. I was intrigued so much that I had to take a second listen.
3. My good friend and Cincinnati-area colleague Cliff Ravenscraft from GSPN.tv has a blog and podcast entitled Pursuing a Balanced Life. You may have seen some updates on Twitter with the #PABL hashtag; Cliff and this community are behind that. He left a high-paying job selling insurance to pursue a passion in podcasting and has been able to make a living doing that. I’ve heard him share his story a number of times, and I continue to be inspired.

Maybe it’s that being in transition removes a lot of the other constraints I felt like I was under when I was working full-time, but I’m at least seeing a lot more varied opportunities come my way to try new things.

What about you?

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Last night I attended a networking group for job seekers at a local Barnes & Noble. The organizer is an employee there, and each week he plans a discussion around topics that are relevant to other job seekers, with some books he’s found.

Coping with Rejection

The topic for last night was “Coping with Rejection”. Monte, the organizer, described it this way:

Rejection can impede your job search in a number of ways. Some are subtle and some not so subtle. We will look at a number of different authors, books and web sites is seeing what defenses and strategies we can employ in overcoming this major stumbling stone. We’d love to have you join us but we won’t take it personally if you don’t.

To wallow or not to wallow: that is the question

Interestingly, he found that there have not been books written exclusively about how to deal with rejection; most books contain a chapter or a paragraph or two. I wonder if that’s because not many people are interested in buying books on rejection.  We can choose to wallow in the rejection, or we can rise above it.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t take time to figure out what happened and what we can learn from it. And I’m not saying there shouldn’t be time to be sad or down. But I think there needs to be a time when we pick ourselves back up and press on.

Different playing field – different ballgame

Many of us job seekers are finding that this time of searching is a completely different playing field. I imagine hiring managers are feeling the same way. Job seekers wondering why they haven’t even received a rejection letter; hiring managers too busy or overwhelmed with applicants to have time to send them out.

The great supply of labor has some employers on a bargain hunt. If we as job seekers are not willing to come in at a number they offer, they can probably find someone else who will. This is a different kind of rejection, isn’t it? We begin to wonder whether you’re worth what you used to make. If we opt for the lowball offer, that might pigeonhole us at a lower pay range. When the market improves, who’s to say that we won’t jump ship? Chances are that we won’t rise above it at that job.

Know yourself

This is where having a great personal brand, both online and in-person, is key.  We need to know ourselves, communicate who we are and what we’re about, in such a way that shows that we fit with an organization and position.  Doing this means getting out from behind the computer, taking that shower, and getting in front of other people. Learn about yourself and what your marketable skills are. Uncover leads for new opportunities, not only from searching online but also from asking others you know.

The power of a phone call

The phone is still one of the best social networking tools around. One person at the group last night told a story about having an interview one morning about 25 miles from his home. He awoke in a bad mood and wasn’t looking forward to driving in the sleet on the roads that he was sure would be a mess. The phone rang, and he let the answering machine pick it up. He hoped it was the hiring manager, calling to cancel or reschedule the interview because of the weather.  Instead it was someone he’d met from a networking event who knew about his interview. She called, saying she was reminded that he had his big interview that morning and wanted to wish him the best. His mood changed.

This story reminds me that I both need the encouragement and I need to offer it generously.

Another person, who has a background in sales, described his approach in calling on potential customers. He said before he had an intimidating call to make, he’d make a call to his best client.  He said this advice could work for us job seekers. If we have an intimidating call to a potential employer to make, we could first call someone from the group or another friend we know who’ll offer us the emotional support we need.

Prime the pump

Sometime during the evening, I brought up Zig Ziglar‘s story about the water pump.  Since I couldn’t remember all the details, Monte, the group’s organizer, told the group the compact, “Reader’s Digest” version. Through the magic of the internet (*wink*), I’m able to share it with you here:

Zig Ziglar – Prime the Pump.

I’m glad I went to this group and was sad that I had to leave early. Hopefully some of the things I’ve shared here have been valuable to you as well.

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Key Dates

• September 1994 – First day of full-time work after graduating from college
• September 1997 – Last day of work at first job
• November 1997 – First day of work at consulting company
• June 1998 – Last day of work at consulting company
• August 1998 – First day of work at second consulting company
• June 2002 – Last day of work at second consulting company
• January 2005 – First day of work at a Professional Employer Organization (PEO)
• August 2006 – Last day of work at PEO
• January 2007 – First day after being rehired at PEO
• June 2009 – Last day of work at PEO

I don’t know what exactly made me want to present the dates in this way, except maybe to show that job transition isn’t uncommon and announce that I, too, am back in the job search.

I started this blog back in July 2002 as a way to document and share resources I’d found online in my job search. If it might be useful for me, it might be useful for you, too.  This was before social bookmarking sites like Delicious were around, so some of those earlier posts just contain links.

I expect that blogging here at Get That Job! will increase over the coming months, and I’m going to look for other ways I can provide value to you who read this.  As you might already know, I’ve been producing an internet radio series called How I Got My Job, where I share job hunting success stories from other people.  The initial motivation was to help listeners keep a positive attitude while in transition.  I need that myself now more than ever.

If you haven’t reached out yet, please do.  Find me online at my About page.  What successful job search strategies have you found?

Thanks again for accompanying me on this journey.

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I know you’re hurting.

When I was unemployed and underemployed in 2003-2004, those were very dark times for me.  The stress of not being able to provide for my family overwhelmed me to the point where I became seriously depressed.  Seriously depressed. The pain I felt was nearly unbearable.  I found a psychiatrist and therapist and took some medicine and talked with other people. I was involved in a church community.

Depression clouds everything

Still, there were times I thought about ending it all. Yes, there were rare times of what they call “suicidal ideation“.  I was open about those thoughts and feelings.  I made myself accountable to others who would ask me:

• “Are you taking your medicine?”
• “Are you going to your appointments?”
• “How are you really doing today?”

Depression clouds everything, especially in a job search.  When you’re depressed you don’t feel like you have anything to offer anyone.  Maybe this hits us guys more than the ladies because we get so much of our identity from what we do for a living.  When that is taken away from us, we feel like part of our soul has been ripped out.

There are days you don’t even want to wake up.  You want the pain to go away.

Does any of this sound familiar?

Stay in the battle

Promise me something.  No matter how bad it gets – don’t give up.  Stay in the battle.  Look at yourself in the mirror – no, STARE DOWN the person in the mirror – and repeat these two statements of fact:

1. You are better than you think you are.
2. You can do more than you think you can.

The biggest reason I created the How I Got My Job project is for times like this. Surround yourself with success.  Just hearing that someone else got a job can give you hope.  Listen to these stories over and over again.  Let them sink into your consciousness as you begin to believe in yourself again.

Read this excellent article from Christopher S. Penn about How Your iPod Can Protect Your Mind.

Get help

Finally, get help. No man is an island.  We were made to be social creatures, and we need to get and stay connected with others.  We live in an age now where connecting online is so easy.  Even more importantly, though, get connected to people in-person.  You need to find people to meet up and network with.  Find people who will inspire and encourage you, people who are not afraid to tell it like it is.  Heck, feel free to get in touch with me. I try to make myself as approachable as possible.  Get some therapy if needed.

To share this post on Twitter, please copy and paste the following text:

RT @danieljohnsonjr: (via Get That Job!) Promise Me Something: http://bit.ly/promise-me

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I initially started this blog as a resource for myself.  As I read and consume content that I think would be worthwhile sharing, I often consider it in that frame of reference.

Such is the case with this jewle  jewel from Rachel Levy:

Using social media for a job search | Rachel Levy – Boston marketing pro (social networking, Twitter).

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Image by Valerie Everett via Flickr

This morning I was reminded of the first real job I had when I was in high school. I had a small paper route when I was in junior high school and the lawn-mowing jobs during the summers, but this was my first real part-time job.

My stepmother went to high school with the owners of an Angilo’s Pizza franchise in our neighborhood. Probably because she was tired of seeing me hang around at home so much, she had me go up and fill out an application. I got the job and began learning how to make pizzas and hoagies. I was 14 years old.

I worked part-time at Angilo’s during high school until after I graduated and went on to college. Over time I demonstrated my reliability and was able to open and close the store on my own.

We started doing delivery, and when I got my driver’s license, I became one of their best delivery drivers.

I think I went through a Nissan Datsun, a Chevy Chevette, and a Ford Granada during my time there.

I learned a lot about hard work, and somehow still managed to excel at school.

What was your first job, and what life lessons did it teach you?

This post originates from http://getthatjobonline.com

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Image via Wikipedia

It’s almost like Jason Alba was reading my mind.  Yesterday I mentioned how I’ve felt like I’ve been treading water in my job search:

I had an idea a few days ago, and my mind has been spinning since.  Today I’m announcing Jibberjobber One Thing, which will help people who are interested in nurturing their careers, or even protecting their careers, and wondering what they can proactively do to salvage some idea of job security.

I’ve signed up for this.  Why don’t you do the same?

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If you, like me, have been using JibberJobber to help manage your job search and networking, then you’ll be glad to know that Jason and the crew have extended their premium special for one more day. $99 for the premium features is well worth the price you pay.

I’ve been using this tool since 2006, and I really love the way it helps me track the minutiae tasks that I really have had trouble with. I especially love the email alerts feature. In addition, Jason Alba has done a really great job supporting the tool with the blog, webinars, and videos on how to use it.

Check out JibberJobber, and let me know what you think. When you sign up, be sure to connect with me over there, too.

—–
Check out my other blogs:
Daniel Johnson, Jr.
Journey Inside My Mind Blog
Journey Inside My Mind Podcast
QuotesBlog
Twitter.com/danieljohnsonjr
Connect on LinkedIn
Interesting Stuff I’ve Read

Related tags: getthatjob, get+that+job, job+hunt, job+search, career+advice, networking, professional+development, daniel+johnson+jr, jibberjobber

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Financial Aid Podcast Daily Free Internet Radio” – specifically, the JobCast episodes

and

JobDig – Jobseeker and Career Advice Podcast

Mobile post sent by danieljohnsonjr using Utterz. Replies. mp3

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When I was looking for my first job out of college, and in many of my subsequent job searches, I’ve often looked at the top business lists for the area where I was looking.

The print editions of the Cincinnati Business Courier and Dayton Business Journal, for example, contain top 25 lists of various companies and individuals in various categories. It looks like these lists can be ordered online, too: here’s the link for Cincinnati Business Lists. From this link you can search other markets and categories, too.

As a job seeker, I’ve personally preferred to spend some time at my public library, searching their archived lists, instead of spending money on these lists.

Have you found these lists to be helpful?

—–
Check out my other blogs:
Daniel Johnson, Jr.
Journey Inside My Mind Blog
Journey Inside My Mind Podcast
QuotesBlog
Twitter.com/danieljohnsonjr
Wanna get LinkedIn?

Related tags: getthatjob, get+that+job, job+hunt, job+search, career+advice, networking, professional+development, daniel+johnson+jr, top+business+lists

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Do you run toward or away opportunities that you know would require a change in your character? What I talk about here could be applied not only to job searching, but to life in general.

Links mentioned:

1. http://getthatjobonline.com
2. http://danieljohnsonjr.com
3. http://twitter.com/danieljohnsonjr

Related tags: getthatjob, get+that+job, job+hunt, job+search, career+advice, networking, professional+development, daniel+johnson+jr

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Jason just put up a great post to discuss the concept of religion in a job search. I wholeheartedly recommend you go over there and join the conversation.

Related tags: getthatjob get+that+job job+hunt job+search career+advice networking professional+development religion

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To say I’m upset is an understatement. In this Utterz from the Road (player embedded above), I talk about a “Coaching Memo” I received today that could very well be the impetus needed for me to make a job move. Please check out http://danieljohnsonjr.com/

Related tags: getthatjob get+that+job job+hunt job+search career+advice networking professional+development daniel+johnson+jr

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Good morning, you wonderful people!

I have a decision I need to make about a job change very soon – even today. I was given a consulting-type job offer that I’m seriously considering.

So many things point to it being good; a lot of the opposites to my current position.

I’m working through concerns over whether I can really do this new job, because it’s different from what I’ve been doing. You see, in my current position, I get to be creative, and I’ve learned THAT is one of my strongest motivators.

I’m not sure that exists with this new job. But I’m considering taking it and then looking for something creative as a hobby outside of work. I mean, I already have creative hobbies outside of work, but continuing with them.

Another thing that strongly motivates me is that I can really do a good job at what I’ve been tasked to do; i.e., I want to set myself up for success in the work I do.

As I type that last sentence, it almost sounds like I’m limiting myself – maybe I am. In most of my adult life, I’ve not been one to take many risks, especially since I’m the primary breadwinner of our family.

Yet I can’t help think that this could be the Lord prompting me to “get out of the boat.”

I appreciate your thoughts and prayers and comments.

crossposted to Journey Inside My Mind Blog

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This is a question I’ve asked my LinkedIn network, and I also ask here:

How do you draw the line between effective promotion and spam?

When marketing a brand or doing some other type of publicity for someone or something, there are effective ways to promote, and there are not so effective ways. How do identify, especially in the digital age in which we live, where the line between effective promotion (self- or otherwise) is and where you’ve crossed it?

Comments are open and genuinely appreciated!

Related tags: getthatjob get+that+job job+hunt job+search career+advice networking professional+development daniel+johnson+jr self+branding

crossposted to http://danieljohnsonjr.blogspot.com

Visit DiversityJobs.com for articles, news, and advice on Diversity recruiting.

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Do you read the local business journal the city where you live or want to work? Years ago I started doing that, just to see what companies are doing in the area and as a potential source for job leads, a way to get an understanding of the job market. I can’t remember whether the Cincinnati Business Courier does it, but the Dayton Business Journal publishes these lists every week of fastest growing companies, top minority-owned businesses, etc. I liked looking at those lists because it gave the name of the top official as well as other relevant information for generating leads.

I’m currently have the RSS feed for the Cincinnati Business Courier’s Breaking News in my Bloglines collection. I often don’t know what to make of some of the information I read, though.

On one hand I hear that unemployment rates are up slightly, but then I read that the job market for IT professionals is pretty good. I even saw this morning that Cincinnati is ranked 18th on Forbes magazine recent Best Cities for Young Professionals list.

Does it seem confusing to you? It does to me, sometimes. Then I look at the details and see that the unemployment article is talking about Ohio metro areas overall. I guess that’s what we need to do – look at the details a bit more closely.

Also, I think it’s a good idea not to let negative information put a cloud over your job search efforts. Doing so can lead to making excuses. You’ll be tempted, as I am, to think and say things like, “Oh, the job market’s just down; that’s why I’m not able to find work.” Let’s think and believe bigger than that.

Related tags: getthatjob get+that+job job+hunt job+search career+advice job+market daniel+johnson+jr

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I’ve listened to Peter Clayton‘s interview with Steven Rothberg two days in a row, because it’s got me thinking about my own career strategies for using social networking sites, as well as my portfolio blog. You need to listen to this, too.

From the shownotes at TotalPicture.com:

Did you know that MySpace is the 3rd most visited U.S. website and that the average age of a MySpace user is 35? Check out this interview, which covers an overview of CollegeRecruiter.com, and an in-depth analysis – from a career strategy perspective – of MySpace, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Second Life.

Click on the player to hear the 39-minute interview:

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Alternate links that get you the content:

• Direct download (mp3) from the Total Picture Radio site
• Total Picture Radio shownotes
• Odeo audio page
• PodShow+

Related tags: getthatjob get+that+job job+hunt job+search career+advice networking professional+development daniel+johnson+jr

Find thousands of Bilingual jobs at LatPro.com.

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“To touch the soul of another human being is to walk on holy ground.” – Stephen R. Covey, via QuotesBlog

I met Ron Hittle about 3-1/2 years ago at a career workshop at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. I remember that it was an encouraging and inspiring time for me, since I was really struggling for direction in my career. The encounter and events since then have showed me how powerful connecting with one person can positively affect another.

That year I also met a recruiter in the Dayton area, and we’ve exchanged e-mails and phone conversations over the past three years or so, having become part of each other’s professional network.

She mentioned early on that I must have met Ron Hittle.

“How did you know that?” I asked.

“From then ending of your voicemail message,” she replied. “I do that, too.”

Imitation, it’s been said, is the sincerest form of flattery. This recruiter and I at different times had adopted Ron’s way of closing a message as our own.

It’s a little bittersweet that I share all of this, because a few moments ago, she called me to say that Ron Hittle passed away this weekend. He’d retired some time ago and had been dealing with some health issues, but it still came suddenly. My thoughts and prayers go up to the family, as well as those who knew Ron well. He will surely be missed.

As I mentioned, I didn’t know Ron that well, but he left a lasting impression on me just from one statement from his voicemail message, because it points to my own ability to do something about my life versus letting something happen.

If you’ve received an email from me or have heard me sign off on my mostly music podcast, you probably already know what I’m about to say.

Most people I know usually end a conversation by saying, “Have a great day!”

Ron Hittle would say, “Make it a great day!”

Thanks, Ron. I think I will.

Related tags: getthatjob get+that+job job+hunt job+search career+advice networking professional+development daniel+johnson+jr ron+hittle sinclair+community+college

Find information on Diversity recruiting at DiversityJobs.com.

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I suppose it’s time I should share a bit more about me, in case this is your first time here. Here’s the latest version.

I’ve been blogging since January 2002 and podcasting since August 2005. I now have more blogs than I care to count. I started Get That Job! back in July 2002 because I was finding so much information online as I was going through my own job search. One thing I’ve learned over the past five years is how important it is to connect with others.

Here is more of me, in case you’re interested:

• Daniel Johnson, Jr. – my portfolio blog, where I share details about projects I’ve worked on
• Journey Inside My Mind Blog My first and still catch-all blog for most of my thoughts
• Journey Inside My Mind Podcast – the podcast spin-off of this blog
• QuotesBlog a quotation junkie’s collection
• Twitter.com/danieljohnsonjr – more frequent updates of stuff going on with me personally over at Twitter. By the way, if you add me as a friend, please contact me via email or leave a comment here so that I know how you found me.

And of course you can find me on MySpace, LinkedIn, and other social media networks. I’m always open to connect; just let me know how you found me.

Related tags: getthatjob get+that+job job+hunt job+search career+advice networking daniel+johnson+jr

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I just found out from Jason Alba that tomorrow is the first birthday of JibberJobber, a career toolset used by many – including yours truly – to manage aspects of a job search and networking relationships. I have yet to delve into the unchartered territories within the tool, but I have to say that it is EXCELLENT for managing the minute details of a job search.

If you haven’t yet checked it out, click on the link on the sidebar. You certainly get a lot with a free membership; with the premium membership you naturally get more.

Update: Jason wrote a bit about the birthday on the JibberJobber Blog.

Related tags: getthatjob get+that+job job+hunt job+search career+advice networking jibberjobber daniel+johnson+jr jason+alba

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Jason wrote a great article about changing the way we approach job searching and career management:

I frequently think about how we think of our job transitions – we are supposed to have lots of them during our career.

I’m completely intrigued by the people who have forgotten what a forced transition is like, or by those that feel totally secure in their job (or their ability to find a new job) – and their reactions to a “job search.”

I’m finding that Career Management was easier when I was looking for work. Now that I’m working, it’s harder and harder for me to stay in that mindset. I’m spending more time thinking about projects at work than my own career management.

But I try to do a little bit every day to manage my career, whether it’s setting up a lunch appointment with a friend, or use my LinkedIn URL as I comment on this and many other posts. I also maintain a portfolio blog. I also look for other ways to share what I’m learning about career management.

I don’t want to be misled into a false sense of job security. Right now work is going strong, but I still need to keep my eyes on the big picture.

What practical things do you do every day to manage your career?

Related tags: getthatjob get+that+job job+hunt job+search career+advice networking professional+development daniel+johnson+jr career+management jibberjobber

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Hey! I am writing to inform you of my recent success at landing a job. That’s right. Uh huh. (pardon me, while I do a happy dance.):

Before I say anything else here, I need to be clear that the opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect those of any employer, past or present.

On Tuesday, January 2, 2006, I’ll be going back to work full-time. I’d like to tell you some of the things I feel helped me secure this job.

First, I’d worked with the company before as a full-time employee, and, although laid off in August, I’d made what I felt was a very valuable contribution to the company. Even after that time, I’d done some independent contracting work for them, further adding value to them.

I kept a good relationship with former coworkers and supervisors, often chatting with them at least once a week. They even offered to reach into their own networks to help me out.

Fast forward a couple months, and I get offered to come back. Now, since I’d had time to do some market research, I’d found out that I had been getting paid below the market rate for others with the same skills and experience.

I also began to seek the advice of others whose opinions I trust. When approached with an initial offer, I didn’t just accept it. I opted to look at other things, such as a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether it would be better to stay an independent contractor versus being a full-time employee. Some of these valuable people in my network helped me work this out.

I also feel it was valuable that I didn’t try to negotiate from a position, but instead on factual principles. What does that mean? I meant that in everything, as I presented my concerns and questions, I relied on facts – number of miles to be driven, mileage reimbursement rates, etc.

It was a nerve-wracking experience, but one I’m glad I went through. I’m really glad to be going back to work.

What that means for this blog is that posts may become more erratic. But stay subscribed to the feed, and you’ll know when I do update.

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Mark Blevis, the host and producer of the Electric Sky podcast, recently interviewed Stephen Hardiman about using storytelling as a business tool. I just finished listening to that interview a second time, and it got me thinking:

We are our own individual brands. The work we do, how we do it, our background and experience, our passions, drives, and motivations – all help describe our personal brands.

As a job seeker looking to market myself to potential employers, I’ve become very aware of this fact. This idea that I am my own brand, and coming up with the story of that brand, is very fascinating, and it spurs me onward.

Related tags:

getthatjob get+that+job job+hunt job+search career+advice networking professional+development dan+johnson mark+blevis stephen+hardiman electric+sky storytelling personal+brand

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Welcome!

A hearty welcome to visitors taking the job hunting seminar at Sinclair Community College. I signed up for the seminar because I’m wanting to better my own job situation, and I originally started this weblog once I found the abundance of information available online.

Here we post a job- or market-related topic, question, anecdote, quote, tip, etc. You read the topics, decide if any of them are of interest to you, and use them as you see fit.

I especially want to encourage you to share your job hunting success stories. We’ve had a few in the 1.5 years this blog has been around. Nothing more encouraging to others searching for employment than to hear how someone else got their job!

Now go Get That Job!

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The Commute

I read in a recent copy of the Dayton Business Journal that the Dayton area is one of the best areas in the country as far as commuting times is concerned. I also recall hearing that Atlanta is one of the worst.

Commuting distance is definitely something to consider in your job search. Relocation may or may not be feasible, and the total amount of travel time during the day can be prohibitive in some cases. Or not.

Not since I was in college have I had a job where I didn’t need to drive at least a half hour to work. It was great to take the bus where I needed to go and not have to pay attention to traffic, etc.

For my first job out of college, I travelled one hour one way to work for almost three years. When I got a consulting job, we moved halfway between the consulting territory, yet I still had assignments that meant at least a 40-minute commute.

Of course, if you work from home or telecommute, your commuting time is only the time from the bedroom to the office or wherever you do your work!

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I Got That Job!

Now working: Dan Johnson, Jr.! Where, you ask? Here: Hope Hotel & Conference Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

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Job Search Frustrations

Today, on the way from my therapist appointment, I saw that the Longhorn restaurant on Dorothy Lane had just opened. I went inside to get an application. One of the managers told me to come back at 2 PM this afternoon so that we could talk about a bartending position. I filled out the application, and got changed for the interview. When I arrived at the restaurant, the gentleman with whom I spoke earlier wasn’t available. I talked with another manager/partner, who told me, “If you had only been here 3 weeks ago…” This was not what I needed to hear, but I finished the meeting gracefully.

Then I went to the bartending school just to check in. The manager there told me to call her back before 5 PM today.

I then went to “Restaurant Row” along Miller Lane to obtain and complete applications at restaurants I had not previously applied to earlier. It was a “learning experience.” Many of these restaurants do not hire bartenders, but instead hire servers who later get “promoted” to bartenders. I told one proprietor of a certain “Austrailian-themed” restaurant that I was willing to be a server, but he basically said that, unless I had 2 to 3 years of experience serving I shouldn’t even consider completing an application for his restaurant.

I asked him if he knew where I could go to get this experience he was looking for. He didn’t have any idea. I was very upset and frustrated at what he said, and my whole saga of finding a job, by this time. He offered his hand for me to shake, and, at first, I didn’t want to do it, but I resisted the urge to be rude and shook it anyway.

As I walked out, I thought about getting some rotten eggs and returning to the restaurants. I won’t, though.

I came home and vented. You may be aware that I have a blog called “Letters to God.” It is a great way for me to pray, and I feel better for having done it. Much better than I would have if I, say, found some rotten eggs, if you know what I mean.

I could probably continue this post for a little while, but I guess I’ll end it here. Let me encourage you to share your frustrations. Write them down, share with a friend or confidant, send an email – just be open with it so that you can feel better. Sometimes having a listening ear is the best therapy.

Bar’s open!

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The Plan

I’m going to spend some time walking the streets of downtown Dayton this afternoon, applying for bartending jobs. I’ll provide an update later.

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More Networking Stuff

Yesterday my wife, daughter, and I went bowling at a local bowling alley, caled Bowlero (cute name). It was set up as a Family Fun time by the events coordinator at Keisha’s school. We got to play for a discounted price, and it was Bumper Bowling. Needless to say, my bowling average didn’t improve by that much!

What does this have to do with networking? As we’re getting ready to leave, I started talking with another father about his child and what he does for a living. Well, I had also brought some business cards I made for myself, and I gave him and his friend a card. We also saw one of my daughter’s classmates with his mother. We’ve been wanting to keep in touch with his parents, so I gave my wife a card to give her, along with some paper so that we could get her phone number as well.

It’s this aspect of the job search that I enjoy the most. It does provide immediate results, but it plants seeds that may someday come to fruition.

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