The Salary Negotiation Process

You've made it through the multiple interviews, and it's job offer time. As if the job interview process wasn't tricky enough, you're faced with the salary negotiation process. You have mixed emotions. On one hand you're excited to receive a job offer and often relieved and on the other you try to maintain your cool. So what's the standard process?

Typically, you receive a job offer either by phone or face to face with the recruiter or hiring manager. Each job offer situation is different. Here are some points to consider.

• Be upfront. If the hiring manager gives you a lowball offer, express your disappointment and your expected salary range based on the position requirements and qualifications. Sell yourself!!

• Be professional. This is most important. No matter what the situation is don't beg or treat the hiring manager unprofessionally. Often times the salary negotiation process takes time. Keep your game face on.

• Don't feel pressured. Take the time that you need before you jump in. Measure the pros and cons. Speak with family members and your professional mentor. If the company wants you, they'll wait just not forever.

• Ask questions. Hopefully, during the interview process you've already asked some questions and gotten a feel of the culture and environment that you might be working in. Make a list and don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you need.

• Be realistic. Don't make crazy demands that are unrealistic. I am always upfront with the candidate especially if they are expecting a salary that I can't offer. Unfortunately, not every company or recruiter is. Follow your gut.

• Don't be afraid to ask for more. . . money, vacation, pto, benefits. This is your one chance to be in the driver's seat with the company you're interested in working for. Be realistic but if you feel you deserve a company car, more vacation, a larger salary, or medical benefits from day 1 of employment, let the hiring manager know. I recommend that you be prepared by doing your research on industry standards as well as being prepared to sell yourself and the reasons why you deserve __________ (add benefit or salary here).

Good Luck and Happy Negotiating!! Next time. . . Networking when Relocating

Job Hunting on the Edge Part II

In this job market, one in the job hunt needs to be creative to get that competitive edge and develop their own personal brand that will get you noticed and on your way to the career of your dreams. Here are some ideas while job hunting on the edge:

• Creative Marketing Materials-Get noticed with unusual business cards or a video resume on CD or jump drive.
• Rent an airplane banner-Although expensive, this will definitely get people's attention. Use your website to draw people in and go from there.
• YouTube Video-Start a sensation with a YouTube video. These videos can be reposted on blogs like this one and myspace and facebook pages. Start a grass roots event using your online network.
• Speak Publicly every chance you get-Give public presentations and speeches at every opportunity to broaden your network and your public image. Make sure you have those marketing materials handy.
• Be googleable. Get your name and information out on the world wide web. Get a website, a blog, or a myspace, facebook page. Get on zoominfo. Customers, clients, and prospective companies often google candidates during the hiring process.

Setting yourself apart from the rest takes time and a lot of effort. Do what's right for you and good things will follow.

Next time. . . The Salary Negotiation Process

College Job Search-How to Plan for Success

Recent college grads learn very quickly that the job search process can be long, drawn out, confusing, and uncertain. Students often graduate from college without a clear understanding of what their future plans are or how their college degree will play into their professional future. I speak from personal experience. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Anthropology and a minor in Business. I will admit I had no idea of the job I wanted to do or the field or industry I wanted to work in. I was fortunate enough to receive a job offer several months prior to graduation with Target as a retail manager and eventually fell into the Human Resource profession. However, not every recent grad is so lucky.

1. Set yourself apart from the rest. As a college student, every person in your degree program should be considered your competition in your job search. It's important to differentiate yourself from your competition through internships, part time jobs, and other clubs and activities.

2. Get your marketing materials together. It's never too early to put together a professional resume or portfolio. I recommend ordering professional business cards for yourself to hand out as you meet new contacts at job fairs, college, and networking events. Never miss an opportunity to make a life long professional connection.

3. Join organizations and networking groups outside of your college and university. Spread your wings and get out there in the real world. Join local organizations specific to your degree program like Women in Communication or Society for Human Resource Management. Don't be afraid to join local organizations outside of your degree program like Toastmasters or the Chamber of Commerce.

4. Internships & volunteer work are essential. These are becoming more and more important for valuable experience and networking. Use your networking to your advantage to gain unadvertised internships. Volunteer for extra projects and ask for more. Don't be afraid to talk to someone within the organization you are interning with about career opportunities upon graduation at their company or any they recommend.

5. Create your own destiny. Don't just sit on the sidelines. Start your own company or ask for more responsibilities and experience at your current company. Let the company you work for or volunteer with know that you are available for future projects in your degree field. For example while in college, I started my own residential and commercial cleaning business allowing me to gain valuable business, accounting, and marketing skills that I continue to use to this day.

6. Get a mentor. Develop a relationship with a professional in your field of professional interest. Ask for their advice and assistance in professional decisions like attending graduate school or internships.

7. Do your research. Read articles, attend seminiars, meet with professors and professionals in your field of interest. Don't be afraid to ask companies you are interested in to schedule an "Informational Interview." These interviews allow you to gain valuable insight into what qualities and qualifications specific companies are looking for.

Your professional job search should begin months or even years before you actually graduate. Stay focused and keep your goal in mind in everything you do and say. Be creative, take risks, and don't be satisifed with the norm.

Sales and Your Job Search

The job search isn't just about resumes, responding to newspaper job ads, and interviewing anymore. It's all about selling yourself. Here are some important points to consider as you begin your job search.

1. Follow the Girl Scout motto: Be Prepared. Do your research prior to meeting or contacting the company you are interested in working for. This means a variety of things inlcuding visiting the company website, researching their stock performance, and knowing that position qualifications and speaking to them. Have marketing tools ready to go including your sales pitch, resume, coverletter, business cards, and portfolio.

2. It's a numbers game. Sales is a numbers game. I often use a deck of cards as an example. Consider the face cards as sales or interviews. The remaining cards are all no's. As you flip through the deck of cards you may come across 12 consecutive no's before coming upon a yes.

3. Be confident. Part of being a successful sales person is being confident, and it all starts with you. Dressing the part, a firm handshake, and good eye contact are a good start.

4. Keep it professional. Unless you are indepently wealthy or just lucky, having a job means being able to pay your bills. It's very easy to cross the line from professional to personal. Always try to keep an open mind, an even keel, and keep your focus.

5. Opportunity knocks. Your sales opportunity can happen anytime and anywhere. Greet everyone you meet. Be ready with marketing materials and be prepared to sell. Networking opportunities happen at the most unusual places including Starbucks, the grocery store, movie theatre, and a Halloween party.

Finding the right job that meets your personal, professional, and finaicial goals is a full time job. However, with proper preparation, research, and a little bit of luck you'll be off to a great start.

Next time. . . More Job Hunting on the Edge. Crazy, creative networking and job search ideas to get you noticed.

Blog Testimonial

I received my first testimonial with regard to this blog. I'm so excited!!!!

". . . I for some reason was drawn to your linked in account and I read your job search blog. I just finished reading The Little Black Book of Connections. I am so excited. I want to work in HR and I know I need better networking techniques and after reading this book I want to share with everyone that is job searching.. so all I want to say is THANKS... " Carla

And to Carla I say your welcome! That is exactly what this blog is about. Searching for your dream career doesn't happen over night and takes a lot of work. It's about passion and taking the bull by the horns to make things happen.

THANKS CARLA & GOOD LUCK!!

Superbowl Ads & Interviewing

Who knew that both the Superbowl and Interviewing would ever be a blog topic. Did you see the Tide commercial where the guy (candidate) is sitting in an interview and each time the guy tries to talk about his qualifications, the stain on the guy's shirt talks over him?

Tide-to-Go Superbowl Commercial, My Talking Stain Ad

Add to My Profile More Videos


Often times a candidate's dress or characteristic takes center stage over the interview which is why the Tide commercial is such a good example that actually happens. A friend of mine had a candidate come to an interview with his pet iguana. During the interview, the iguana kept pacing back and forth across the candidate's shoulder. Apparently, the iguana was nervous. My friend had a hard time focusing on the candidate for obvious reasons.

A nervous habit can also be magnified in the interview. In the past, I had a candidate repeat the following phrase about 75 times in the interview, "And Everything." It was very distracting and was very hard for me not to begin counting the number of times he repeated, "And Everything" and everything.

The point is as a candidate you want to be your best. Be prepared. This includes dressing appropriately, leaving distracting accessories (iguana) at home, doing your homework on the position and the company and practicing your pitch and interview questions with friends or in the mirror. It's normal to be nervous in the interview. Preparing appropriately for the interview allows you the opportunity to let your qualifications shine through and not distractions.

Generation Y Can't I Get a Job

Check out the interesting article I found out at itzbigblog.com. Generational Stereotypes are out there, and while I'm not a believer in placing labels it's still a common topic and sticking point for a large number of recruiters and hiring managers. I am from the Generation X camp and will say that often times I feel like I'm having to constantly prove myself and my worth just because I'm the same age as someones daughter.

I think it's important to take a step back and evaluate the situation. I've done a lot of research and read several books and articles that discuss the so-called differences between generations. While I personally do my best to not make assumptions, it's good business to understand the people you are working with and for.

Next time-Sales and Your Job Search


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Generational Workplace Woes: Geezers vs. Geeks

As a result of efforts to retain aging workers longer and to fill the new jobs being created as well as replace retiring workers, the workforce is becoming much more multigenerational. Today, we have four distinct generations sharing the workplace: the "Traditional" older workers, the Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y (also called the "Millennials" or the "Net" generation.) This means that the workplace will be increasingly characterized not just by an aging workforce, but also by increased age diversity.

According to a survey by Lee Heckt Harrison, more than 60% of employers say they are experiencing tension between employees from different generations. The older generation has always complained about the younger one, but, in the modern workplace, the misunderstanding works both ways. Today, you might have a fresh college graduate managing a person thirty, or even forty years older! It can be difficult, on both sides, to handle the disparities of this reality.

I recently overheard the following discussion that summed up the problem. Common conversation between "seasoned" workers is that "I can't find young people to put in a good week's work anymore" (aka - 60-hour work week). To that young Millenials reply: "I will work 60 hours if I have too!" What Gen Ys are really saying is "I'm sorry it takes you 60 hours to complete in what takes me only 40 hours." Gen Ys will work long and hard - they just don't want it to be a way of life.

This generational "crowding" is making for some major conflict and miscommunication in the workplace. That's because each generation has its own distinct set of values, shaped by their unique social conditions, political events, economic conditions, major crises and childhood experiences. Each generation also reacts to the generation before them, and this reaction becomes part of its own identity and defining characteristics. These differences can lead to major misunderstandings between coworkers raised in different eras.

Authors Warren Bennis and Robert Thomas have their own unique view of this situation. They see the generation gap as being between what they call the "geeks" (the younger, "digital" generations) and the "geezers" (the older, "analog" generations.) The analog world in which today's older generations grew up was primarily linear. It rewarded specialization and experience, followed a mechanical understanding of the world, and favored organizational hierarchy. The digital world of the younger generations is nonlinear; it favors a flat organizational structure and rewards the generalist with the beginner's mind. Rather than a mechanical view of the world, it favors a more fluid and changing "living systems" model. This is a major paradigm shift that increasingly divides different generations in the workplace.

Managing this conflict, and finding ways to value the unique contributions made by these four unique generations in the workforce, will be a challenge for all businesses in the future. To learn more about bridging generational gaps and reducing workplace conflict, got to http://www.super-solutions.com/generationalstyleassessment.asp or call 800.803.4303.

Recommended Reading

An important part of the job search process is selling yourself. An easy read is Jeffrey Gitomer's Little Red Book of Selling. Check out his website at http://www.gitmore.com/. In addition to a large selection of inexpensive books, Gitmore has sales training and seminars at various locations and venues throughout the country. I, myself will be attending his Little Black Book of Connections Training in late January here in OKC and I'm totally psyched about it!!!!

A quote from his book, Little Black Book of Connections I felt really hit home. "To climb the ladder of success, you don't need more techniques and strategies, you need more friends." I'm considering this as my mantra for 2008.

Happy Reading!

Check out my sister blog. . .

I'm pleased to announce, my sister blog's debut. It's called Recruiting for the Non Recruiter and is geared towards professionals who are involved in the hiring process. Now bloggers can understand multiple perspectives--those in the job search and those who conduct the candidate search.

Feel free to check out at:

http://www.ere.net/blogs/Recruiting_for_the_Nonrecruiter/.

The ERE Network is a professional site for those involved in selecting, recruiting, and hiring. I feel very privileged to be a part of their site and the recruiting professionals who use and are affiliated with the site.

Recruiter's Take on Resume Posting on Job Boards

For myself as a recruiter, online job boards are a great source of candidates. In the staffing business, we call this resume mining. As a recruiter, when I log onto Monster, Hotjobs, or CareerBuilder and select the search function, I can select the parameters to mine resumes. Some options include search by zip code, recent updated or newly posted resumes by 1 week, 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days, and by keyword search.

Some things to consider when you post your resume:

1. Update your resume frequently. Resumes that are updated frequently get more hits and contact from a recruiter. Resumes are listed by relevancy to keyword search and by most recent.

2. Consider the title of your resume. When your resume title is, "J-dawg's updated resume," a recruiter can see this. What first impression do you want to leave the recruiter with? Consider creative and professional ways to get the recruiter's attention in 7 words or less.

3. Use a professional email address. Hotchick59@yahoo.com and others are absolutely not appropriate to use for an email address on your resume. Use gmail, yahoo, or hotmail to create a new, professional email. I caution you from using the year you were born in your email address as well.

4. Make sure your resume includes "buzz words." Buzz words are industry or position specific words that as a recruiter I will search for resumes that include these words. Do some homework to determine which words are commonly used.

5. Be honest. Don't waste your or the recruiter's time by misrepresenting yourself with a false resume.

6. Steer clear of confidential resumes. Include at the least an email or a phone number where a recruiter can contact you. Yes, you will receive some spam and unwanted solicitations but it is much easier for me as a recruiter to associate a name with your resume. If you are concerned with identify theft, don't include your address or only use the first initial of your last name like Steven P.

Next time. . . Generation Y--Y Can't I Find a Job??

The Proof is in the Pudding. . .

Another interesting article on networking. See below. Sometimes attending every networking function isn't a good idea. I'm more for Quality not Quantity.

http://men.style.com/details/features/full?id=content_5871&pageNum=2

Funny story from one of my recent candidates who was recommended to me by a networking contact. My candidate was shopping at the $1 store when a woman asked her if she was looking for a job. Through the course of the conversation, the candidate learned she was a HR Manager and that the position the HR Manager was recruiting for wasn't a fit for her. The HR Manager did, however, provide her with my information and some basic information on one of the Sales positions I was and am recruiting for. The candidate emailed me her resume later that day and the rest they say is history. Her first day was earlier this week!!

Ever wondered about posting your resume on one of the online job boards? Tune in next time to find out. . .

References Revisited

Below is an excerpt from an interesting article regarding the topic I discussed last week, references and networking. Check out www.employmentdigest.net. It's a great site that has interesting information. Within your cirlce of networking, everything you do is important and can affect you in the long term. Never burn a bridge and be honest with the company you are interviewing. See below to learn more.

Fine-tune network skills for job hunts Connect without wrecking prospects
Posted: 31 Dec 2007 07:40 AM CST at http://www.employmentdigest.net/

An e-mail that a veteran marketing executive recently blitzed to 12,000 contacts begins: “On Sept. 11, to my complete and utter surprise, I was terminated …”

She identified her ex-employer and why the small market-research firm fired her. Copies of her message inadvertently landed in her old boss's inbox, prompting the company to make her sign a separation agreement limiting how she spoke about her departure, her attorney said.The otherwise effective technique could have been hassle-free. Broadcasting bad news about your job is a bad idea.

“I am a prolific networker,” the dismissed executive said in an interview.
But in hindsight, she concedes, the emotionally charged e-mail “wasn't the most professional or politic way to do it.”

Everyone knows you must network to find work following a job loss. Too often, however, unemployed people make networking missteps, prolonging a job hunt.

A common flub involves name-dropping without knowing how a contact feels about the person.
A few weeks ago, an out-of-work executive phoned recruiter Jane Howze for permission “to stop by your office and have you look at my resume.” He cited an unimpressive candidate whom she met once in 2000 but never referred to an employer.

Howze, a managing director at Houston's Alexander Group, refused to see the job seeker. “He was a little presumptuous,” she states.

Exaggerating your relationship with mutual acquaintances can set you back, too.
Recruiter Fred Whelan conferred with a financial-services marketing vice president soon after his layoff because he had claimed to be a client's friend.

Links for your viewing pleasure

Since starting this blog, I have came across several interesting websites and links about the job search. Check them out!! Knowledge is power and through proper preparation, effort, and research you can find a company that you don't mind, and dare I say enjoy working for.

BTW-Don't forget to join my linkedin network. It's my resolution for 2008!!



See below and enjoy! Happy New Year!

Jessica


Social Networking Links

http://www.ezinearticles.com/?The-Art-of-Networking&id=180862

http://jobmob.co.il/blog/8-ways-social-media-job-search/


Resume & Job Search Links

http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search-essentials/entry-level-jobs/A-Winning-Job-Search-Strategy/home.aspx


http://www.developingcareers.com/alternative_resume.html

http://www.aarp.org/money/careers/findingajob/

Recruiting Websites

http://www.erenetwork.com/

Interview Questions Companies CAN'T Ask

Educate yourself. There are questions the company you are interviewing with can't ask. The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act, also prohibits discrimination against individuals 40 years of age or older; the Equal Pay Act; and sections of the Civil Rights Act of 1991.

Now that you've heard the legal jargon, it basically means that a company can't make a hiring decision based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Companies can't ask questions in the interview like:

• "How old are you?" or "What is your date of birth?"
• "Have you ever been declared bankrupt?" or "Have you ever filed for bankruptcy"?
• "Do you have any children?" or "Are you planning on having any children?"
• "Do you have any diseases?" or "Do you have any physical or mental impairments?"

So what do you do if a hiring manager asks you a question like those above in the interview? I would recommend saying that you are not comfortable answering the question he/she just asked. To be completely honest, a company that asks a question like this is probably somewhere you don't really want to work anyways. These are what I call red flags and is a great example of why you should consider that you are interviewing the company just as much as the company is interviewing you. So what do you do if you feel like you have been discriminated against or you were asked an illegal interview question? Check out www.eeoc.gov to learn more.

Next time. . . Tips for posting your resume on job boards

Checking Your References

You've put together your resume and reference list and are ready to go on the job hunt. Now what????

I recommend checking your references. These folks you have listed on your resume are assisting you in reaching your goal of landing your dream job. Not checking your own references is like not using spell check on your resume. How does one go about checking their references anyway? I recommend having a friend contact your references. Tell the reference, they are Susie Q with XYZ company and are checking references for John Smith (you). Have them ask a handful of questions including:

1. What's your relationship with John? How long have you known him?
2. What are John's strengths and weaknesses?
3. Would you recommend John for the Marketing Director position?
4. Tell me about a project that you worked on with John.

Now once you have completed the reference checking. Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes. Would you hire yourself based on the information your references gave?

Let's take this one step further. I recommend contacting your references prior to applying for a position. Make them aware of the position, what skills and qualifications you would like them to highlight, and any additional information to add or avoid. Because your marketing plan and resume are specifically tailored to each separate position and company you are interested in, so should your personal and professional references.

More importantly, make sure your references even know they are references for you. Ask them. I have received many calls where I have been listed as a professional reference for someone, wasn't aware I was a reference, and didn't recommend them for the position. Why? Because my reputation was on the line.

Next time. . . Interview questions companies CAN'T ask

What Employers Really Want

According to a Profiles Survey of Canadian Employers, Employers want a top candidate with the following characteristics:

*Good Resume
*Good Skills
*On time for interview
*Prepared for interview
*Good Communicator
*Enthusiastic
*Great First Impression
*Aggressive Job Seeker
*Interested in the Company and Interviewer
*Good Follow-up (emails, thank you cards, phone calls)
*Poised & Confident

I have colored in orange are everything that you have control over prior to the interview with a small amount of effort in comparision to Skills. Skills are important but often require a great deal of training or certification. Hopefully, you'll already have the required skills like a bachelors degree, certificate, or experience requirements for the positions you are applying for. Imagine setting yourself apart from the rest with a great resume, confidence and enthusiasm and a genuine interest in the company you are interviewing with. Amazing! Believe me when I say I have hired many individuals based on their enthusiasm, confidence,and interest and knowledge of the company.

Just last week I offerred a candidate (who was a referral from a networking contact) a job. I was overwhelmed by her knowledge of the company, her interest in the position, and enthusiasm. The candidate had done her homework and was prepared for the interview. The position I was hiring for was an Inside Sales position. She did some research and could speak to the selling process and was able to use her experience with fundraising to speak to sales. I love it when a plan comes together!!

Next time. . . Checking your references.

Part II: Food for thought-Online Social Networking

My New Year's Resolution for 2008 is increasing my networking circle both online and in person. It's obvious if you've spent any amount of time online that social networking online is increasingly becoming more and more important. I already mentioned how hiring manager's are viewing candidate's myspace pages as part of the background check process. Keeping in touch with your networking connections using online services like linkedin, myspace, and facebook are more important than ever.

I encourage everyone to part take in online social networking and to use it as a supplement to face to face networking. This week alone, I attended 4 different networking events, met a handful of individuals of interest, contacted them either via email or a handwritten note, and have invited them to be a part of my linked in network. The fact is the best jobs are not advertised using typical media methods like newspaper, job boards, or with staffing agencies. Most jobs are not advertised at all which is where social networking comes into play. With the click of a mouse or tap of a keyboard, I can send out an email to my online social network and make them aware of a key position I am looking to fill.

Some suggestions to enhance your online social networking:

1. Create a blog.
2. Develop a networking newsletter.
3. Use linked in or other similar site.
4. Participate in industry networking sites. (For example, I am a member of erenetwork.com, a free site for recruiters.)
5. Blog on a professional site or create your own.
6. Focus on one or two networking sites. Don't overdo it.

Holiday Tip: Send a Holiday E-card to your network.

Next time. . . The COLD hard facts-What companies want

Part I: Online Social Networking--Recruiter's Dirty Little Secret

What's on your MySpace, Facebook, or Friendster page? Did you know that the content on your social networking page could keep you from getting a job? Yup, it's true. More and more companies are viewing your social networking page as part of the hiring and background check process. I, myself have viewed candidate's social networking pages prior to giving them the job offer. Within the last year, I have attended a training seminiar with the topic of navigating social networking sites and use during background check process.

I would strongly recommend asking a trusted and respected friend or peer to take a look at your social networking page offering honest feedback and comments. Walk a mile in the recruiter's shoes and consider what photos, comments, and postings could disqualify you from the job.

More to come later this week about how to use social networking to your advantage in the job hunt. Check out the youtube video to learn more about recruiter's dirty little secret, viewing your social networking page as part of the hiring process.

Marketing Plan Revisited

In a previous posted titled, 5 P's of Marketing I first mentioned the Marketing Plan. I consider your job to be a major life decision and should include in-depth research and planning. In one year alone, a 4o hour a week full time employee spends 80 twenty-four hour days a year at work. Because your job is such an important part of your life form a time and financial factor, it should be treated as such. With proper planning, you can utilize your time more effectively and efficiently while looking for your new job.

Any good Marketing Plan involves the following:

I. Background
What are you looking to accomplish in your job search? What industry and position are you wanting to work in? Research comparable positions as well as their qualifications. Where have you been? Take these things into consideration and discuss your career history. Include any honors, awards, or major career achievements.

II. Revenue History and Forecast
Consider your salary history and what salary you anticipate earning. What is the industry salary range for the position you are seeking?

III. Strategic Issues
What external factors could effect your success? Conduct an environmental scan which is a external look into factors that could positively or negatively impact your job search. Research unemployment, your geographic market, and education and certification requirements for the position you are interested in. Be realistic.

IV. Competition
Who are you competiting against in the job search? Is it newly graduated college students, those with a certification, or special skill? How do you stack up to profiles of your 5 competitors?

V. Pricing
Analyze your past salary trends. Don't take the pie in the sky approach. Be realistic. If you are willing to take a lesser salary for a shorter commute, compressed workweek, part time or other benefits include these here. Consider how long you can go without work?

VI. Positioning Statement
Consider everything above and put it all together. "I, Bob Jenson am looking to secure a Telecommuting Marketing Analyst position in the Computer and Telecommunications Industries with a salary range of $40,000-75,000 within the next 6 months in the Kansas City, MO area.

VII. Marketing Objectives
Include 5-7 Marketing Channels in which you will Market yourself in the next 6 months (or whatever your timeline is). Be creative. A standard, I will apply for 5 positions on Monster daily will not do. Make sure to include the updating of your marketing and promotional materials including your resume, coverletter, and business cards, Other objectives could include attend 5 networking events monthly, host a party, or volunteer at a local non-profit 5 hours a month.

VIII. Marketing Budget
How much are you willing to spend in supplies, materials, and your time? List these materials and the estimated total cost. I recommend increasing that number by 10-20% as a best practice.

IX. Marketing Channels
Take each Marketing Channel listed in the Marketing Objective outline your plan of attack with your timeline, project plan and costs associated with each channel.

X. Monthly Calendar
Break your activities down by month. Track your progress and costs associated monthly.

XI. Summary
The essence of marketing is to do more of what works and less of what doesn't. Without having clearly established and measurable strategies, you will never learn from your successes and failures.

Realize that your Marketing Plan is the backbone of your goal of obtaining your dream job. It allows you to prepare, plan, and troubleshoot instead of just jumping in headfirst. The MP keeps you focused and organized with your one goal in mind.

Next week. . . A Two Part Blog on Online Social Networking.

Part I: Recruiter's Dirty Little Secret--Online Social Networking

Part II: Your Job Hunt & Online Social Networking

Job Hunting on the Edge

I gave a lot of thought about my chosen topic this week. There are a lot of opinions and ideas out there. It is my hope that you have created your Marketing Plan and are utilizing it. When you're in the job hunt waiting for that phone to ring, no idea really seems too crazy or out there depending on your mood. I've kept this in mind as I discuss three ways to job hunt on the edge.

• Marketing Portfolio. Create a Marketing Portfolio with examples of your works, business card, and some personal touches that are truly you and mail it to the hiring manager. Include a letter that asks for the interview and a time when you will follow up with them. I suggest that you either research the business section of your local newspaper or send this portfolio to your newly found network. An example of a Marketing Portfolio for a Public Relations Assistant could include an invitation he created for a local fundraiser gala, several press releases that include the AP style, a brochure that he created, a copy of his business card, and a personal letter that outlines his experience, asking for the job, and when he will be contacting the hiring manager to follow up. Yes, it's a lot of work, but this Portfolio makes a huge impression. I would be impressed, and even if this candidate was not hired, I would be more likely to refer him to a networking contact. A friend of mine is a radio DJ. He was interested in working for a particular radio station and sent his Marketing Portfolio in a shoe. He made an impression and was offered the job.

• Cocktail Networking Party. Get some friends and networking contacts together and invite them to a Networking Cocktail Party. Host it at your home and choose a theme like the roaring 20's. Shamelessly plug that you are in the job market and watch the doors open. Ask each of your invitees to bring a friend or contact to help you in the job hunt. Be budget conscious and ask close friends to each bring a finger food dish and drink of choice. Make your own invitations and send via email. A cute and memorable guest gift could be a wine glass with your business card attached reminding your friend or peer why they are really here.

• Place a Billboard Ad. A billboard is a great way to get noticed and grab the attention of a hiring manager when they least expect it. You have their undivided attention for 15 seconds on their daily commute. I'm not talking about breaking the bank and running an ad with a several large high tech television billboards. Those can easily run $10K a mo. I have several billboards right now that are very budget friendly running at $350/mo. each. This doesn't include the production cost of the banner that covers the billboard, but depending on your negotiating skills, you could work out a deal with the billboard company.

I've chosen 3 very distinct ways to give you an edge in the job hunt. Not all ideas will work for you. Use your creativity. Maybe it means stepping up your networking or volunteering at an agency for the holidays.

Next time. . . The Marketing Plan Revisited