Are you still searching for your dream job? If you wonder why you're never invited back for a second interview or even a first interview, then you don't want to miss this webinar.  I hope you'll join me and my trusted colleague, Allison Kupfer for an exciting webinar,  "The Real Reason You Haven't Landed Your Dream Job" on Thursday, April 8, 2010. The presentation begins at noon (EST) and will highlight common (and not-so-common) mistakes made by job-seekers. 

Allison is a Managing Associate with the Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group where she manages a portfolio of searches from the nonprofit sector.  As an executive search specialist and recruiter, she's reviewed thousands of resumes and interviewed hundreds of candidates.  You do not want to miss her list of do's and don'ts especially if you're preparing to launch a job search.

Feel free to send me questions in advance via Change or in the comment section. 

(Photo Credit: http://www.fastweb.com )

If you didn't have a chance to register and tune in to the live teleseminar hosted by the Encore community, you're in luck - it was recorded and is available for listening now.   The hour was jam-packed with information from former NY Times columnist, Marci Alboher (now a fabulous Encore careerist!), me and Mark Noonan of Elders In Action in Portland, Oregon. 

If you are looking for an encore career, sector switching or hoping for a new job in the nonprofit sector, this podcast will keep you moving forward. Mark's story is inspiring and proof that a career change is possible! If you've got a story to tell, let me know as I'd like to share it with our readers and the Change.org community.

(Photo Credit: http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/dear-miriam/css/42-miriamhearing29jan09.jpg)

If you are looking for a new, nonprofit job and wondering why your phone isn't ringing, your email account is empty and there's no follow-up to a "great interview", there is probably a good reason.  A successful job search starts with more than just a perfect resume. There are many common mistakes that job seekers make, but after reviewing resumes all day, I am starting with these five:

1. Not following directions.  If you find a job that catches your attention, read the posting carefully.  Most importantly, follow their instructions. If they request PDF's of your resume and cover letter, send a PDF.  Of course, there is that sticky salary history question. Answer it!  If you don't, they will notice. They're asking for the information because it's needed to rule you in or rule you out - not because they want to use it later to make a low-ball offer.  Follow directions, and you've increased your chances of an interview.
2. Videos, brochures and "extra stuff".   If your materials are top-rate and done well, you can consider using them. If they aren't done well (and most aren't), they are a distraction to what your real credentials are.  In addition, many recruiters and hiring managers consider these types of materials an annoyance.  My colleague (an experienced recruiter) has a great view about all the 'extra materials' that sometimes arrive in her mailbox, "It's like the American Idol tryouts - you don't need a gimmick, just a good voice."  My advice: Don't do it.
3. Applying just "because".  Are you applying to meet an unemployment requirement or because the job seems "interesting?" If the answer to these questions is yes, you aren't being strategic.  A strategic job seeker is focused applying for jobs that match their strengths and qualifications. 
4. Avoiding questions. You might be nervous, surprised by the question or better, don't know the answer so you start to answer the question and hope the interviewer forgets what they originally asked. This is a big mistake made by so many people.  If you don't know the answer, be honest.  Alternatively, take a second to think about your answer - it's OK to gather your thoughts quickly before launching into a wrong or uncertain answer.  An important point when answering questions: please, don't whine about your boss, financial or personal issues and how hard it is to find a new job. 
5. Going it alone.  If you've been job seeking for a while with no leads, interviews or offers, you need help.  Don't be afraid to reach out and get a second opinion.  There is no shame in asking for help from your network. Enlist the troops - everyone that might be helpful to your job search.  Don't forget to ask for help.  It'll make a difference.

(Photo Credit: http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn)

Let's face it - job searching can look and feel like hell (if such a place exists).  Depending on where you live, your salary and other things, an average job search can take 6 months, and if you are making an above-average salary, add a few (3 or so) more months to that.  So, we're talking almost a year of searching, talking, searching, and again, talking. If this sounds too familiar, you should consider the following tips:

1. The right strategy will move you forward. Do you have a strategic job search plan that includes your favorite nonprofit organizations and agencies? If not, make a list of all the places locally or far away (if you can, consider relocating) that jazz your personal goals and match your fabulous skill set. This exercise will help get you focused, off the job boards and RSS feeds for a while and ultimately, into a more productive job search.  There may not be any current openings posted right now, but that won't always be the case.  And while your researching and planning, find someone who works there. After all, if you don't know - you'll be the last to hear about an opening! Consider the following: they may be readying for a reorganization, program expansion or the VP of Communications may give her notice next month. These are all potential and likely scenarios and you should be up-to-date with information whenever possible.
2. Blah, blah, blah - make your words count.  Are you talking to the right people? Your answer may be complicated (see above, item number one), but also straightforward. If you've been job searching longer than three months with little success (interviews or offers), you should look at your network.  Take an honest inventory and determine who is useful, not useful and where you can fill the gaps. For example, if you're seeking a position in your local Arts community, but don't even have one contact, your list needs work.  Look up, down and sideways for new contacts while also maximizing social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. 
3. The real deal - the resume and cover letter.  Right now, the competition for jobs is fierce across all sectors.  The business of making your resume and cover letter stand out (for the right reasons) needs to be a top priority.  I've mentioned this once or twice (maybe a few more times), but don't think I can mention it too many times given the number of resumes I receive with typos, grammar mistakes and formatting issues. Your networking and relationships are very important, but your resume and cover letters need equal attention.  Take a good, long look and make sure you're presenting your best self. 

If you can, remember the expression "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" and turn your intentions into actions.  As always, please let me know if you have any comments or questions about your nonprofit job search via email or in the comment section. 

(Photo Credit: http://www.theglasspeople.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/screaming1.jpg)

I can't believe it's almost the New Year especially because I've got a long list of things that need to be finished before the clock strikes midnight. Also, it seems like I just got started on 2009.  The reality? 2010 is just around the corner and if you're like me, you are feeling a bit stressed and overwhelmed at the prospect of a New Year along with hopeful, energetic and excited about how fabulous it's going to be!

If you are seeking a nonprofit job or thinking about changing sectors, you'll want to join me in a live webinar on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at noon (EST) for "Jump Start Your Career in 2010."  I'll share job search strategy tips along with resume and cover letter advice.  If you're new to the nonprofit sector, eager to launch a job search or just "checking out" your options this is the place for you.  The webinar is free, but space is limited and advance registration is required. 

In addition to covering job search strategy, I'll spend the last half hour of the Webinar answering questions from participants. If you have questions, feel free to submit them in advance by emailing me at Change.org or posting to the comment section online.  

(Photo Credit: http://thestartingfive.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/new-year-fireworks-hk.jpg)

If you are feeling frustrated, disengaged or depressed about your job search, you'll want to learn about the new job seeker boot camp! I am going to co-lead the series with Laura Gassner Otting, author of "Change Your Career: Transitioning to the Nonprofit Sector" and founder and President of the Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group.  This Boot Camp promises to be out of the ordinary, engaging and filled with timely and lively discussions to help your job search!  Here are the details:

NPAG's "Boot Camp for Nonprofit Job Seekers," four-part series will begin on Thursday, November 18, 2009 at 12 noon (EST).  You'll learn the subtleties of nonprofit sector, the best way to craft a winning resume and cover letter, new and improved strategies for networking and a session dedicated to answering your job search questions. Best of all, participants will receive NPAG's nonprofit job seeker workbook, designed with checklists, resources and tools to complete a successful job search.

Boot Camp dates and topics include:

• Working in the Nonprofit Sector, November 18, 2009 12 noon (EST)  You'll get a look inside the nonprofit sector to determine if it's the right place for you. Laura and I will lead participants through the sector, talk about the culture and address the many myths and misconceptions about work in the nonprofit sector.
• Craft Your Winning Resume and Cover Letter, December 2, 2009 12 noon (EST) This session will look closely at resume and cover letter design and format. You'll see the good, the bad and the ugly through the eyes of recruiters, and take away important, new knowledge about presenting your best self.
• Improved Job Search Strategies, December 9, 2009 12 noon (EST) Do you feel like you've exhausted all your resources? Or are you losing or lost your motivation? Let us help with your job search strategy with new techniques and sources along with our favorite, best-kept job search secrets!
• Live Question and Answer, December 16, 2009 12 noon (EST) This is the final session where all your questions will be answered. If you can't join the others, take advantage of this lively and informative Q&A session. Questions will be accepted in advance, and you'll definitely want to listen to hear and learn from fellow job seekers.

We are accepting only a limited number of registrants to make this Boot Camp as personal and interactive as possible.  Given this, register now for the entire series or just the topic that interests you the most!  Don't miss this chance to engage and reinvigorate your job search!  Email me (erin@change.org) if you have any questions - I want to hear from you! (Don't let the picture scare you, there won't be any push-ups.)

I spend a lot of time thinking, looking, talking about and even, writing resumes.  Over the course of a week, I see lots of resumes (some way better than others) and talk with a lot of people. This week, I've identified a common theme: overqualified candidates. As in too many years of experience, over-educated with more than two degrees, compensated very well and lastly, too senior (I am not referring to age, but the top of the org chart).  If you are facing this problem, you aren't alone.

Here are a few tips that might make the process easier to manage: 

1. Talk about it openly. If you are lucky to land an interview, talk about your qualifications openly. Maybe you are seeking a better work/life balance, new challenges, or even, fewer responsibilities.  Take your cue from the HR person or person interviewing you, and answer the question honestly. If you are worried about being overqualified, they probably are too.
2. Play down your accomplishments.  I know, I know... I just said this.  If you are changing sectors, you may want to do less talking and more listening during the interview phase especially if you fall into the "way overachiever" category.  Tempering your accomplishments with your desire to learn will earn you points in the long run. Most importantly, talk about all the ways you can contribute to the organization in the future.
3. Deal with the salary.  You'll want to do this right away to clear away any false expectations.  Often, employers think they can't afford you.  And even if they can't, you should clear this up at the start. If you are asked for your salary range or history, answer the question.  Employers aren't trying to exclude you based on this information, but include you.
4. Learning and facing new challenges.  If you are changing careers or even, switching missions, talk about your interest and passion for learning more about the sector, mission, or service area.  If it's a totally new field, come prepared with your list of transferable skills and be ready to defend them. Most importantly, talk about how your learning will have a positive impact on the organization.
5. Make a commitment.  Give your future employer a time commitment to let them know that your serious about the career change. Assuming it's a good fit, could you stay one or two years? Think about it, and mean it if you say it (see my previous post about planning). And then, be ready to hear their response "When can you start?".