Don't Be A Relic: 10 Ways to Deal With Ageism

by Erin O'Connor Jones

category: Resumes

Posted to Sector Switchers February 08, 2010 @ 07:17PM PT

I am hesitant to write about ageism given that it's illegal, but unfortunately, it's a reality for many job seekers. If you are a sector switcher and launching your second career in the nonprofit sector, you may also be over 50. I work with many clients, and lately, more job seekers approaching 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 years old.  If you fall into this "experienced" category, I hope you see the value in your experience and can acknowledge the wisdom that 20+ years of living brings to the workplace. Here are some ways to tackle ageism:

1. Believe that your age is a good thing.
2. Make sure you can keep up, get your hands dirty and stay current.
3. Don't be digitally disabled. Technology can't scare you or you'll be left behind.
4. You aren't looking for a place to "hang out" until retirement, but have another 5, 10, or 15 years of leading, learning and working left.
5. Money isn't the motivating factor - don't price yourself out of the market because of your experience. You may have to accept a lower salary, especially if you are a sector switcher.
6. Make yourself relevant. Talk about your transferable skills and showcase them on your resume and in your cover letter. 
7. Consider consulting as an interim step to landing a new job and to demonstrate your value.
8. Be prepared to work for someone younger than you.
9. Read, research and stay current and look to the future of your issue, mission or cause. 
10. Give your resume and cover letter a makeover.

There are a number of online resources for over 50 job seekers. Here's a quick list if you are interested:

AARP: Money and Work
A section of the AARP’s web site focused on employment opportunities and advice for retirement age adults.

Executive Service Corps Affiliate Network
A nationwide network of thirty-three nonprofit consulting groups that provide services to nonprofits, schools, and government agencies. .

Civic Ventures
Through research, publishing, conferences, and outreach, Civic Ventures is reframing the debate about aging in America and redefining the second half of life as a source of social and individual renewal.

Encore
An online guide of career resources geared towards finding work that matters in the second half of life.

Eons
An online social networking site that calls itself “ the largest online gathering of people who are lovin’ life on the flipside of 50!”

(Photo Credit: http://360jobinterview.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/ageism.jpg)

Wanted: Your Best Resume

by Erin O'Connor Jones

category: Resumes

Posted to Sector Switchers February 01, 2010 @ 07:38PM PT

Did you know that no two job seekers are alike? You may be wondering how I know this, and I'll tell you quickly - I talk with job seekers, read their emails and questions and lastly, review their resumes all day long.  If you are a job seeker, you might be a little cranky, overwhelmed or hopefully, excited about the opportunities that await you.  Another thing that's important to note, no two resumes are alike.  

Your resume should reflect your passion, skills, experience and lastly, a career trajectory.  You can demonstrate your value to a potential employer in many ways, but consider it your introduction. After all, the HR person, recruiter or hiring manager will probably only spend 8 seconds looking at it.  If you are a sector switcher or can't demonstrate a linear career path, a combined functional and chronological resume may work best for you. 

What does this type of resume look like? It's the best of both worlds - marrying functional with chronological in an orderly, easy to understand fashion. You can use a functional introduction at the top half and a chronological work history at the bottom half of your resume, calling attention to your skills and achievements, followed by your work history. This works especially well for sector switchers that are heavily involved with volunteer work or Board service as you can move this to the top of your resume, answering the question right away to an employer about your commitment, experience and passion for nonprofit sector.

The world of resume creation is confusing and of course, everyone has an opinion about what's most effective.  You need to be comfortable with your choice, but if you aren't getting calls, interviews or offers, it could be time to dust off your resume and freshen it up.  A resume that worked 5 or 10 years ago probably reflects its age and worst of all, doesn't showcase your skills, achievements and potential contribution.  Consider your potential and double check to see if its shining through on your resume.  If you can't figure it out, seek professional help, advice, or visit your library for an up-to-date resume book.  There is definitely no shortage of help, assistance and resources out there.

(Photo Credit: http://a.abcnews.com/images/GMA/at_woman_computer_070427_mn.jpg)

The Top 5 Job Seeker Mistakes

by Erin O'Connor Jones

category: Resumes

Posted to Sector Switchers January 27, 2010 @ 09:27PM PT

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)

You Need More than Passion, You Need a Plan

by Erin O'Connor Jones

category: Resumes

Posted to Sector Switchers January 13, 2010 @ 06:50PM PT

I led an online Webinar today for over 500 of my nearest and dearest friends (yay!). It was an information packed hour with a lot of follow-up questions regarding crafting and launching a nonprofit job search.  If you missed the presentation, here's the abridged version of the hour:

1. Identify your passion.  If you are new to the nonprofit sector, your first job is to figure out what you're most passionate about.  The easiest way to figure this out - what are you NOT passionate about? You can also take a look at Laura Gassner Otting's book, Transitioning to the Nonprofit Sector for a complete list of "must answer" questions (and other good advice). 
2. Craft a plan.  Consider your job search a "campaign" and make it your full-time job.  Crafting a plan will involve setting goals and a timeline to land the dream job. You can do this by creating a tracking system that works for you.  Use your desktop tools such as Outlook, Excel or even post-it notes on your screen, but most importantly, give yourself specific tasks and deadlines to accomplish the work necessary to land the dream job.
3. Engage and expand your network. The most important piece of your job search plan should be networking. I recommend that 80 percent of your time be spent building and expanding your network.  You can begin by making a list of 40-50 people, and keeping in mind that 80 percent of jobs are still found through networking.  Start with a personal note, email or phone call, telling your job search story and asking for any ideas they might have.  Follow-up with a phone call or better, an in-person meeting.  You'll need to repeat the process as you add new people to your network.
4. Outsmart your competition.  The unemployment rate continues to soar with many more thousands of people searching for work across the nonprofit sector.  How can you set yourself apart?  Do your research, reach out beyond traditional job boards, classifieds and online listings.  Join the social networking world via Facebook and Twitter to search out the organizations, people and work that you feel passionate about.
5. The obvious things - your resume, cover letter and interview skills should be top-notch.
6. Stay positive. Once you've gained momentum, surround yourself with people that will support you.  Easier said than done... especially if you're taking a chance, launching a search in a new field or feeling the financial stress of unemployment. 

Get invested in your job search plan and send me any tips you'd like to share and I'll post here online!  Happy job searching!

(Photo Credit: http://www.girlsjustwannahavefunds.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/i_hate_my_job.jpg)

6 Ways to Get Your Resume Read

by Erin O'Connor Jones

category: Resumes

Posted to Sector Switchers January 04, 2010 @ 08:41PM PT

Are you wondering if anyone reads your resume?  I read them all day long, and consider myself expert about what makes a bad resume and more importantly, a great resume. Like so many things, a great resume is all about perspective  Forget about whether you think a chronological resume is best or a skills-based resume will land you the job and focus on the following core things:

1. Clarity: It can be difficult to be succinct in a small space, but not impossible. Make your resume stand out with the basics - where you worked, your title and the dates of employment. This information is crucial to the reader and if a recruiter or HR person has to dig for it, you are standing out for the wrong reasons.
2. Accomplishments and achievements: Start with your current or most recent position, and tell the reader about your expertise, talents and capabilities. You can accomplish this with numbers, percentages, and real numbers - who, what and how much. Resist "oversaw budget and monthly reporting process," and embrace " managed a $5 million budget, leading a finance team of 10 to generate monthly reports for senior management and finance committee of the Board."
3. Short and sweet: Keeping things short and to the point may be a challenge if you are an overachiever or have a lot of experience. Highlight the most relevant and recent experiences. A one-page resume isn't necessary unless you just graduated from school, but try to keep it as short as possible (don't make the font too small - not everyone can read 10 point).
4. Honesty: This is a quick one - tell the truth.
5. Check it twice. Perfection is the goal. How is your grammar and spelling? Have someone else review it again (and again) . 
6. Easy on the eye: The easier it is to read, the better you will look. Take a second look at your font, margins and headers to be sure you have maximized the space.

(Photo Credit: http://digitaldirt.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/resume.jpg)

Jumpstart Your Job Search in 2010!

by Erin O'Connor Jones

category: Resumes

Posted to Sector Switchers December 16, 2009 @ 05:19PM PT

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)

The Deal with Your Online Job Search Brand

by Erin O'Connor Jones

category: Resumes

Posted to Sector Switchers December 09, 2009 @ 11:20PM PT

I've read a lot lately about online branding and its importance to a job search. I think it's important to have an online brand and presence in your work life and career search. In my work with individual clients, I recommend nonprofit job seekers establish an online presence and quickly, brand themselves. The importance of being "found" online increases during a job search launch (and even while you are employed) and sites such as LinkedIn have made it easy for all of us to get and stay connected. 

What is an online job search brand? It's way more than just a LinkedIn profile, but a way of setting yourself apart from all the other candidates aggressively seeking the same position that you're dreaming about!  Your online profiles can demonstrate your contacts, bring attention to projects you are currently working on and give a brief overview of your prior work history. In addition, you should point towards your accomplishments and achievements - simply mentioning your experience isn't enough. Tell the reader, future employer and others poking around what you've achieved such as, "I researched, cultivated and secured $10 million of private funding for the XYZ Foundation."  Your resume should look similar (if not identical)  to your online brand and bring attention to the difference you've made.  If you are launching an encore career or switching sectors, make this a central part of your online branding by telling readers that your embarking on the next chapter in your career.

If you are interested in hearing more, you can contact me directly via email or in the comment section. Also, read Liz Ryan's recent post at the Huffington Post for a real walk-through with a client. As always, she does a great job of making this concept real and it's helpful.  Happy job seeking! 

(Photo Credit: www.fuor.net/dnn)