Training Blogs

As I have been working on other blogs to post up, I was made aware of something that I missed on my post on the "Me in 30 seconds".

I forgot to give you some examples of a "Me in 30 Seconds" statement, so here are a couple for you to take a look at:

Don't forget some of the key things:

• Keep them brief (30-60 Seconds)
• Speak in present tense (You still do these things)
• Adjust level of detail to whom you are speaking to (Career Lingo)
• Avoid the common claims (Helpful, Kind, etc.)
• Make your statements natural (Not scripted)

For Networking:
"My name is Stephen Rioux, and I am currently looking for a job in Human Resource Management.  I have 12 years of experience in managing and leading others.  I am currently working on my Bachelors degree at DeVry University in Human Resource Management.  I have managed stores ranging from $300,000 to over a million dollars.  I have hired, recruited and trained top sales performers in various types of environments and have mentored several people into managerial careers.  I consider myself to have great people skills and have a good sense of humor." 

"Who do you know that works in Human Resource?"

Note: Remember your NOT asking for a job in this situation, you are just getting to know people and find others that you can be introduced to.  This is how you can be lead to potential interviews.

For Interviews:

"People find me to be an upbeat, self-motivated team player, with excellent people skills.  For the past 12 years I have worked in the retail and customer service industry.  My experience includes successfully working with local high schools and locking out competition which generated those sales directly to my store.  I have a proven track record in leading several areas of sales that include highest dollar per ticket and accessory sales, and I can do the same thing for your company."

These are just a couple of examples, and you will have to work on practicing your own.  I suggest that you come up with a few for each situation.  This will help you adjust things as the situation arises.  Just remember to make sure that it sounds natural and not rehearsed.

One way of going about this is to role play with someone you know that will provide feedback.  Get together with them and practice both scenarios.  Ask them what they feel you said that made them want to know more, and to let you know of some things that you need to work on.

Another way is when you are out and about and you strike up a conversation with someone, begin to build that rapport with them.  Start doing your networking and use this a tool to not only get a that networking connection but also some feedback from them as well.  You never know...that person you may be talking to might that person who could offer you a job.

It will take work for the rewards to pay off, so don't give up hope if it does not work the first few times.

Please feel free to rate and comment on my blogs and if you have any questions feel free to contact me.

OK, so you have just recently been unemployed or perhaps you are underemployed.  Your first stop was probably one of the big online job sites like Monster or Career Builder.  So do those sites really work when you are seeking a senior position or a new career?  Recruiters and job counselors that I have worked with say "Probably not".

Networking is the most effective way to find a job.  Approximately 70%* of all jobs are found this way, so which one are you willing to take a chance on?  I am hoping that networking will become your primary choice.

Networking also allows you to find those jobs that are NEVER advertised, that "hidden job market".  This market accounts for 80%* of all available jobs.  Networking can also help you find financing for self-employment or even educational pursuits.

It is through networking that you can develop the ability to build and maintain relationships with many people from different industries and occupations.  This skill is essential not only to a successful job search but to your overall job success.  I have spoken with several people that agree with me, that even though they are in a career they are constantly networking with others to better themselves or others.

If you take a look at the word networking you will see that work is a part of it.  It will not be easy work, but in the end will be rewarding.  It challenges all of us to step out of our comfort zone.  It will take practice to learn how to network properly and I will discuss several ways on how to be successful at it.

The best way to learn is by role-playing in a small group or workshops.  It may take you awhile to feel comfortable, but you have to keep practicing, it will pay off.

Here is one tip to help you start your networking training.

• Before meeting with someone, determine what you want to find out or gain from it.

This was just an introduction into networking skills, I will follow up soon with some really neat and easy tips and suggestions that will help you understand how to use networking that is productive and works.

As always your comments/suggestions are welcome, or you can always contact me for more information.

*Percentage gathered from LDS Employment Resource Services

What is a "Me in 30 Seconds" Statement?

A "Me in 30 Seconds" statement is just a simple way to present yourself to someone so that they can get a understanding of who you are.  It gets that person who has invited you to "Tell me about yourself" interested in what you have to say.  It also provides that brief and compelling answer to the question "Why should I hire you?"

What should you 30 seconds include?

A well prepared "Me in 30 Seconds"statement will include:

• A brief personal introduction about your career goals/objectives or the type of position you want.
• Three or four "specific" accomplishments that prove you meet or even exceed the requirements for the position.
• A few traits or skills that would set you apart from the typical applicant.

If you are networking, make sure you finish your "Me in 30 Seconds"statement with some questions that can not be answered with a simple "yes" or "no".  This will start a conversation that may lead to referrals or even job opportunities.  Here are some examples:

WHO do you know who works in ___________________?
WHAT businesses are in the area that ________________?
WHO do you know who knows a lot of people?

Some Points To Think About

• People generally listen effectively on about 30-60 seconds, and appreciate brief responses to questions.  Keeping your "Me in 30 Seconds" statement brief shows that you are clearly focused and waste no time getting to the point.
• Make sure you speak in the present tense, showing that your skills are current and up to date.
• Remember who you are talking to, you may need to adjust the level of detail and "industry jargon" to keep the interest of the person you are talking to. 
• Avoid the common claims  like: "I'm trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind," and so on.  These claims are not only made by most job seekers, but without detailed examples, they will not tell your true value to that potential employer.
• Make your "Me in 30 Seconds" statement natural, don't sound rehearsed or scripted.  It should be a genuine and honest form of communication that will help you organize everything you are into brief thoughts.

I hope that this explanation of this simple but effective way will open some doors for you in your career search and networking communications.

Please feel free to leave your comments/suggestions or you can contact me at anytime.