New Career Blog I Recommend: Career Nook

If you're feeling overwhelmed by some of the career sites on the Internet, you're not alone. Some of them are so big and hard to navigate, I get lost looking for even the simplest things.

Here's a breath of fresh air: Career Nook. Career Nook is a blog with a really personal touch. Created by Ronnie Ann (former contributor to the Job Lounge), it is a forum where you can ask your career questions and get thoughtful answers from an experienced manager, recruiter, and career coach (that's Ronnie Ann). And she's set no limits on the career topics you can ask about.

So check it out!

A Spider's Dream Career

My friend, Ronnie Ann, sent me a link to a short story she'd written. She didn't intend it to be career-related but I saw a bit of a career theme -- enough so that I think you'd like to read it.

It's about a spider who finds himself telling some new friends how he discovered his dream career in quite an unlikely way. In the end he...

Oh wait, I'm not the story-teller. Let Ronnie Ann tell you in her own words: A Spider's Tale. Enjoy!

Invest in Yourself for Career Success

Recruiter Peggy McKee reminds us why it's well worth it to invest in ourselves through learning and job search coaching for career success.

How to Develop A Career Strategy

Successful career professionals have a written career plan. Here's some good advice by Patra Frame on how to create an action plan for your successful career.



Miss reading my resume, cover letter, and job search articles? I post them over on my website, Susan Ireland's Resume Site now. Join me there!

Who on Earth -- or Beyond -- Answers Your Career Questions?

I've been thinking about how much I depend on other people to figure out answers to my career questions, even when they don't realize it. Everyday I make big and small decisions. For the big ones I sometimes take into consideration what someone I know and trust would advise me to do. I may not call or email her, I just imagine what she would suggest -- and that helps me come to my own conclusions.

Live Answers to Career Questions
For example, I have a friend who I sometimes ask for advice about my website. We've talked enough so that I can now pretty much predict what she's going to say when I ask her a question. Okay, sometimes she surprises me, but for the most part I'm spot-on. And because I don't want to bug her too much, I sometimes have conversations with her in my imagination. She has no idea that we've "talked" in depth about this or that but it doesn't matter. In truth she helps me a lot without even knowing it.

Career Answers From the Beyond
Anther example is my mentor, Yana Parker, who passed away in 2000. Yana had a very strong personality and when she gave me advice it was emphatic, to say the least. So when I'm in a pickle about a resume issue I just ask Yana and she never fails to present a very opinionated view.

I bring this up because I think we all feel the need for career support from time to time. If we're not in a position to hire a professional career counselor we can turn to our circle of friends and family to see who might be a good sounding board.

And at times when that person isn't available (let's say it's 3:00 a.m. and you can't sleep because you're worried about a career question), try having a silent conversation with them to see if your intuition gives you a sense of what they might say.

So, do you have someone -- living or passed -- who you rely on for answers to your career questions? Or am I the only nutty one with a host of advisers in my head?

Personal Benefits of Volunteering Can Be Hard to Explain

I just came back from flipping pancakes at a preschool where my husband teaches 3- and 4-year olds. It only took an hour out of my workday and sure, having me there helped snack time flow a little better but somehow the personal benefits of volunteering today are hard to put my finger on.

Making pancakes at a preschool may not be the most important volunteer work one can do, and I'm pretty sure I got more out of it than the school did because I had so much darn fun! It definitely added a little umph! to my otherwise ordinary workday. As I sit here typing, I feel happy, energized, and, dare I say... younger. As a result, I have a feeling I'm going to be quite productive at my work for several hours to come.

This experience made me think: Millions of people volunteer everyday. We know they're not doing it for the money. So...
What are the personal benefits of volunteering?

Here's what I've heard some people say:

• I'm learning new skills to enhance my job search.
• My volunteer work is filling a gap in employment on my resume.
• I'm meeting people to add to my personal and professional networks.
• It makes me feel good to help out in the world.
• It helps me fight depression while I'm unemployed.
• It energizes me to be part of a cause.
• I get a different perspective on life from the people I serve at the organization.
• I like working with other volunteers -- they're my kind of people.
• I trust and want to support not-for-profit organizations.
• Volunteering brings out my best qualities.

What's behind the volunteer work you do? Why do you do it? And how does it benefit you?

Other posts that are relevant to volunteering:
Value Added: Diversity in the Workplace... And On Your Resume
Unemployed? 4 Things to Do Right Away
When NOT to List Volunteerism on Resume
10 Years of Volunteering on a Resume

How Do You Manage Your Career When You Have Personal Problems?

How do you manage your career when everything around you is falling apart? Let's say you're looking for a job or career advancement and you get hit with a personal problem such as the death of a loved one.

Lately I've been dealt a series of personal tragedies that have just about knocked me off my feet. Add the overall bad economy to the equation and I sometimes feel I'm barely hanging on.

I'm not alone, I know. Many people are struggling with personal and professional problems simultaneously. Symptoms I see in myself and others:

• Feeling numb
• Unable to think clearly and make decisions
• Depressed and sad
• Afraid of what the future holds
• Unable to appreciate personal and professional achievements
• Don't want to be around people, but don't want to be alone, either
• Forgetting to breath

How do you cope with personal or professional problems? Let's try to help each other out. Please use the comments section to:

• Describe what struggles you're going through
• Tell us what's worked for you and might be helpful to someone else reading this post.

What to Do About Depression When Your Job Search Stalls

In hard economic times such as we face today, it's easy to fall into depression if your job search isn't producing results. I asked job search advisor and author, Lavie Margolin, what a struggling job seeker can do to avoid or get out of depression? Here's his answer:

It is important not to forgot to do things for yourself in order to relieve stress and anxiety during a potentially difficulty time. For example:

Take a morning walk to get some fresh air and reset your circadian rhythm. We forget that part of our daily work routine was the commute to work, the stroll to the subway or bus, and the time it took to walk to the job. These brief moments in the sun are extremely helpful for charging your batteries for the rest of the day.

Do some work outside your apartment. When you get anxious after staring at job listings on the computer screen for a few hours, change your setting. If you have a laptop, work on your cover letter or resume revisions at Starbucks or the local bookstore chain.

Take some time to relax and enjoy your pastimes. When one does not have a consistent income, they often have to cut back on doing things that they enjoy, whether this is going to restaurants, movies or baseball games. Take a realistic approach to your financial needs. If you can afford it, continue to do one to two things a week that are not necessities and that you really enjoy.

Making sure to take care of yourself and your needs will help you in your job search. You will be more relaxed when interviewing.

Lavie Margolin is the author of Lion Cub Job Search: Practical Job Search Assistance for Practical Job Seekers. His blog is Lion Cub Job Search.

Hate Going to Work? Here's How to Get a Better Job!

Millions of people hate their work and find themselves getting one job after another that they don't like. Even those who l-o-v-e their jobs have at least a few tasks they wish they didn't have to do.

Believe it or not, your resume could be the reason you keep getting jobs your hate. Continue working...

Victim of Bernie Madoff Needs Resume Help

A victim of the Bernie Madoff scandal needs to return to the workforce, and he wants to know how to handle his failed retirement on his resume. Can anyone with experience in the world of Wall St. and financial services add to this advice for him?

Should I Mention Bernie Madoff on My Resume?

Eight years ago I retired early. I am re-entering the workforce because a major portion of my assets were invested with Bernie Madoff. Before I retired I was a CFO of a mid-size company. Should I include an introductory paragraph in my resume, or use the objective statement to explain why I am returning to the workforce? I fear that without such information, someone reading my resume will see the eight-year gap of real work and chuck my resume.

During the period 2002 to the present I did some minor consulting work and participated in some entrepreneurial activities. Nothing of real significance but certainly enough to state that I've been working as an Independent Accounting Professional and Consultant. Prior to retiring I worked as CFO/COO for mid-sized corporations in the managed care industry. My goal is to attain a similar position.

How do I let the reader know that my recent eight-year span was an intentional sabbatical from the corporate world -- not a period of unemployment because no one would hire me?

From the Desk of Susan Ireland
I see two parts to this situation:

1. How to present this unemployed period on your resume in such a way that it gets your foot in the door for an interview.

Don't mention Bernie Madoff at all on your resume. Your personal finances are your business, nobody else's. Simply refer to your Independent Professional Accountant experience for that time of retirement, perhaps citing a few specific projects or clients if they are noteworthy. Write confidently and unapologetically about your consulting so the prospective employer with view it as a valuable addition to your corporate experience.

2. How to talk about that time once you're in the interview.

If pressed for an explanation, say that you retired in 2002, and then became an Independent Professional Accountant as a way to supplement your income. As we all know, the economy has forced many people who were in full or partial retirement back into the workforce. Emphasize that you have valuable expertise and many good years ahead of you, which you'd like to offer to an employer.

More Advice from Maureen Nelson, Resume Writer
I agree with Susan completely. Don't mention Bernie Madoff. If they know about your involvement with Madoff, people might think you have poor judgment. On your resume, you could include quotes from your clients.

Are you doing any volunteer work? If so, add that. If not, start right away with SCORE or Taproot. No reason to sit around. Also, float your resume to headhunters who specialize in your area. (Check out Kennedy Information's Red Book for names and contact info.)

Readers, how do you advise this job seeker who needs to transition from retirement back into corporate leadership?

Green Careers for Executives: Mastering the Executive Job Search

Are you an executive careerist who wants to pivot into the growing, but complicated world of green business? Here's your chance to ask author and executive recruiter Dan Smolen how to conduct an effective executive job search in the green business arena.

Dan Smolen is the author of the new book, Tailoring the Green Suit: Empowering Yourself for an Executive Career in the New Green Economy.

In 6 Steps to a Green Career in Your Neck of the Woods Carol McClelland provided excellent insight and actionable suggestions towards building a career in the burgeoning “green” space. Today, Dan Smolen addresses a particular segment of the green career area: opportunities for green business executives.

A little background on Dan Smolen
Dan is native of New Haven, Connecticut who graduated from the Ithaca College Park School of Communications in Ithaca, New York. He lives in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.

Dan describes himself as a global “empowerer” of green business executive talent. He is also the founder of the career development resource, The Green Suits. As a “head hunter”, serial entrepreneur, direct/interactive marketing specialist, environmental and public policy activist, past chairman of a large regional political organization, and author of the popular green business-focused Sturdy Roots Blog, he brings a unique and much-needed perspective to the area of green business executive careers.

Special Offer for Job Loungers
Throughout today, Dan will:

1. Answer your questions (as comments to this post).
2. Give away a signed copy of Tailoring the Green Suit to the person who asks the best question by the end of today, May 3rd.
3. Offer $7 in savings towards the purchase of the hardcover edition. And you can request that Dan autograph it for you, too.

So, leave your questions as comments to this post, and Dan will respond.

Susan Ireland's Interview with Dan Smolen

Dan, thank you for being with us today in The Job Lounge. And thank you for taking questions from our readers. Let's start with the basics:
Who are the Green Suits?

The Green Suits are ambitious business executive careerists who are in—or are about to enter—emerging green industries such as renewable energy, green tech, and clean tech. They are also the executives at banking institutions, insurance companies, automobile manufacturers, marketing agencies and management consultancies who are eager to turn their conventional companies and market verticals green.

How many Green Suits are there in the American executive workforce?

Since green business is still emerging, it would be nearly impossible to estimate the current Green Suits universe. Using census data and “green” market research findings I estimate that—5 years from now—there could be as many as 68 million Green Suits. YOU READ THAT RIGHT!

That is a huge number, but given that renewable energy, green tech, clean tech, and other “verdant” businesses are poised to transform the U.S. economy, I believe that the 68 million number is entirely credible.

Why is it so difficult to define a “green job”? Does the same difficulty apply to green business executives? What is your definition of a green business executive job?

Some believe “green job” means employment in companies involved in “obvious” green business activities such as energy efficiency, renewable energy development, green tech manufacturing, etc. Others call “green jobs” blue-collar jobs turned green. That definition ignores the business executives in green jobs—The Green Suits. And then there are some that believe a green job could be any job in any company that serves to improve profits, people, and the planet—The Triple Bottom Line.

In the book, I proposed that the term “green business executive job” describes executive employment in any obvious market segment (such as renewable energy or green/LEED building) or not-so-obvious market segment (such as financial services or telecommunications) that:

- Serves to improve the company’s Triple Bottom Line;

- Extends acceptance of practices such as carbon-footprint reduction, recycling, mass-transit usage, virtual office work, and other related initiatives;

- Encourages corporate social responsibility through skill-based volunteerism and other practices;

- Promotes corporate transparency, and;

- Supports continued company-wide green business training and education.

What factors in your life and career led you to write Tailoring the Green Suit?

This has been a very interesting time for me. To write the book, I have counseled with some great business leaders—such as yourself—and I am riding this big green wave which has been a thrill. We in green business know that the green economy is going to be huge, but few of us know how it will evolve. But I do believe that we are part of something big, and that our best days lie ahead.

The factors that led to this book are even more interesting. Several years ago I reckoned with the fact that my vocations (executive recruiting, marketing, business ownership) and my avocations (such 30+ years of environmental activism and public policy) did not mesh. So I integrated them. Now, my executive search specialization includes green business. And my other businesses—The Green Suits career empowerment community and business development company called Start It Up LLC are decidedly bright green. Further, through my book-writing, blogging, and speaking engagements, I have become a well-known advocate for the new green economy and the growing ranks of green business executives—The Green Suits.

Ask Dan Your Question
It's your turn, Job Loungers. Please ask Dan a question in the comments section. Dan will be stopping by throughout the day today to answer them. Remember, best question wins an autographed book!

6 Steps to a Green Career in Your Neck of the Woods

Are you looking for work in the green job market? If so, this advice by Carol McClelland could give you the insight you need to conduct an effective green job search.

Carol is author of the new book, Green Careers for Dummies. Today she's "appearing" here in The Job Lounge as the first stop on her Virtual Book Tour. While she's here, she'll:

1. Answer questions left by readers (as comments to this post).


2. Give away a signed copy of her book to the person who asks the best question by the end of Monday, March 15th.


3. Offer a $5 savings on all Green Careers for Dummies books. There's a link on the Blog Tour page for a mail-in rebate.

So, leave your question as a comment after this post, and Carol will respond. Maybe you'll be the lucky winner of Green Careers for Dummies !


Searching for a Green Job
by Carol McClelland

To find a job you must know where to focus your job search efforts, specifically which companies to target. If you are searching for a traditional position, it’s likely you’ll be able to rely on common wisdom to discover which companies in your target industry are located in your geographic region.

If you are searching for a green job, however, the way forward may not be as clear. You may not know, right off the top of your head, which green companies are in your geographic area or which green companies hire people with your skills. Just because you don’t know about these companies doesn’t mean they aren’t out there.

Use these detective strategies to find green companies in your area. As you find green companies, create two lists: one for green companies in general and one for green companies within your target industry.

1. Watch your local media – regional papers, local papers, and business journals – for articles about companies making efforts to green their business practices or green start up companies receiving funding.
   



2. Keep an eye out for upcoming Earth Day events and green festivals. In addition to attending these events to meet others who share your interests and values, pay attention to which companies are sponsoring and exhibiting at these events. Research them before the event so that you are ready to take advantage of opportunities to talk with them if you meet them in person.
   



3. Scan green job boards. Although job boards only advertise a fraction of existing job openings, job boards can be used as a valuable research tool. By reading job postings you can gain a deeper understanding of what job titles exist, what skills are required, and which companies are in a hiring mode. Take what you learn to target the companies in your area that you want to research.
   



4. Know the associations that support your target green industry. Professional, trade, and industry associations are a treasure trove of information. On the national associations’ Web sites, search for information about regional associations for your area. In addition to getting up-to-date information about the status of your industry or profession and training requirements, you can often find lists of company members you can use to build your lists.
   



5. Follow the money. Stimulus money, venture capital, and investments by large multi-national companies are flowing. The question is where is the money landing in your region?
   
   A. Enter your zip code in the Recovery.gov map to find out what companies/projects have gotten funding through the stimulus package. Keep watching this site; new grants, contracts, and loans are being announced and distributed on a regular basis and will continue through 2012.
   
   B. Do a search on venture capitalists in your area. What companies are they funding? Although start up companies may take a while to reach the point where they are hiring, knowing which companies are growing will help you focus your networking and job search efforts.
   
   C. Make note of any green rebates, tax credits, or financing programs in your area. When these programs start they generally create demand for new services, which can stimulate job growth in your area.
   



6. Search for companies online. Combine search terms for your target green industry with your region (i.e. “solar companies” + “your region”) to pull up a list of green companies on your search engine. (Replace solar with your target green industry.) Explore the results to see what companies you want to add to your list.

As you begin to target specific green companies, set up Google alerts to get news updates on your target companies. Knowing about media mentions and press releases will alert you to what’s happening within the company. Although some of the news may not seem relevant to you personally, stick with it. Sometimes corporate level news will give you an insight into the direction the company is taking, a change in management, the addition of a new green initiative or division, or news that the company is landing more contracts.

Having this level of information will help you in your networking conversations, in your interviews, and later as an employee.

Carol McClelland, PhD, is the author of Green Careers For Dummies and the Founder and Executive Director of Green Career Central, a full-service online resource center dedicated to providing career guidance, coaching, and resources to clarify the ever-evolving world of green career possibilities for professionals, students, and career counselors.

Carol will be stopping by The Job Lounge throughout the day on March 15th to answer your questions. Leave a comment and she'll respond!

Top Ranked Job Search Sites by Dept. of Labor

It's official: The list of top job search tools on the web, according to the US Department of Labor's Tools for America’s Job Seekers Challenge.

Divided into six major categories, here are the results in alphabetical order:

Career Exploration Tools

ASVAB Career Exploration Program
Career Coach
CareerNoodle
CareerOneStop
FastWeb
Great Job!
JobTitled
Kuder Journey
Monster Career Advice
Monster Career Benchmarking

Career Planning Tools

50+ Career Coach
Career Ready 101
CareerScribe
GadBall.com
Monster's Making It Count Program
National Career Readiness Certificate
Optimal Resume
ResuWe
Susan Ireland's Resume Site
The Riley Guide

General Job Boards, Listing Sites, and Aggregators

America's Virtual OneStop
CareerBuilder.com
Careerstallion.com
Indeed.com
JobSearchUsa.org
LinkUp.com
Monster Newspaper Partnerships(PDF)
Monster.com
Simplyhired.com
USAjobs.gov

Niche Job Boards

Specific Occupations:
Excelle
HR Guru
Inside Tech
Media Buzz
Sales HQ

State/Local Job Tools:
Employ Florida Marketplace - Florida's Online Career Resource
IHaveAPlanIowa - Everyone Needs a Plan To Succeed
Illinois workNet
WECAN- Wisconsin Education Career Access Network
Workforce Central Florida

Military/State/Local Government:
Fire Link
Military.com
Police Link
Transition Assistance Online
VetJobs

40 and Older Worker/Senior:
AARP Job Board
OurExperienceCounts
Retired Brains

Diverse Populations:
Diversity & Inclusion Networks
MarylandDiversity.com
TexasDiversity.com

Ex-Offender:
GoodWill services for Ex-Offender
HIRE Network
The Next Step/WOTC Solutions

Students:
AfterCollege
Monster College, a Monster Community
OSU-OKC Job Postings

Social Media Job Search

Door64.com
GreenJOBS.pro
JibberJobber.com
JobHunt.org Twitter
Jobs-Assistant
LinkedIn
Linkedin Jobs Group
Susan Ireland's YouTube Playlists
Susan P. Joyce's Linkedin Group
TweetMyJOBS.com

Other Job Matching and Career Advancement Tools

Alison.com
Career Directors International
Department of Education- Training Grants
Human Capital Institute
Monster Evolutions
Monster Real-Time Labor Intelligence
Monster’s Keep America Working Tour
SkillUP
Step 9: Apply for a Job Using Shortcuts
WaggleForce

I'm delighted to see that many of the job search tools I recommended are on this list. My thanks to all of you who participated in the voting!

Uncle Sam Wants You! Do You Want a Government Job?

Every year federal, state, county, and city governments hire thousands of people. Is there a government career opportunity waiting for you?

The list of jobs is long and varied, ranging from:

• Highly specialized management, research, and engineering positions to manual labor
• Administrative office workers to jobs in beautiful public parks
• Jobs in national security to social service positions helping poverty-stricken young children.

Some positions fulfill an employee's patriotic aspirations (for example, serving in the military or supporting military veterans). Others address a special need in our society (for example, reducing homelessness or promoting equal employment opportunities).

Whatever the reason, you might like to explore working in government. Most positions offer decent pay and good benefits. If you want a government job, check out Government Jobs for links to job openings and info on how to apply. For state, country, and local government applications, go directly to their websites.

Also note: You don't have to be a government employee to work on a government project. You could get a job with a private company that holds a government contract.

More on how to get a government job:

Follow the Stimulus Money to a Job
Stimulus Package and Your Job Search
Exiting Military Job Transition

New Image, Same Professional Brand

Improving your professional life may not require a drastic career change. Sometimes a new image is the ticket to advancing your existing professional brand. It's also a great way to start the new year!

For example, I've just launched a new design for my website: Susan Ireland's Resume Site. Not only does my site have a fresh look and feel, it's been updated technically, using a few bells and whistles in WordPress.

In a nutshell, here are the highlights of my site:


What have you done recently to update your professional image? If you're wondering where to start, consider these ideas:

• Tweak your resume.
• Update your online profiles.
• Take a refresher course in your field.
• Launch a new networking campaign.
• Improve your personal presentation (wardrobe, hairstyle, or exercise program).
• Work with a coach.
  
  

Quick Anti-Depressant for the Recession Blues

If you're feeling depressed, as many of us are during this recession, it may help to make a list of all the things that make you feel successful. Not just professional activities, but anything that you're really good at.

It could be a professional skill that you'd put on your resume; or something from your peronal life such as programming your DVR, making babies smile, identifying birds, or knitting socks.

Make a list of three, ten, or a hundred things that you're good at. Then imagine doing each of those things and feel the satisfaction of just knowing that you're successful at that item on your list.

I'm not a psychologist; I've just noticed that this simple technique works for me. It might work for you.

So... of all the things you do, what are you really good at? What makes you feel successful?

42 Job Search Quotes for Twitter

You're on Twitter. You want to attract recruiters, employment agencies, fellow job seekers, and other career-minded professionals to join your Twitter network. One way to do that is to use job search related quotes in your tweets.

Tweeting quotes is a great way to add value to your Twitter network because people like reading useful snippets of advice without having to link to an entire article.

Let's make it really easy to tweet job-related quotes by building a list of them here in The Job Lounge. Following is a list of tweetable quotes from me and some of my colleagues. You're welcome to copy and paste them into your Twitter message window and click Send. Please give credit to a quote's author by including the @twittername provided with the quote.

Notice each of these tweets run around 120 characters. That's 20 characters less than the 140 limit for a Twitter message, enabling someone to easily retweet (RT) your tweet and add a comment or hashtag.

Tweetable Job Search Quotes

Quotes about Resumes

Your resume is about your future, it's not about your past! @susanireland

If you don't want a stressful job, don't say "Work well under pressure" on your resume. @susanireland

On your resume, don't write about stuff you hate doing. Write about things you want to do at your next job. @susanireland

Your resume is not a confessional. You don't have to tell all. @susanireland

No more boring resumes! Write about achievements that make the employer sit up straight. @susanireland

Write bullet point statements on your resume about success stories you want to talk about in the interview. @susanireland

On your resume, don't say what you want; say what you offer. @maureencareer

Don’t make any claim on your resume that you cannot back up with an example. @maureencareer

On your resume, don’t just list duties; tell how you made the organization better. @maureencareer

A resume is not just a list of jobs. A resume is a picture of who you are as it relates to the specific job. @workcoachcafe

It's your resume's job to make it easy for the screener to say "yes". @workcoachcafe

Quotes about Careers

Think of yourself as the CEO of a successful company -- your career. @susanireland

Be a teacher to someone who can benefit from your expertise. You'll enrich his life, and build your self-esteem. @susanireland

You CAN do and be anything you want – just remember to make sure you’re prepared before making a jump. @meganpittsley

People often regret the things they didn't do more than the things they did. If in question, go for it! @meganpittsley

If you're not working, spend some time volunteering. If you are working, spend some time volunteering. @maureencareer

Focus on what’s possible rather than getting stuck in what’s wrong. @workcoachcafe

Don’t let obstacles – or misses – stop you. Know they are temporary and try again. @workcoachcafe

Possibility is all around us if we just learn how to look for it. @workcoachcafe

To get ahead in the workplace...you need to learn to become your own best advocate. @workcoachcafe

We all have our moments of fear. It’s how we handle them that matters. @workcoachcafe

You set wheels into motion by being generous with your knowledge, info, & positive energy. @SteviePuckett

Trust yourself, listen to your intuition, and take action to connect to work that makes you feel good. @SteviePuckett

Sometimes people are surprised to realize what an inside game career development is. @SteviePuckett

Quotes about Job Search

Your job security no longer lies in having a job, it lies in knowing how to work the job market. @susanireland

Reach beyond your keyboard for your job search. Set up in-person informational interviews. @susanireland

Dance as if no one was watching. Tweet as if an employer was reading. @susanireland

Can't find a job? Find an organization with a need you can fill. Then offer to fill it. @susanireland

It's important to know, and be able to articulate what you want so others can help you in your job search. @eExecutives

You can't get a job online ~ At some point you have to get out and actually connect with real people. @eExecutives

You've GOT to network with EVERYONE for your job search - Who does your Grandma know? @eExecutives

The job market is supply and demand. You're the product and there are tons of you. Adjust accordingly. @meganpittsley

If you can't communicate and prove your value, no one will see your value. @meganpittsley

Be a layoff GRADUATE, rather than a layoff survivor. @jobhuntorg

You can’t find what you are looking for if you don’t know what it is when you find it. @jobhuntorg

Develop psychological resilience; get used to rejection and use it to impel you forward. @maureencareer

Everyone is potentially a contact either now or in the future, so burn no bridges behind you. @workcoachcafe

Quotes about Job Interviewing

Think of your resume as a prompter from which the interviewer will ask his interview questions. @susanireland

Pay attention to your job interviewer's body language so you can fine-tune your response as you go. @susanireland

Interviewing is like tasting wine: a first impression, the taste while drinking & the feeling left behind. @workcoachcafe

Interview preparation is key ~ write out answers in advance ~ most don't and you will stand out if you do! @eExecutives

Leave with the same positive energy you started the job interview with. @workcoachcafe

Look me in the eyes. When you answer my interview questions, I want to see you connect with me. @workcoachcafe

You want to use real life stories – being real is critical – to paint a picture of the YOU any boss would want to have. @workcoachcafe

Want to add to our list? In the comments section after this post, please share your tweetable job search quote so others can spread your advice.

More posts on using Twitter:

Top 14 Twitter Lists for Job Search
Your Twitter Homepage Is a Dynamic Resume
38 Job Search Hashtags on Twitter
7 Do's and Don'ts for Twitter Job Hunt

6 Ways to Beat Depression in a Recession

Nobody said it was going to be easy to get a job or navigate a career path; but who knew it was going to be so hard? On top of a tough job search during a recession, you have to beat off depression.

It's not all your fault
Most of what's going wrong with your job search probably has nothing to do with your professional performance. In fact, most of it is out of your control, stuff like:

• The national and global economy
• Industry shifts
• Unforeseen personal and public disasters

How to fight the recession depression
Despite all that's beyond your control, there are steps you can take to make the best of things, in addition to looking for a job. Here's a list of ideas, which I bet you can add to:

• Be generous. Give your time and money if possible to causes you believe in. If you don't have time or money, be generous with your kindness. Even a smile can lift someone you meet, and will add a little sunshine to your day.
  
• Stay involved. Keep up on your professional and personal passions by volunteering, reading, discussing, and networking about things you sincerely care about. It's important to have a sense of purpose.
  
• Nurture community. Spend quality time with your family, friends, and associates, realizing that these are difficult times for most people. Your circle needs you, and you'll gain benefit from their company as well.
  
• Be a teacher. Find someone who could benefit from your knowledge or expertise, and mentor him. You'll not only enrich his life, you'll build your self-confidence.
• Be a student. Find something you want to learn and go about doing just that. Whether you do independent research, attend a class, or invite a mentor into your life, learning will keep your spirits up.
• Get outside. Even a short walk in the park, trip downtown, or drive in the country can expand your perspective. By looking outside your immediate world, you'll see your problems aren't the only reality. There are things to smile about, be grateful for, and look forward to. It's the old "glass half empty or full" concept.

While you're working hard at finding a new job, take care of yourself. If you have extra time on your hands, fill it with constructive projects that will keep you mentally, socially, and physically active. If this isn't enough to beat your depression, be sure to talk to someone (a friend, counselor, or doctor) to see what help they can offer.

Gang Member Touched by an Angel

Remember the TV show, Touched by an Angel? This could have been the basis for one of the show's inspiring stories: an unassuming phlebotomist encourages a gang member to make a big career change.

My colleague, Maureen Nelson, is a career counselor who recently sent me the following story. I'm posting it in The Job Lounge with Maureen's permission.

I had a client in my office a few months ago who was a laid-off phlebotomist. After we talked for a few minutes, it was clear to me that she was an "old soul," though a young woman. (Urban Dictionary: A spiritual person who is wise beyond their years.) I asked her if she'd ever considered becoming a counselor because she seemed a natural. She said people had said that to her before but she didn't feel she needed to do that, because she counseled plenty in her current profession. I asked her to give me an example. She has given me permission to share her story here. She told me about all the times she'd taken blood from skinheads, covered with white supremacist tattoos, and about one in particular:

"He was kind of embarrassed about those tattoos and said he wasn't affiliated with the gang anymore. They kind of feel guilty when someone who is black helps them. I was the only one who could get his vein, and he ended up becoming my patient. At first he was skeptical, but we made friends quickly after I got him on the first draw. He saw that I was good and I treated him like a person, whereas my co-workers may have been rude to him. I told him that I understood sometimes we make bad choices due to influences around us."

She then went on to say that she gave him a referral to a place where he could get gang-related tattoos removed for free. She also suggested that he consider counseling people who want to leave gang life. Later on, she ran into him on the college campus where they were both taking classes. He was thrilled to see her and showed off his tattoo-free skin. He said he'd turned his life around, was getting a degree in sociology and had planned on becoming a counselor to help others.

She said, "I think he'll be pretty good at it, because he was eventually able to talk about his past."

They ran into each other again a few months later. This time he had a friend in tow, one who had just left the gang and whom he had referred to the tattoo-removal program. Both were grateful to her.

She said, "I'm pretty proud of him, and it gives me joy to see I had that kind of influence over somebody. I made him think, gave him hope in a new future, and now he has a way out."

Thank you, Maureen, for allowing me to post this and for your other inspiring stories in the Job Lounge.

Recession-Proof Jobs and Keywords

Conversation about what industries are recession-proof, and what transferrable skills to highlight in your resume to get into those industries.