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Brenda's Blog
May 2, 2011
If you’ve read my blog about Information Interviews, but would like a real-life success story, here’s one of them. (There are been SO many!)
A job seeker in one of my classes had immigrated from another country and culturally did not believe in the forwardness of information interviewing or accessing the hidden job market. However, after learning about it, she decided to give it a chance and with planning, preparation and practice with the group, she made a call to arrange an information interview with a company she was extremely interested in. She was so excited when she was granted an appointment with the employer! But it gets better than that! After the meeting, she came back and shared with the group that the company was so impressed with her initiative and ambition, that they actually decided to CREATE a position for her and hired her on the spot! She couldn’t believe it!
You can’t win opportunities if you don’t take action folks!
1. Know that security is found within. Take charge of your career. Treat yourself as a business…“ME Inc.” Brand yourself. Think outside of the box. Follow your passion. Take some calculated risks by putting out proposals to fill a gap in service. And if you want full-time work, you can’t go about it with a casual investment of job search time. This is your career you’re talking about!
2. “No man is an island.” Build and maintain relationships. This comes back to the importance of networking! Ask for help when you need it. Be willing to help others. Relationships are a two-way exchange, not numbers in a social media followers tally. Don’t add people to your network unless you are serious about nurturing the relationships.
3. Be confident, yet stay humble. Know your strengths and what you have to offer, but don’t be too proud to help where/when you’re needed/called. Ego can get in the way of some quality opportunities.
4. Have and give gratitude. Concentrate on abundance, not lack. Try to stay operating from a place of faith, rather than fear.
August 22, 2010
As posted on CareerSuccessRadio.com’s “Career Success Expert Panel” page:
The Question:
How do I know what career path is for me, when the job I’ve been doing has been so boring? I have a Bachelor’s in Commerce-Business Economics but I feel that I have wasted 5 years. — Margaret F
My Answer/Suggestions:
Hi Margaret,
What is the position that you have been doing for the last five years? Is it in Commerce/Economics also? What are the elements that you dislike and that you enjoyed?
Without knowing more details, from your comment it sounds as if there is a disconnect between your last position and your personality style. I would suggest doing solid inner research before doing external research on occupational options.
Many people choose a career simply because it sounds good, compensates in correlation to their expectations, or because they feel they “should” pursue it. However, that method of decision-making and selection rarely leads to fulfillment. To ensure your decision is built on a solid foundation, you need solid internal research of who you are in this moment, what service you want to provide, what gift you want to share, and what contribution you want to make.
Here are some Career Exploration activities I would suggest on route to choosing a career path:
1) Self-exploration
* Self-discovery, evaluation, and reflection during the process
* Personality assessments, including your personal style, as well as whether you need an extroverted or introverted position (in terms of energy give & take, not stereotyping)
* Determining the interests that you’re passionate about
* Values assessment: identify, own, and act on
* Skills assessment: the skills you would love to do (even if you don’t possess them at the moment), your competencies, and not the skills you no longer wish to use.
* What type of environment would you like to work in? People, work culture, busyness, etc.
Here is a link to some no-cost online assessments: http://www.workshoppersonline.com/assess.htm
(Note: this site was created by Marion Tansey, a very respected local employment program Manager.)
That process will give you ideas of what careers may be more in alignment.
2) Labour Market Information Research
Then, the next step is to research to obtain Labour Market Information. What are the trends? What is the supply and demand? Any courses required? What is the salary? Etc.
For a sample of Labour Market Information sites (Cdn.): http://www.workshoppersonline.com/labour.htm (Look for similar information as related to your geographic location.)
3) Occupational Research—Online
Then, the next step is specific Occupational Research on the career of interest. (Explore your top career of interest fully, before deciding on it or to research another.)
For a sample of Cdn. related sites, see: http://www.workshoppersonline.com/research.htm (Look for similar information as related to your geographic location.)
4) Occupational Research—In Person
After finding information online, next talk to people who are employed in your occupation of interest, as well as employers in the industry, to find out the most current, local information.
For a sample of related sites, see: http://www.workshoppersonline.com/research2.htm
Lastly, if you would like more related information, please feel free to check out:
• my article on How to Follow (or Find) Your Passion and Purpose, http://tinyurl.com/23roouu
• sample Information Interview (or research meeting) Questions, http://tinyurl.com/285czkf
• my article on Information Interviews (supplement with social media networking): http://tinyurl.com/154lrh
Hope this is of assistance Margaret and best of luck with everything,
Brenda
June 29, 2010
This is a re-tweet from Twitter:
A conductor makes no sound, but awakens possibilities in the musicians to create beautiful sound…maybe teachers should act like conductors. ~ @eduinnovation
On Twitter? Follow me at:http://twitter.com/brenblackburn
June 15, 2010
Join me and special guest, Keith Keller (coming all the way from Australia for these events!), as we present Social Media Savvy on Sat., Sept. 18th/10. Keith is a Social Media Job Search Specialist, Career Change Coach, Founder of Career Journeys Australia, and Co-Host of the widely acclaimed Career Success Radio.
The morning is for Career Development Practitioners. As Career Development Practitioners it’s our job to stay on top of trends in our field and stay ahead of our clients’ needs regarding up-to-date strategies. Now, more than ever, the use of social media is quickly becoming the norm for career exploration and job search, as well as for career maintenance, advancement, and business growth in many fields. Whether skeptical or not, we must move forward with technology and demand, by role modeling and sharing knowledge to aid in client self-sufficiency and career success. (All materials…facilitation guide, slides, etc. are provided on a USB…all included in the price!) For more information and registration: http://www.brendablackburn.com/events/smss/index.php
The afternoon is open to the general public. Whether you’re looking for a new career, a new job, or new business ventures, you’ll want to use up-to-date strategies. Now, more than ever, the use of social media is quickly becoming the norm for career exploration and job search, as well as for career maintenance, advancement, and business growth in many fields. A great deal at only $47 (Early Bird rate!) For more information and registration, see: http://www.brendablackburn.com/events/smss/job-seekers.php
(Limited seating.)
Hope to see you there! 
April 2, 2010
You’ll find me mentioned at the beginning of Career Communique Radio’s previous show, with regards to the upcoming show (today, July 11, 2009).
http://blogtalk.vo.llnwd.net/o23/shows/show_579710.mp3
January 25, 2010
As you may know, I’m a fairly regular guest on Career Success Radio (www.blogtalkradio.com/careercommunique) and am a member of their Expert Panel (http://careersuccessradio.com/career-success-expert-panel/).
In addition to recent programming, last autumn I chatted with Keith Keller from CareerSuccessRadio.com and we ended up recording part of our conversation to use as a segment for an upcoming show, which will now air on Jan. 31/10 at 2:00 p.m (PST). That show’s topic will be “Recruiting Great Staff & Keeping Them” and my segment is from the job seekers’ perspective. I discuss why exploring one’s values (and personality) is so crucial for a good fit and win-win situation.
Catch you on the air waves!
January 17, 2010
As mentioned in a previous blog, I was interviewed July 12/09 on CareerCommuniqueRadio.com, with Anne-Marie and my friend Keith, both from Australia, and posted the link to the one hour show. It was a great one on Job Search and Career Change Success stories with lots of guests.
If you’d like to catch my 7 minute clip, you can see hear it on: http://www.utterli.com/keithkeller, under the post: Job Search Success Stories (Brenda Blackburn).
Tune in to Career Communique Radio this Sunday, June 23 at 4:00 p.m. (PST), where I’ll be a guest speaker for the following show: (as quoted from their website)
“JOB SEARCH 101: Practical Job Search Strategies to ‘HIT THE GROUND RUNNING’.
Are you struggling to stand out in a competitive job market? Unclear how to position your strengths and experience as a ‘must-have’ by a potential employer? Receiving lots of knock-backs and no thank you’s and unclear what do next?
Annemarie Cross and Keith Keller interview Brenda Blackburn from Vancouver, Canada and Melita Long from Wellington, New Zealand to discuss how you can stand up and stand out in a competitive job market.
We will also be featuring an interview with Jonathan Creek – Reporter from Melbourne, Australia’s – Channel Seven Today Tonight. Learn what he has to say about how to get out there in a tight market place. We’ll also include another ‘From the Vault’ segment with highlights of a wonderful interview with Colette D. Ellis – What’s your WOW factor?
If you have a Twitter account, you can join us in our new tweet chat room: http://tweetchat.com/room/ccradio. Ask questions and follow the discussions at #ccradio
Remember you can join us on our Career Communique Radio Community page at: www.careercommuniqueradio.com. There are some fantastic resources there for Jobseekers and Career Changers alike.”
Again, you can tune in by going to: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/careercommunique. Look forward to your comments!
Hello everyone!
Below, I’ve included most of my answers to questions during today’s Career Communique Radio show, however, there was a larger interchange of dialogue that you won’t want to miss! You can listen to the whole show at: http://tinyurl.com/nkd3rd Another great one and truly fun to be a part of!
‘Till next time,
Brenda
P.S I welcome any comments or questions!
——————
JOB SEARCH 101: Practical Job Search Strategies to ‘HIT THE GROUND RUNNING’
Question from Keith:
1.Can you share with listeners your three favourite strategies that you use with jobseekers?
Me:
Absolutely! The three areas that I feel are essential to an effective job search are: Planning, Preparation, and Proactive Participation. And while they may sound simplistic, unfortunately they are not all always carried out! I can give you some clear examples…
#1: Planning: this includes getting focused, targeting your job search strategy, and accessing the hidden job market by developing contact lists. (There’s nothing worse for planning then saying “I’ll take any job. I’ll do anything!”, which scatters efforts all over the place!)
# 2: Preparation:
• This includes, and perhaps most importantly, preparing a positive mental attitude, self-esteem and emotions, which may have had a downturn during job loss, transition, and so on. Any negative baggage will follow you through your job search process… whether you know it or not.
• And it includes physical preparation, which includes everything from your appearance, to task oriented things such as: customizing EVERY marketing document for EVERY job (resume, cover letter, references, portfolio, etc.), prioritization of relevant qualifications and achievements on those documents, research companies, positions, industry), as well as practicing interview questions with someone (dare to be videoed to see how you present yourself!). Set up an online presence (free website, social media sites), and so on.
And #3: Proactive Participation:
• The main concentration here is networking….network/network/network! You can conduct information interviews, volunteer, attend relevant networking groups and job fairs–network in person or online. And really concentrate on accessing your hidden job market contacts primarily and the superfluous over-accessed methods, like internet and newpaper ads, secondarily. In other words, the easiest is not always the best OR where employers necessarily prefer to look! Keep an activity and contact log during your job search. Also, follow-up… this is so important! And give thank you cards or emails to not only interviewers, but your references (who are often forgotten) and everyone involved in your job search process. And ENJOY the process… the journey. Have fun with it!
Annemarie:
Could you share with listeners some of the general insights from your work that you feel would apply to all job seekers and the job search the world over?
Me:
In addition to what I’ve mentioned, (the “3 P’s”), I’d say I have four general insights to share:
1. Take charge of your career. Know that security is found within.” Treat yourself as a business…“ME INC.” Brand yourself. Think outside of the box. Even take some calculated risks by putting out proposals to fill a gap in service. And if you want f/t work, you can’t go about it with a casual investment of time. This is your career you’re talking about!
2. Build and maintain relationships. Again, it comes back to networking.
3. Be confident yet stay humble.
4. Give gratitude.
Keith:
Can you tell us about a few of the success stories from people that have taken part in the program?
Me:
Absolutely! I have a few which are great examples of success gained from proactive participation in job search.
I encounter this first type of story all the time! This one’s about a younger client, whose job history was working in a couple of entry-level customer service jobs. After being laid off, he did some career exploration and decided to enter p/t studies to be a computer programmer and web designer. However, he still needed a job, so initially explained to our job search group that he was going to “settle” and take a survival job pumping gas. (Not exactly in alignment…wouldn’t you agree?) Well, after learning how to plan and prepare, he instead realized he was not focused and on path, so he got a job selling computers at a large national computer company, as a stepping stone job. He was thrilled to be moving in the right direction by being in a relevant environment.
The second story is: I had a fellow in a job search workshop where we were discussing the importance of followup. He had never heard of it before but thought it was a fantastic idea. He mentioned it was too bad he hadn’t heard of it earlier when he applied for a dream position. I suggested he still followup. He said, Well you don’t understand. That was a month ago!” I said, “you can still followup… what have you got to lose?” So he did. Afterwards, he told me what happened. Apparently the employer had kept his resume on top of the pile and waited for him to followup. He didn’t contact my client, because he said his policy is to never call people for interviews. He only interviews those who take initiative to followup and who meet the criteria. And luckily for my client, the person who was hired didn’t work out and they were just about to advertise again. Needless to say my client got his dream job!
A final story I can share is one about a job seeker who came from another country and culturally did not believe in the forwardness of information interviewing or accessing the hidden job market. However, after learning about it, she decided to give it a chance, and again, with planning and preparation, and practice with the group, she made a call for an information interview with a company she was extremely interested in. She was so excited when she was granted an appt.! But it gets better than that! Well….after the appt. she came back and shared with the group, that the company was soooo impressed with her initiative and ambition, that they actually decided to CREATE a position for her and hired her on the spot! She couldn’t believe it!!
Annemarie:
How can listeners contact you?
Me:
By visiting my website at www.brendablackburn.com, following me on Twitter at: twitter.com/brenblackburn, OR come to my member page on CareerCommuniqueRadio.com. There, I’d be happy to serve as a JobAngel (that wonderful concept and movement Mark talked about recently on your show!)
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