Network for Good

Are you a college senior or junior? If so, happy spring break!  Maybe you are headed for vacation or home to the question, "Have you EVEN visited the Career Planning office?"  If this sounds familiar, you are not alone as thousands of college students prepare to hit the streets looking for a summer job or a permanent, full-time job (preferably a career) in the next few weeks.  Here are some ideas to get you started without having to give up your spring break plans:

1. Write a resume: Invest the time in a first or second draft, especially if you are hoping to land a summer internship, job or full-time position. Trust me, a first draft is better than no draft. Once it is complete, share it with an advisor in your career planning office or professional. When you return from break, you will need to spend time editing and perfecting.
2. Look online: If you have an online presence, make sure it is squeaky clean. Take a conservative approach, and get rid of any seemingly compromising information such as Facebook photos. Also, establish a LinkedIn account if you have not already done so. The goal is to have a potential employer find you and be happy with the results. 
3. Establish a network: Make a list of your contacts and a plan for connecting with them after spring break to discuss your career plans. If you are not traveling, use this time to schedule appointments, phone calls or send emails. 
4. Use your resources: Visit the career planning office and take full advantage of the services. Many colleges and universities stay open during spring break, and it's easier to schedule an appointment when the campus clears out. If you haven't already done so, ask for help with your resume, take a career assessment test and look at on-campus interviewing opportunities. In addition, ask for names of alums willing to talk with students, especially those in the nonprofit sector. This is a great opportunity to connect with people in the field that you already have something in common with.
5.  Stay focused: Graduation will arrive quickly, but do not despair. If you absolutely have to start working, land your summer job first, and then focus on your career. If possible, give yourself time to take a breath, or even better, volunteer with a nonprofit while you job search.

Take the time to enjoy your break (especially if it is your last college break), knowing you've started items 1-5 before embarking on a week-long of fun.

(Photo Credit: http://oullibrary.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/spring-break.jpg)

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)

For many AmeriCorps*VISTA sponsoring organizations, recruitment season is approaching rapidly. (For me at PACC, it starts tomorrow!) With the economy in the dumps and AmeriCorps in the spotlight, there are sure to be record numbers of applicants.

How do you make yourself stand out in the crowd?

You need to learn about the AmeriCorps*VISTA program and market yourself specifically towards its unique characteristics. Here a few of the defining attributes of AmeriCorps*VISTA:

Indirect service: At the core if its mission, AmeriCorps*VISTA is a capacity building organization. All VISTA members participate in indirect service like volunteer coordination, fundraising, and program development. VISTA members don't send much of their time (if any!) in direct service to people (like painting houses and delivering meals). Why is this important? As a candidate, you want to highlight your interest in working in a "behind the scenes" capacity and your experience working in community empowerment, capacity building, and program sustainability.

Living among community members: Another aspect of VISTA that distinguishes it from other AmeriCorps programs is that it requires members to live at the economic level of the community that they are serving. As a result, the VISTA program provides a stipend at 105% of the poverty line and prohibits VISTAs from having other jobs or forms of income. In your application and interview, be sure to talk about why you want to serve and your own thoughts on the theory that members should live at the economic level of the people they are serving.

Professional skills: Most AmeriCorps*VISTA members are placed in non-profit and community organizations and have the same level of responsibility and workload as the professionals around them. Organizations are looking for VISTA members with the professional skills to fit with the needs of their project and organization. In your application and interview, focus on your office skills like taking initiative, working independently and with teams, and communicating effectively.

Photo attribution: Odesk.com

What's my most favorite (okay, not always my favorite) topic?  If you guessed resume presentation, you are correct! Resume writing seems like it would be so easy given that it's just a list of where you've worked, the dates and your job responsibilities, right?  Umm...not so much.  If done corrrectly, it's a powerful marketing tool that can get you noticed or worse, get you tossed into the trash can.

Take a peek at what NY TIme's Phyllis Korkki has to say about the art of resume writing, especially if you've been working longer than 20 years or are changing careers. Also, make sure you have someone take a second look at your materials for format, content and strength. If there's any question about it, find an expert to give their impression.

(Don't forget to register for Encore's free, live teleconference on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 while there's still space available!)

(Photo Credit: http://theepiphany.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/girl_yelling.jpg)

I wrote about ageism last week and have since received a lot of emails asking for more information and specific examples.  I was able to reach out to each of you personally, but am posting again on the topic because it's relevant to so many readers.  

As I've mentioned (a few times now...), I work one-on-one with many job seekers, including many smart and wonderful professionals between 50 and 70 years old.  The good news is that I love them, but more importantly, I truly value their sensibility, experience and commitment. The bad news is that I cannot lie or change the dates on their resume or make ageism go away in the world of job search.  I can offer some words of wisdom based on front line experience from my coaching and recruiting office chair:

Learn to use technology: There is nothing shameful about having an administrative assistant, especially if it freed up your time for "real" strategy and hands-on work, but in this economy, you may not get so lucky at your next job. If you are accustomed to having someone manage your email, documents and files, research on the Internet and even, clean your voice mailbox, I recommend a refresher course or online tutorial. At a minimum, get familiar with Outlook, Microsoft Word and Excel.

Stop talking and listen: Yes, this is much easier said than done, and even I (not yet 50 years old) have a hard time remembering this advice. Many job seekers come across as cocky, overconfident, too smart and even, overqualified. With experience comes wisdom and a desire to jump right in with all the answers, but a good employee is also a good listener. If you are networking or interviewing, resist the urge to dominate the conversation and really try to hear what the interviewer is asking. There is nothing worse than a candidate that interrupts or talks over someone during an interview. You can avoid the risk of appearing too confident, cocky or overqualified by simply, waiting for your turn.

Do your research:  If you are having a difficult time landing a job, and think age might be a factor, do some research.  Find employers that share your values and will appreciate your wisdom and experience.

Focus on your accomplishments: Do not ever apologize for your age, joke about it or mention it. Keep the focus on your achievements and build the case for your candidacy.  If necessary, diffuse the underlying age thing with relevant and useful information about what you bring to the table. You always want your talent and skills to be the lasting impression, not your birth date.

If I've left anything out, please email me or post in the comment section.  Happy job seeking!

(Photo Credit: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/)

If you are are ready for an encore career, switching sectors or exploring a career with a purpose, you won't want to miss an exciting opportunity on March 3rd!  Join a free teleconference call at noon-12:45 p.m. Pacific time/3-3:45 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, March 3, to learn tips and get answers to your questions from career coaching experts and someone in his encore career.

The Encore Careers Telebriefing will feature me, Change.org sector switcher blogger and career specialist with the Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group, Marci Alboher, Encore's in-house career specialist; and Mark Noonan, whose encore career involves working at Elders in Action in Portland, Ore. Participants will be invited to submit questions in advance.

To sign up for the free telebriefing, visit the Get Started Guide page on Encore.org, where you’ll also learn the answers to 12 commonly asked questions about finding an encore career. Attendance will be limited to 250 participants. 

(Photo Credit: http://majastevanovich.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/career_change21.jpg)

When most people think of AmeriCorps, they think of people serving as full-time volunteers, taking off a year from school or work to give back to their community. Some people serve after they have graduated from college or high school or even as a year-off in the middle.

However, there is a whole other type of AmeriCorps program that enables members to go to school full-time, while serving as part-time AmeriCorps members. This programs are generally called Education Award Only Programs (EAP), but have various names from program to program.

Here is how they work: If you are a full-time student, but still want to serve in AmeriCorps, you can enroll in an EAP program. In these programs, members commit to serving 300, 450, or 900 hours over the course of the year.

Members receive project-specific training and professional development and when they complete their hours, received a partial Eli Segal Education Award (the full amount is $5,350), depending on the number of hours served.

My favorite EAP program? Students In Service, through Washington Campus Compact. What to find an EAP in your own state? Contact your State Commission for more information.

Photo Attribution: Georgian

Are you thinking about a career change? If so, congratulations and remember, it really is a big deal.  If it is a move across sectors or within the nonprofit sector, you definitely need a plan.  My own personal experience with a career change in my forties has provided some valuable lessons and best of all; five steps that will help you succeed.

1. Conduct a personal assessment. Take the time to assess your current situation. If you have been working at the same job or in the same field for a long time, it's especially important to identify your transferable skills. In addition, identify the real reasons you are looking for a change (the nonprofit sector isn't the place to ride out the recession).

2. Display your BEST self. What are your best professional achievements or better, when did you show your "best" self? If you are sector switching or preparing for an encore career, you should be prepared to demonstrate achievements and accomplishments to a potential employer.

3. Identify your options. Do you know what your passion is? If so, what local, regional or national nonprofit is working on this "issue" or related cause? First, find the organization and second, identify where you might fit in their organization chart. If you are an accountant this is an easy task, but if not, you'll need to look at your transferable skills. Do you fit in the marketing, fundraising, membership development or administrative areas - the list is endless (Laura Gassner Otting does a great job helping her readers identify their space in the sector in her book, Transitioning to the Nonprofit Sector). Make an investment in research upfront, and you probably won't spend your time on a zillion different job boards, online spaces or wandering through job postings. Also, don't forget your alumni association, career planning office and the many other free services offered through colleges and universities.

4. Develop your plan and revisit it. Once you've completed steps 1-3, you should be able to pull it all together into a strategic plan. If this task seems overwhelming, enlist a friend or colleague to help or a professional. Most important, make sure you're realistic about your job search and the timeframes. If your goals are too high or the timing is off, you'll feel defeated within a few weeks. Set small, attainable goals each week such as networking calls or applying for at least two jobs and then, keep track of your progress.

5. Stay positive. You shouldn't let your job search define you or overtake all the other meaningful, important things in your life (I know.... easier said than done). The best approach is to take an occasional deep breath, focus and then, refer back to your plan. If the plan needs reworking, rework it. Most important, think of other times in your life when you may have struggled, but eventually, were successful. You'll do it again.

(Photo Credit: http://www.mediabistro.com/agencyspy/original/change.jpg)

So I've talked in previous posts about the differences between the three main branches of AmeriCorps: AmeriCorps*VISTA, AmeriCorps*NCCC, and AmeriCorps State & National.

But what does this mean for applicants?

Understanding the differences between these program can help you market yourself better for the one that you are interested in. Here are a few things that distinguish AmeriCorps*NCCC and that can help you show that you are their model candidate.

Flexibility & adaptability: Because of the nature of the NCCC life--traveling to a new project every 6-10 weeks, living in communal housing, and being out of control of your environment--the program is looking for applicants who can adapt easily to different situations and will be flexible in the face of changing circumstances.

In your application and interview, highlight times when you have successfully adapted to an unpredictable situation.

Teamwork & communication: In AmeriCorps*NCCC, you are serving, living, and traveling with the same team of 10 people for 10 months. It's kind of like Road Rules meets Lost meets Extreme Home Makeover (minus the corporate sponsorships). The key to successful team dynamics is putting together a team of people with good communication skills and an understanding that a strong team requires a diversity of perspectives, skills sets, and leadership and work styles.

In your application and interview, make sure to highlight your communications skills and how you have used them to effectively work in a team environment.

Desire to serve where the need is greatest: The way that AmeriCorps*NCCC operates is that it places teams in short-term projects in a variety of areas--education, unmet human needs, housing, and public safety. Teams don't control what their projects are, where they will be, and what they will focus on. You're not always going to be doing service in the area that you are most interested in or the one that your experience is in.

In your application and interview, you will want to emphasize your interest in serving where the need is greatest, even when that assignment might not be your cup of tea.

Photo Attrbution

Our friends at Civic Ventures and Encore do amazing work, including honoring five people each year with their "purpose prize" and it is not too late to nominate someone for the Prize, the deadline is March 5, 2010.  The Purpose Prize, now in its fourth year, provides five $100,000 and five $50,000 awards to social innovators over 60 in encore careers. It is the nation's only large-scale investment in social innovators in the second half of life. Rather than a lifetime achievement award, however, The Purpose Prize is a down payment on what these 60-plus innovators will do next.

If you want to feel motivated, check out all the amazing work 2009 winners are doing.  The nomination information is found here, and make sure you read all the stories of people, making a difference. It is truly inspiring.  Don't forget to browse the rest of the site - their online community is outstanding.

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)

Whether are on the job hunt, working in your first non-profit job, or currently serving as an AmeriCorps member, Facebook  can be a great tool for networking and collaboration. The only trick is finding the balance between keeping your profile personal (i.e. you still get a chance to check-in with your little sister) and professional (maintaining your image at work).

Here are a couple of tips on how to professionalize your profile:

Skim your pictures: The thing that I love most about Facebook is that it lets me easily share pictures and access my friends' pictures. However, every up has a down and that down is getting TAGGED in an embarrassing pic like the one above. And yes, that is really me, and yes, that is really a beer helmet on my head.

Take a minute to go through your pics and untag inappropriate ones (even if you are well over the drinking age). How do you know what should stay? Ask yourself... would I bring this pic into work to share with my boss?

Join the right networks: This not just about joining groups pertinent to your career path, but also looking for (public) groups that you are a part of that might turn people off. These groups can be groups that are inappropriate (Miller Lite Girls of America) or groups that align you with one side of a controversial topic (I'm thinking politics here, not "I'm with CoCo.") There are a lot of professionals out there that simply choose not to join political or religious groups on Facebook.

Choose your friends well: If you have a friend that likes to post on your wall about how great your keg stand form was last night, you might want to consider a). Asking them to stop or b). Defriending them. I know that it sounds harsh, but more and more people are Googling their job candidates and employees to get more information about them than what is on their resume. If they go to your Facebook page and the top wall post is about your Sudoku speed (at work), that doesn't look good.

Watch out for TMI: There are lots of opportunities to provide Too Much Information on Facebook. Along with monitoring your pictures, groups, friends, and wall posts, you might want to think about the general information about you on your profile. I personally choose to avoid putting information about my age (my b-day doesn't include the year), political views, and religion.

In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. Some people choose to keep their Facebook profile personal and set it to private and that's the end of that story. However, if you are part of the growing numbers of young professionals that use Facebook for work, networking, and collaboration. Give some thoughts to the tips above.

Photo Attribution: Pic provided by the Author

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)

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)

This is a true story that I heard from a friend whose organization is currently hiring a full-time Program Manager. Names have been changed to protect the innocent.

So, there is this Program Manager position open at a pretty well-known and well-respected non-profit organization. As the hiring goes in larger non-profits, all cover letters and resume were to be submitted to the HR department, rather than directly to the department with the opening (where my friend John works).

A few days after the position opens, a woman sends her cover letter and resume to the email address for the HR contact person (who on that particular day is out of the office on vacation) and receives an out of office reply.

Instead of just leaving the email to be read and responded to when the HR guy got back from vacation, the woman goes on to call and leave voicemails for everyone in the department that has the open position (including my friend, John) to inquire if the email has been received (which they have no way of knowing, as this is HR's job).

Feeling that all bases have not been covered by emailing the HR guy and leaving numerous, random voicemails, the woman shows up at my friend John's office to turn in the application in person. My friend John accepts the application and drops it in interdepartmental mail for the HR guy, who will surely get to it all after he has received the woman's initial email.

In the meantime, my friend John red flags the woman's resume. Why? Her behavior was illustrative of a few important things: 1). She does not take direction well; 2). She doesn't understand the value other people's time; 3). She is not very professional; and 4). She is neither flexible nor patient.

You might think that these judgments are a little severe and unfair, and they might be. However, these are tough times for job hunters and when an organization receives hundreds of applications for a single position, hiring managers use what they know to cut the pool of applicants down to size.

The moral of the story? Persistence is being patient and determined in your job search. It does not mean that you call when it says "no calls please" or submit your resume multiple times.

That will make you stick out... but not in a good way.

Photo Attribution: WordPress

Are you looking for a nonprofit job? If so, our friends at the Guide to Online Schools have put together a comprehensive list of resources to help.  Their list is an impressive one with 97 choices to visit, ranging from entry-level to senior level nonprofit positions.  My favorite ones are listed - Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group, Change.org,  Eco.org and Idealist.   I'll be surprised to hear if there any sites are missing, but let me know if your favorite is missing! 

(Photo Credit: http://thewealthyfreelancer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/job_board1.jpg)

I remember the day that I was accepted into AmeriCorps like it was yesterday. I was walking home to my college apartment from campus and my cell phone rang. It was my mom, and she had received the letter indicated that I had been placed on the AmeriCorps*NCCC campus in California.

I danced across the street (and surprisingly didn't get hit by a car), and rushed into my apartment to dive head first into accepting my position.

Although nothing dire befell me, I skipped a crucial step. In my excitement of getting into the program of my choice (and California, no less!), I failed to ask some important questions about what my next 10 months were going to be like.

Here are a few things that you need to know before you dive right in:

1). Compensation: Check on the amount of the living stipend (if you will have one) and even try to figure out your post-tax paycheck. Also, you will be eligible for a partial or full education award. Double check the amount and any rules governing it (i.e. what types of loans it can be used for and an "expiration" dates)

2). Living situation: If your sponsor provides housing, check on that, and if not, ask if you can get some support in finding affordable housing other AmeriCorps members can make great roommates, or you might find that boarding it a good, affordable option. Either way, find out whose responsibility it is (you or your sponsor) to find your housing. And don't be afraid to ask questions about neighborhoods, travel time to work site, etc.

3). Time commitments: What are your start and end dates? (This is really important because even if you leave your service a single day early it can affect your ability to be eligible for your education award. Also, will there be evening and weekend work? What holidays will you have off? What is the personal leave/vacation policy?

4). Special circumstances: Will there be regulations that you need to adhere to during your term of service? In AmeriCorps*VISTA, members are prohibited from having other jobs, attending school, and participating in certain political activities. Other programs have rules that constrain oversees travel while you are a member. It's in your best interest to find out this information before you commit to a year of service!

5). Professional support: What supports will be in place for your during your year? Who will be your direct supervisor? How will you gain feedback and be accessed? What professional and career development opportunities will there be?

Do yourself a favor. Take a deep breath and some time to find the answers to these questions so that you can dive into your year knowing that it is going to be a great experience.

Photo Attribution: About.com

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)

It's that time of year again... The gym is packed, the leftover Christmas cookies are in the trash, and millions of Americans are endeavoring on the most common New Year's Resolution of them all: Lose weight.

Whenever I'm in this boat (which I am this year!), I always think back to a picture of me and what I have come to call my "AmeriBod." An AmeriBod is the petite, toned body that I came away with after 10 months of serving in the Western Region of AmeriCorps*NCCC, which included lots of physically-demanding projects and even mandatory physical training.

AmeriCorps*NCCC isn't the only program that you put you to the physical test. City Year is infamous for its public physical training sessions and lots of programs keep you outside and active--like the conservation corps programs or building for Habitat for Humanity.

This is not to say that you should join AmeriCorps just to shed pounds. (If that's all you want, I recommend daily exercise and healthy eating). However, it should be noted that there are a lot of AmeriCorps programs out there that give you a chance to serve in a very direct and physical way. Not only can it be an opportunity to get out from behind a desk, but it can also give you a great sense of accomplishment.

Unfortunately, my AmeriBod did not stick around for very long. (It's hard to match 8 hours of manual labor plus physical training when you are working a 9 to 5). But that is okay. I still look back at that time fondly--not just how I looked, but how good it felt to clear a trail, build a house, and play soccer with kids.

Photo attribution: eHow

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)