ORCMS Career Blog

I’m on a mission.

The more I work with people to help them develop their career, the more strongly I believe that there is NO REASON why anyone in our culture should not be doing work they absolutely LOVE.  In fact, I will go so far as to say, “If you don’t LOVE your job, quit!”

Now I realize that this is a radical statement, and that most people will ignore me.  Some might even get angry.  But I’m willing to stand firm in my mission until EVERYONE IN AMERICA finds their perfect career.  Even in this economy.

As a Career Consultant with an international outplacement firm I work with lots of people who have recently been laid off or downsized.  Once they get past the initial shock of not having a job, many of them tell me that getting laid off is actually a blessing.  They haven’t been happy in their current position for a long time.  Many haven’t been happy for years.  They have wanted to make a change, but they’ve become complacent and comfortable.  NOW they have an opportunity to do what they’ve always wanted to do.  Some decide to change careers.  Others retire or work for non-profit organizations.  Some stay in their industry and find a company whose corporate culture is more in line with their own personality.  Losing a job can be devastating, but for many of my clients they also find it life-giving.

That’s why I’m on this mission.  Wouldn’t it be better if you quit now and go find your perfect career before you are forced to?  What if you had a chance to do some UP-PLACEMENT before your company forced you into outplacement?  Well, you have that chance NOW.

I’m on a mission to help everyone in America find their perfect career.  So, if you don’t love your job, quit. Take a risk and see where it leads you.  I bet you will be happier for it!

Leonardo DaVinci was the ORIGINAL Renaissance Man.  Below is a copy of Leonardo’s letter to the House of Sforza (his resume) that he sent over 600 years ago.  Modern day job seekers can learn a lot from Leonardo!

“Most illustrious Lord, having now sufficiently seen and considered the proofs of all those who count themselves master and inventors of instruments of war, and finding that their invention and use of the said instruments does not differ in any respect from those in common practice, I am emboldened without prejudice to anyone else to put myself in communication with your Excellency, in order to acquaint you with my secrets, thereafter offering myself at your pleasure effectually to demonstrate at any convenient time all those matters which are in part briefly recorded below,

1. I have plans for bridges, very light and strong and suitable for carrying very easily…
2. When a place is besieged I know how to cut off water from the trenches, and how to construct an infinite number of…scaling ladders and other instruments…
3. If because of the height of the embankment, and the strength of the place of its site, it should be impossible to reduce it by bombardment, I know methods of destroying any citadel or fortress, even if it is built on rock.
4. I have plans for making cannon, very convenient and easy of transport, with which to hurl small stones in the manner almost of hail…
5. And it is should happen that the engagement is at sea, I have plans for construction many engines most suitable for attack or defense, and ships which can resist the fire of all the heaviest cannon, and powder and smoke.
6. Also I have ways of arriving at a certain fixed spot by caverns and secret winding passages made without any noise even though it may be necessary to pass underneath…a river.
7. Also I can make covered cards, safe and unassailable, which will enter the serried ranks of the enemy with artillery, and there is no company of men at arms so great as not to be broken by it. And behind these the infantry will be able to follow quite unharmed and without any opposition.
8. 8. Also, if need shall arise, I can make cannon, mortars and light ordnance, of very beautiful and useful shapes, quite different from those in common use.
9. Where it is not possible to employ cannon, I can supply catapults, mangonels, traps and other engines of wonderful efficacy not in general issue. In short, as the variety of circumstances shall necessitate, I can supply an infinite number of different engines of attack and defense.
10. In time of peace I believe that I can give you as complete satisfaction as anyone else in architecture, in the construction of buildings both public and private, and in conducting water from one place to another.
11. Also I can execute sculpture in marble, bronze, or clay and also painting, in which my work will stand comparison with that of anyone else whoever he may be.
12. Moreover, I would undertake the work of the bronze horse, which shall endure with immortal glory and eternal honor the auspicious memory of the Prince of your father and of the illustrious house of Sforza”

What strikes me as most impressive (and perhaps most instructive for job seekers) is the way in which Leonardo highlighted his talents to meet the needs of his potential employer(s).  Leonardo most enjoyed painting and scupting — it’s what he is MOST known for these days (think of the “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper.”)  However, he doesn’t mention that until # 11 in his list!  That’s because he knew Sforza was looking for someone who could provide assistance with his military and building affairs.

Did it work?  Go to Milan, Italy and you will see that Leo did indeed get the job!  What can YOU learn about your job search from Leonardo DaVinci?

• Do you need to grow in your professional abilities?
• Is your industry changing? What do you need to know to allow YOU to move in that direction?
• Do you feel the need to brush up on some particular skills to stay in your industry or profession?
• What are the best practices for people who do the work you do?  Are you following them?
• What “tickets” will you need to have punched so you can take the next step in your career path?
• What don’t you know about business that could change the way you do your job?

There are many reasons to take a class, and many opportunities to do so.  You may want to learn and follow the latest movements in your industry or profession.  You may be interested in learning a new skill.  Perhaps you are wanting to re-tool for a career change.  Or, you may simply need to learn general business skills to supplement your technical skills so you can move up in the company.

Opportunities for continuing education abound in our current culture!  Here are some suggestions that will help you begin your search:

1. You local community college will have classes on many subjects from basic skills to adult education.  These are usually  in-expensive for people who live within community boundaries (your tax dollars at work). They may also have adult education classes you can take for non-credit.
2. Your local State University has probably opened its doors to adult learners.  In the late 1980s the last of the Baby Boomers were graduating from college.  In order to keep their doors open, most Universities developed programs targeting the aging workforce, providing continuing education for those with and without degrees.  Your local University may have just the right program for you!
3. Professional organizations generally offer classes related to a professional certification.  Sometimes you can take the class even if you have no intention of being certified in that area. Or, perhaps it’s time for you to take the test and become a “certified _____”.If so, these classes will help you immensely!
4. Proprietary schools such as University of Phoenix and Capella University have online programs.  Note that many of these programs require you to enroll for a specific degree program, but some of them may allow stand-alone course-work.
5. Several Ivy League and major Universities have courses online — FOR FREE!  Schools such as MIT offer lecture notes, exams, and videos from some of their more popular classes for free online.  Of course, getting credit for these classes will cost you dearly.  Check them out if you don’t need the credit but simply want to learn from some of the best schools in the world.
6. Professional Conferences and Workshops.  Your industry, company, and professional organization most likely have a professional training department.  Find out what classes they have to offer.
7. Join a group such as Toastmasters.  These groups provide specific training n a specific area (such as public speaking).  Many of them will send your employer a certificate after you have completed a basic course.  The certificate will look good on your wall, and your boss will be impressed with your initiation!

Taking a class is a great way to improve your career.  You will learn new things.  You will have fun.  You will meet new people.  You will impress your boss.  All of these are GREAT for advancing your career and your life.

When you have completed the search for yourself on the Internet you may need to clean up anything that doesn’t fit your “personal brand identity.” If there are pictures on your MySpace or Facebook account that you would not want an employer to see, take them down. If your pictures on Google Images isn’t what you want, get them removed. If you have any articles written by or about you that don’t serve to promote you AS YOU INTEND TO BE PRESENTED, it’s time to take some serious action!

There are two potentially negative options for what you may find on your personal Google search:  a) nothing (this is bad!), or b) negative (this is damaging!).  I once worked with a supervisor who was demoted because of her pictures on MySpace.  We worked for a rather conservative company, and the pictures of her drinking with friends (obviously drunk) did not fit the corporate image they wanted to portray.  Can they do that?  I’m not sure of the legalities (I’m no Lawyer), but my recommendation is that it is better to be safe than sorry.  It’s not just the “rich and famous” who need to be aware of their public presence.  It’s ALL of us!

Here are some questions that will help you make your Internet presence match your desired target:

• What is your Unique Selling Proposition?  (Your USP)
• Can you state it in 10 words? (If not, it’s probably not focused enough)
• Does your Internet presence clearly portray your USP?
• What (specifically) do you need to add?
• What (specifically) do you need to delete?
• Who will help you do these things?

My good friend Clara Flory (85 years old at the time) used to say to me, “God gave us TWO ears and ONE mouth.  That’s why we should listen TWICE as much as we talk!” I was a young man at the time and listened politely to what she had to say, but I didn’t fully understand the importance of her comments until later.  Much later.  I wanted to impress people with my vast knowledge.  I wanted them to think I was “smart” and “eloquent”.  When I was unsure if my constant jabbering achieved that goal, I would talk more or louder and listen less.  Now I look back with slight embarrassment.  I jumped to conclusions.  I made assumptions that led me to be unproductive.  I thought I was “solving” problems.  Now I see that I may have created more problems than I ever solved. If I had only listened to Clara.  If I had only LISTENED!

I’m sure this has never happened to you.

Growing up my grandmother had a sign on her kitchen wall that read, “I would rather remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak up and remove all doubt.”  (Abaraham Lincoln)  I have a feeling that “Honest Abe” had a Clara Flory in his past as well.  I wonder how long it took for him to learn this valuable lesson!

I just fininshed filing my 2007 Income taxes, and was reminded yet again why I should NOT put off the important yet unpleasant things I have to do. . . $450.

I knew that I wasn’t going to owe taxes and figured that I wouldn’t get much back because of the good pre-tax planning I did last year. I have heard about the federal tax stimulus package, but know that’s not coming until May. I HATE to do the kind of detail work that Income Taxes require. Put those reasons together, and I guess you can see why I waited until the 11th hour to file. When I hit the button to determine my tax liability I was pleasantly surprised. I’m getting $450 back! Not bad. Enough to have a nice dinner and movie date, plus a few groceries. Or maybe I can buy the new iphone so my friends will all know how cool I am!

I wonder why I waited. It was painful, but not nearly as painful as I made it out to be in my head! I could have done my taxes three months ago and that $450 would already have been spent! Hmmmmm. What was I afraid of? What was I waiting for?

This is the same reaction I get from job seekers once they have started the process of looking for a better job or trying to get a promotion in their company. Often times they put off the work of completing the steps in the job process because they fear it will be TOO MUCH WORK. But once they get started they see how easy the process really is. Then they wonder why they waited so long — why they put up with their crummy boss so long, or why they dragged their heals.

What is the cost to YOU of doing nothing? If you plan on getting a raise of $500 per month, waiting 6 months will cost you $3,000.00. What could you do with that money? Why are you waiting?

Wasn’t it Mark Twain who said, “the are lies, damn lies, and statistics.” Last week the unemployment rate moved up to 5.1% and those who will benefit from such news let us know loud and clear that “this is yet another economic indicator that we are in a recession.” While I agree that we ARE in a recession, I disagree that THIS unemployment rate is an indicator for the recession. I believe that this recession is going to be substantially different from the last one with regards to jobs. Here’s why:

1. 5% unemployment is virtual full employment. That means that at 5% unemployment those who are unemployed are basically between jobs. When the rate hits 7 or 8% I’ll start to worry.
2. Low paying and low skilled jobs will be hardest hit in this recession. Unemployment for people with Bachelor degrees and higher is around 2%. Companies will continue to seek to increase efficiencies. It seems that they can always eliminate a line producer or two in order to do this, but eliminating the mind that is able to design and implement the efficiencies is much more difficult.
3. Recruiters are still having difficulty finding good candidates for mid to upper level positions. Leaders are hard to come by, so if you can show that you have leadership abilities then YOU are a sought after commodity.
4. We live in a truly international economy. As the US dollar continues to slide, US produced goods will become more affordable and more sought after in Europe and Asia. US manufacturers will actually need to hire more people to keep up with the demand for US goods.
5. Baby Boomers are retiring at 10,000 per day. This will affect EVERY LEVEL of the organization. As Boomers retire they leave a void that will not easily be filled. Those who have been in the workforce a shorter time simply don’t have the tacit knowledge necessary to make the kinds of decisions that their more experienced counterparts can quickly make. There will continue to be a growing need for managers to replace the retiring Boomers.

The US economy (and therefore he world economy) is very volatile right now. Unemployment is on the rise, but that will mostly affect people on the lower end of the production and wage scale. For mid to upper level managers, there will be an INCREASE in need due to the world economic front and the retirement of Baby Boomers. However, one thing remains as important now as it ever has been — the need for those who want the upper level jobs to do a great job of selling themselves.

Do you have special skills or abilities that can help companies continue to grow through volatile times? Can you manage a team to increase efficiencies? Do you have a level of knowledge that will help a company make or save money? If so, YOU are needed. The trick to getting these positions is developing and conducting a comprehensive sales and marketing strategy for your number one asset — YOU. What will you do to develop your career marketing strategy?

Here is a link to a video short done by Sceaming Frog Productions and is showing at a number of film festivals around the country this year. Check it out on YouTube here!

This short video pokes fun at immigration — a real political hot button. However, I think it says a lot about the shifting job market as well. Nobody is entitled to a job — not even CPAs, CFOs and Sr. Marketing Directors. We live in a capitalistic society where one’s “commercial worth” (like it or not) is determined by the value that is brought to the corporation. How will you help your employer make money? How will you help them save money? If you can’t answer these questions with quantifiable numbers, then YOU are on the verge of becoming obsolete. Too many workers (executives included) have forgotten this in our current culture, and, as the video shows, if we don’t do something soon our jobs will become outdated and worthless.

What do YOU do to measure YOUR value in the company you work for? How do you let those to whom you are accountable see the value YOU bring? I’d love to get your response to these questions .  .  .  .  and to the video!

We see it all the time. People with 5 to 10 years of business experience as an individual contributor go to graduate school with the intent of getting a degree and moving into management. The problem is, when they come out of their program their resume basically looks the same as when it went in — with the addition of a year or two of graduate school. When they use this resume to apply for a position, they find they are basically qualified for the job they left in order to go to graduate school. What to do???

When we work with graduate students we try to get them to focus on what they want to BECOME, rather than on what they HAVE BEEN. They must re-focus their “unique selling proposition” in order to reposition themselves for the NEXT gig, rather than the one they just left. Here are a few tips we recommend:

1. As much as possible, choose school projects that help you focus on your next career.
2. Try to get an internship in your new area of expertise.
3. Quantify your results as much as possible.
4. Network. MANY professional organizations offer a student discount. Join if you can. This will help you re-position yourself in the new area.
5. Volunteer. It’s a great way to gain experience and network.

With a little bit of strategic planning several things can be done to help you leverage your graduate degree.

Sometimes NOT having a job is better than having a crappy job!  If you don’t believe me, just ask these people!

http://www.glumbert.com/media/baddayoffice