Plan B from outer space; or what do you have in case your first plan doesn't work?

As a member of Career Collective–a community of resume writers and career coaches, this article is one of many responses to Quintessential Careers Job Action Day. Please feel free to visit other members’ responses, which will be linked at the end of my article on November 2nd. Please follow our hashtag on Twitter: #careercollective.

What is your personal and professional Plan B? Do you have one? If something were to happen today leaving you unemployed, would you have a Plan B? Would you be able to quickly evaluate the situation and know what your next steps are to focus and solidify a new position? Have you been keeping notes regarding your accomplishments, understand your strengths and areas for improvement to keep upward momentum going?

With the changing and unstable economic conditions, offshoring/outsourcing trending and corporate bankruptcies, it is not hard to look around and wonder what the future holds for “traditional employment.” For many of us, it is time to consider new career opportunities and strategies – giving serious consideration to unique or non-traditional job opportunities. This might include a role telecommuting, work within a home-based business, or something else.

Here are some tips to help you think about your options and prepare for the future in a transformed global marketplace:


Home-based business: I know you have read things online and in countless publications (no doubt) about work from home opportunities promising that you will barely have to do anything and the dough will just roll in! NOT. Home-based businesses are likely to be a big part of future employment so it would be a good idea to start exploring your options now. This is a topic I have covered before so here is a link to that article. Like other traditional positions, working from home requires commitment – a lot of commitment especially since you might be working for yourself – in which case you will need to be extremely focused, organized, and have the ability to develop new business. If you do work for a company with your home as the ‘office’ you will definitely need to set yourself apart by assuming increased levels of responsibility and remaining engaged via computer and phone to ensure your efforts do not go unnoticed. There is no ‘get rich quick’ formula. Anything that seems too good to be true most likely is; take heed and do your research to ensure you are engaging in productive work that will yield results.


Where the jobs are: As companies look for ways to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve profitability outsourcing to lower labor countries will continue to climb. So, what are some of the things that will enable you to stand out from the crowd? Consider vocations such as technical writing and design, and process development. As we continue to grow from a digital perspective, there will be more jobs in science and technology. Healthcare is another area that will see tremendous growth as the baby boomers continue to age. With globalization and the world becoming one big marketplace, people will have to consider opportunities abroad. Finally trade positions (machinists, mechanics, etc.) are jobs that are in high demand now and will continue to grow in the future. While some of these jobs lack glamour, they are necessary and will pay a premium to get qualified reliable employees.


Continue the learning process: In the future those who do not maintain ahead of the curve will quickly be left behind. As the marketplace continues to evolve and boundaries are removed, those people who do not continue to expand their knowledge will be left behind. Equally important will be the ability to speak one or more languages. Industries and companies are becoming increasingly global, which means that it will be important to understand other cultures and communicate in other languages.

Continue experimenting, and learning. Remaining engaged and maintaining an ongoing awareness of the trends and changes will allow you to keep abreast of changes and the things you need to do to stay ahead of the curve.

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Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.

Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of ResumesDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.

Debra can be reached at -
DWheatman@ResumesDoneWrite.com
ResumesDoneWrite.Blogspot.com
WWW.ResumesDoneWrite.com
Connect to me on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter

Meg Montford: Job Action Day: Finding Your “MOJO” After Layoff http://coachmeg.typepad.com/career_chaos/2009/10/job-action-day-finding-your-mojo-after-layoff.html

Debra Wheatman: Plan B from outer space; or what do you have in case your first plan doesn’t work out? http://resumesdonewrite.blogspot.com/2009/10/plan-b-from-outer-space-or-what-do-you.html

Heather Mundell: Green Jobs – What They Are and How to Find Them, http://dbcs.typepad.com/lifeatwork/2009/10/green-jobs-what-they-are-and-how-to-find-them.html

Erin Kennedy: Cutting Edge Job Search Blueprint http://exclusive-executive-resumes.com/resumes/job-search-blueprint/

Grace Kutney: Securing Your Career While Navigating the Winds of Change http://sweetcareers.blogspot.com/2009/10/securing-your-career-while-navigating.html

Hannah Morgan: Career Sherpa– Why Our Job Search Advice is the Same but Different http://hannahmorgan.typepad.com/hannah_morgan/2009/10/why-our-job-search-advice-is-the-same-but-different.html

Gayle Howard: The Enlightened Jobseeker http://www.theexecutivebrand.com/?p=500

Laurie Berenson: Making lemonade out of lemons: Turn unemployment into entrepreneurship http://blog.sterlingcareerconcepts.com/2009/10/30/making-lemonade-out-of-lemons-turn-unemployment-into-entrepreneurship.aspx

Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter: You Can Thrive In, Not Just Survive, an Economic Slogging http://careertrend.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/you-can-thrive-not-just-survive-an-economic-slogging/

Rosalind Joffe: Preparedness: It’s Not Just for Boyscouts http://workingwithchronicillness.com/2009/10/preparedness-its-not-just-for-boy-scouts/

Rosa E. Vargas: Are You Evolving Into The In-Demand Professional of Tomorrow? http://resume-writing.typepad.com/resume_writing_and_job_se/2009/10/furture-careers.html

Dawn Bugni: Your network IS your net worth http://thewritesolution.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/your-network-is-your-net-worth/

Miriam Salpeter: Optimize your job hunt for today’s economy http://www.keppiecareers.com/2009/10/30/optimize-your-job-hunt-for-todays-ecomony/

GL Hoffman: The Life of An Entrepreneur: Is It for You? http://blogs.jobdig.com/wwds/2009/10/30/the-life-of-an-entrepreneur-is-it-for-you/

Katharine Hansen: Job Action Day 09: His Resume Savvy Helped New Career Rise from Layoff Ashes http://www.resumesandcoverletters.com/tips_blog/job_action_day_09_his_resume_s.html

Martin Buckland: Job Search–The Key to Securing Your Future Career. http://aneliteresume.com/job-search/the-key-to-securing-your-future-career/

Chandlee Bryan: Where the Green Jobs Are: http://emergingprofessional.typepad.com/the_emerging_professional/2009/11/where-the-green-jobs-are.html

Heather R. Huhman, Take Action: 10 Steps for Landing an Entry-Level Job, http://www.heatherhuhman.com/2009/10/take-action/

Barbara Safani: Where the Jobs Are 2009 and Beyond: http://www.careersolvers.com/blog/2009/10/31/where-the-jobs-are-2009-and-beyond/

Interviewing tips - you have the interview, now how do you get the job

Who wouldn’t love to be an interview guru? The person who is completely comfortable and prepared for the most rigorous of interviews – no matter what type – traditional or behavioral. Wouldn’t it be great to know exactly what the interviewer is looking for? Know what to say, how to say it, and how to connect with the interviewer so that you get the offer? In this post, I will discuss the following information:

• Managing the interviewer’s style
• Handling the interview
• Controlling yourself and your answers

There is a common, and very strong connection between the needs and desires of the interviewer and those of the interviewee. The interviewee wants a position where he can be happy and productive in an environment that fulfills personal and professional goals; the interviewer wants a well-adjusted employee who is committed to performing for the organization.

How do you quickly establish rapport so that there is open dialogue and exchange information in a way that establishes knowledge while fostering positive interactions? Here are a few simple steps:

1. Make sure you are fully acquainted with your background. Be prepared to elaborate on past information and review accomplishments in a meaningful way so the interviewer understands how you were successful;
2. Practice interviewing skills by going on interviews! Interview for opportunities that you are not necessarily interested in pursuing to brush up on your technique.
3. Ask questions. This will alleviate your entering a position in the ‘dark’. Questions will allow you to learn more about the company, its culture and the personality of the person to whom you will be reporting.
4. Speak to the interviewer regarding the company’s mission, vision and goals to ensure alignment with your own goals.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer about next steps. If you want the position – say so!

When interviewing you want to make sure that you balance your responses. Provide answers to the interviewers questions without going on too long. Do not offer evasive or non-answers to questions. Keep the dialogue on track but also let the interviewer interject to maintain a balance. From the interviewee’s perspective, you want the interviewer to talk more than you do. Present your qualifications in a manner that expresses how you have performed in the past, which will enable you to add value in a new role.

If you need a few minutes to formulate thoughts subsequent to being asked a question – take it! Do not answer before you are ready. It is ok to pause and formulate your thoughts before you respond. Discuss your expertise in a calm and focused manner; highlight projects, significant contributions, ability to collaborate in a team environment, and leadership traits – all things that are important when presenting your credentials. You want to present a well-rounded candidate who is able to adapt to a new environment and quickly get up to speed. The interview is part of marketing yourself. You want a genuine approach to resonate with the interviewer. Make sure you speak clearly and with conviction.

During the interview you should do the following:

1. Smile when you greet the interviewer and maintain a positive demeanor;
2. Sit up straight with your hands in your lap;
3. Have a copy of your résumé for the interviewer and one for yourself;
4. Ensure your cell phone is OFF.

Attitude, integrity, and self-motivation are not things that can be quantified – but they are certainly present during the interview process. Make sure you take the time to complete any applications or paperwork in advance of the interview. Your preparedness, presentation, and willingness to go the extra mile will set you apart from your peers. No matter the business environment, all things count! Here’s to your making a memorable and lasting positive impression that gets YOU the job!

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Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.

Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of ResumesDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.

Debra can be reached at -
DWheatman@ResumesDoneWrite.com
ResumesDoneWrite.Blogspot.com
WWW.ResumesDoneWrite.com
Connect to me on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter