Selling Yourself

A job search is really a sales effort. I know most people cringe when they hear that, but you may as well admit that it is true. Many things in life are sales efforts. Convincing your children to help with chores is sales. Talking your spouse into going to a movie that you want to see is sales. Presenting yourself to a decision maker in such a way as to have them offer you a job, or refer you to someone else who might, is sales.

Closely related to sales is marketing. You might look at your relationship building letter and resume as marketing, your relationship building meeting as a hybrid of marketing and sales, and your job interview as pure sales. Two things that the Job Finding Formula insists that you do when presenting yourself are to be honest and never be negative. Since we are looking at the resume, at least for this example, as marketing, let me present an example of a well known marketing campaign that might appear to be dishonest at first glance, but actually is very truthful.

Which brand of coffee is “Mountain Grown”? Folger’s, right? Everybody know that! Folgers has used that slogan and images of mountains to sell a lot of coffee. Did you know that ALL coffee is grown in the mountains? Well, it is! This is because coffee plants need to be grown in tropical or sub-tropical environments at high altitudes. Is that dishonest? Not at all, Folger’s is “Mountain Grown”. If they said that Folger’s was the only mountain grown coffee, that would be lying. It’s not their fault if coffee drinkers don’t know that everyone else’s coffee is also grown there.

I am not necessarily trying to get you to develop an achievement event that is something that everyone else in your position has done and make a big deal out of it. I just wanted to demonstrate that even when “all things are equal” there are ways to make yourself stand out. Using this technique will show that you understand the job requirement that relates to your achievement event. Think how much more you can be noticed by presenting your achievements in a proper way.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

A Message To Job Finding Formula Users

It's nearly the end of the year and if you are out of work, looking for a job, and using the Job Finding Formula, it's really difficult to stay motivated toward the actions that will help you find the job that best suits you.

But, it is very important that you do exactly that. Do not fall prey to the "Dissatisfaction Dip"!

You know what that is, right?

It's that period of time, after you have discovered a "secret" that most other people do not know and the motivation to follow the steps that you know will work wears off and the excitement you felt when you first discovered the secret fades away. While you know that the plan you have set in action will work, you are wondering if you have what it takes to carry it out.

We've all experienced the Dissatisfaction Dip. I can't count the times that I have embarked on a new weight loss plan and started to see success, when I became dissatisfied and lapsed back into my old habits of overeating and not exercising. I knew that eating properly and working out were the keys to success, but I began to doubt my ability to stay with the program.

Just because the excitement cools off and you say, "This is really hard work!" doesn't mean that the initial inspiration was wrong. The dream is still alive, it really is and you've just got to stick with it! The methods presented in Job Finding Formula have worked for me and so many other people that I know they will work for you if you keep trying and don't give up hope.

Here are some tips for managing and overcoming the dissatisfaction dip:

Tip #1: The honeymoon will come to end. Own it. But that doesn't mean that the relationship has to end. Be prepared to keep the romance alive just like you're willing to do with any meaningful commitment in your life. Decide now that it's going to take a firm resolve to weather the Dissatisfaction Dip.

Tip #2: Keep your eye on the original inspiration. If you knew that the principles presented in Job Finding Formula were right when you started out, if the vision was exciting and motivating; then it's still right today. In short, don't lose the vision because part of the journey isn't fun.

Tip #3: Remember that every great accomplishment comes only after a real price is paid. Sure, success can come quickly, but it does not always come overnight. And it always comes with challenges, doubts, and trials. The Dissatisfaction Dip is a period of real discouragement. Don't give in!

Tip #4: Lean on someone. Talk to someone you trust. Perhaps a minister, your spouse, partner, significant other, or a trusted friend who will listen to you and confirm that this experience is normal, expected and necessary. Let them give you a boost and the motivation you need to push through the "less fun" moments.

In their book, Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude, Napoleon Hill, who wrote Think and Grow Rich, and W. Clement Stone discuss "Inspirational Dissatisfaction". That is the state of mind where a person becomes so dissatisfied with his current circumstances that he is inspired to change them.

Accept that you'll face the Dissatisfaction Dip; become inspired by that dissatisfaction, embrace that inspiration, keep your head up, keep your eye on the original vision, and find moral support ...trust me, I've been there and the end result is well worth it!

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

Should you consider "Work at home" as an option?

The new unemployment numbers mean nothing if YOU do not have a job.

The news that jobless claims have dropped as noted in this Yahoo article should encourage you to work even harder to find that job that is right for you.

However, please be very cautious about "work at home" schemes that require you to put up money in advance. I am an advocate of entrepreneurial efforts and encourage you to consider starting your own business. However, you must face the economic, financial reality of your chances for success. If someone wants to "sell" you on their program to make you rich, you should ask yourself why? If they have the "secret" to making all that money, why don't they just do it themselves? Why do they want to sell the "secret". Believe me, I have been a sucker for lots of those schemes and hope that you will not fall victim to them, especially when you are out of work and most vulnerable to con artists.

Please see the article from the National Consumer's League Internet Fraud Watch.

Be encouraged by the new jobless numbers and let them give you hope to change your own situation. One year ago this week, I lost my job (see the November 20 post to this blog). I have been there. When that happened, I was in total shock. I did not tell my wife for three days. My stomach was tied in knots. I had trouble sleeping at night. Then, I took my own advice that I had begun to put into writing over five years earlier. Within a week, I had a job equal to the one I had just lost.

I believe in you! Believe in yourself and you will succeed. As we enter this last week before CHRISTmas, I pray that you will also believe in something greater than yourself. Whatever you conceive that to be, know that the universe was designed for each of us to succeed. Belief in that principle is the fundamental to making it happen. Acting on that belief is the key to opening the door to success.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

Body Language

Your body language, the nonverbal message you present, begins to speak for you even before you say hello during your interview. An opinion is already beginning to take shape by the time you speak your first word. You have prepared your answers to the interview questions that you know will come, but the interviewer is already judging you by your posture, general appearance, and whether you seem relaxed or nervous.

A UCLA study revealed that the impact of a performance was based 7 percent on the words used, 38 percent on voice quality and 55 percent on nonverbal communication.

Just think about the teachers, sports figures, or other speakers you have heard. Do you remember more the ones that just give out information or those that were more entertaining and used actions to express themselves? Please do not think that I am advocating that you do a song and dance or tell jokes during an interview. However, you should make a real effort to be interactive and show enthusiasm at the proper times. As you make the point that you really want to work at this company, show some energy and smile. Practice using simple gestures to emphasize things that you want to stand out.

Some Body Language Tips:

• Handshake: When the interviewer extends his or her hand you have a great opportunity to make a good first impression. You should practice making a firm handshake without exerting extra force. Your hand should be warm and dry. If possible, visit the restroom or break-room and place your hands under cold water. Of course, if your hands are naturally cold, use warm water.
• Eye contact: Without staring, look the interviewer in the eye. Look at his or her hands occasionally when he or she is speaking. Do not look around the room while you are talking, as you will appear uncomfortable and lacking in confidence.
• Fidgeting: I naturally have a bad habit of making a sound by drawing air through my front teeth and clicking a pen. This is annoying and I've learned not to do that in meetings, although I still drive my wife crazy when I do it at home in relaxed moments. Try to notice habits similar to those that you may have such as playing with your hair, tapping your feet, or touching parts of your body like ears or your nose.
• Posture: While you should not assume a stiff, military drill posture, do not slouch. You will demonstrate energy and enthusiasm by maintaining an erect posture while standing and sitting. Practice in a mirror before the interview.
• Gestures: Keep gestures natural, use them to emphasize your words without overwhelming what you are saying. Do not put your hands on your mouth while talking. Use a mirror or video to judge how you look while talking.

Your body language can enhance or distract from your spoken words. It is worth the effort to prepare and practice how you present yourself non-verbally just as much as you prepare and practice what you want to say.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

Job Finding Myth

The Myth: You have to know someone really important to get a great job.

Consider this. An executive was seeking a job and had exhausted all the means he could think of to find a job. Then he learned about the Job Finding Formula method of building relationships based on contacting all the people that you know. Even though he really didn’t think it would be helpful to him, he followed the concept and wrote a letter describing his situation to a waitress that he knew.

Now, here is a man who is accustomed to earning a six-figure salary. How in the world could a waitress help him find any job, let alone a great job? Well, he was desperate and without any other recourse left, he wrote letters to everyone he could think of including the waitress. It so happened that she had overheard a conversation among some high level executives that indicated to her they had a serious problem that she thought the man might be able to solve. The man took her advice, contacted the executives and landed a job as an assistant vice president.

I cannot emphasize this enough, ask everyone that you know for advice and assistance. Aunt Marie, Uncle George, all of the teachers who you remember, classmates, former co-workers, etc. While you may think that Uncle George does not have the influence to get you a job, you may not know all the people that he knows. Maybe his neighbor, one of his former co-workers or bosses, or someone he knows from church or a social organization may turn out to be your link to the best job. Remember the waitress!

It is estimated that each of us knows at least 250 people who know us by our name. Each of these people also know at least 250 people. Of course, there will be some overlap because some of our 250 will be the same as theirs. However, this is still a large group of contacts.

You can also do some research and find the names and addresses of people whom you do not know, but you believe may be able to help you. Combine those people with the list of people you know. Your list will grow as you think of people you have omitted or learn of new people that you want to add. Continue to work your way down the list, don't give up hope, and you will find that great job!

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

Letters in response to advertisements

I want to take this opportunity to thank Henry Hinton, host of the most popular morning radio show in our area that is heard on WTIB 94.3 FM (also seen on Greenville, NC's SuddenLink cable channel 7), for allowing me to talk with his audience today about Job Finding Formula.

The letter below is an example of one that you should consider sending as a cover letter with your resume when responding to a job advertisement. (Leave out the dashes (-----) between the columns. That was the only way I could make it look right in this blog format.) Using this type of cover letter will significantly increase the chances that your resume will be read and considered. Of course, please edit it to be consistent with your style and for the appropriate person and position you are applying for.


June 4, 2008

Response name in ad
address
city, state ZIP

Re: Project Manager

The specified background for a Project Manager listed in your advertisement in the May 30 edition of the Sunday Times Dominion is a remarkable match to my experience as the following comparison demonstrates:


Your Requirements (-----------------------------------) My Experience

1. ___________________(-------------------)______________________

2. ___________________(-------------------)______________________

3. ___________________(-------------------)______________________


The enclosed resume emphasizes other areas of my background that may also be of interest to you. I look forward to a personal meeting where we might discuss these.

Sincerely,



Your Name

Enclosure:

____________________________

Many other sample letters are presented in Job Finding Formula.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

How Employers Decide Who to Hire or Keep

In today’s economic climate it’s important to know what traits employers use to evaluate candidates for a position and how they decide which employees to keep during layoffs. As you seek your next position, either within your own company or with another employer, emphasizing these traits will be of tremendous help to those efforts.

Ability to work with others: One of the signs that employers look for is how well you can perform your assigned duties while, at the same time, not disrupting others from performing theirs. Mitigating disputes between employees is a major obstacle to managing workers. Therefore, a manager will attempt to not bring on someone who does not get along well with others. Likewise, a manger will take the first opportunity to dismiss an employee who cannot work with others.

If you find yourself in that group, then it will be to your great advantage to learn how to get your job accomplished while not upsetting others. This does not necessarily mean that your should change your attitude towards your job. In fact, it is not uncommon that your desire to do a good job is what upsets others. For example, some people will not understand why you put in extra effort to meet some deadline.

You should strive to do the best job that you can while finding a way to get along. Having done this, you can comment during a job interview or performance review, “One of my weaknesses used to be getting my co-workers to understand how important I take my assignments. However, I have now learned how to continue to pursue excellence and at the same time not step on other people’s toes.”

Punctuality: “If you are not 15 minutes early, you are late!” That was the advice that I was given in my Air Force days and it has served me well. You should always be at work early. The best way to demonstrate that you are punctual is to show up for any job interview early. The secret about this tactic is that it’s not really all for the benefit of the employer. By arriving early, you will usually have an opportunity to observe the workplace. Remember, you are not just at an interview to see if the company wants you, it’s your opportunity to see if you want to work for them.

You should make the best use of this time by observing the atmosphere in the office. Especially, notice the body language of the people you see. Listen to comments that are made while you wait. This will also give you the chance to relax and concentrate on what you want to present to the interviewer.

Cooperation: While this is closely related to working well with others, it applies more to striving to achieve the goals of the organization. This is why the Job Finding Formula methods of finding the best job are important. They help you uncover the job that best suits your talents, abilities, skills and knowledge. This will automatically place you in a position where you will want to cooperate with everyone to achieve stated organizational objectives.

Self Reliance: Employers recognize the worth of employees who understand the objective of an assignment and are able to carry it out by themselves. Effective managers know that everyone needs to be given enough information to understand what is to be accomplished and the proper training and tools to do the job. However, once that is done, they should be able to complete the task without excessive reliance on the manager or other employees. This does not mean that you should never ask for assistance, rather, that you should only do this when necessary. You should not let asking for help become a habit.

Appearance: The way your dress and present yourself is important. Many job seekers miss this and do themselves a great disservice. While today’s workplace is more casual and laid-back than that of 50 years ago, you can still make yourself stand out by presenting a clean, neat appearance. Dress appropriately for the position you are applying form. You should even “dress up” a notch or two above the position you are seeking if you can. When in doubt, be more conservative.

Courtesy: This is a way to really set yourself apart from the average job seeker. Whenever you call someone on the telephone to talk about an opportunity, always ask if this is a good time to talk. If they say it is not, then ask when you should call back. Your goal should be to put the person at ease, not place them in an uncomfortable position. Job Finding Formula teaches how to do this most effectively.

Motivation: The most successful managers know that the only true motivation is self-motivation. There is an old saying that if I want my dog to move, I have to kick him in the a_ _. If I want to get him to move tomorrow, I have to kick him again. Managers do not have the time to waste kicking employees to make them move. That is why they look for self-motivated people to fill jobs and keep those who have displayed that trait when layoffs happen.

Reliability: Can your employer rely on you to serve the best interests of the company? Have you demonstrated in the past that you are reliable? The answer to these questions is crucial to maintaining your job or being offered a new job. It should be obvious that being a person that an employer can rely upon to get the job done is a tremendous benefit. Make the most of your past experience to emphasize this trait.

Initiative: Are you a self starter? If you are, that is initiative. Employers look favorably on those employees who can recognize a problem and seek out solutions without being told to do so. This is another trait that you should seek examples of and present those examples to prospective employers during a job interview. You can learn how best to do this in Job Finding Formula.

Attitude: An employee's attitude is an extremely important aspect of the decision making process for hiring or during layoffs. Concern for whether the job get done properly, a positive outlook towards the company, and communicating those attitudes to others is very important.

Quality of work: The quality of work that you perform is another very important aspect of how employers judge you. You should keep a record of how you have contributed to high quality in your jobs. Employers recognize that producing a high volume of work is useless unless the work is done properly.

All of the above traits are important to employers when deciding who to hire and who to layoff. You should review your resume and letters and attempt to work as many of these traits into them as possible.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

Self Assessment

You can significantly increase your ability to get the best job by looking closely at yourself before asking others to consider your qualifications.

One of the most important steps you can take as you begin to search for the best job is to make a checklist that will help you discover your strengths and weaknesses. Keep in mind that this list will not be seen by anyone but you and those few close advisors, if any, with whom you decide to share it. You may make several versions of this list, revising the content as you think of new items that you had overlooked earlier and as you look at the existing items in light of new knowledge you may gain.

It has been my experience, in dealing with many people, that we all tend to look at the things we have done and knowledge we possess as being inferior. Nothing could be farther from the truth. This fact was made clear to me back in the 1980’s. I found myself out of work for seven months. My unemployment was about to expire and I was very concerned about my financial future. An acquaintance suggested that I try offering my services as a consultant to large companies. I thought that I really didn’t have a chance of doing that because I assumed that everyone in those companies already knew what I knew and wouldn’t pay for that knowledge. However, in desperation, I gave it a try. I was completely amazed when my first contact offered me $300 per day plus expenses. This was really a lot of money in those days!

Don’t let the same type of thinking stop you from putting forth all of your experience and background to employers. You may be similarly surprised.

List your talents, abilities, skills and knowledge carefully. Once again, remember you are not going to share this evaluation with the whole world. However, this initial list will help you to decide what you will present and even who you decide to present it to. So, it is best to be completely honest, find out now how you truly feel before you end up in another job situation where you are unhappy. This may be a bit painful, but well worth it. The list should include:

• Physical traits such as the attire you feel most comfortable in, your general physical fitness, and your tolerance of various physical requirements
• Psychological factors, are you naturally an extrovert or an introvert, do you share responsibilities well with others or work better alone, what is your maturity level, how well do you accept criticism, for example, can you accept criticism from supervisory level personnel in a constructive manner
• Social activities such as organizations of which you are a member, community service activities to which you have contributed, and recreational activities that you enjoy
• Vocational aspects such as job skills, responsibilities you have undertaken at home or school, on the job experience, and vocational training
• Educational experience, courses you have taken related to your work, your attendance record, whether you have an interest in continuing education, and are willing to meet educational requirements of the job
  

Be brutally honest in this evaluation and use it to consider your strength and weaknesses. Work hard to emphasize those strengths and overcome your weaknesses. Then, think about where and how you can present yourself in order to get the best job. Job Finding Formula will show exactly how to do this.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

What ? !

Question: What do the following companies have in common?

General Motors
Ford
Chrysler

A) They all have financial troubles, are seeking government money, and may have to lay off workers.
B) They are all advertising for open positions.
C) Both A and B.
D) None of the above.

Answer: C

Believe it or not many large companies like these that are prominently in the news are both letting people go and hiring other people at the same time! Small and medium size companies are doing the same thing.

If you do not think this is true, click on the links below:

General Motors

Ford

Chrysler

Job Finding Formula teaches you how to use this little known secret to your advantage.

Mike Britner
Job Finding Master

Thank You Letters

To close our Thanksgiving week, I want to recommend that you get in the habit of writing thank you letters. You should follow up any meeting, phone call, other conversations in person or via email with a thank you letter. You can also do that via email especially if the person you are thanking is someone that you feel comfortable doing that with. However, I still recommend sending a letter as well. Email has become an accepted way to communicate and almost everyone does it, so that is exactly why you should make your "Thank You" stand out by also writing a letter.

In my book, Job Finding Formula, I explain the steps you can take to get decision makers to want to meet with you. The "Formula" also spells out what you should do during these relationship building meetings. After any such meeting you should write a letter something like the following example:

Dear _______________:

Thank you for meeting with me yesterday. I greatly appreciate the time you took from your schedule to review my resume and discuss the various opportunities that I might pursue. Your ideas will be most helpful.

As you suggested, I have already written letters to Sam Smith, Julie Jones, and Paul Green, and I plan to follow up with phone calls early next week to arrange to see them. Of course, I will let you know what results from the meetings.

It was very thoughtful of you to offer to do some further thinking about people I should contact - particularly at Acme Company, Beta Company, and Gamma Institute. Of course, I will approach any contact you provide me in the same way that I did you.

Because I know that any referral you suggest will prove to be a valuable contact, I plan to call you next Wednesday afternoon.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Of course, always change the words to match your own style and to make them appropriate for the person that is receiving the letter. The letter above not only thanks that person, but lays out your plan for future contacts with them.

Even a short thank you note will be appreciated by most people you meet and make them more inclined to help you further.

Mike Britner
Job Finding Master

Thankfulness and Happiness

In keeping with this week's theme of thankfulness, I want you to consider the fact that being thankful can lead to happiness. Not just fake happiness, but a really deep emotional feeling of well being.

Ok, so now you're thinking that's easy for me to say, but I don't know your situation. You are not sure how you are going to pay your bills, your teenage son is causing all kinds of problems and using bad language, you never seem to be able to find a partner with whom you can establish a good and lasting relationship, and your parents are getting older and demanding more of your time to care for them.

Well, let me tell you that you should begin to look for the things that you can be thankful for. Of course whatever is going wrong in your life will be there; however, it has been shown that true happiness can be derived from being thankful. Begin by thanking God (or thank the universe if you prefer) that you have the ability to use the internet and read this blog and get information from other useful sites.

Early tomorrow morning think of at least three things that you can be thankful for during the day. They may be:

• You live in a country where you have freedom of speak your mind, read what you want, and worship in the way you choose or not at all.
• It's snowing today so you get to wear your new winter coat, gloves and boots or you get the chance to buy new ones.
• All the older members of your family that are still alive.
• The love and support of your best friends.
• Your boss won't be in today.
• Your old car is still running long after you thought it would give out.

Whatever you decide to be thankful for, say it out loud. You may also want to write it down. In a journal if that's your style, if not jot it on the calendar. "Thank you universe that my wife mowed the lawn." "Thank you God that my husband made dinner."

Now, here's the amazing part. When we feel enthusiastic about something, we begin to manifest that enthusiasm in physical ways. When your favorite sports team is winning, you shout, cheer, smile, raise your arms, jump up and down, and dance around. Did you know that psychological studies have shown that it works in reverse, too? If you act enthusiastically, you will feel enthusiastic inside! It's true. Not only that, but it's catching. When you see someone acting enthusiastic, you begin to feel and act that way too. That's what cheerleaders are all about. The best salespeople and successful politicians know this too.

So, be enthusiastic when you give thanks. You will have to make yourself do it at first, but that's what makes the feelings happen. Keep doing this until it becomes a habit. For most people, an unexpected thing starts to happen. You begin to feel real happiness and you begin giving thanks even for the things that seem not to be going right.

You might say, "Thank you God for this time when I do not have a job that has allowed me to really think about the ideal job that I want." "Thank you universe that my son is healthy and is working his way through this rebellious stage in his life." I know from experience that if you do this you will not have to settle for just any job, your ideal job will come along, your son will make it through his rebellious period and move on with his life. By expressing thanks for things in your life, you show God/the universe that you are ready to take on more good things.

For more on how being thankful can help you in many ways see this article that appeared in the Montgomery Advertiser from Gannett News Service.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

Give Thanks

During this week when we stop and give thanks, we should make that special effort to realize that even things that seem bad to us may really be a "blessing in disguise". I know in my own life some of God's greatest gifts have been unanswered prayers. While we may not recognize it at the time it happens, events in our lives that seem negative will often turn out to be some of the most positive and life-changing events that are really best for us.

This week, I will dedicate myself to concentrate on positive thoughts. Even when there seems to be nothing but obstacles in my path, when fear overcomes me, and it seems that there is no way things will get better for me, I will persevere and overcome the challenges that are placed before me. You will benefit yourself if you find your own way to face hard times and do whatever works for you to endure, plan for a better future, and take action to make it happen.

Being without a job and doing all you can to find a good job is not easy. The times when I have found myself looking for a job have been some of the most stressful, trying, and fearful times of my life. However, if you do the things that you know in your heart you need to do and keep on doing those even when they seem not to be working, you will succeed and you will find the job that you need.

This article from KnowledgeHound provides some good advice.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

Articles of Interest

As you contact potential employers, make sure that you learn as much as you can about their company. Many companies are emphasizing protecting the environment in their corporate culture. If you find that is important to companies you are pursuing, then you should perform a self analysis to determine the aspects of your personality and specific items in your background and experience that are "green". Then work those into your resume as an achievement and bring them up during any meeting that you have with decision makers in those companies. A recent Forbes article about "Green Jobs" may be of interest.

In my book, Job Finding Formula, I mention that last December I found myself suddenly and unexpectedly out of work. What I did not say in the book was that I was 59 years old at the time. I used a technique that is included in the book and had a new job within one week. If you are also an older worker looking for a job you should read this Forbes advice for older job seekers .

This Reuters article on Unemployment payment extension is good news. However, do not let the extension cause you to reduce your efforts to find a job. Stay motivated to action. Read books and articles that inspire positive thinking. Look for new quotations, bible verses, and slogans that make you feel good. Go back and read the November 8th post to this blog. And as Winston Churchill said, "Never, never, never, never, never, never, never..........................give up!"

MSNBC takes a look to the future as they report on President-elect Obama's message in the weekly Democratic radio and video address. While the headline and subtitle of the article may sound negative, the body of the message lays out a positive vision for the future. There are two things to keep in mind when reading about the types of jobs the new administration is seeking to create. First, even if your experience is not in the types of industries mentioned, the skills that you do have are probably transferable to those jobs. Next, even if you do not end up working in those industries, the creation of new jobs done in the proper way will pump money into the economy that will ripple through other businesses and cause them to create more jobs as well.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

The Story Behind Job Finding Formula

The recent economic downturn has caused many hardworking people to find themselves in search of a job through no fault of their own. Just a few months ago, I found myself suddenly and unexpectedly unemployed. Friday, December 15, 2008 was my last day of work. The next morning, a Saturday, I made one phone call to a man who I knew could give me a job. Forty five minutes later, he and I were sitting in a local Starbuck’s talking over my situation. I did not ask him for a job. That is very important to remember as you learn more about the Job Finding Formula. Two days later, Monday, the President of his company called me. On Friday, one week after losing my other job, I received a job offer equal to the one I had just lost.

I began writing this book in 2001. The reason for writing it was that I have always been able to find good jobs for myself and help other people do the same. I shared what I had written with several people I know and many of them used the techniques I describe and found good jobs.

I had just over two weeks notice that my my most recent job would end. After the initial shock, I started to read the book I had written and remembered that the steps for finding jobs really work. Taking my own advice allowed me to find that new job within one week.

A technique that I have used to get people who are decision makers to agree to see me when I was searching for a job is the one I used on the phone call Saturday morning. This technique had always worked for me and others with whom I had shared it. It is the most successful method that I know of to get people to schedule a meeting with you. Not only will they meet with you, they will be forced to take note of you talents, abilities, skills and knowledge. In doing so, they often realize that you can help solve a problem that they (or others they know) are facing. There are other techniques revealed in Job Finding Formula that have an overwhelming power to:

• Find out about jobs that are not advertised.
• Take control of any meeting.
• Be offered a job without a formal interview.
• Anticipate questions and answer them to your best advantage.
• Get referrals to other decision makers.

After securing the new job, I thought about how many times I have seen these techniques work. It was then that I realized that these techniques could help anyone get a REALLY good job. As I did that, I thought about how a friend that I shared these techniques with many years ago has advanced from working as a security guard to being the lead electronic technician for the FBI in setting up computer equipment to assist in identifying victims in New York City following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. I also thought about a young man whom I helped train in cellular telephone engineering. We had gone our separate ways, but kept in touch occasionally via e-mail. He sent me a message several months ago saying that he found himself unexpectedly out of work. I sent him a reply with some advice about how to get a job. A few weeks later, he let me know that he had secured a technical position in the wireless industry. This happened during a time in which that industry was letting people go!

Not long after starting my new job, I was sharing what happened with my son. A thoughtful look came over his face. He told me that he knew that I thought he wasn’t listening when I had talked about such things when he was growing up, but he assured me he was. Then, he reminded me of how he used a piece of advice I had given about researching material on the company you are approaching. He did this at the last minute, while seated in the waiting room for his interview, to secure a job that led him from a temporary data entry operator to a job as assistant vice-president for a Fortune 100 financial services company.

My son told me that I should take time to get my job-finding secrets and techniques into as many people’s hands as possible. He said that in these times when jobs are being cut people could benefit from my book when they are looking for a job.

As I considered my son’s suggestion that I complete the book about getting a job, I thought about my own job searches and how I had used these techniques to find the best job for me. I began to realize that I have many great secrets to share with you as you seek the job that will meet your desires. The job that is the “right fit” for you can be yours. These secrets work no matter what level of job you are looking for. From fast-food services to corporate boardroom, all of these techniques produce results. They are the best that I have ever heard about.

I speak from experience, I have held jobs:

• from gas station clerk to working on the guidance system of the launch vehicle that placed astronauts in orbit
• from door-to-door insurance salesperson to operations supervisor at the world’s largest international satellite communications earth station
• from real estate salesperson to bank director
• from TV repairman to economic development officer
• to my current position as sales and marketing executive for engineering services in the wireless telecommunication industry.

Yes, I have walked the walk about which I am going to offer you advice. It is amazing to me that I have done it all without the benefit of a college degree!

As I contemplated all of these experiences, I realized that I have a tremendous responsibility to share these secrets with YOU! You deserve to know these techniques for finding and being offered the job that best fits your talents, abilities, skills and knowledge. A job where you will be able to enjoy what you are doing while earning a better than average income. So, during the next few days, I laid out, step by step, the principles that make this proven system work every time.

You will find this advice about finding a great job in Job Finding Formula. Please take the time to understand each principle and then make sure that you apply them to your job search. Happy job hunting!

Michael Britner

Job Finding Master

Half Empty or Half Full?

I am always amazed when I see someone making use of percentages or odds to cause a reader or listener to think in a certain way. You may have seen or heard stories that say, for example, if you engage in certain activities (whatever those may be) you double your odds of contracting some disease. The problem that I have with those types of statements is that if they gave you the actual numbers instead of the "double the odds", you might come away with a totally different perspective.

To illustrate my point, let's say that studies have shown that if a person does not engage in a certain activity then the odds of them ending up with a certain disease is 1 in 3 million. Now, if they do engage in that activity the odds of them having that disease doubles to 2 in 3 million! Yes, the odds doubled, but even if you engage in whatever activity is being discussed, you still have a better chance of being in the 2,999,998 people out of 3 million that will not get the disease!

Please do not think that I am advocating that you abandon all advice about healthy lifestyles. I am not. Studies have shown, for example, that smoking will cut 10 years from your life on average. But just think about how much more effective that "10 year" actual number is than some percentage or odds. Percentages are used many times when actual numbers would reveal a different message than the speaker or writer wants to convey.

Keep that in mind when reading or hearing unemployment statistics. I saw a Breitbart.com article just today that reported that unemployment may reach 7.7 percent over the next 14 months. The writer of that article was probably just using figures received from a source and did not intend to influence readers toward negative thinking. However, just think about it, that same percentage means that 92.3 percent of the eligible workforce will have jobs!

Make sure that you are in the majority that do have a job. And, not just any job, but the job that is right for you. Job Finding Formula will show you exactly how to do that.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

The Hidden Job Market

As was discussed in yesterday's entry, the real secret about the job market is that there are really two job markets. The first job market is the one that most job seekers look to for a job. Let's call it the "Open Job Market".

The other job market is the one that most people actually find jobs through. We will refer to this one as the "Hidden Job Market".

The open job market is the one that most people who are looking for jobs turn to. This market includes the use of advertisements, recruiters, agencies, personnel departments and mass mailings. While this is the preferred choice for the majority of job seekers, studies have demonstrated that only 20% of jobs are found by these methods.

The hidden job market is the one on which you should concentrate your efforts. Studies show that 60% to 70% of jobs are found through the hidden job market. Not only that, but nearly 100% of the best jobs that suit the talents, abilities, skills and knowledge of the applicant are found this way. That means not only do you increase your chances of finding a job in this market, but that job will be the one that is right for you.

What is the "hidden job market"? You may think that it is a list of jobs that are kept hidden by the good-old-boy (or good-old-girl) network so that they can make sure their friends get those jobs. That is NOT the hidden job market that we are speaking about here. Does that happen? Of course, but these are really "open market" jobs by our definition.

After yesterday's entry showed a few examples of what the hidden job market is not, let's find out what it really is.

The hidden job market that has the absolute best jobs exists in only one place. The sole place where the hidden job market resides is in the mind of the decision maker who has the power and authority to hire you.

I know that right now the statement above may seem to you to be vague, ephemeral and difficult to "get your arms around". The in depth analysis presented in Job Finding Formula will help you understand exactly what is means.

One of the best ways to begin thinking about this is to take a map of your city or town. From the center draw a circle with a radius of 25 miles (50 miles across the circle). Then draw another circle with a radius of 50 miles (100 miles across). Try to estimate how many businesses are within each circle. Maybe take the Yellow Pages and count the number of businesses on about four pages. Look at the page numbers to find out how many there are. Divide the total number of pages by 4 and multiply by the number of businesses you counted. This will not be exact, but a close approximation. There are probably thousands, in a large city tens of thousands.

Now, what percentage of those businesses do you think have problems? Twenty-five percent? Fifty percent? Less.....More?

I am telling you that 100% of those businesses have problems! During good economic times, businesses have problems keeping up with orders, supplying their goods and services to more and more customers. In bad times, businesses have problems keeping costs down, becoming more efficient, and capturing a larger percentage of the declining market from their competitors.

What's more, is that within every one of those businesses are decision makers who are very much aware of those problems. Those problems may be causing those people to lose sleep at night. Those problems will certainly be putting pressure on those decision makers.

Now, let's go back to that hard-to-understand statement. The hidden job market exists only within the mind of the decision maker who has the power and authority to hire you. The jobs that flow from this market are not in the employment ads in the paper or on any website. They are not on the company's personnel department lists. The decision maker has most likely not mentioned these jobs to anyone.

This next statement may really knock your socks off. Sometimes, and actually more often than you might expect, EVEN THE DECISION MAKER DOESN'T KNOW THAT THE JOB EXISTS! Wow! What a way to cut down on your competition for a job. You may be the only one, including the person able to hire you, who knows that a job might exist.

That doesn't sound possible, does it? I mean, how can someone offer you a job if they don't know that there is a job to offer? To understand this you must remember that every company has problems. The skills taught in Job Finding Formula will place you in front of decision makers who, even if they don't realize that they need to hire someone, do realize that they are under great stress and pressure because of those problems. Remember as well, that these decision makers have the power and authority to CREATE THAT JOB as a solution to a problem.

Job Finding Formula shows you exactly how to make these decision makers want to read, consider and even comment on your background and experiences. You will also learn how to present your talents, abilities, skills and knowledge in such a way that during one of your meetings, the decision maker will recognize that you can help solve at least one of his problems. Even in meetings where this doesn't happen, the decision maker may recognize that you can solve a problem for someone else he knows.

I was explaining this concept to a person I know who is in a fairly high management position with a large, household-name international corporation. At first, he was a bit skeptical; however, as I continued it was like a light bulb went on. He said, "You know, you are right. Executives and managers at our company are given a "bucket of money" called a budget. With that budget they are expected to achieve goals. Achieving goals means overcoming problems." He said that he had never thought about it in precisely that way, but now that I explained it in those terms, he knows he has seen it happen many times.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

Why some job advertisements are not real jobs

Job Finding Formula documents and explains that there are really two job markets. These are what we call the open job market that most people use when looking for a job and the hidden job market where studies show that most jobs are found.

Help wanted classified advertisements in print or online are part of the open job market. Use of these ads usually results in a low percentage chance of success. One reason is because there is a lot of competition. Another may surprise you. Investigations have shown that many of the help wanted/employment ads do not represent any job at all. Some ads are placed by companies who want to accumulate a list of candidates just in case they may need them in the future. There are no immediate jobs associated with these ads and may never be.

Some ads are placed by human resources departments and used as a research tool to find out what salary amounts other companies are paying for certain level positions. You can usually spot these because they will have a very specific description of the position and will always demand that a salary history be presented with your resume.

Similarly, some ads are placed by individuals who want to find out what other people in similar positions to their own are making. These will usually have a phony company name and a P.O. box or are routed through the newspaper or website in which they appear. Like those above, they will have a very specific job description and require a salary history for consideration.

Another category of classified ads that are deceptive is when a requirement exists, either by law or by corporate policy, that the job must be advertised. Often, even after everyone knows that the decision has already been made to hire the president’s nephew (or whoever), an ad must be placed to meet the requirement.

You should not give up on using advertised jobs; however, you should recognize that you chances of success there are less than in the hidden job market. Job Finding Formula presents a method for responding to job advertisements that will increase that level of success.

More importantly, the formula will show you how to break into the hidden job market where your chances are much better of finding a great job.

Michael Britner

Job Finding Master

Dress and Appearance

One of the most frequently asked questions is, “What should I wear to the job interview?” The best answer to this question is to make sure that the way you are dressed is unnoticeable. Your dress and appearance should not be a factor in the mind of the interviewer.

A good rule of thumb is, “when in doubt, always be conservative”. My suggestion is that no matter what level of job you are seeking, men should always wear a suit and women should always wear a skirted suit and blouse with jacket. You should always be sure that your suits are clean, pressed and that they fit well.

If you feel that wearing a suit is being too over-dressed for the job you are seeking, then men wear dress slacks and a dress shirt (I still recommend a tie) and women wear a dress suit with slacks.

You should stay with dark colors. Men should tend towards charcoal, gray, navy blue or black. Women should wear a suit that is dark with a blouse that contrasts with the skirt and jacket.

When selecting a shirt, let cotton be your guide. A fresh cotton look is what you are attempting to achieve. A blend of polyester and cotton will tend to wrinkle less after hours of wear. In those cases, they look better than cotton. You should avoid any shirt that appears shiny or has a “see through” effect.

Again, I believe that men should always wear a tie. It is the symbol of respectability and responsibility.

Michael Britner

Job Finding Master

Hot Jobs

Yesterday, we talked about career changes. Let me make clear that I would never recommend that you change jobs simply because the job you are seeking is "hot". The self assessment presented yesterday was intended to lead you to a job that will fulfill your ambitions. A position that will make the most of your talents, abilities, skills, and knowledge in a way that brings you to a sense of satisfaction in what you are doing.

Having said that, I want to emphasize that many skills that you have developed in your present job are transferable to other fields. Ironically, the present down cycle in the economy may be just the opportunity to consider and pursue other career paths. Let me caution you, once again, that it would be a huge mistake to move into a field that is "hot", but that does not fit you. The amount of money you make or the "perks" that come with the job will not make up for the negative experiences you will have in a job that does not suit you.

If you have not gone through the exercise presented in yesterday's entry to this blog, I suggest that you go back and do that now. After doing that, if you find that you are suited to one of the "hot" job categories below, then you should move ahead quickly to find a job there.

These "hot jobs" are in:

1. Healthcare - One advantage is that these jobs are available in every geographic location. The aging baby-boomer generation has created an increased demand for healthcare jobs. Tremendous advances in biomedical technology adds to the need for people in these professions.
2. Education - In the next 7 years nearly two million teachers are expected to retire. As a result, many school districts are considering relaxing requirements to become a teacher and fill those vacancies.
3. Insurance - When things begin to look threatening, people turn to any means to "insure" that they will come through the tough times in as good shape as possible. Even with the news of financial troubles in the larger insurance companies, the industry in general is hiring.
   
4. Government - Just like teachers above, many government employees are past the mid-life age and will be retiring within the next few years. This is especially important if your results from yesterday's exercise show that you will find satisfaction and fulfillment in a job that "makes a difference" in the world.
5. Security - Similar to insurance, this industry thrives when people feel threatened

If you think that one of these fields suits you, use the techniques presented in Job Finding Formula to explore how you can use the talents, abilities, skills, and knowledge that you already have to find a great job that you will enjoy and that delivers the money you deserve.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

Changing Careers

Have you been hearing that voice inside your head telling you that you are not happy with your job? Maybe saying that what you are doing is not what you were born to do?

If so, do you still have a problem with finding exactly what that “other thing” might be?

Here is an exercise that might help. Write down your answers to these questions.

1. If you won the lottery, what would you do?
2. What are your political beliefs?
3. What are your favorite movies?
4. What are your favorite subjects to talk about?
5. Who are your favorite people?
6. After you die, how do you want to be remembered?
7. What things have you done that brought you the most satisfaction?
8. How do you spend your free time?
9. What do you most enjoy studying?
10. What toys do you enjoy most?

Using your written answers, try to find a pattern that leads you to a particular interest or goal.

Now, use the outcome to complete the following:

1. My main interests are…..
2. Things I value most are…..
3. What I need to feel complete in life is…..
4. The things I believe in most are…..

After doing this exercise, ask yourself if your present job meets your wants, needs, and desires. If so, then you have found peace. If not, you may want to explore other jobs that will do that. Job Finding Formula will show you how to find the best job that fits your personality and uses your talents, abilities, skills, and knowledge.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

3 Steps You Must Take to Find the Best Job

Yesterday, you learned 3 secrets that will help you find the best job in the shortest time. Below, you will learn the 3 steps you must take to put those secrets into action.

Step #1 – Get decision makers to meet with you. As stated yesterday, in “secret #2”, business executives and managers are constantly dealing with problems. Most of the time, they have not recognized that creating a job position or replacing a current employee who is not performing satisfactorily could solve a problem. Sometimes, the decision maker has thought about creating a new job, but has not firmly decided to do that yet. Even after deciding in their own mind, some decision makers will delay in letting others know about the job.

STOP! – Take a moment to consider everything you have read above. Now, think about how much your chances of getting a great job would be increased if you can get decision makers to meet with you before they have advertised the job!

Your chances increase even more if you can meet with them before they have realized that creating a job will solve a problem they have. You know that they have problems and, in many cases, you know that you can help solve at least one of those problems if they hire you. So, you know that a potential job exists.

THIS IS EXCITING! – You might be the only person who knows that there is a job! That includes the decision maker that you are meeting with! Talk about limiting the competition! Of course, you can’t just come out and say, “Hire me and I can solve this problem.” You must approach the decision maker is a way that makes him realize that he should hire you. Job Finding Formula will show you exactly how to do that. In the near future, you will learn how to obtain your copy. First, let’s look at the other steps you must take to get a great job.

Step #2 – Present your talents, abilities, skills and knowledge in such a manner that a decision maker has to read it and think about it. Many resumes and cover letters end up in the wastebasket or in the “rejection letter” stack. Job Finding Formula reveals a powerful technique that forces decision makers to read your resume and think about what they have read. By making use of “Step #3” below, you can make executives and managers want to meet with you! This may cause them to realize that hiring you can solve a problem that they have or that someone else they know has.

Step #3 – Use the principles of human behavioral science to achieve steps 1 and 2 above and to get referrals to other decision makers. Scientific studies have revealed the basis for human behavior. These principles have been tested and proven over many years.

Job Finding Formula explains how those principles apply to getting a job in simple language. The message is easy to understand and you will recognize it as true by examining how you act and why you act that way.

You can also use these principles to control every meeting in a way that does not offend the person with whom you are meeting. Using them during a job interview is a very powerful force in your favor. Job Finding Formula will describe exactly how to do that.

By applying the 3 steps above and putting these secrets to work for you, you will increase your chances to get a great job. To learn exactly, step by step, how to use them more effectively, get your copy of Job Finding Formula and put them to work for you.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

3 Secrects To Finding The Best Job

Below you will find 3 secrets that should become the basis of your job search. Tomorrow you will find here 3 steps you must take in order to put these secrets to work for you. If you apply them to your effort, you will produce the same result achieved by thousands of others who have used them. A 300% increase in responses will triple the effectiveness of your job search and that will triple your chances of getting a great job in a short amount of time.

The key to understanding how great jobs are really found is discovering how most job opportunities are created.

Each of us has our own unique talents, abilities, skills and knowledge. The best job for one person may not be a good job for someone else. Someone who really loves sales may not enjoy accounting. A person whose natural desires led them into real estate management may not be happy becoming a television personality. If you can find them, jobs exist in every field that allow you to attain the level and income that you desire. Learning what you must do to find them is revealed below.

The best job exists when you find an opportunity that utilizes your talents, abilities, skills and knowledge to solve problems for your employer and that will provide a path for growth as your experience increases.

Secret #1 – A hidden job market exists. Studies by a highly regarded university business school and by the U. S. Department of Labor show that 60% to 70% of jobs that are filled are not found through traditional means. These jobs are not found by responding to advertisements, through company personnel departments, independent recruiters, “headhunters”, or agencies! These jobs make up what is referred to as the hidden job market. Even more important, these “hidden jobs” are the best jobs!

Secret #2 – Every business has problems. In good economic times, businesses have problems keeping up with demand, managing growth, and maintaining quality. During bad economic times businesses have problems controlling expenses while attempted to increase sales and efficiency.

Secret #3 – Great jobs are created when a business decision maker becomes aware of a person who has the talents, abilities, skills and/or knowledge to solve a particular problem.

The hidden job market is not some sinister plot to keep jobs secret. It simply is a result of the way most jobs – especially great jobs – are created. The methods revealed in Job Finding Formula consistantly beat traditional job search techniques. They do that because every business has problems all the time and the secrets you learn will put you in fornt of decision makers who can offer you a job to help solve those problems. Creating a job and hiring someone with the capabilities to solve a problem is one way for executives and managers to deal with that problem.

Remember, the hidden job market is where the best jobs are. The hidden job market is also where the least competition is.

WOW! – Better jobs, with less competition for those jobs. Are you beginning to see how your odds are multiplying already? Check back here tomorrow for details on 3 steps you must take to make these facts work for you.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

Stay Motivated Even When Things Go Wrong

A job search can be a very stressful, trying time for us. As with any such effort, we must do all that we can to mainain a positive attitude and keep ourselves motivated to action. You should use whatever works best for you, motivational images or videos on your computer, special audio messages on your phone or ipod, messages posted on your mirror, or other means that work for you. I would recommend that you try reading the following each day.

1. You can and must learn how to be a winner, it is not something you are born with.
2. You are what you think you are. The way you think is the most powerful force in your existence.
3. Your own reality can be created by you.
4. Every adversity brings with it an equal or greater opportunity.
5. Every one of your beliefs is chosen by you.
6. If you NEVER accept defeat as a reality, and instead keep trying, you will never be defeated.
7. What you can accomplish is limited only by obstacles that you impose on yourself.
8. The ability to excel in at least one key area of your life already exists within you.
9. Only great commitment will produce great success.
10. The support and cooperation of other people is essential to the achievement of any worthwhile goal.

Maintain a positive mental attitude, continue to take action even when things do not go as you planned, seek out positive people to interact with, and you will succeed.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

The October Unemployment News Doesn't Have To Be Bad News For You

The October unemployment numbers released today as shown in this Forbes article do not look good.

During times like these when companies and governmental agencies are reducing their workforces, it is even more important that you spend more time on job search activities that have the highest percentage chances for success. Studies by a university researcher and by the U.S. Department of Labor reveal that most jobs are not found by traditional means such as advertisements or agencies. While you should not abandon using ads and agencies, you should recognize that your chances of securing a job (and especially the best job) will be increased using other methods.

There is a proven method that will increase the response rate to your job search inquiries by 300%. The formula that I use is based on human behavioral science and uses techniques that make people want to respond to you in a positive way. Watch for an exciting announcement soon about Job Finding Formula.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master

Find the best job in the shortest time

You will find the best job in the shortest possible time.

I have been called the "Job Finding Master" by many of the people that I have helped find jobs. Stay tuned to this blog and I will reveal a method for finding the best job that never fails. I began helping relatives, neighbors, and friends get great jobs. I did that by using the same methods, techniques, and "secrets" that I had used in my own job searches. The principles I will show you are based on human behavioral science. They have been validated in studies by a Harvard University researcher and the U.S. Department of Labor. These are not just theoretical ideas. I used them earlier this year when I found myself unexpectedly unemployed. In less than a week I had a new job equal to the one I had just lost!

The job finding secrets that I use are different from any that you will find in traditional job search manuals. Based on the data established in the studies referenced above, these "secrets" will show you exactly how to approach the decision makers who can place you in the job that best fits you.

In future posts to this blog, you will learn how this unique formula for finding jobs can help you as it has helped me and many others find the best job in the shortest time.

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master