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
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
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:
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
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.
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
Monday, November 24, 2008
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
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
Saturday, November 22, 2008
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
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
Thursday, November 20, 2008
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 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.
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
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
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
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
Sunday, November 16, 2008
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
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
Saturday, November 15, 2008
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
Thursday, November 13, 2008
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
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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:
Michael Britner
Job Finding Master
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Security - Similar to insurance, this industry thrives when people feel threatened
Michael Britner
Job Finding Master
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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.
- If you won the lottery, what would you do?
- What are your political beliefs?
- What are your favorite movies?
- What are your favorite subjects to talk about?
- Who are your favorite people?
- After you die, how do you want to be remembered?
- What things have you done that brought you the most satisfaction?
- How do you spend your free time?
- What do you most enjoy studying?
- 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:
- My main interests are…..
- Things I value most are…..
- What I need to feel complete in life is…..
- 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 BritnerJob Finding Master
Monday, November 10, 2008
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
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
Sunday, November 9, 2008
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
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
Saturday, November 8, 2008
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
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
Friday, November 7, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
