Unemployed in Des Moines —

The Angel’s Share

by admin on April 4, 2011 · 0 comments

in How To: Job Search, Reinvention, Struggles

Shawn is the Vision Quarterback. His talent lies in executing strategy and tactics that maximize the skills of the professionals around him. The result is a creative and collaborative effort toward achieving an organization’s vision. LinkedIn | Twitter

Last week I made a reference to ‘making bourbon out of corn’ as it relates to how Autonomy can be both a negative and a positive. I thought I’d stretch the bourbon metaphor a little further this week.

Bourbon starts as a combination of spring water, specific strains of yeast and a combination of various grains (around 70% is corn). This mixture is cooked to create the ‘mash,’ which is then cooled and allowed to ferment for a couple of days. The mash is distilled to capture the alcoholic liquid (usually around 130 proof). At this point the clear whiskey, called ‘white dog,’ is used to fill newly charred American oak barrels and is aged. The aging time varies, but is usually around five or six years. During the aging process some of the whiskey evaporates out of the barrels and is called ‘the angel’s share.’

Even though the whiskey is lost to simple evaporation, the tradition of distiller’s says that it instead goes to the angels. Happy angels!

What do you do as the ‘angels share?’ How do you actively give of your time and talents?

Volunteering is a great way to network and keep your skills sharp, but it also benefits others; you have the time why not let it benefit people around you?

Where to start? The United Way has a long list of non-profits that could use your help. Chambers of Commerce are also a great place to start, as are churches and hospice facilities. The list of opportunities is long.

Don’t be afraid of being strategic in choosing which organizations you work with. If the president of your favorite company sits on the board of two non-profits make those your top choice. Of course you don’t want to forget to work hard for those organizations while building your network.

Who knows maybe you’ll find your next position with that organization or a passion that can continue long into your life.

Take a few minutes and contemplate your ‘angel’s share.’

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Autonomy

by admin on March 28, 2011 · 0 comments

in Guest Blog, How To: Job Search, Reinvention, Struggles

So you are out of a job and it’s a bit scary. Finances, or lack there of, may be the biggest concern. Certainly not knowing when or where your next job will come from is scary. I think there is something else lurking here that can be equally scary – Autonomy.

I read a book by Dan Pink called Drive a couple of months ago and in it he identifies three keys to people’s motivation: Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose. People need to feel like they are being allowed to perform their job with some level of Autonomy even if it’s within a strict set of guidelines. It’s also important that you feel like you are developing or already have a high degree of Mastery of what you do, not simply competence, but Mastery. Finally, we have Purpose, that feeling that what I do matters or that we are working toward a common goal.

So you say, ‘Okay Mr. Smarty-Pants Guest Blogger Guy, how can something that is integral to motivation also be scary?’

Good question, Fair Reader.

Autonomy is synonymous with Independence and Self-reliance. See where I am going here? You are 100% in control of your activity and efforts and, consequently, the results. That can be scary if you’ve never worked on 100% commission. My guess is that most of you are at least slightly troubled by the idea of being completely and utterly in control of your job, which is, of course, finding your next J.O.B.

Let’s see if we can turn some lemons into lemonade, or as I prefer to say corn into bourbon. Besides, lemonade can be made in what, five minutes? Bourbon takes years and is worth the wait. If you don’t like Bourbon, I’ll take your share.

You have Autonomy, and you certainly have a sense of Purpose (Find. A. Job.) so the last ingredient is Mastery.

Strive to become as good at looking for employment as you need to. Nobody wants to be a professional, but finding your way to Mastery of the process will help you focus on the tasks in front of you and take the edge off some of the fear. Ask for help, those who have ever been through it are usually very willing to help. On the backside help out others who may be less experienced than you.

Ten billion merit points if you email me a story of how you helped someone, they called you ‘Master’ and you in return called them ‘Grasshopper.’

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Getting Uncomfortable in Your Job Search

by Crissanka Christadoss on March 25, 2011 · 0 comments

in Free Agency, Guest Blog, How To: Job Search, How To: Networking, How To: Resume, Reinvention, Struggles, The Interview

Crissanka Christadoss is a recent Des Moines transplant, having spent time on both the West and East Coasts before returning to the Midwest where she grew up. With a Masters Degree in Health Communication from Emerson College in Boston, MA, Crissanka is interested in health literacy and acknowledging marginalized health issues. She has worked on health issues related to the transgender population and end-of-life care. Crissanka uses her specialized training to share stories and create messages in order to help others help themselves. LinkedIn| Twitter

The posts this week from blogger Shawn Woolman on “Resistance” and the post on Wednesday about interviews gone wrong have a theme. The theme is embrace the uncomfortable.

In the past couple of Unemployed in Des Moines networking events, I kept hearing people talk about the notion of being comfortable with the uncomfortable.

We are all attaining for some level of comfort in our lives. But we also have our share of dealing with unsavory matters, namely, unemployment. For me it especially hits when a friend, former colleague, acquaintance or even a relative starts out with a “So, how’s your job search? Any interviews? Do you have a job yet? Are you even looking? etc.” The weight of unemployment is no doubt immense, especially in a world where a career is supposed to be your life. No matter how you put it, unemployment is uncomfortable. The trick is to embrace it.

Here’s a little story, it isn’t movie/novel material but I think I can provide a fun anecdote. For the past two weeks, my car was possessed. The doors unlock randomly while driving, and it makes the dinging sound (the same sound a car makes when you unbuckle your seatbelt while driving) when you make right hand turns. My husband and I lived with it for a while, figuring it is a cute little quirk that will pass. It just got worse. It started to ding all the time. We lived with it for a couple of days and got used to it. We started to joke about how it’s our Hyundai Sonata’s way of complaining. Just this week I was able to get an appointment, and it turns out the door latch just needed to be tightened. No more dinging, and it didn’t cost as much as we thought. Yes, I am trying to equate the dinging with unemployment. The dinging was temporary. It didn’t last forever. We lived with it for a bit, got used to it, but it eventually got fixed because we took action. Unemployment seems like such an unfortunate circumstance, but it really isn’t. You are looking for the next best opportunity, but with that comes a lot of discomfort. You have to get used to it, but not so used to it that you can’t expand your horizons, learn from the experience and have a few laughs. (And I promise to work on my anecdotes more…)

I am still learning that the uncomfortable-awkward-unsavory situations that life throws our way are an opportunity. If you can survive an inquisition about why you are still unemployed, an interview gone wrong, some personal resistance, or an annoying car problem, pat yourself on the back, have a drink and look forward to embracing your next uncomfortable moment.

Please feel free to share. How have you embraced the uncomfortable experiences in your job search or otherwise?

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How to Save an Interview Gone Wrong

by Crissanka Christadoss on March 23, 2011 · 0 comments

in How To: Interview, Struggles, Uncategorized

This article was originally authored by Steve Berman and posted on HRPeople, The Resource Behind Human Resources on May 24, 2010.

Everything was going so well. Your professional handshake was met with a warm smile from the hiring manager. The interview started off with some small talk that segued into some skillfully answered questions. You can already see what your desk is going to look like.

Then, as suddenly as a lightning strike, the interview takes a turn for the worse.

Whether it’s a question you weren’t prepared for or not-so-well-received answer it’s easy to tell when an interview has gone off course. And it’s quite possibly the most nerve-wracking, upsetting, desperate experience an HR job seeker can suffer.

Like Charles Sullenberger approaching the Hudson River, one can make the best of a bad situation, no matter how dire. However, saving a bad interview takes quick thinking and persistence. Are you up to the challenge?

Sticky Situation No. 1: Drawing a Blank

You studied the company’s website and memorized the answer to every common interview question you could find. Then the unimaginable happens: you’re faced with a question you weren’t expecting. You can’t figure out what to say and the impending silence feels so awkward, you might as well be wearing nothing but your birthday suit. How do you fix this?

Solution: Focus on something you were prepared for.

While you don’t want to get in the habit of doing this, sometimes it pays to give a non-answer, especially when the alternative is a seemingly unending chasm of silence. Hey, politicians do this all the time. If the interviewer threw you for a loop with a question on how you handled a conflict with a coworker, change the subject to something semi-related that you did prepare for, like your collaborative skills on a challenging project where you excelled.

Sticky Situation No. 2: The Devil’s Advocate

No matter what, you and the person on the other side of the interview table aren’t going to agree on everything. Hopefully you won’t find much resistance to any of the answers you give during your interview, but you should prepare for scenarios where the two of you don’t see eye-to-eye. After all, some interviewers argue with candidates just to test how they’ll react under scrutiny. Still, a disagreement can be very unnerving, making you wonder if you just lost your chance at landing the job.

Solution: Find Common Ground

You don’t want to position yourself as someone who’ll change their opinion based on who they’re trying to impress, but you do want the interviewer to feel comfortable. Don’t get defensive or combative — try to smooth over disagreements with statements like, “I can understand that point of view,” or “You know, I never thought about it that way.” Then, even if you didn’t give the perfect answer, you’ll look flexible. That’s a better idea than changing your answer entirely, as that will lead the interviewer to think you’re just saying what they want to hear.

Sticky Situation No. 3: No Chemistry

You want the job. You spent days preparing for the interview. So why does it seem like your interview has all the excitement and energy of a bunch of turtles running a marathon? No matter what you say or do, the interviewer is yawning, looking at his watch, and pretty much doing anything besides showing you the attention you deserve. Since you can’t exactly suggest that they take five minutes to drink a cup of highly caffeinated coffee, how do you make sure you don’t put this person who has your future career in his hands to sleep?

Solution: Involve the Interviewer

You might be the one getting interviewed, but everyone likes to talk about themselves. If you sense a lull in the questioning, ask your own open-ended questions. See what the employer is looking for in an employee. Ask what they like about working for the company (and if they have a hard time answering this question, you might want to take that into consideration).

Sticky Situation No. 4: Sweaty Palms Syndrome

To be nervous before and during an interview makes you human. To suffer the jitters to such an extent that you are shaking, stuttering and sweating profusely will sound the alarm to employers that you aren’t a stable enough person to work with every day. After all, if you’re freaking out so much that you can’t give reasoned responses, you won’t give a very good first impression.

Solution: Practice, Practice, Practice

The way to avoid rattling the table with your nerves is to prepare. Preparation can take many forms, depending on what works for you. For some, visualization is enough. Others need to practice reciting answers in front of a mirror or friend. The key for most people is to practice the same interview answers several times — if you only do it once, you might forget it when the spotlight’s shining on you. Practicing the same answer five times (or more) will trigger your brain’s memory. So even if you get flustered during the interview, you’ll find yourself reciting the intelligent responses you’d planned on giving.

Sticky Situation No. 5: Too Little, Too Late?

The hour’s almost up, and you have this lingering feeling that you haven’t done enough. Some of your answers were flat, or maybe you weren’t able to hit some of the talking points you’d prepared. However, the interviewer’s time is undoubtedly valuable; if they’re clearly wrapping things up, you can’t exactly beg for more time. How do you turn a mediocre interview into a good one when time is running out?

Solution: Post-Interview Damage Control

Focus on what you can do afterward. Thank you notes are required these days, but you should know that by now! You don’t need to keep it simple though, especially if you want to make a couple of points you didn’t get to during the actual interview. Don’t write a novel, but feel free to touch on additional skills and reiterate your interest in the position. In the case of a good follow up letter, sometimes the last impression can mean more than the first one.

Just getting an interview should boost your confidence. Something about you, your resume, cover letter, or references got you this far. No interview goes perfectly, but as long as you keep your wits about you and prepare for the worst, you have a good chance of staying in the running.

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Resistance

by admin on March 21, 2011 · 0 comments

in Guest Blog, Struggles

Shawn loves ideas, particularly ideas that come from asking ‘What If?’ His talents lie in removing personal barriers and fostering collaboration that connects ideas and people. His professional passion is helping people and organizations move toward excellence. LinkedIn | Twitter

My good friends Tammy and Melynda at the Mevyn Group host the Business Book Club and this month’s book was The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield. While I recommend the book for its direct manner of calling the reader out and recognizing Resistance in his life, this isn’t going to be a book review. Instead, we are going to explore one aspect of the book.

The premise of the book is that Resistance is real and is something we feel every day in all aspect of our lives. Resistance is the force that tells you that a couple of loads of laundry or the dirty mirror in the bathroom are important or more urgent than making those networking calls you planned on making this morning. Resistance is the friend or family member that tells you that an idea won’t work or that a path is too hard.

Resistance is often strongest in the direction in which we need to go the most. Personal example: I despise customizing my resume for the position, mostly because when I wrote it I considered it ‘done’ and I don’t like repeating myself. Oh sure, I’ll tweak it now and again, but to actually move sections and re-write sentences just bugs me. Resistance.

Where do you feel Resistance? What can you do about it?

The first step is to recognize Resistance and Mr. Pressfield does a nice job of showing the different ways Resistance likes to disguise itself.

After you identify Resistance you have to combat it – full frontal assault works well. Don’t like to customize your resume? Welcome to the Burger King ‘Have it your way’ resume school, Mr. Woolman.

Don’t like to network? Go meet some people. Pick up the phone and make an appointment. Join a Chamber. The first meeting is the most difficult, they get easier, much easier.

Ask for help in how and where to network. If your heartbeat just went up or your palms got sweaty you just discovered Resistance.

Commit to doing the very thing where you feel the greatest Resistance for just five minutes today. That feeling after those five minutes?

Yeah, that’s Victory. She’s much cooler than Resistance. Prettier, too.

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Building your Personal Brand with the “Brand Warrior”

by Crissanka Christadoss on March 18, 2011 · 0 comments

in Free Agency, How To: Job Search, How To: Networking, Reinvention

By Crissanka Christadoss

In your job search, Mark True says to remember your mom’s advice: Be yourself. In order to be yourself during a job search, True says it is important to brand yourself. He wants job seekers to fill in the blank:

“I’m the only_______________.”

Mark True "Brand Warrior" talking to job seekers in Des Moines

As the “Brand Warrior”, Mark True helps organizations develop their story, a story that tells the rest of the world who they are and why they matter. At a recent talk at an Unemployed in Des Moines Networking event, True applied his expertise to help job seekers understand the importance of personal branding when navigating the job market.

“Your brand is a declaration. It tells others what you believe and why they should put their faith in you,” said True.

At the beginning of the session, each attendee gave a 30 second elevator speech. True pointed out that only two people in the audience gave an elevator speech that explained who they are professionally as opposed to their current situation. “Being unemployed is not who you are,” True said. He stressed the importance of an elevator speech because it is a quick and simple way you can tell people who you are and why you matter.

True’s model of branding is simple and straightforward. He didn’t hesitate to the tell the audience what they needed to hear. “I am after all the Brand Warrior,” he said. “Not your Brand Buddy.”

Brand Yourself in O.N.E. Way

True uses his model of brand management (O.N.E. Way) to illustrate how job seekers can maximize and develop a personal brand.

O is for Only – “It is easy to play it safe. You’ve got to be on the edges instead of the mushy middle of mediocrity,” says True. This means you will have to decide what your true strengths are to building your brand. “Plant your flag, present an image that tells others ‘This is who I am, love it or leave it.”

N is for Narrative – True says that you should be able to tell your story to a potential employer in 30 seconds. Be able to tell them how your skills and experience can help them as a company. He encouraged attendees to help their fellow job seekers be accountable for their 30 second elevator speech.

E is for Everyone – Tell everyone about your job search, starting with your closest network. True admits that networking events are daunting, but attending them increases the likelihood of opportunities and it gets easier being in a room full of strangers. “Be comfortable being uncomfortable,” he says. “Then you will be comfortable being comfortable.”

Brand is Emotional and Happens All the Time

Being mindful and purposeful about your personal brand is essential. For example, the way you shake someone’s hand or if your fly was open during a particular meeting tells people a lot about you. “The secret is to how to take charge of your brand all the time, and be purposeful about the ways you tell your story,” he said. Having a good attitude, being enthusiastic will go long way in maintaining your brand.

Brands are Offensive

Personal branding doesn’t mean that everyone will love you, but True said it is important to be comfortable with this concept, which also means being comfortable in your own skin. For example, people either love or hate Rush Limbaugh. Though the conservative political pundit may be hated by many, Limbaugh still stays true to his brand and has a significant fan base.

Be Purposeful – Even Online

True emphasized the many benefits of social media, but also cautioned against its misuse. “Be present on social media sites, but be purposeful,” he said. “You don’t have to own a blog or a website to be active online.”

True offered some advice on how to understand your current online presence:

• Look at your last ten Facebook posts – What do these posts say about you?

• Google your name and see the first ten entries and see what comes up.

• Set up a Google Alert on yourself.

• Make sure that the social media platforms you use tell your story, which is a way to make your brand consistent.

Being Engaged and Purposeful Offline

True offered several ways to continually market your brand in the flesh:

• Chamber of Commerce meetings – West Des Moines, Urbandale, Altoona.

• Volunteer for an organization using your professional skills

• Remember to give and take – Help others if they are willing to help you on your job search

• Alumni meetings at your alma maters – you never know who you will meet.

“Brand Warrior” Mark True has worked in corporate, non-profit and agency environments, leading teams and clients with a strategic vision and a passion for digging deep to find the heart and soul of the brand. Please learn more about him at his website, Brand Happens.com

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The Art of Persuasion in Your Job Search

by Crissanka Christadoss on March 16, 2011 · 0 comments

in Already Employed, How To: Job Search, How To: Networking, Struggles, Uncategorized

Charles Purdy is a professional writer and editor. He’s the senior editor of Monster+HotJobs, a former managing editor of “Macworld” magazine, and the author of the book “Urban Etiquette” This article was originally published on Yahoo.HotJobs.com

Persuasion is a subtle art—brute force doesn’t often work well. And this is especially true for a job seeker, who is using interviewing skills and a resume to try to persuade hiring managers and recruiters to hand over something that a lot of people are competing for (that great new job).

Here are some persuasion tricks and techniques you can use to sway opinions in your favor:

The power of liking people

Even hiring managers are people—and all people want to be liked. Chris St. Hilaire, the author of “27 Powers of Persuasion: Simple Strategies to Seduce Audiences & Win Allies,” says, “I’ve found that just thinking to myself, ‘I like those people,’ changes the way I feel about them. I get this smile on my face, and—with some exceptions—all of a sudden everyone tends to like me.”

Do a bit of research about the person you’re meeting with—has she (or her company) recently achieved something you can comment on appreciatively? You have the power to make her feel good—and that makes you more persuasive.

Mirror the interviewer

Pay attention to how the interviewer speaks and acts—if he speaks slowly, for instance, match his pace. Even try sitting in a similar position; these subtle posture shifts can make him subconsciously feel more comfortable with you. But move slowly, and be careful about mirroring too exactly—it can be perceived as mockery.

You should also “mirror” with your resume—make sure to use language similar to that used in the job description (and on the employer’s website and so on).

Master the handshake

In her book “10 Make-or-Break Career Moments: Navigate, Negotiate, and Communicate for Success,” Casey Hawley says that the perfect handshake has four parts, which she describes as “webs, grip, shake, and eye contact”: When you shake hands, your hand’s web (the soft skin between your thumb and forefinger) should touch the web of the other person’s, she says. Your grip must be firm, you should shake two or three times, and you should make direct eye contact.

Use vivid language

In terms of your resume, that means weeding out generic resume-speak like “results-oriented professional.” Instead, describe the situation in which you achieved those results.

Also, use numbers to quantify your results (numbers are persuasive).

Say yes to a drink—of water

One of the many interesting tips in St. Hilaire’s book is to have a glass of water: If you’re a visitor and someone asks if you’d like something to drink, request water and thank her. He explains, “People want to do something nice for you, but not too much. This is a surefire way to make them feel good about themselves without inconveniencing them.’”

Create sound bites

A sound bite is a short, compelling phrase that can easily lodge in an interviewer’s mind—for example, “I increased site traffic by 20 percent in three weeks” or “I was the company’s top salesperson for seven months in 2008.” Find ways to weave three or four sound bites into your conversation with an interviewer.

Practice silence

Many hiring managers use silence to wield power: when you finish answering a question, they wait before speaking—and a nervous job candidate may end up saying something he didn’t intend to. Practicing before an interview will help you prepare thorough answers to common questions. Then, when you’re done, finish and smile expectantly—or even ask, “Did that answer your question?” (or ask your own relevant follow-up question).

Remember, silence is better than “Hmmmm” or “Like, ummmm.” St. Hilaire also advises, “If you need to think about an answer, cast your eyes down, not up. Looking down appears thoughtful; looking up makes it seem as though you’re searching.”

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“The Reluctant Entrepreneur”

by admin on March 14, 2011 · 0 comments

in Uncategorized

Joe Burklund and I appeared on the “We’re Entrepreneurs, We can Help!” show on Des Moines Amplified last week. The show title was, “The Reluctant Entrepreneur“. Follow this link to watch the show: http://blip.tv/file/4875643

Many of us have found ourselves unemployed, or staring down it’s barrel, whether through cutbacks, closings, change in business objectives, or simply giving up a position to relocate with a significant other. We suspect that there may be more of us that have experienced this than those who have not. Today, we explore the experience. Looking for something new — a replacement for the job lost. Consideration of something different. Going back to school to sharpen our skills and skillset. Changing careers. Getting something “temporary.” starting a business of our own. We explore these topics and experiences with guests Joe Burklund, and Suzanne Hull.

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Moving and Job Searching

by Crissanka Christadoss on March 10, 2011 · 0 comments

in Guest Blog, How To: Job Search, How To: Networking, Struggles

Crissanka Christadoss is a recent Des Moines transplant, having spent time on both the West and East Coasts before returning to the Midwest where she grew up. With a Masters Degree in Health Communication from Emerson College in Boston, MA, Crissanka is interested in health literacy and acknowledging marginalized health issues. She has worked on health issues related to the transgender population and end-of-life care. Crissanka uses her specialized training to share stories and create messages in order to help others help themselves. LinkedIn | Twitter

In the last five years I have lived in four cities, which includes both East and West Coasts. Moving to a new city is exciting and wonderful. With a little bit of research and patience, you can find yourself on the way to your next opportunity in your new adopted city. I moved from Boston to Los Angeles to Des Moines in that last two years due to my husband’s work. I have to admit that it is stressful to navigate the job scene while moving. However, I have learned from my successes and failures and want to share a few things I have learned (basically, some no brainers!)

Figure out what the main industry in your new city is. It is just good to know! You are a little bit more knowledgeable about your new home. Utilize your Internet connection (Yep, Google the new city’s name) before you move and before your Internet is disconnected. Even if the top industry isn’t in your field, you can at least sound intelligent when relatives or friends ask about your new city.

Find out which companies are big in your field. You may have to dig a little, but this way you have a list of places to target in your job search.

Get out of the house! If you are a homebody, get out of your comfort zone and get to know your new city. A job search shouldn’t be restricted to your computer. It is about meeting people and understanding your environment. Using meetup.com is a great way to meet others with similar interests.

Keep your eyes and ears open. In other words, eavesdrop. Listen to what the local folk are talking about. Moving to a new city is a chance to get to know new people. Strike up a conversation with a stranger. In my experience, locals LOVE talking about their town. Telling people you are new to town is a great conversation starter because they are absolutely thrilled you chose their town.

Have fun and welcome to your new home! In this day in age, landing a new job can take some time. So, in the meantime, have lots of fun adventures!

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12 Tips for Becoming a Networking Master

by Crissanka Christadoss on March 9, 2011 · 0 comments

in Already Employed, How To: Job Search, How To: Networking

Caitlin Fisher works at Hellerman Baretz Communications in Washington, D.C., where she heads the firm’s marketing, advertising, and business development activities. A version of this story first appeared on Hellerman Baretz Communications blog as part of a regular column by Fisher called “The Young PR Pro,” a regular column that helps young PR professionals and students navigate the hurdles of a fledgling career. Fisher tackles everything from sticky work situations to effective networking to job hunting tips. If you’d like to ask Caitlin any questions or have suggestions for a blog topic, email her anytime.

Recently, I attended a networking event at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. Inside the museum’s cavernous atrium—surrounded by well-dressed professionals—I was immediately intimidated.

But I sucked it up, struck up a conversation with someone standing nearby, and had an enjoyable and productive evening.

While considering how to maximize the connections I made that night—and having studied the “master” networkers I encountered—I came up with some tips to help professionals of all experience levels become their own master networkers

1. Look the part. I’m always in awe of the professional wardrobe choices people make and how an inappropriate or sloppy outfit can affect first impressions. Whether you’re in a job interview or at a networking event, put your best foot forward in the looks department. Make an investment in a tailored suit and comfortable shoes.

2. Show up prepared to make your sales pitch. Bring writing samples, an “About Me” introduction letter, and examples of your creative work. If you are skilled in Photoshop or InDesign, include an example from a past internship. If you reference your social media savvy in your résumé, bring a blog post you’ve written or a tangible illustration of your involvement online.

3. Don’t be afraid to make your résumé stand out. Buy some interesting paper, upgrade your font from Times New Roman, and add some creative formatting.

4. Write a follow-up letter—before the event. Did you make a strong connection with someone at an event and want to give that person a follow-up? It’s best to have a version of this letter already written, so you’re not scrambling afterward. I create a template (.dot file) in Microsoft Word that contains fields to customize for the recipient, event, and nature of the letter. Tailor the language to meet your needs.

5. Make a “mini-résumé.” For some networking events, it might be unwieldy to lug résumés with you. Instead, try making business cards that feature a mini-résumé. If you really want to get high tech, make a QR code that links to your personal website, portfolio, or even LinkedIn profile. [Editor’s note: The author shows how to format a mini-résumé at this blog.]

6. Take notes. After each conversation, take a few seconds to jot down the details while they’re fresh in your mind. Your notes will help you remember the person 24 hours later, and you can repurpose these details to personalize your follow-up letter, e-mail, or LinkedIn invite.

7. Recognize that not everyone you meet will be a business connection. This is especially true for job hunters, because nine times out of 10 the person won’t provide a job lead. As a general rule: Never discount anyone, and view everyone as a potential resource for professional development.

8. Be eager to help. And feel confident that even at 18, 19, or 20, you’ve got a lot to offer. If you’re the social media whiz for a college club, don’t be shy about politely offering advice to someone twice your age—if they ask for it.

9. Go to networking events by yourself. It’s easy to stick with friends or co-workers at events, even though it can stifle your ability to work the room. Try attending something low-stress—such as an alumni happy hour or a young professionals networking event—to train yourself to feel confident on your own.

10. Make the conversation personal. Trying to keep your interactions strictly business can make conversation awkward. Don’t be shy about asking the person his or her plans for an upcoming long weekend, mentioning a hobby, or asking for restaurant suggestions. It will help you hurdle the small talk. Just make sure you keep it appropriate.

11. Ask questions. Remember that people like to talk about themselves, so it’s very helpful to pose questions. Plus, the more informed you are, the better.

12. Leave something “organic” for a follow-up. If you mention a great new book or blog the person may like, you automatically have an “in” for connecting the next day. You can take it to the next level by putting a reminder in your calendar to follow up a month later with a new article that made you think of the person. It shows you’re interested in helping, and it keeps you fresh in their mind.

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Unemployed in Des Moines

The Angel’s Share

Autonomy

Getting Uncomfortable in Your Job Search