How do I transition into a new industry? Maybe it’s just pure luck.

As I’ve traveled throughout the country, attending our Executives Network Job Search Meetings, I realized that the same conversations were taking place regardless of city.  What they talked about in Chicago – they talked about in Silicon Valley.  The thoughts on people’s minds in Dallas were the same thoughts in Phoenix.  And that’s when I got the idea that we had to get everyone in the same “virtual” room and take the conversation further.

So, this week, Executives Network had its first national teleconference.  Lots of people around the country talking about a specific topic – in this case, Alternative Energy.  We wanted to answer questions like:  How do I transition into this industry? Who are the players?  What are the opportunities?  What can I learn from others targeting the same industry as me?

Michael Ludgate, an EN Member, was our featured guest.  He talked about how he successfully transitioned into the Solar industry.   What he DIDN’T do was sit at the computer and search for job postings all day.  What he DID do – took a little more effort, but was far more effective.

Michael networked his way to the job!  (I know, networking, big surprise!  You don’t think I’d feature anyone who got a job from a job posting?  Has anyone ever gotten a job from a posting at the higher levels?)

When he first decided to target Solar, he read up on the industry.  Then, he did the smartest thing a job seeker could do…and turned the computer off!  He got out and attended every solar and alternative energy event he could find.  He went to local get-togethers, regional meetings, national conferences.

A couple months into his search, he started sporting the nametag “Solar Mike” at every event.  His reputation soon grew – as someone obviously in the Solar industry.  Why else would he wear a nametag like that?  If people asked, he would just tell them he was really passionate about Solar.  After all, it’s only a nametag.

All told, he met with more than 200 people in the industry.  And it was through one of these meetings, with one of his target companies, that he landed the perfect job in Solar.  Do you think he was lucky?  Maybe.  But as my college friend, Maurice, always used to say “Luck comes to those who work hard to make it happen.”

Michael certainly worked hard to make his luck happen.

Michael had much to share with the group about the process of transitioning into Solar.  But three things he said struck me as great lessons for anyone – regardless of the industry you’re pursuing:

• Some will.  Some won’t.  So what.  Some people will be very helpful.  In fact you’ll be surprised how much people will help you.  On the other hand, some won’t be helpful at all.  So what.  Move on.
• Never underestimate the power of someone else’s network.  Every time you’re given a lead, pursue those opportunities.  You have no idea who these people know – or who their network knows.  Pursue all leads diligently.  The lead you never followed up on could’ve been the one that led you to your dream job.  Can you afford to chance it?
• “I’m one networking contact away from finding my dream job.”  Continue to motivate and reinforce your networking effort by reminding yourself just that!  Remember, you don’t need to find ten jobs, you just need to find one.  The right one.

If you’re planning to transition to another industry, then do yourself a favor, and get relevant.  Get embedded in that industry.  Get to know the companies.  Get to know the players.  Arm yourself with knowledge and contacts so that, despite the fact that you have no industry experience, you know what’s going on.

Just remember, the more people you talk to, the more information you’ll find, the more companies you’ll discover, the more opportunities you’ll uncover.  Put in some serious effort – and increase your odds of being truly lucky!

Landing a job is just like Sales 101. So get to know your customer.

When I was in training at IBM (back when companies used to actually train you!), one of my classes was on Sales Calls.  The instructor gave us the outline of what we’d be graded on.  We needed to go through the five phases of the selling process.  If I recall correctly, it was something like:  Develop Rapport, Uncover Needs, Propose a Solution, Demo the Product, Close the Sale.

Just before my first graded call, I was walking up the stairs with a cup of coffee and a muffin.  I tripped on a step, spilled the coffee all over my dress, dropped my muffin…not a good way to start the day.  But I went into the meeting with a smile on my face, determined to make the most of it (despite the fact that I stunk like a 2-day old cup o’ joe).

When I was given my results, I fared pretty poorly.  Just about all I did right was show up.  Actually, come to think of it, I was graded down because I walked in five minutes late (due to my unfortunate coffee spill).  Maybe all I did right was leave?

But every call was like that for me.  If it wasn’t scoring poorly on one aspect, it was another.  It seems like I couldn’t do anything right.

When that five-week stint ended, the class rankings were sent off to our branch office.  I came in 48th out of 50.  My only saving grace was that the other person from the Los Angeles branch came in 49th.  All I thought was “Who could possibly do worse than us?  That person must have spilled the coffee on the customer!”  I vowed to do better, but in reality, I didn’t understand what I did wrong, why I always got a lousy score.  Maybe they just didn’t like me?

After a successful career at IBM – always hitting my numbers, always making “The Club” – I didn’t worry too much about the class scores.  But a few years later, I finally realized what I did wrong.  I was so focused on checking off the steps of the process that I forgot to just sit down and have a conversation. 

And that’s exactly what people in the job search do.  They’re so focused on answering questions about their strengths and weaknesses (or the fact that they don’t really “see anything they do as a weakness”…uh, sure) that they forget the person across the table is just that…a person.  Someone who would be far more impressed if you knew how to have an interesting, engaging conversation.

Landing a job is Sales 101 – only you’re selling yourself (legally).  Everyone knows that people buy from people they like.  If you can get the person across the table to like you…your chances of them buying are greater.  And how do you get someone to like you?  Get them to talk about themselves.  It’s that easy.

Quit being so focused on the process.  Be focused on the person.  Be genuinely interested in them, their company, their challenges, their opportunities.  Ask the smart, provocative questions that get them talking about these things.  Ask questions that get them thinking.  Ask questions that get them realizing that you probably know what you’re talking about – or could at least figure it out.  And pretty soon, you will be the person on the other side of the table! 

Just go easy on the people who spill on themselves.  The outside may have a stain or two, but it’s what’s on the inside that really matters!

Guess how many people want to hear your job search story? The one where you talk about the fact that you were laid off.

Last week, I was talking to four different people who are out of work.  This is nothing unusual because my business is working with people who are out of work.  Two of them felt some pressing need to tell me in painstaking detail how they came to be in their current situation.  The other two decided to share with me – yet again – an aspect of how great they were at their previous job and how others at the company couldn’t believe that they were let go. 

I hate to tell you this.  But I must.  I’ve had enough!  I’ve heard enough!  Quit sharing your story with me.  Quit sharing the story of how you were terminated, let go, laid off, fired, RIF’d, downsized…whatever you want to call it.  Quit bringing up anything remotely related to the concept that you’re no longer there.  You know who wants to hear that story?  No one.  That’s right.  No one!  Your family doesn’t want to hear it…for the millionth time.  Your friends don’t want to hear it…for the thousandth time.  And strangers don’t want to hear it…for the first time.  We get it.  You’re available.

Now, before you think I’m some unsympathetic, uncaring, downright mean person (it may be too late!)…let me explain. 

Every time you bring up your story, you’re bringing up the negative feelings associated with it.  No matter how much you say it doesn’t matter…you sound bitter.  No matter how much you say you’re glad you’re not there anymore…you sound angry.  No matter how much you say you’re better off…you come across sounding just a little bit insecure.

Maybe you’re all of these.  Maybe the company really did a number on you.  Regardless of how it happened, you probably need to go through the stages of grief.  And it’s okay.  You’re not alone.  Many others have been there before…and will go there again.  Here are the common stages of grief you might be going through:

• Denial.  This isn’t happening to me!  I was the best employee.  No one at the company could believe it.
• Anger.  Why is this happening to me?  Someone needs to pay!  I need to talk to an employment attorney.
• Bargaining.  I promise I’ll [fill in the blank] if I could only land a job.  Lots of praying in this stage.
• Depression.  I don’t know if I’ll ever find a job.  I used to be a somebody. 
• Acceptance.  I’m ready for whatever comes.  I’m going to be okay.  I had a great job before and I will again.  It may take longer than I expected.  I may have to get real creative when it comes to expenses.  I may have to work a little harder at it, but the right position will come to me.

I’m not suggesting you go through this all alone.  I’m simply recommending that you quit bringing up the negative feelings of the past.  Quit sharing your story with everyone you know.  They feel bad for you.  They have pity on you.  They’re scared to invite you to their party – because you may bring the whole party down.   Quit sharing your story with everyone you meet.  You’re making them uncomfortable!  They don’t know you from Adam…and all of a sudden you hit them with the biggest challenge you have in life today.  Yikes!  Why don’t you ease into the relationship with something a little more positive (and less personal)?

Make a decision today that you’re going to get over the past (or at least quit talking about it!).  You’re going to realize that you’re not the first person to lose a job.  And you certainly won’t be the last.  Make a decision that you’ll go through the grief – in the comfort of your own home.  And then make a decision that today is the day your life will begin fresh.  You are meant for great things.  You are destined for great opportunities.  You’re a fantastic, incredible person that has much to offer a company.  You will find the right position…not within the confines of your home (remember, that’s where you left grief for the night!).  You will find the right position by getting out there, meeting new people, and having interesting conversations.  And when you do that, amazingly, the right opportunity is going to come knocking on your door.  Answer it!

The Interview: How knowing nothing will get you more job offers than knowing everything.

I was in yoga class the other day, and right behind me was a new student – we’ll call him Chuck.  He set up his mat in the hottest part of the room.  One of the teachers told him that he might want to move – because it gets really hot, and given it was his first time…it might be better to move.  But no, Chuck said, I want to get a good workout.

Within ten minutes, Chuck was curled up in child’s pose – gasping for air.  Halfway through the class, Chuck lay prostrate as though he himself was on his last leg.  Chuck’s version of down dog looked more like dead dog.  But Chuck figured he’d come into the class…and be a superstar.  He tried to cram all of his yogic experience into one class.  I don’t know if Chuck will be back.

What might have served Chuck better was to seek first to understand.  Understand the process.  Understand the poses.  Understand that the heat won’t kill you, but it just might set you back a few if you haven’t drunk enough water (or had one too many drinks of something else the night before).

And this got me thinking about interviews.  So often, I hear people tell me “I’m going to go in there and show them.  I’m going to tell them everything I can do for them.  I’m going to get them to see that I’m the perfect person because I have all the answers.  I’m going to…blah blah blah.”

Here’s the reality.  You know nothing.  Are you planning to go in and insult everyone who has been working there (a lot longer than you have!) by telling them you know more about their company than they do?  And just because they’re bringing in someone from the outside to get fresh insights, shake things up, doesn’t mean they don’t know anything.

How about the next time you’re brought in for an interview, why don’t you forget about you and all that you don’t know…and focus on them…and all that they do know.  Ask them what you want to know.  Where is the company going?  What is the company doing to get ahead of the competition?  Which competitor are they most worried about today?  What about five years from now?  What new markets are they getting into?  How do they plan to make that happen?  What percent share do they have of their customer’s dollar?  How are they planning to get more?  How is the team positioned?  Where are the holes?  What makes this a great place to work?  What’s the attrition rate?   When good people leave, where do they go?  What attracted them to the job?  What’s one thing they wish they had known prior to working there?  What surprised them most once they got on board?  If they were to do one thing differently, what would it be?

Are you supposed to be a change agent?  Then you’d better ask some questions about change.  Ask about decision-making and how quickly or slowly it occurs.  What about cultural issues – and people’s difficulty with change.  What percent of the employees are change agents?  Or will you be the only one (I hope you’re getting paid a lot!).  Who’s going to get in the way…and why?  What happened to the last change agent (may s/he rest in peace…).

Quit focusing on what you can do for them, and start asking the smart questions that will help you get a clearer picture of the real opportunity.  The more you discover, the more you might find you have no desire to work at this company or for this person.  Or, you might find that the opportunity sounds even more exciting than ever!  Either way, you won’t know this unless you do a little interrogation.  Take a lesson from Chuck.  Seek first to understand.  Ask the right questions.  Pace yourself.  And save enough to come back the next day.  Namaste.

13 mistakes that will ruin your chances of getting hired by me.

I was recently hiring an assistant.  Overwhelmed with the responses and appalled at some of the errors, I thought I’d share with you some insights based on the responses I received.  If anything, it might make you feel a little bit better about yourself!

You called me Sir.  Last time I checked, I was not knighted by the Queen.  And more importantly, I’m not a male.  Go back to your medieval castle.  No, better yet…off with your head!

You replied back with your resume.  That’s it.  Nothing else.  You know what?  I’m going to spend as much time on you as you did on me.  You pressed Send.  I’ll press Delete.

You sent me a .wps or .rtf file.  Hate to break it to you, but Microsoft Word is the word processor of the world.  If you’re not using it, it tells me that you’re not up to date on technology.  I can’t believe you used Works to do your resume.  What are you working on?  A PC Junior?  Do you even know what a PC Junior is?

Your formatting stinks.  I can’t even believe how horrible your resume looks.  Different typestyles, different point sizes, the margins aren’t consistent.  You should have PDF’d the document so what I see is what you sent.

You have a typo.  Yes, it’s there.  Right in the section where you tell me you have “ecxellent attention to detail.”

You may have made a mistake…but I can’t take the risk:  “I am computer illiterate.”  Yikes.  Thanks for sharing.  Why did you even apply?  Maybe the Amish are hiring.

Your reason for me hiring you:  “I’m currently unemployed and need work.”  Well, I currently need to win the lottery, but that doesn’t mean the guy pulling out the Bingo Balls is going to draw my number, does it?  Give me a real reason…like what you might be able to do for me – given the job requirements.

You spelled Advisor wrong.  You obviously didn’t give spelling advice.  And “temparary” – way to sound it out.  Don’t you know that the red underline means the word is spelled wrong?  I’ll give you temparary.  Delete.

You gave me too much information in the name of your document.  LizSmithCorrectedResume.  Glad you corrected it…but did you have to tell me that you had an incorrect version?  This was one of my favorites:  Moms Resume.  Hey Mom…are your kids returning the favor for all of the homework you did for them in school?  Are you going to have them do your job for you once you’re hired as well?

You gave me your My Space link.  How old are you?  Twelve?  I don’t want to see your My Space account.  I don’t want to know that you even have a My Space account.

Your email has the name of an animal in it.  Bunny, snow leopard, tigress.  That is sooooo adorable.  How can I possibly take you seriously with an email like that?

You put the wrong job title in your cover letter.  Hey…I know you’re applying for other positions…but at least try to make me feel a little bit special.  If you’re going to customize the letter, get it right.

You wrote something really strange.  “I was entertained with the large variety of activities.”  What?  Did you work for the circus?  Sounds like you just sat back and watched while everyone else worked.  I don’t need to hire a spectator who sits on his rear all day long and is entertained.  Then again, you’re the same person that told me “I self-teach and individually learn programs.”  Wow, you both teach yourself and learn them individually.  What an accomplishment…for a Siamese Twin joined at hip (Maybe you really are in the circus?).  Why don’t you go back to grade school and self-teach yourself some English.

Has this challenging job search caused you to lose all levels of enthusiasm?  Maybe it’s partially your fault.  All I can say is clean up your act.  If you’re going to spend the time applying to positions, at least make it professional.  Fix the typos.  PDF the professional-looking resume.  Send me a cover letter that speaks to the requirements of the position.  And make yourself sound like an interesting, exciting, intelligent (and fun) person that my business absolutely can’t do without.

“I wouldn’t mind working there” and other phrases to never use in the job search.

I was interviewed by Channel 2 in Denver this morning.  One of the questions the reporter asked me was this:  If, when targeting a company or position, is it okay to say “I’d like to do this type of job, but if that’s not available, I’d be willing to do this.”? My answer…emphatically no!

Phrases like this drive me insane:

I’d be willing to work there.  I wouldn’t be opposed to it.  It would be okay.  It wouldn’t be my first choice, but it would be fine.  I guess I could do that job.

It may come as a surprise to you, but no company wants to hear “I’d be willing to work for you.” 

I would never hire someone that “wouldn’t mind” working for me.  By all means, don’t let me inconvenience you by hiring you!  I also don’t want anyone who will work anywhere.  If you’re so desperate, it means you yourself haven’t qualified the companies.  And your mediocre interest just might translate into mediocre performance.  Thanks, but no thanks.

But wait, you say.  You would never tell a company such things.  You would never actually say to a company “I wouldn’t mind working for you.”  Of course you wouldn’t say those words to them (yet, you would to us!), but if you’re thinking it, it’s coming out in some other form…be it your body language, your level of enthusiasm and interest, your communications.  It’s there.  You’re not that good of an actor!

Quit being a mediocre planner of your job search.  Figure out where exactly you want to work.  Bring some passion to the search.  Target those companies with careful thought.  Be one of those people who uses phrases like: 

I absolutely want to work here!  This is the place for me!  I’ve done all of the research and this is where I add the most value.  I’m your next shining star!

My friend Tom told me about a recent interview.  He was meeting with a Senior Vice President for a first-line managerial position.  While this position was a few levels below his target position, he was very excited about the company.  When the hiring manager asked him why he was even interested in this low-level position, Tom told him he had researched where the puck was headed in technology, mapped it to his strengths, and said “I’m targeting three segments…and your company is at the intersection of these segments.  It’s where I want to work.  I want to get on the bus…and we can figure out down the road where I sit.”

The hiring manager liked what he heard and is now considering Tom for a role that wasn’t even posted – and probably never would have been.  This new role is higher level and more appropriately matched with Tom’s skills.  This is what happens when you’re meeting with the right people – those who have the power to make decisions that are good for the company.

But do you see how Tom took the focus away from the concept of “I’d be willing to take this position to get into the company” and turned it into “This is where I want to be.  We can figure out the details later.” 

Here’s what Tom did that’s different from what most others do.  Tom knew where he needed to be.  He did the research.  He figured out where the opportunity would be.  He looked at his own strengths – and came up with the best fit. This is before he’s ever gotten in the door.

When it comes to job search, how many people really do their homework?  How many people have a well-thought out plan before asking others for help?  I can tell you right now, the answer is not enough of you!  Because if you did, you would have more success in your networking meetings.  You would have more success in your interviews.  And you would have more success in your job search.

So, take the time to really figure out what you want to do.  Find out who you want to be.  Put together a thoughtful target list of who you want to work for (not just the companies that have an opening).  And create some positive energy around it by saying “This is who I am.  This is my dream job.  These are the companies I absolutely want to work for.”  You’ll be amazed how much this newfound positive energy will get you on the right track to find the right fit.  And you may even find more than one company that ”wouldn’t mind” having you on board!

Do you know why you were put in this job search?

I just got back from drinks with some friends.  One person, Joe, was telling me that he needs to get his knee replaced.  Seeing that he didn’t quite look like a card-carrying member of AARP, I asked him why.  Running up mountains as fast as he can to get his heart rate close to 200.  Marathons, triathlons, ultra runs, you name it.  He’s done it.  Well apparently, he’s kind of an extremist (and that’s an understatement!).  He just got a double hernia from weightlifting.  Way to go, Joe!

He longs to get his knee replaced so he can take that 100 mile bike ride again, to run up the mountains, to hit the training circuit…hard!

And this got me thinking.  How many people are so focused on being who they’ve always been that they forget to think about who they’re supposed to be?  Maybe Joe doesn’t need to achieve all that he has already.  Maybe it’s time for Joe to take his energies in another direction (before there is no Joe anymore!).  Maybe this aching knee and double hernia are just signs that Joe needs to head down a new path?  Is Joe reading the signs that are being put right in front of him?  Maybe, but to him what says “Proceed with Caution” may really mean “Wrong Way”.

I wonder how many other people are misinterpreting (or just plain ignoring) the signs right in front of them?

I see it happen all of the time with people in their job search.  Craig, a CIO, has been doing the same thing for twenty years.  One day Craig finds himself out of work, only to go right back to looking for the next CIO gig.  He never even wanted to be a CIO.  He longed to own a business.  Yet, instead of realizing now is the time.  Now is the perfect time to figure it all out.  Research what’s out there.  Buy that business.  Maybe start his own.  Instead of moving forward, Craig slams into reverse and presses the accelerator.  It’s no wonder he’s miserable for twenty more years.

Are you ignoring the signs?  Are you so focused on being who you always were that you’re forgetting to think about who you’re supposed to be?  Maybe there’s a reason you were put in this job search.  Maybe it’s time for you to take your energies in another direction.  Maybe it’s time to throw away the rear-view mirror and focus forward.  And see what possibilities might lie ahead.

Maybe it’s time to realize that there’s more to life than the life you’ve already lived.  Even if you have to go through a few knees to get there.  Right, Joe?!

How can you tell when a company is just not that into you?

I was in the Dallas airport the other day and ran into a guy that I dated last year.  Well, to say we dated is probably an extreme.  We went on two dates.  I thought they were pretty good.  The first was at least good enough to get him to ask me out again.  But after the second one, he didn’t call back. Maybe he just got really busy at work?  Maybe he was in a terrible accident and isn’t out of the coma yet? Or maybe he just wasn’t that into me.

This reminds me a lot of the job search.  How many times have you had a great meeting with an HR or hiring manager – only to never hear back from them again?  Maybe they lost your number?  Maybe they got a huge project dumped on them by the CEO – and are pulling all nighters to get it done?  Or maybe, just maybe, they’re just not that into you.

Finding the right fit at a company is a lot like a relationship.  And when it’s right, and I mean really right, it usually happens pretty quickly.

What are the signs they’re just not that into you?

They extend the hiring process longer than expected.  This typically happens when they haven’t quite found the right fit.  And they don’t want to settle.  And neither do you.  Settling is almost always a short-term situation that gets fixed pretty quickly.   Is this the job you really wanted?  Is this the company you really wanted?  Maybe there were a few things about the job, the company (or even the people) that weren’t perfect, but you were willing to tolerate it.

I remember interviewing with a company where the VP of Sales told me he had a pretty innovative sales recognition strategy.  He’d get on the intercom system and say “Great job, Dave!”  That was it.  That was his big strategy for motivating the sales force to perform at higher than ever levels.  What’s next, a limbo contest?  Yep, right after the hot-dog eating contest (always a big morale booster!).  Then to show the employees they really cared, the entire executive team was going to serve lunch to all employees in the cafeteria.  I could’ve worked at that company.  I could’ve worn the chef’s hat while dishing out the pork ‘n beans.  Most probably, I would’ve been settling.  Most definitely, I would’ve gone home every night wondering why I chose to work with a bunch of schmucks.

Forget about settling.  Go figure out where you really want to work, and target those companies.  Who cares if they don’t have a posting?  Most never will – and they still manage to make hiring decisions.  Amazing, isn’t it?!

Your contact within the company has stopped returning your calls.  No matter how many times you call.  And fortunately they don’t realize it’s you because you don’t leave a message.  Hey stalker, catch a clue.  Many, many, many companies have caller ID.  They know it’s you.  They’re not picking up on purpose.  Put the phone down, get out of the house, and go meet some other companies that could use a speed dialer like you!

You’re one of the final two candidates and the executive team has to regroup to make a decision.  But they’re busy – and schedules aren’t working out so it’s taking a while.  Chances are, they offered the other candidate the position and are waiting to see if that person takes it.  Congratulations! You were one of the top candidates (think about how many people didn’t even make it as far in the process as you!).  Take your 2nd place trophy, toss it in the garage with your grade school memories, and move on.  Go find the company where you will be number one!  It’s out there and it’s waiting for you.  So hurry up.

When a company is not that into you, it’s okay.  Here’s the thing.  Not hearing back is actually a good thing.  It means you’re not the right fit.  It frees you up to go find a company where you will be the right fit.  One-way relationships aren’t fun for anyone.  So quit prolonging the pain.  Get out there.  Meet more people.  Build more relationships.  And “save the pretty” for someone who deserves it!

And what happened with that guy?  It doesn’t really matter.  Turns out, I just wasn’t that into him after all.

Networking Tip: Your Email Address

If you’re using your personal email address for the job search.   STOP!!   You’ll have to admit, there are some really strange email addresses, and every time you send your resume or any email online, your brand is coming across.   Does that brand accurately reflect your level of professionalism?  

I recently saw an email address laxbill47@mail.com.   If you didn’t know that Bill was into Lacrosse, you might just think he’s too lazy to work.   And maybe he’s 47 or was born in 1947.   (snowleopard@mail.com is another one I recently came across.  How can I take you seriously with that email?)  Either way, you never know the perception you’re leaving with the person on the receiving end.  Why risk it?  The email you use should be firstlast@domain.com or first.last@domain.com.   NEVER use the family email as your job search email. 

And while I’m at it, let me mention a few other things that ruin your branding.

The From Line.  This shows me who the email is from before I ever look at it.  The other day, I received an email from “Mike”.  This works if you’re Cher or Madonna, but not if you’re Mike. Do you have any idea how many Mikes I know?  I don’t know if this is my good friend Mike, my distant friend Mike or the hundreds of other Mikes I know in between.  Depending on the subject line, I might just delete it without looking at the email – because it may just be from Spammer Mike.  And I don’t like him at all.

Your Signature Line.  This gives me your contact information at the bottom of each email.  The information here should be exactly what’s on your business card (see Blog Post: When was the last time you received a letter?).  So often, people don’t include their email in this area…and it drives me nuts.  Because when I’m copying/pasting your contact info to the person you want to be introduced to, you make me go through an extra step. Thanks a lot.  You’re now a drain on my time.  No more intros for you!

Your Phone Number.  While you’re updating your resume with your new email, go ahead and only list only one phone number (versus both home and cell).  Which phone number should you list?  I don’t really care.  What I do care about is where and how you answer that phone.  If you’re like most of us and answer your cell phone anywhere and everywhere (like that woman did in the restroom the other day…what was she thinking?  I think the call could’ve waited.), then it’s probably best to NOT put that number on your resume.  Use the phone that you will always answer in a quiet, professional setting.  And make sure you have a professional message…“Bill here, leave a message”…is just like saying “Hire me and I will wear cutoffs and flip flops every day” (which may be okay at some companies, but not BEFORE you get the job!).

Don’t let your lack of personal branding knock you out of the running.  And if you think it won’t.   Guess what.   It probably already did.