When the traditional cover letter wasn’t cutting it, Bennett Olson decided to take the path least traveled when it came to landing a position within the work force: the billboard.

After losing his job at a local casino, the 22-year old thought outside the box and invested $300 into an 8-second clip of his smiling face with the message, “HIRE ME!” on an electronic billboard in downtown Minnesota.

The high risk paid off and Olson was rewarded handsomely – he was hired for a marketing position by a 3D scanning company in Bloomington.

“After receiving quite a bit of attention, support, and ultimately interviews, I felt that Laser Design & GKS Services was the right fit because they are a young, yet established company which will provide me with the opportunity to learn and grow my career,” Olson told KARE 11.

In a 2011 USA Today article, “Millennials get creative in a tough job market,” journalist Hadley Malcolm points out that Millennials, or generally those born from 1980 to the mid-to-late 1990s, were found to be doing more than the older generations when it comes to increasing their incomes.

“They have a different work ethic,” Laura Adams says, who spoke for MetLife.  “The times are challenging, and they have an entrepreneurial spirit that’s coming out.  They’ve had to go out and get creative to find extra sources of income.”

According to the MetLife data in the article, 40 percent or more said they would take a job even if they’re overqualified, get additional job training, relocate, or go back to school to better position themselves for success in today’s job market.  In another study done by Affluence Collaborative, 40 percent of Generation Y envisioned starting their own business, while 20 percent already have.

Paul Conway, president of non-profit Generation Opportunity, puts it simply: “This is a generation that is very used to customized solutions.  They have the technology, the brain power, and the intellect to market themselves.”

Try to think of ways YOU can stand out during your job search!

For the most up-to-date job openings, give C.R. Fletcher a call at 315-471-1000.

Career Strategist Julie Bauke calls it the “big boy/big girl” letter.

What is it you may ask?

It’s a letter sent by the candidate who was passed over in the final hiring decision, thanking the manager for the interview.

Yes, this gesture is a rarity, but it could work to one’s advantage in terms of future openings or feedback regarding what the candidate could have done better or communicated more efficiently.

In her 16 years working in human resources, Bauke recalls only receiving five, (five!), of these letters.

Lisa Vaas, a contributing writer for The Ladders, spoke to hiring professionals and job seekers who “plucked success from the ashes of rejection,” for her article, “The Letter to Write When You Don’t Get the Job.”  Below, some of those professionals share their knowledge on this unique type of letter:

What to say – Be sure to thank them for considering you for the opportunity.  Let them know you would like to be considered for future openings.  As career, lifestyle, and etiquette expert Sandra Lamb points out: be sure to keep the letter short and positive.  State that you were disappointed, but congratulate the manager on the hire and wish them well.  Lastly, reiterate a positive point from the interview and again, inform them that you would like to be considered for future considerations.

Whom to send it to – This particular letter isn’t going to the people that specifically interviewed you, but to the actual decision maker or human resource representative that you dealt with according to Jane Trevaskis, a certified professional coach.

If writing a letter is not for you, in a world complicated by technology and gadgets, a telephone call is still a great way to show your appreciation and say thank you to the employer.  Sometimes this gives the employer a chance to further explain what may have went wrong in the interview as well as direct you to other avenues that may come up.

If you’re in a rut about not landing a job, don’t be! Contact C.R. Fletcher Associates, Syracuse’s leading recruiting staffing agency, with any interviewing questions or concerns.

The Twitter-verse isn’t just a one-stop shop for celebrity gossip anymore.  Companies are jumping on the bandwagon and utilizing Twitter more than ever to establish budding relationships with industry gurus, in-house and agency recruiters, corporate brands, and hiring managers.

In “Can You Tweet Your Way to Your Next Job,” by Kelley Joyce, professionals are creating profiles outlining their expertise, opinions and character to attract potential customers, employees and candidates.  Below, Joyce highlights a few key Twitter points.

Follow these four, simple steps to get started:

1. Select a name:  Choose a handle that is appropriate, specifically, some form of your actual name.  This can prove challenging, especially when there are millions of people using this social networking phenomenon.

2. Image is everything: Upload an avatar that is tasteful.  A quality headshot, company logo or image will do.  Joyce says to stay away from the generic Twitter picture, or, as I would like to call it, “the egg.”

3. Description: Write a brief overview of who you are and what you tweet about.  For example, my tweets are predominantly based on what is happening in the world of sports.  I’ll tweet out articles and columns that I find fascinating and worth the read for my followers.  I have come to the conclusion that my life isn’t that entertaining.  I can understand Kim Kardashian tweeting about what she had for lunch.  Me? Not so much.  Hone in on what you’re passionate about and stick to it.

According to Joyce, most professionals describe their role within the company and then mention hobbies, passion and family.  Also within your personal bio there is a space where a website can be uploaded.  Many professionals will link their company website for more information.  If you’re a recent graduate, or anyone for that matter, looking for a career change, start a LinkedIn account and upload it to your Twitter page.  Don’t forget to update it accordingly.

4. Background: Choose a background that is again, appropriate.  Twitter supplies templates in the design section of your account page.  If you want to get a little more creative, there are paid Twitter background apps available on the internet Joyce points out.

After you have completed your Twitter account, focus on your targets.  Wisely select followers to grab their attention.  Follow recruiters, hiring managers and professionals in your profession.  Engage in dialogue, but don’t overdo it – find a balance when it comes to how many tweets you send out daily.  Lastly, keep in mind that your Twitter account is a representation of you, a brand.  “Think before you Tweet” – once the information is out there, it’s awfully hard to take it back.

Be sure to follow C.R. Fletcher Associates on Twitter for all the latest temporary, temp-to-hire and direct placement opportunities!

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There is a new trend popping up when it comes to landing your prospective career: Panel interviewing.  Instead of one pair of eyes, can you imagine having five pairs staring at you?  There is no question – this type of interview can be intimidating and scary.

Lisa Panarello, president and founder of Careers Advance, took some time to sit down with general assignment reporter Andrew Klappholz of TheLadders to explain 2 helpful hints on the art of getting through a panel interview for his article, “Lessons Learned: What AMC’s “The Pitch” Can Teach You About the Panel Interview”.

1. Interviewees should directly answer the question to the person who asked it:  Then, a few seconds into your answer, speak to the person next to him or her and go around the room, Panarello says.  Make eye contact with everyone on the panel as you elaborate.  The key, she points out, is to keep track of “who everyone is and what aspects of your brand each will find valuable.”

2. Research interviewers by name if possible:  Besides researching the company, take it a step further and do your homework on who makes the company tick.  Not only will recent news articles show up through Google, but their professional backgrounds can be obtained through LinkedIn.  Familiarity with the company and its employers will not only breed confidence, but shows that you have went “above and beyond” according to Panarello.

At C.R. Fletcher Associates we are seeing more of our candidates going through this also.  Our clients want their team to meet with the potential hire, so they can get input from all who could be working with him/her.

Our advice is along the same lines as Panarello’s:  try to connect with each interviewer, take a deep breath before responding, and try to interject your personality into the meeting.  Many of our candidates have been successful when they relax and build a rapport with the group.

As Panarello said… “You never prepare for being perfect; you prepare to be your best.”

Class of 2012: Good news awaits you

By Christina Alexander

Class of 2012 – yes, all 1.7 million of you that are scheduled to graduate this year – there’s hope!

In a recent survey conducted by global outplacement firm, Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the future is looking bright for young adults and their career paths.  As the economy looks to rebound, the interest for entry-level positions are on the rise.

“It’s a better year,” Challenger, Gray & Christmas CEO John Challenger told the Daily News. “The job market has been improving.  Young job seekers with four-year degrees are in growing demand.”

However, good news always comes at a price, right? Competition, aka those ‘09, ’10 and ’11 college graduates, are all vying for coveted career positions, too.

In a Monster.com article, “Stand out! Four Ways To Ace Your Interview,” by Renee Weisman, she describes four valuable pointers when it comes to standing out in a room full of applicants:

1. Do some research: Learn about the company.  Go to the company’s website and familiarize yourself with what they are all about.  This is where I find my journalism-communications degree comes in particularly handy.  I tend to write down a few questions and look at them before I head into my interview.  At the end, when a future employer asks, “Do you have any questions?” make sure you are ready to go.
2. Prepare: Be prepared to tell them about yourself with items that they haven’t already read about in your resume.  Also, bring an extra copy of your resume as well as a few examples that represents the company’s mission and goals.  For example, as Weisman points out, if you’re going to be writing press releases, bring examples of your writing.  If you are fresh of college, come prepared with examples of your leadership skills, key activities, honors and organizations you have participated in.
3. Have your own questions ready: By having your questions prepared, Wesisman says, you have control where the interview goes.  In the past, I have made “mental notes” of specific topics the future employer and I have talked about during the interview process.  Be sure not to focus too much on the questions that you tune out the employer!
4. Leave on a high note: When you are ready to leave, have a 30-second or less thank you speech.  Tell them how much you appreciate their time and reiterate why you think you are the strongest candidate of the bunch and your interest in helping them become even more successful.  Lastly, be sure to send a thank you note.  In today’s society where technology is all the rage, an email is an acceptable alternative.  Make it personal and relevant by referring to some key parts of the interview.
5.  Be yourself: Yes, I know, the article stated four ways to ace your interview, but I’m adding one other: Be yourself! There is a reason the employer decided to give you a chance to shine. Now go ace it.

Administrative Professionals Day will mark its 60^th anniversary on Wednesday, April 25.  Held annually usually during the last full week of April, the observance acknowledges secretaries and administrative assistants/support all over theUnited   States.

The day was originally organized in 1952 as “National Secretaries Week” by the National Secretaries Association (now commonly known as the International Association of Administrative Professionals) alongside public relations executive Harry Klemfuss and a group of office product manufacturers.  The day was designated to recognize secretaries for their outstanding contributions within the workforce.

Although the role of the administrative assistant has evolved dramatically over the years due to new technology and techniques, the position — as the IAAP puts it — is the “pulse of the office.”  Secretaries and administrative assistants are often at the epicenter of businesses and corporations, ensuring multiple tasks get done on a day-to-day basis and acting as gatekeepers for many customers, clients and employees.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor statistics, there are more than 4.1 million secretaries and administrative assistants working in the United States, and 8.9 million people working in various administrative support roles.  Overall employment of secretaries and administrative assistants are expected to grow 12 percent from 2010 to 2020.  Executive assistants are expected to grow 13 percent from 2010 to 2020 as well.

A company’s appreciation can be shown in a variety of ways:

1. Write a thoughtful note to your administrative assistant to let them know specifically how you much they mean to you.
2. A book of motivational quotes or stories is a thoughtful gift sure to inspire the busy administrative professional.
3. When you visit offices, pay attention to what’s on the desks and walls of the administrative staff. You can tell a lot about their interests to get ideas for gifts that will be appreciated.
4. Offer to send your administrative professional to a conference or training to aid in his or her professional development.
5. Tuition reimbursement to attend college classes and work toward a degree.
6. Reimbursement for online training programs in technology, administrative, and management skills.
7. Plan a luncheon.
8. Order flowers.

Whichever way you decide to show appreciation, be sure to say ‘thanks’ for a job well done!

Networking is a huge part of the job search process, yet it is something that some people shy away from.  A recent Forbes article, “5 New Ways to Network (That You Won’t Dread)”, reveals how networking can be done in unconventional ways.  Networking should not be something that you dread; it should be something you truly enjoy so your personality shines through while you are out meeting others.

1. Reinvent the Meet-and-Mingle: Networking does not always need to be done in business suites.  Pick a hobby that you are interested in and join a club!  People in relaxed settings are usually more open to and interested in conversation which makes clubs the perfect place to build connections.
2. Be In With the In Crowd: Everyone has their favorite restaurant or after-hours location that they love to go to.  Do some exploring in your city and see who you can meet this way.
3. Take Up a Cause: Volunteering is a great resume builder and way to network.  You can never go wrong volunteering.  Pick a cause that you are passionate about and see how you can help out.  Whether it is a couple hours each week or one day a month, you will be building connections to people with similar passions and interests.
4. Work It: Fundraisers are a great place to meet business people.  If the ticket price is a bit much for your budget, think about working at the event.  Call the charity that is hosting the fundraiser, and see if they need help at the registration desk.  This way you will have an automatic “in” to the event, where you can later go and mingle.
5. Reconnect With Your Past: One word ~ ALUMNI! College alumni events are probably one of the best places to network, because alumni love to help other alumni.  Plus, reunion events are stress free because you already have something in common with everyone in the room: a passion for your school.  Connect with your schools Alumni department to see what events they have coming up, and make sure to attend.

The next time you want to go out and build connections, try and think outside of the box.  Networking can occur in unexpected places!

I don’t know about your office, but it seems like a lot of people are getting sick. I am sure I am not the only person who dreads the inconvenience of getting sick. So for this article, I decided to put my worry to good use and do a little research on staying healthy at work. I came across a great article by ABC News that I thought it gave one of the best holistic approaches to workplace health. Below is a summary of their seven tips:

1. Go for a walk – According to a study done by a team at University of Michigan, going for a 50 minute nature walk can improve your working memory by 20%. Surprisingly, results were similar when participants were asked to just view pictures of nature for 10 minutes.
2. Surf the Web or Take a Break – Researchers have found that briefly cruising the web for a “rest break” rejuvenated exhausted employees and boosted their productivity. Many companies are strict on internet use, so incorporate different types of rest breaks – going for a (healthy) snack or cup of coffee.
3. Turn your desk area into a mini gym – bring hand weights or use an exercise ball instead of a chair. Truthfully, I will probably never do this, however I could benefit for doing some desk push up or squats 3 times a day.
4. Keep moving – instead of emailing “everything” hand deliver notes to coworkers nearby. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
5. Watch your posture – “The number one thing that gets people into trouble as far as a downgrade in their health is their posture.” Some simple things include sitting close to your desk and keep your computer monitor at eye level.
6. Plan ahead – bringing your own lunch is both healthier and cheaper. Eat every 4 hours and brings some healthy snacks to avoid the temptation of the vending machine
7. Food Safety –over 60% of Americans eat lunch at their desks. Be sure to treat your desk as you would treat a kitchen counter and clean it regularly.

While job searching and actively interviewing for a new career opportunity, it is essential that you separate yourself from the rest of the herd.  Personal branding is a tool which if utilized can land you your next career opportunity.  Other than your documented experiences and successes, personal branding is a great and easy way to set yourself apart amongst other qualified candidates by making you memorable, recognizable, and presenting value to your interviewer.

Personal branding is a valuable tool that can be used not only during interviews, but also during final negotiations, initial networking and just casually speaking with people in public.  Unlike other tricky interview questions, the “tell me a little about yourself?” question is easy to prepare for because you know its coming in one form or another!

The idea behind personal branding is to present a clear personal representation of your upbringing, professional accomplishments, career goals and aspirations.  It should paint the picture of how you got to this point in your career and why your experiences and accomplishments will be valuable to the opportunity available.

A personal branding statement is an easy way to creatively make your interviewer remember you.  It should be somewhat brief, but descriptive, and should tell your story as both a professional and as a person.  Don’t be afraid to spice it up with some personal information. This information might make a connection with your interviewer which could land you an offer!  For example, “I went to High school at CBA and played baseball and basketball and was successful for four years which enabled me to achieve my goal of playing collegiate basketball for Cazenovia.”  That explains a lot about yourself: you’re competitive, you can work with a team, and you were able to achieve a goal you set out to do.  This also opens lines of communication; maybe your interviewer went to CBA or knows someone who also went to Cazenovia which can strike up a conversation and will connect you to your interviewer.  Creating these opportunities are ways to imprint yourself into the interviewer’s memory.

The challenge is being able to understand how to start your personal speech and keeping it valuable and relevant to the conversation.  In an article written in 2010 by Scott Ginsberg, he outlines ten different ways to start your personal branding statement.

1. “I can summarize who I am in three words.”  Grabs their attention immediately.  Demonstrates your ability to be concise, creative, and compelling.
2. “The quotation I live my life by is…”  Proves that personal development is an essential part of your growth plan.  Also shows your ability to motivate yourself.
3. “My personal philosophy is…”  Companies hire athletes – not shortstops.  This line indicates your position as a thinker, not just an employee.
4. “People who know me best say that I’m…”  This response offers insight into your own level of self-awareness.
5. “Well, I Googled myself this morning, and here’s what I found…”  Tech-savvy, fun, cool people would say this.  Unexpected and memorable.
6. “My passion is…”  People don’t care what you do… people care who you are, and what you’re passionate about is who you are.  Plus, passion      unearths enthusiasm.
7. “When I was seven years old, I always wanted to be…”  An answer like this shows that you’ve been preparing for this job your whole life, not just the night before.
8. “If Hollywood made a move about my life, it would be called…”  Engaging, interesting, and entertaining.
9. “Can I show you, instead of tell you?”  Then pull something out of your pocket that represents who you are.  Who could resist this answer?  Who could forget this answer?
10. “The compliment people give me most frequently is…”  Almost like a testimonial, this response also indicates self-awareness and openness to feedback.

While some of those are a little extreme, the idea is to make yourself standout, make them interested in you instead of just what is on your resume.

Summary

1. Your interview is about you defining your value to the company.  Your personal brand should clearly define that value.
2. Be prepared for it.  From an interviewer’s standpoint, how can a candidate understand a job without understanding their own accomplishments and goals?
3. Be confident. If you are not confident in your past, you won’t be confident in the future.
4. The interviewer just wants to see you answer quickly, smoothly, and creatively showing self awareness.
5. Be ready for your speech at all times because you never know when your next opportunity may arise or when you meet someone who could help you.

I spend a lot of time talking on the phone to candidates, clients, my family and friends.  I am always trying to think of ways to come across more professional, articulate and sincere.  Because I spend a lot of time talking to people, I have a pretty good idea of what rubs me the wrong way and what I appreciate.

I also wanted to take a more critical look at my own phone habits to see what I could improve upon.  I stole some good tips from Microsoft’s “10 Things Never to Do on a Business Call” andUniversityofMissouri’sSchoolofBusiness’s “Phone Etiquette 101” and threw in some of my own for good measure.

• Sounds pretty basic, but introduce yourself with your first and last name.  As much as I want to be the only ‘Liz’ in the world, chances are my business contacts know a couple.
• Always ask to put someone on speaker phone or hold.  I am guilty of this; I need to stop telling people I am putting them on speaker phone and instead ask.
• Don’t talk too much.  I have had perfectly qualified candidates not get jobs based on talking too much during phone interviews.  Be sure to keep your conversation appropriate and concise.
• Practice.  My voice is a scratchy in the morning.  Be sure to exercise your vocal chords before making an important call.
• If YOU call someone, do not put them on hold.  Sounds pretty basic, but if you were the one to reach out, don’t inconvenience them by making them wait.
• Leave short and concise voicemails.  Be sure to leave your first and last name and say your phone number twice.
• Be conscious of background noise.  The occasional siren in the background isn’t your fault, but blasting Top 40’s is.
• Show some personality.  Let a little bit of your personality shine through and don’t be afraid to laugh.
• Stay positive and energetic.  We all get grumpy and tired; feel free to vent on personal calls but never on business ones.
• Listen to talk radio for tips.  Radio personalities are great at telling stories and interviewing guests all over the phone.
• Be respectful.  Regardless of who you talk to, be respectful and kind.  That goes for clients, telemarketers and of course… recruiters.