Every internet article I seem to read this time of year is a Top 10 List.
With that in mind, I am compiling my Top Ten Reasons to Move to Syracuse.

What makes me qualified to write this blog? Well, I am an expert on Syracuse.  I have lived here for four months.  I went to Fayetteville for the first time last week to get my nails done.

In all seriousness, I am very new to Central New York.  I have no family or prior ties to Syracuse.  After seven years in Chicago, I moved to Syracuse this past August.  I moved out of my high rise apartment, quit my job, and drove across the country in a U-Haul.  Now, like most moves and life changes, it was met with much fear and trepidation.  Four months later, I am happy to say I made the right decision.

1. No Traffic – I used to commute an hour each way to go 20 miles.  Add a little rain or snow, and the trip doubled.  Once I was stuck on the train for over 4 hours.  Now I walk 2 blocks to work and it’s a 15 minute drive to literally everywhere else.
2. More disposable income – I was surprised to find that in addition to housing being less expensive, so are the haircuts, parking, and gym memberships (if I had one).  Especially for students that take out loans, Syracuse’s cost of living makes it much more affordable.
3. Travel – Yes, there aren’t as many direct flights, but there aren’t the hour long security lines either.  Last trip, I made it from the parking garage to the gate in less than 15 minutes.  Beat that.  Plus, you can spend the $5000 a year you saved on housing to travel instead.
4. More Free Time – With less commuting, there is more time to develop hobbies, volunteer, take classes and actually start investing in the community.
5. No Reservations – I made a restaurant reservation in Chicago last year.  I called two months in advance and the only available time was a Sunday at 5pm.  Not here, I can show up without reservations to popular restaurants such as Pastabilities and Alto Cinco with only a little wait.
6. Natural Beauty –Syracuse has the Finger Lakes, wineries and lovely surrounding nature-scapes.
7. Wegman’s – There is a grocery store here called “Wegmans”.  It is incredible.  You should check it out.
8. Arts/Sports – I love the Arts; my fiancé loves sports.  Fortunately, there are ample opportunities for both.
9. Farmer’s Market – The regional market on Saturdays is inspiring.  I bought so many peaches that I made a pie.  I don’t even know how to bake!
10. New York City – If you are really dying for the city life, you can always take a day trip to NYC.  Plus, when you tell people you live in New York, they assume New York City anyways.

With the holidays right around the corner, why not take a few hours of your time and volunteer?  Many organizations are looking for volunteers to help make the holidays a happy time for everyone.  If you think there is not enough time to volunteer, organizations are very willing to work around any schedule, and various shifts are usually available!  Whether you are looking to volunteer on a daily or weekly basis, there are many opportunities out there for you.

The benefits of volunteering are endless.  While you are volunteering your time and helping out others, you are also helping yourself.  According to the World Volunteer Web, the benefits of volunteering can be both personal and professional.

On a personal level volunteerism helps you:
     1. Become an active member of your community.
     2. Find new hobbies, talents, and interests.
     3. Feel a sense of self-achievement while making a difference to others.

On a professional level volunteerism helps you:
     1. Boost your resume!
     2. Build valuable connections.  Networking is key tool in the job search 
     process.
     3. Improve your skills.  Volunteering can help you develop new skills, while
     also improving the skills you already have.
     4. Stay engaged.  If you are unemployed, there is no better way to use your
     time than volunteering.

In just a few hours you can help out an organization, feel great about what you have done, and even boost your resume. To find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you, please visit www.volunteermatch.org or www.serve.gov.

        The transition from college to the “real world” can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. With so many changes going on, most people are unsure of which step to take first. As obvious as it may seem, the first step any recent college graduate should take is to start the job search process! Do not put off the job search process because of a fear of failing. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the 2011 Job Outlook Survey shows employers plan on hiring 19.3 percent more graduates this spring than one year ago. Follow these tips to get your job search started off on the right foot.

Tip #1 – Take advantage of your alumni network! Alumni Associations are a great way to build connections, and can also be very helpful because they were once in the same position. Connect with as many alum as you can to get your name and career goals out there. Social media sites, such as LinkedIn, will make building these connections quick and easy.

Tip #2 – Utilize social media! As stated before, social media sites are helpful in building connections, but they are also helpful in the job search process. Create a professional Twitter and LinkedIn account, and get the word out there that you are looking for a job. Also, make sure to clean up your online presence. Delete inappropriate pictures and comments from Facebook, because some employers do look at personal pages. Don’t forget to take a second to “Google” yourself to make sure there are no surprises on the internet (such as inappropriate pictures from 4 years ago that you forgot about).

Tip #3 – Consider an internship or dedicate some time to volunteering if you are unsure of what you want to do. Internships and volunteer experience look great on resumes, and can provide a sense of direction for possible career options. If you are lucky, an internship or a volunteer experience may even help you secure a full-time position!

Tip #4 – Stay positive! Continuously remind yourself about your skills and talents so you feel confident putting yourself out there. Searching for a job can be time-consuming and discouraging at times, but do not give up. It is necessary to invest time and energy into resume writing, job applications, and brushing up on interview skills. Just remember that it will all be worth it in the end.

When conducting your job search, in order to improve your odds for success during your job search, there are four key steps you need to follow.  This will place you above your competition and on the path to success!

First, you must prepare yourself.  PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE.  In almost any interview you will be asked to define your greatest strength and/or weakness.  Make sure you evaluate and specify what type of job you are looking for, this way you can make a list of potential employers.  After listing potential employers, prepare by researching those companies.  It is crucial that you are educated on the company you are applying to before heading into an interview. 

Second, put together a strong Cover Letter and Resume.  The key to a successful cover letter is grabbing the reader’s attention.  You want to display yourself in a confident manner by listing your key accomplishments.  You should also use this opportunity to request action, whether it is asking for an interview or a phone call response.  Be sure to keep it under one page in length. Your resume should display your work experiences, skills, interests and strengths.  Put a strong emphasis on your key accomplishments and highlight all relevant successes (educational and professional).  This is your opportunity to market yourself! Include methods for the employer to contact you (phone number, e-mail address, etc.).

Thirdly, make sure your interviewing skills are in tip top shape.  Your first impression is crucial, so make sure you dress to impress (literally).  Prepare your interpersonal skills and make sure you set a relaxing tone.  Prepare yourself for all types of interview questions that may be asked.  Go one step further and prepare questions for the employer. These could be questions you came up with during your research of the company.  The bottom line is – practice makes perfect.

Lastly, make sure you have timely follow-up, timely being the operative word.   Always respond to phone calls and e-mails immediately and place a high importance on doing so.  No employer likes to sit around and wait for responses from a potential employee.  Chances are, they are waiting for several other responses. Try to always think of it as a first come, first served basis.  When you are asked to send a Cover Letter and Resume, make sure you are already prepared with both so that you can do so right away.  If your job search leads to an interview, prepare a Thank-You letter for the interviewer immediately after leaving the meeting.  Finally, if an offer is made, be ready to either accept or decline in a timely, considerate manner.

Published in the Syracuse Post Standard, January 31, 2011

It’s a new year, and the economy is showing signs of life. That means many people who need a job are aggressively starting to look again.

If you have been putting off your job search and are ready to re-ignite it, here are some tips on how to do so while striving to stand out from the crowd.

Get in a routine. Set the alarm clock, get out of bed, shower and get the day started. Don’t allow yourself to wear sweatpants all day. Dress nicely, even if you’re going to the bank. You never know who you might meet.

Have you been networking? Work those relationships. Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn, your alumni network and your professional groups. Let them know how excited you are to find a job and get back to work. Do they have any advice for you? Do they know of anyone else that you can network with?

Stay in touch with your recruiter. If you are registered with a recruiting firm, be sure to contact them and check in. Let them know you are still seeking employment, and wish to remain active. If anything has changed in your search, make your recruiter aware. (Think — new salary expectations, expanded geographic preferences, different types of positions that you’d like to consider.)

Reach out to your references. Give them a call and let them know you’re still seeking employment. Remind them that you may be sharing their contact information so potential employers can complete a reference check on you. Ask them if they’ve heard of available jobs that might fit you.

Revitalize your resume. Make sure all information on it is relevant and accurate. Have you learned any new computer skills? If so, add them onto your resume. (If not, now is a great time to learn something new. Take advantage of some of the local resources that offer free computer training.)

Practice your interviewing skills. Prepare yourself so when the time is right, you can speak comfortably about your skill set. Ask a trusted friend to help you practice your interviewing technique, and be open to feedback.

Check out your social networking sites. What does your “page” say about you? What if someone you’re connected with on Facebook is hiring — is there anything on your page that will prevent them from contacting you about a job? It’s always a good rule of thumb to avoid badmouthing former employers, and that holds true for anything you may post on the Internet.

Stay social. Many people have told me they become depressed during their unemployment. Resist the urge to stay home. Continue to enjoy yourself — meet friends for coffee, invite people over for dinner, go out to watch a game. You might prefer to stay in and watch a movie, but it’s important to keep yourself actively engaged in conversation with others, plus it’ll give you something to look forward to.

Consider volunteer work. Find a cause that you are passionate about, and strive to make a difference in our community. Not only will you feel good about your decision to volunteer, you also might meet someone who could become part of your network.

Most importantly, have a positive outlook! It’s a new year, and hopefully that means you will have a new job. Be optimistic.

Don’t forget the basics

?  Keep a professional greeting on your voicemail.

?  Possess an e-mail address that is professional.

?  Have an outfit ready if you’re called for an immediate interview.

?  Have a few copies of your resume printed on high-quality paper.

With Halloween right around the corner, there are numerous items on everyone’s minds. Costumes, Candy and of course the main issue “How could it already be October 31^st?”.  Aside from the pumpkin carving, corn mazes and “trick or treating” that will be going on this weekend, there are other frightful things lurking if you are a job seeker…

How do you identify the Job “Tricks” from the Job “Treats”?  As Recruiters, we hear on a daily basis the horrors of job seekers that apply to some on-line job postings and then become wrapped up in internet scams.  With job seekers frightened by the job market and so many postings out there, it is very important to separate the facts from the fiction, prior to submitting your resume anywhere!

Here are a few “goblins” to avoid when submitting your resume online:

1.)    If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is too good to be true!  Stay true to your “gut” when reading job descriptions. Be weary of situations that present the “perfect” scenario, chances are they are more “tricks than treats”.

2.)    NEVER provide your Social Security Number, Credit Card Information or Bank Routing Numbers online, while submitting through general on-line websites. When initially applying for a position on sites, it is highly improbable that confidential information is required.

3.)    If company and contact information is provided in the job posting, do your homework and make sure that it is a legitimate company and the contact information provided is true and accurate.  Scam positions will list phony email addresses, non-working telephone numbers or false company information.

In closing, prior to hitting “submit”, please be mindful of the above tricks lurking in that scary online world! 

From everyone at C.R. Fletcher Associates, wishing you a SPOOKTACULAR Halloween full of Treats…

THE NY STATE FAIR IS HERE!

For most people Fair time can be a depressing sign that summer is over, school is starting and winter is almost here. For those of us in the recruiting world excitement sets in when the NYS Fair comes and goes because that means people are back to work and ready to start hiring again. The hiring process historically is more challenging during summer months.  Working around people’s vacation schedules tends to stretch out the interview process into weeks and sometimes months. Many companies have bright college interns taking up the slack, so hiring is not a priority.  Some companies wait until they start the budgeting process for next year to add staff and gear up for a new year.

As a result, September typically becomes a more active month for candidates and recruiters alike.

So if you are a candidate still looking for a position, are you prepared?  Is your resume up to date and well written?  If you have been out of the job market for a number of years, it might be worth getting your resume professionally written. Many of the larger companies today have automated application systems which may scan for key words. When applying for positions, does your resume content include some of the keys words identified in the job posting?  Once you send your resume have you prepared a follow up plan or do you let it go into internet outer space to never be found again?  Follow up is imperative in this economy.  It is common today for applicants to never receive a phone call from a live person letting them know their resume has been received.  It is your job to follow up with the company, to not only make sure they did receive it, but to confirm your interest in the position and hopefully secure an interview.

Once you get the interview, make sure you are prepared.  For tips on interviewing, follow this link: http://www.syracuse.com/job-advice/index.ssf/2010/02/eight_tips_for_making_a_good_impression_in_a_job_interview.html

After you’ve had the interview and it went great, follow up is equally imperative at this stage.  Make sure you send well written thank you notes to all the people that you interviewed with.  Continue to follow up with the main contact at the company reiterating your interest in the position until a decision is made. Hopefully the decision is in your favor, but regardless of the outcome, you have to be prepared throughout the process.

So, enjoy the sausage sandwiches and pizza fritte, but then get prepared to get back to work!

There is no doubt that you have heard criticism on all levels about social media. I am one of the worst offenders of this. When my kids were in college all I heard about was “facebook” and all of the inappropriate comments and pictures that were being posted on the internet. Being in my industry the first thing I thought of when I heard that was: “how would that look if your employer were to get their hands on it?” I would constantly tell my kids that they need to delete their facebook accounts before they start interviewing for jobs. Well, I will admit it, I was wrong… somewhat. There is undoubtedly still an abundance of dangerous scenarios to fall victim to on websites like Facebook, Twitter, etc. but social media channels are becoming one of the most popular marketing tools available. I am still trying to figure out how to text message when all of the sudden I receive a message from my cell phone’s facebook application… which I was unaware I even had. Being well versed in Facebook is becoming nearly as valuable as your Microsoft Office skills. Your ability to maintain relationships via social media networking sites can now be viewed as an indicator of your personality. My advice to any individual is to take advantage of things like Facebook but use good judgment in the process. Whether you think so or not, your “security settings” on these websites don’t always block others from viewing content. Make sure whatever gets associated with your name on Facebook as well as anywhere on the internet is clean and appropriate. In less than 5 years internet social media networking has changed from a means for college kids to keep themselves occupied when they aren’t “studying” to a networking tool for people of all ages. It’s an extremely powerful tool that can have dramatic effects both positively and negatively. If it has grown this much in such a short period of time just imagine what it will do in the next five years!