The Dog Days of Job Hunting

Does a headline like this scare you?

it should because the consolidation is not over yet.

Don't despair just because we are in the "dog days" of job hunting there are action items you can do now to keep yourself primed for. FYI: Dog Days is the name for the sultriest period of summer, from about July 3 to Aug. 11. Named in early times by observers in countries bordering the Mediterranean, the period was reckoned as extending from 20 days before to 20 days after the conjunction of Sirius (the dog star) and the sun.

First and foremost is to learn to create your own opportunity you have to get your name out there. Just don't sit around wailing for the phone to ring.

Start with a vanity search and type your full name into GOOGLE. Get any results? If you have ever authored any articles hers is an insiders tip.

To see where your articles are posted go to GOOGLE and type "your name" + articles. Yes, use quotation marks around your name, then add the plus sign. You'll find articles you've written and articles written about you but not other references.

Disappointed??? Ready to get started with more visibility?

Here are some self promotion ideas for consideration:
Write an article.
Make a speech.
Write a press release.
Enter a competition.
Get an interview.
Start an e-zine.
Get a personal website.
Pick up the phone and call old contacts.
Send out a clever "how are" you card.
Give a testimonial.
Attend a conference.

Does that give you enough ideas? Every day you should schedule at least one of the above activities. The summer is an ideal time to get started because work is a little less hectic.

So the next time I hear from you I don't want to learn you "have gone to the dogs".

JoAnn Hines' specialty is PACKAGING PEOPLE. Whether you want to be paid more, you just lost your job, or you want to progress in the one you have, Ms. Hines advice and expertise can help you transform your personal brand. She can show you how to package yourself and make your brand a hot commodity. It's easy once you know the ropes and begin to utilize her insider's secrets. She shows you step by step how to increase your visibility, credibility and marketability with easy to use tutorials and templates.

It is time to get started "Packaging Yourself." Email me the Chief People Packager @ pkgcoach@aol.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


The Big Mo : Momentum and the Hiring Process

Momentum as defined by Webster's is: strength or force gained... Read More

?How to Look Your Best in a Down Economy?

As you know too well ~ many jobs have been... Read More

The Changing Values Landscape of the U.S. and How It Impacts Midlife Job Searchers

Imagine a huge river that has been flowing for centuries:... Read More

Why You Should Never Complain About Former Bosses

You're at a job interview. You're doing great, answering questions... Read More

The Changing Values Landscape of the U.S. and How It Impacts Midlife Job Searchers, Part Two

The values landscape of our nation is changing, and with... Read More

Benefits of Mystery Shopping For Secret Shoppers

Mystery shoppers are people who are hired to scrutinize employees,... Read More

Layoff Survival Guide - Do You Have The Career Management Horsepower It Will Take To Survive?

In a recent survey of over 662 career seekers, some... Read More

Tips for Building a Successful Career

1. Develop excellent work habits ? for example, meet deadlines... Read More

Stepping Stone Jobs

What we name something matters.It sets a tone that alters... Read More

A Look At Some Out of the Ordinary Jobs

What do you want to be when you grow up?... Read More

Career Search from Within

Seeking meaningful and fulfilling work can become a discouraging, confusing... Read More

The Five Most Common - And Most Avoidable - Résumé Errors

Writing an effective résumé can certainly be challenging. There are... Read More

Resumes OR CV : Get That Job

Your resume is your sales document. It tells the world... Read More

Rejection Got You Down in the Job Search?

REJECTION IN THE JOB SEARCHGOT YOU DOWN?It's true, no one... Read More

Are You Suited for Self-employment?

A recent poll conducted by Yahoo! Small Business showed that... Read More

The Perfect Resume

The perfect resume presents hiring managers with a... Read More

Preparing For An Interview

When preparing for an interview, you need to know your... Read More

Unemployment Blues: Mind Over Mood

Our lives are tranquil and smooth so seldom, it seems.... Read More

Telecommuting Cover Letters

Question: How do I market myself online?Answer: With a stellar... Read More

Successful Job Search: Knocking Out The Competition

Most of the time, competition stimulates us, gets our juices... Read More

Changing Careers? How to Get Around the Three Major Mental Roadblocks to Success

A part of you can't wait to dive into your... Read More

Creating Your Own Luck

Losing my job in the last recession of... Read More

The Organized Job Search

Many people, under financial or other pressures to find work... Read More

How to Tell if You are Fired and Just Dont Know It

No one should be fired and be surprised about it.... Read More

How To Write A Résumé

Figure out what you want to do.You can't write an... Read More

Blogging for Candidates 101: Nuts and Bolts

A "blog" is simply an internet (web) log. Blogs are... Read More

Make Your Career Offshore Proof

There has been a lot of talk recently about American... Read More

Strange Jobs Still Pay The Bills

Strange jobs? How do we define that? Years ago I... Read More

Evaluating Job Offers -- Eleven Warning Signs You Must Watch Out For

Moving into a new job always involves some degree of... Read More

Great Salary Negotiation Tips

11 Commandments For Smart Negotiating1 - BE PREPARED. The... Read More

Self-Preservation Techniques For The Unemployed

Looking for work can be difficult, frustrating, anxiety-provoking, and demeaning.There... Read More

Factual Employment Screening Part 2

An Employment Screening OutlinePolicy DevelopmentA policy of Factual Employment Screening;... Read More

Sample Resume Objectives: Read, Dont Copy

The resume objective statement is typically something that trips people... Read More