Re-inventing Yourself: Call to Action for Mid-Career Professionals

On June 1 join I. J. Hudson, former NBC4 reporter, will review his fascinating career as Washington DC’s first technology broadcast reporter, and his transition story from TV reporter to communications professional for a law firm. Along the way, I.J. has developed “Call to Action” tips and insights on making that mid-career transition. Mr.Hudson is currently the Communications Director for Garson Claxton LLC. where he uses his 32 years of broadcast experience to provide the firms clients with media training, media relations advice, and crisis communications consulting.

A Web Presence From Scratch

By ELIZABETH GARONE

With unemployment at a 23-year high, job seekers need to expand the ways in which they search, say career and workplace experts. These days setting up and maintaining an online presence is often critical to finding work. But for an accomplished professional, it might seem daunting to build up a social-networking presence from scratch. Here’s how to do it:
[Facebook] Getty Images

Claim your name. Before someone else does it, you’ll want to “claim your name” on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, says brand strategist Catherine Kaputa and author of “U R A Brand.” You’ll also want to try to purchase the domain for your name — they typically are priced starting at less than $10. This way, you control how you will be perceived, says Ms. Kaputa. If your name is taken, use a slight variation, such as a middle name or initial, suggests Ms. Kaputa. Then begin developing a Web presence, starting with basic information like your résumé and then add to it as you go.

Practice prudence. Sree Sreenivasan, a professor of digital media at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, made the decision early on to limit himself to three social-networking sites: Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. “There is just not enough time,” he says. “Pick two or three, then cultivate a presence there.” If you only manage to join one site, most experts agree that it should be LinkedIn. “It is the one crucial place to be if you are a business executive, professional or entrepreneur,” says Ms. Kaputa. It might help you land a job. For example, more than half of the candidates in Salesforce.com Inc.’s recruiting process are connected to someone at the company, says Scott Morrison, director of recruiting programs. Many of those connections come from the 98% of the company’s more than 3,500 employees who have LinkedIn profiles. “It’s a tremendous resource for us and our recruiters,” says Mr. Morrison.

Choose connections wisely. You’ll also want to choose your network carefully; only add people you actually know or with whom you’ve done business. Whether it’s on LinkedIn, Facebook or any other networking site, “it’s much more of a quality game than a quantity game,” says Krista Canfield, a LinkedIn spokeswoman. A recruiter may choose to contact one of your connections to ask about you; make sure that person is someone you know and trust.

Consistency is key. You’ll need to update your profile regularly. “Curate [your online profile] the same way you would curate your one-page résumé,” says Mr. Sreenivasan. And remember, many recruiters Google candidates before the interview, says Ms. Kaputa. Google yourself to see how you stack up on the Web compared with others and whether your “personal brand” is compromised in any way.

Write to Elizabeth Garone at cjeditor@dowjones.com
Printed in The Wall Street Journal, page D5

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Words that Work at Work: An Inside Job for Connecting to Your Outside Job — May 18

Renée Barnow will engage you in experiencing the power of a single word or a two-word phrase so you will be able to create the right connection. How do you experience conversations about work or searching for work during these economically challenging times? Are you using words that keep you afloat? Learn 3 steps for choosing words that will increase your internal resources needed for securing your next job. One way to explore the quality of conversations is by experiencing how the words you speak and words you hear resonate in your body. Through her breakthrough methodology Action Based Communication™ described in her book Action Based Communication: Changing Experience through Language,

50+ Employment Expo

Here’s an opportunity to meet recruiters from dozens of companies, including nonprofits, government, healthcare, retail, technology, and more.  Organized by the Jewish Council for the Aging, the 50+ Employment Expo also offers a number of concurrent job-search seminars on interviewing skills, changing careers, job-hunting tips, and resume writing.

40Plus of Greater Washington is manning an information table at the Expo, so be sure to stop by and say hello.

The 50+ Employment Expo takes place Friday, May 15, 2009, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Marriott Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Road — easy access from White Flint Metro on the Red Line.  Admission and parking are free. 

Escaping Solitary Confinement: More Networking Tips

Our friend Gabe Goldberg is re-uniting with Kristen King for a workshop on networking.  The duo presented at a January 2008 Monday Morning meeting.  Here’s the pitch:

Join us for a night of networking tips from local successful freelancers Gabe Goldberg and Kristen King as they share advice on networking as a way to meet potential clients, employers, and colleagues, and as part of your overall marketing plan or career development strategy. In these economic times, every professional needs a broad network! Gabe and Kristen will offer tips for networking in person and online, including professional organizations, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and more. Share your own networking strategies and experiences and practice your new skills in an evening of food, fun, and new friends.

http://www.justshowup.com/index.php?tg=addon/1/main&idx=event&fn=view&eid=634

Get into the Game: Non Verbal Skills Will Improve Your Interviewing and Networking Success

Did you know that words account for only 7% of what we communicate? 93% is communicated through body language, voice, tone and tempo.

In this fun, supportive half day session you will have the opportunity to:
• Practice observing and delivering non-verbal messages
• Learn to identify and control non verbal signals
• Improve your message coherence and impact
• Be videotaped, (some simulations will be taped)
• Interact in a safe, supportive classroom environment

Show up with open eyes and open ears.

Designed and Led by: Randall Gafner, Job Search and Interview Coach, and Cynthia Wiley, Organization Development Consultant and Leadership Coach

When: Saturday, June 6, 2009; 10am – 2 pm
Where: 40Plus of Greater Washington, 1718 P Street, NW, T-2, Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 202-387-1582

Fee: $45 (40Plus Members) $65.00 Non-members
(Checks made out to 40Plus of Greater Washington; Visa, Master Card or Discover card welcome)

Dress: Business Casual

Maximum class size: 10 (space is limited, so please sign up early)

IMPORTANT:
• Bring a bag lunch and drink. (We will review and discuss video excerpts during lunch.)
• Bring resumes, business cards, TMAYs, and elevator speech ready to deliver.
• Last day to register June 3.

Please RSVP for the workshop with coordinator Derek Fulkerson, 703.927.6117 or email June_Workshop@40plus-dc.org

CANCELLATION POLICY Individuals who miss a program without prior notice are expected to pay in full. Cancellation requests must be made at least 2 business days prior to the start of the session. All cancellations must be made in writing (please fax to 202-387-7669 or email June_Workshop@40plus-dc.org)

Spring Into Action @ Monthly Happy Hour — Thursday May 14

Now is the time to get out and celebrate the sunshine. All 40Plus Group members and friends are invited to spend some face to face quality time with the 40Plus community. The place is the Panache Restaurant 1725 DeSales St NW 202.293.7760 Time 4 to 7.

Resume Swap – Free and Open to the Public

Bring your resumes on May 11, kick off time is 9:45. We will hosting a networking meeting and resume swap free and open to the public. Here is an opportunity for get feedback from your peers. So drop by and visit 40Plus to learn about this 56-year-old all volunteer, non-profit institution in service to the professional community of Washington, D.C. Bring your resume for a networking meeting where contacts, information about the Washington DC employment market, and feedback on how you can improve your job search are all freely exchanged. Learn also about the high-quality job search training program which can change your life. All are welcome, see you there!