Hot Positions!

There are several really hot, urgent, high priority positions that I am working on right now. As always, with such a variety of searches throughout the country...some move incredibly quickly and others take a slower pace. It seems that lately most are moving forward very quickly with getting candidates in and moving along quickly through the interview process - a great sign! Things within the industry continue to be great in my opinion, based upon the high level of activity that I am continuing to see with the job requisitions that I am receiving to fill. Of course much, if not all of this focus continues to be focused on the remodeling and replacement side of the business versus new construction - for obvious reasons. I have also noticed that many of you who I have spoken with recently have gotten new career opportunities in record time - amazing! Please continue to keep an eye out on the list of jobs that I am actively recruiting for to the lower right side of this Blog. You all have been wonderful about providing me with some great referrals and I appreciate it tremendously...keep them coming!! I am really looking forward to continuing to work hard to assist each of you in your current and future job searches and am so excited at the way things are looking within the industry!

Steps to Finding Your Dream Job

Life's far too short to not be doing what excites you for a profession! For the amount of time we spend working, thinking about work, stressing about work, talking about work, commuting to and from work, etc. it is truly amazing how many people are not in professions that make them happy. Easier said than done of course...as it involves taking that often much harder and rougher path to set out and follow your heart to be doing what you have a passion for. My father recently gave me an article relating to this topic - a seemingly invaluable read for me especially with having recently started my own business. The article my Dad gave me was far too long to post here, and is actually is a famous speech from a few years back...if you want a copy, just email me and I will email it to you. Because the gist of that article hit me in so many powerful and different ways, I sought out to find a briefer cliff notes version of steps to following the path to your dream job. Not anywhere as powerful as the article I referenced above, yet some good tips provided here nonetheless from forbes.com on steps to finding your dream job. Good luck!!!

Is It Time To Go?

If you're filled with dread late Sunday afternoon or if little things become big chores or unbelievably annoying at work, it may be time to think about changing careers. If you're routinely in a deep funk, a new job in the same field probably won't make much difference.

Current Job Bugaboos

Make a list of what drives you crazy at your current job. Is it your co-workers, short-sighted management, mindless repetition of the same stuff every day? Defining the cause of your dissatisfaction will help point you in a new direction.

Make A List

List the components of your dream job, including as many details as possible. But don't let fine points become deal breakers. Think: What do you really want to do? Where do you want to do it? What will it take to make the switch?

Follow Your Passion
The key to launching a new career is to match your passion with your talents. What are you good at? Can you pay the bills doing it? Are you willing to take a pay cut? If so, where do you and your family cut back financially?

Basic Research
Research your proposed new field. Does it require special training? A license? An additional college degree? Can you perform your dream job in your current location or will you have to move? Are your spouse and family willing move to a new city or even a new state?

Include Your Spouse
A successful career switch must involve your spouse, especially if the change means lower pay. You can do without the fancy car and spiffy clothes, but you've got to think about the kids' braces and college education. Everyone will be a part of your new career, so make your spouse a partner in making the right decision.

Take Notes

Talk with others in your proposed field to better understand what you're getting into. Ask a basic question: What are the joys and frustrations? Take notes to chart your progress. If you decide to look for work in a new field, make a list of all contacts and interviews. Above all, keep at it until you find what you want.

How to handle a layoff

With recent news of some of the larger companies such as Pella and Peachtree shutting down plants and continual lay offs within the industry, this article seemed timely to share with you all. I will stress however, that things in the job market within the industry remain quite strong in my view. As I have referenced in many recent posts here, I am busier than ever recruiting for a variety of positions throughout the country. As the bigger companies slash their workforces in an effort to cut costs...many of the smaller to mid size companies seem to be reaping the benefits and hiring up a storm!

The below information came from a mix of an article from about.com and also msn money...as I thought they both offered some good and worthwhile tips.

What to do if you're laid off

Visit or call your state unemployment office

Ask your current employer about severance pay, accrued vacation and sick pay

Request information on continuance of health and life insurance benefits

Ask about outplacement resources

Request a reference letter for your files

Update your resume so it is ready to go when you come across opportunities that interest you and match your skill set

Research and determine career options

Create a job search action plan

Use this time as as opportunity to reassess your career goals

Treat your job search like a full-time job

Contact industry specialized recruiters to get your name thrown into the ring quick and often for opportunities that are not advertised

Other tips worth mentioning:

Try to negotiate a better severance package. Some (employers) will negotiate. The more senior the people, definitely. The more rank-and-file, it might be more difficult. It might be just based on the number of years you've worked there. If you don't ask, you won't know. The worst they can say is no.

Leave on good terms. You never know when that president or CFO goes to another company and you're looking to hire on with that company. Just don't burn bridges.

Get a recommendation. Especially if it's a mass layoff and really has nothing to do with your job performance, get a letter of recommendation explaining that so you can use it in your next job interview.

Roll over your retirement plan. Make sure you roll your money into an individual retirement account using a trustee-to-trustee transfer to avoid any penalty or tax hit. Don't take a check,or you could be subject to taxes.

If you're short of cash, tapping your retirement accounts should be "a choice of last resort," Still, he noted, such withdrawals become necessary at times. If so, check to see whether you qualify for your plan's penalty-free hardship withdrawal (though a job loss is often not covered).

Even if money's tight, resist using credit cards. Plus, if a big annual insurance payment is nearing, consider switching to smaller monthly or semiannual payments to avoid an immediate big hit to your pocketbook. And if necessary, put a hold on any automatic savings plans.

Calling all Sales Reps!!!!

Wow! I cannot honestly remember a time over the past 6 years that I have recruited in this industry where there was such a surge (and sudden one) for sales reps at this time of year! While I still continue to have several operations and manufacturing positions to recruit on...it seems sales positions are hot, hot, hot right now!

I am currently looking for great sales people in Atlanta, Dallas (2 here), KY, CA, NJ (3 here, different companies!), NY (several here, different co's), Dallas/Ft. Worth (another one!), and Sales management roles in the Midwest and also west coast! The best part is that I can honestly say each and every one of these companies are ones that I am personally impressed with and excited about that have great opportunities to offer along with great company and product reputations!

Nothing could be more exciting to be swarmed with so many sales positions to fill...what a great sign for the industry especially with all the bad news we have been hearing lately! I have heard from many of the companies and also candidates that I work with that several of you anticipate a tough and rough year ahead in 2008. I am hopeful and extremely optimistc that we will all pull through it unscathed and even more hopeful that this influx and demand for sales people will start the year off great for all of us!

On the manufacturing side of things my hottest and most urgent positions currently are for a Quality Manager in TX, a Plant Manager on west coast and a Design Engineer in FL. All great companies and fantastic opportunities!!

Please remember to keep checking my list of current positions to the right side of this Blog in the event you or someone you can refer or recommend to me may be a good fit for one of them! Thanks as always for all of your support and fantastic referrals over recent months especially!

Ways to Boost Your Interview IQ

It never hurts to beef up your interview skills...and as such, here is an article on tips to boost your interview skills/IQ that I thought was worthy of mentioning. Much of it seems to be basic, common sense...yet you would be surprised to know just how many people don't put many, if any of these to play when it comes time for the interview.

Ten Tips to Boost Your Interview IQ (by Carole MartinMonster Contributing Writer) Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need to prepare for job interviews. Why, you ask? Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. So study these 10 strategies to enhance your interview IQ.

Practice Good Nonverbal Communication. It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first impression can be a great beginning -- or quick ending -- to your interview.

Dress for the Job or Company. Today's casual dress codes do not give you permission to dress as "they" do when you interview. It is important to look professional and well-groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call to find out about the company dress code before the interview.

Listen. From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace.

Don't Talk Too Much. Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time, you may tend to ramble, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting, matching your skills with the position's requirements and relating only that information.

Don't Be Too Familiar. The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.

Use Appropriate Language It's a given that you should use professional language during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation -- these topics could send you out the door very quickly.

Don't Be Cocky Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.

Take Care to Answer the Questions When an interviewer asks for an example of a time when you did something, he is seeking a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.

Ask Questions. When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer. It is extremely important to ask questions to demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what is asked during the interview and asking for additional information.

Don't Appear Desperate When you interview with the "please, please hire me" approach, you appear desperate and less confident. Maintain the three C's during the interview: cool, calm and confident. You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.

2008 Forecast

Seems to be continually dismal news relative to the housing market and construction industry as well as another pretty bleak article/cover story on DWM this month regarding the down turn in the housing market. While true, I have to say the job market seems to be withholding relatively well based upon what I am seeing. I have mentioned in prior postings how busy I am with jobs to fill and what a good sign it is when an industry recruiter stays busy in what appears to be a fairly dismal time for many. Yet, seems worthy of mentioning again. I currently have several urgent, priority positions that I am working on so please be sure to keep an eye out on the listing of current jobs I keep updated here on this Blog. And thank you to so many of you for what have been some fantastic referrals lately! It seems when it rains it pours and I appreciate all of your help in helping me identify and find good talent for the positions I am working on!

New Years Resolutions for Job Seekers

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and New Years! It is certainly good to be getting back to work after the long holiday! I look forward to assisting many of you with finding new career opportunities in the coming year!

Here are some good tips that were posted on about.com in regard to job seekers new years resolutions by Alison Doyle, who writes a fantastic job searching blog. Also below is a link to some additional worthy tips from a myriad of other staffing experts that are worth checking out.

The start of a new year is always a good time to assess where you are in your job search, and to get back on track if your job search has faltered during the holiday season. That happens to the best of us, and a break can be a good thing, especially during the busy holiday season. The new year is also a good time of year to consider whether the timing is right for you to begin looking for a new job or a career change, and, if so, to get started. If you're not in job search mode, take some time to begin building or to expand your

professional brand. Branding is something every professional should be doing, even if they are not in job search mode at the moment.

This is also the time when we typically consider some resolutions for the future. Some of the top experts in job searching and career development have been kind enough to share their advice on how to effectively job search with us. (Click on link in blue text to read some additional good tips from other staffing experts). Consider adding some, or all, of them to your list of New Year's Resolutions and best wishes to you all in landing that perfect dream job in 2008!

Happy Holidays!!!

Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday! Hard to believe how quickly this year has passed and how much has occurred with many changes and ups and downs within the industry! Hiring continues to be strong with many new jobs coming my way to recruit for. Ironically most have been sales and sales management roles over the past few weeks which is a great sign!

I will be on vacation starting later today (Friday, 12/21) through next Wednesday enjoying the holiday with my beautiful 6 year old daughter! She is so excited for Christmas and reminds me daily how many days are left until Santa comes! I will be putting many calls out on some of the newer searches I have received to work on once I return to the office on Thursday. Please remember to check my active jobs posted to the right lower portion of the blog here to let me know if you or someone you know or can refer to me may be interested in one of the positions listed.

Enjoy your holidays and time spent with your families!!!

Establishing a Better Network

This was an interesting and timely article on networking that I saw on the subject of networking. I have recently had many conversations with people who looking for work within the industry to who I always suggest tapping into their network of industry contacts to help them in their job search. All too often I hear back that many don't feel they have a strong enough network or know enough people who are decision makers to make that effort worthwhile.

Help, I don't have a network (article from Yahoo-Hotjobs/author: Liz Ryan)

I suppose it's possible for an adult to have no network at all -- if he or she has been living in the Biosphere laboratory for the last few decades. But that is unlikely. You DO have a yep; everyone has a network! You just haven't been thinking of the people you know as a network.

Who Do You Know? A useful exercise for the person who thinks "I don't know anyone" is to sit down with a blank sheet of paper and write down 100 names. Write down the names of everyone you know. Here's what happens: the first 10 names are easy. Sometimes the next 10 are pretty easy too. Then, you sit.

You wonder: Who else do I know? You think: I don't know anyone else! But that's not true. You know people at work. You know people in your neighborhood. You know people at your gym, or your place of worship, or your kids' school. You know people through your parents, your friends, and your book club. Keep writing! It may take you an hour. If you stick to it, you'll list 100 people. Most of us know more people than that.

You have never thought of these folks as your network before. But that's what they are. These are people you will tell if you're looking for a job, but don't wait until you're job-hunting to cultivate your network.

Tending Your Network. Make sure you have contact information for everyone on your list. If you don't want to use technology in your network-management, use a plain old-fashioned address book. Next, reach out to your network, one by one. Touch base with the people you don't see often, and offer a coffee date to catch up. People are aware of their networks when they need them, but that's the worst time to reach out to seldom-seen contacts and say, "It's been too long!" It's so much better to strengthen your connections when you're not in need of a favor -- like right now, for instance.

Something incredible happens when you have lunch or coffee with a colleague or friend you haven't seen in awhile. You wonder why it took you so long to re-establish contact! Networking is not just for job-seekers; keeping up your friendships and work relationships gives you moral support, fresh ideas, and the reminder that the people around us add so much to our lives, personally and professionally. The new people you meet after you develop your "network awareness" will become part of your network, too.

Renew Old Ties In reviewing your network, you may think of someone you lost touch with long ago. "Well, it's too late now," you may think, "I can't contact that person, 10 years later." Well, why the heck not! There is no statute of limitations on networking, or on friendship. That person will very likely be delighted to hear from you. Networking is not just (or even mostly) about making new contacts -- it's cultivating the trusty old ones, as well.

They say no man is an island, and I have yet to meet the person who's truly unconnected in this people-packed world. You've got a network, whether you know it or not. Your job now is to behave like a person who's got a network -- keeping up with your contacts, being a friend and a resource to them, and letting them know what they mean to you.

Lots of new jobs!

Several new positions have come my way to recruit for over the past week...the majority of them are sales roles which is a good sign for the industry! The better news is that most of these are urgent with companies wanting to hire by year end! The exciting part for me is that many of these positions are with such fantastic companies that I think very highly of and will be great oportunities for some of you in the industry!

Please review the list of my open jobs that I am recruiting for to the lower right portion of this Blog and let me know if you or anyone you know may be interested and a good fit for any of these positions! Thanks as always and in advance for all of your referrals...they help me tremendously and are very much appreciated!

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Things continue to look good within the industry as far as hiring goes, regardless of all the negative news it seems. There is nothing I like more than to be able to spread good news and it seems the tail end of the year continues to be as busy as ever with hiring needs. Always a good sign when recruiters are kept busy with having many jobs to fill!

Trend wise, I am seeing a wide array of hiring needs. In the positions I am getting to fill these days. Still lots of needs for strong engineering and engineering management candidates along with several sales positions. I have not seen as many higher level executive positions come open these days, however they are still out there and I have seen more and more companies promote from within when these vacancies arise.

Many candidates think that things slow down this time of year...but nothing could be further from the truth. Don't let the holiday season allow you to think that hiring gets put on hold until the new year! Many companies are in a full push to close out the year strong with hiring top candidates and also in an effort to utilize remaining recruiting and hiring budgets.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving celebration! There is no better time of year to express to each of you how truly thankful I am for getting to work with you all. I am extremely appreciative of the wonderful professional relationships that have grown into close friendships with many of you in the industry!
Now more than ever with having recently started my own recruiting firm, I realize and appreciate all the more so, the incredibly amazing people that are drawn to this industry. It is an honor to work alongside each and every one of you!
Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and Holiday season!

Tips for acing the interview

We all dread that big interview...nerves get jittery and we tend to overanalyze even the smallest detail. Here are some tips to go in prepared and ace that next interview.:
Be Concise
Interviewees rambling on is one of the most common mistakes you can make. Listen to the question, and answer the question, and answer it concisely. So many candidates hear a question, begin to answer then go off on a tangent and end without provising the answer to the question at all.
Provide Examples
It's one thing to say you can do something; it's another to give examples of things you have done. You should come and anticipate the questions you are going to be asked based on the requirement of the role. Think of recent strong strategic examples of work you've done, then when the question is asked, answer with specifics, not in generalities. You should say, ‘Yes, I've done that before. Here's an example of a time I did that…,' and then come back and ask, ‘Did that answer your question?'"
Be Honest
Somehow, candidates get the impression that it's best to try to dance around difficult questions. If you don't have a skill, just state it. Don't try to cover it up by talking and giving examples that aren't relevant. You're much better off saying you don't have that skill but perhaps you do have some related skills, and you're happy to tell them about that if they like.
Keep Your Guard Up
Even as well as you may feel you may have gotten to know the hiring authority after a handful of interviews...it is always best to keep your guard up. I am not suggesting not being yourself...but I am suggesting not to give away too much. Candidates all too often get a bit too comfortable and say or do things they shouldn't have during the interview process. Remember: Always maintain your professionalism.
Ask Great Questions
Nothing impresses more than a really good question that not only shows you've researched the company in general, but the specific job you're hoping to land as well. Do your research and go in prepared armed with knowledge about the company.

Announcing...Prolyn Executive Search!

Many of you already know that I have left MRI and have branched out on my own...having started my own executive recruiting firm. For those of you who do not have my current, updated information, here it is:

Email: ceb@prolyn.net

Website: www.prolyn.net

Telephone: (803) 829-8368

Toll Free: (866) 566-2372

Fax: (803) 548-3792

This Blog will stay in effect as I will continue posting industry and other staffing relevant articles here. The Blog name of "The Windmill" will remain the same. Looking forward to continuing to partner with all of you in the future!!!

Exciting News - I am going out on my own!!!

Hello Everyone!! It is with great excitment that I tell you all that I have resigned from MRI and have started my own recruiting firm! I am busy working on closing out all active searches through MRI...my old contact information at MRI will remain in effect through October 31st...and I will be posting my new contact information here shortly! I am just putting the finishing touches on the new website prior to unveiling it all to you!

You will all be receiving an email announcement from me here within the next few days...but figured I'd post my announcement here as well to keep you all updated.

I am beyond excited about this new venture and am looking forward to continuing to partner with all of you going forward. My industry focus will remain the same - Windows & Doors and I will be working harder than ever to help you fill positions and/or find that next dream job!

More details coming your way soon!!! Enjoy your weekend!

Follow Your Bliss

This is a great article that I received in an email newsletter...it is geared or written more towards recruiters...but the tips and advice truly are transitionable to any profession. As such, I took out much fo teh bulk of the article as it just listed real life examples that a recruiter experienced in trying to follow/find his bliss...but hope that some of the below will be of us or of interest to you.
FOLLOW YOUR BLISS

"If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a track that has been there all the while, waiting for you. When you can see that, you begin to meet people who are in your field of bliss, and they open doors to you. Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls."

How to apply this to your desk or office:

1. Follow your bliss when selecting the clients you'll work for.

2. Follow your bliss when deciding what niche or sub niche to focus on.

3. Follow your bliss when it comes to the parts of the recruiting (sales) process to focus on vs. the parts you'll outsource to others.

4. Follow your bliss when it comes to the new projects, strategic alliances or business relationships to take on.

5. Follow your bliss when deciding what terms you'll accept.

6. Follow your bliss when setting goals and deciding how large or small your business should ought to be.

7. Follow your bliss in regards to work/life balance and time off.

Career Assessment Tests

Most people in general, that I have crossed paths with anyway are not huge fans of taking any sort of tests. The career assessment test, however, when used properly can be an invaluable tool...if utilizing a good solid test and taking a very open and honest approach in the way you answer your questions. The downside is that in my opinion it can also throw you of your course pretty quickly as to what your right or dream profession should be.

Using my own personal experience as an example...I will tell you that after taking a myriad of career assessment tests way back when, and even reading through the infamous "What Color is Your Parachute" book (more than once!)...my test results could not have been more off in many ways! Turns out according to my results I should have been a social worker, teacher or something relating to the arts. I will tell you that I am a sales person at heart and through my work as a recruiter have learned quickly that I thrive on the charge and often chaos of closing the deal, getting the sale, etc. I am one of the lucky ones...having found my dream job, having a strong passions for it and never in a million years being able to imagine doing anything else. As such, thought this article may be of interest to some of you who are in that state of questioning what career is right for you.

CAREER ASSESSMENT TESTS:
As a child, you were sure you were going to grow up to be a cowboy. But somewhere between waking up for Saturday morning cartoons and staying up for Conan, you traded in your cowboy hat for a briefcase.

While it's fine that you never became a cowboy, you can't say that you've ever pursued anything with the same passion you once had for life on the open range. For whatever reason, you sort of just "fell" into the job you have today, and honestly, you're less than thrilled. So why stay?

If you've ever considered changing jobs or careers, you're not alone. Results from a recent CareerBuilder.com survey indicate that three quarters of American workers have changed career paths at least once, and one third of American workers are interested in changing careers right now.

With one-in-five workers having utilized them, career assessment tests ranked among the most popular methods respondents used to research a new job (in addition to exploring Web sites and consulting with friends, family, former co-workers and others in the industry). Despite their popularity, however, how effective are career assessment tests in helping people find jobs that they're not only good at, but passionate about as well?

"An assessment can be very useful in conjunction with other activities to help a person find or create the best path," says Gayle Lantz, an organizational development consultant who specializes in leadership and career development. She says there are a variety of career assessments in the marketplace, some more helpful than others; however, the majority of the problems people encounter with career assessments is not the tests themselves, but how to apply them.

Andrea Kay, career consultant and author of "Life's a B*tch and Then You Change Careers: 9 Steps to Get Out of Your Funk" and on to Your Future, agrees. "Most people are looking for shortcuts to find just the right career and are hoping that a test will be their answer," she says. Approaching a test in this manner, however, will only lead to disappointment. In Kay's experience, tests don't give people the necessary information needed to make a wise career decision.

But while they might not be a magic bullet, Kay admits that tests can be effective in giving people ideas of possible careers that might match their skills and interests, get them thinking about how well-suited they might be for a particular career, and measure their interests, skills or values.

Steve Bohler, the director and head career coach of the career guidance program The Oxford Program, offers the following tips to help people make the best use of career assessment tests.

Don't expect a career assessment to point you to your dream job. Most career tests measure one aspect of a person, such as interests, personality or aptitude, and the results are merely suggestions based on that one area of assessment. Just because a person has an interest in marine biology doesn't mean he or she has the natural abilities for the work.

Do make sure the test meets the two primary criteria: valid and reliable. Validity indicates how well the test measures what it says it measures, and if a test is reliable, the results of the test will be consistent if taken multiple times.

Do give honest answers. If an individual consciously or subconsciously answers questions to fit an outcome he or she has in mind, the results will not be very useful.

Career assessment tests can be extremely valuable in giving people a jump start in choosing career paths that fit their interests, best utilize their skills or match their personalities. "What is most important is making sure you understand the purpose of the assessment and work with a professional who is skilled in helping interpret results," says Lantz.

If you're thinking about changing jobs but aren't sure quite how to start, try an accredited Web site like CareerPath.com, which offers resources to direct you to make career choices that fit your interests, personality and strengths.

Five Reasons to Send Thank You Letters After Interviewing

You would all probably be quite surprised at how many people don't send thank yous out after having interviewed with a company as well as what a critical factor it is in the interview process! Thank you letters are an excellent self-marketing tool and a critical component of your job search strategy. The time you spend crafting a targeted thank you letter after an interview will be well spent, and it will help you create a credible and efficient search. Here are five reasons why you should incorporate thank you letters into your search strategy.

1. A thank you letter creates an opportunity to reconnect with employers.Chances are you aren't the only candidate being interviewed for an open position. Writing a follow up letter allows you to build a relationship with the interviewer and develop rapport. By expressing your gratitude for the interview and recapping the highlights of the meeting, you revisit the reasons why you are the best fit for the position.

2. Following up keeps your candidacy top of mind.Candidates often make the mistake of putting too much control in the interviewer's hands. They believe that, if they're the best candidate, the interviewer will remember them and keep them in the loop regarding the selection process. Unfortunately, this doesn't often happen. It's critical that candidates remind prospective employers of their interest in a position. The thank you letter is the perfect vehicle for communicating this interest.

3. Written correspondence gives you another chance to sell your strengths.While the thank you letter expresses gratitude for the meeting, it also serves a much more strategic purpose. It provides an opportunity for the candidate to present their skills and accomplishments in another format and market the value they'll add to the employer.

4. The document enables you to address points you neglected to discuss during the interview.Many candidates, after leaving the interview, think of other things they could have said during the meeting. Don't label this a liability; turn it into an asset by discussing these points in the thank you letter. Remind the reader of your ability to produce similar results for their organization.

5. A letter helps develop rapport and increases the employer's comfort level in your candidacy.A good strategy is to recap a part of the conversation where you and the interviewer shared similar views on a job-related topic. The thank you letter can also be a forum for demonstrating your consultative problem solving skills. By addressing current issues the employer is facing and proposing solutions, you are contributing to the company's success even before you are on board!

Thank you letters continue to be an important component of a successful job search campaign. But the focus has shifted from a simple courtesy and show of appreciation to a targeted self-marketing tool. By creating letters that validate your candidacy, build rapport, and remind the reader of your value added, you can significantly influence potential employers and -- most importantly -- increase your chances for subsequent interviews.

Glass Build Trade Show - Atlanta

Just a quick post to let you all know that I will be in attendance at the Glass Build show in Atlanta this year. I will be there one day only on Tuesday, 9/11. If you will be in attendance there, drop me an email or give me a call to let me know. It is always a real treat to be able to meet both candidates and clients that I know and work with in person!

Finding Your Dream Job

Walt Disney once said, "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."But what about dream jobs? Can we truly love what we do and get paid for it?

Recently, CareerBuilder.com and Disney Parks took a look at the idea of dream jobs and the people living out their fantasies. According to their survey of over 6,000 workers nationwide, a staggering 84 percent of people say they aren't in their dream jobs. What's the biggest thing missing? Fun.

"What defines a dream job is surprisingly reminiscent of childhood wishes for many workers. Workers said they want to enjoy their work experience, apply their talents and feel like they're making an impact," says Richard Castellini, senior career advisor for CareerBuilder.com. "Having fun at work was the most important attribute of a dream job for 39 percent of workers, which heavily outweighed the 12 percent who said salary was most important.

Who's Living the Dream?Professions reporting the highest percentage of those feeling they are already in their dream jobs included police and firefighters, teachers, real estate professionals, engineers, travel professionals and nurses. Those professions with the least amount of workers feeling they have their dream jobs included accommodations/food services, manufacturing and retail. As children, excitement and imagination played a major role in defining career paths. We dreamed of becoming firefighters, princesses and dancers," says Castellini. "But today, a majority of workers aren't living out the aspirations they had 20, 30, or even 40 years ago.

So, how do you go about landing your dream job?Learn more.Research your dream career and investigate those industry trends. Sign up for a class related to your dream job or one that will teach you relevant skills.

Investigate similar jobs and their pay.Find a success story.Talk to someone who has your dream job and ask about the steps taken to get there.

Ask for advice and any secrets for success. You may be surprised to learn the downsides of your dream career. But don't get discouraged -- this can help you fine-tune your goals.Take inventory.What's keeping you from going for your dream job? Is it lack of training or education, the desire to pay off debt, family obligations or relocation?

Map out a specific strategy for tackling each factor that might be an impediment. Step back.If you can afford it, consider accepting a lower-paying position that may get you closer to your dream job. People sometimes sacrifice dreams in lieu of short-term gains. Your decision could ultimately help you achieve your goals. Seek expert advice.Visit a career counselor to discuss your interests and help you establish a path and stay on it to attain your desired outcome. Before taking a job for less pay, talk to a financial planner who can suggest ways to budget if you to take a job for less money.