This week, I was contacted by a colleague who shared the story of Jason Trembly and his plans to sit on a raft for 36 hours in the middle of a NH river as a way to raise $36,000 for the charity he works for, the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Jason stepped in to sit on the raft after the person who was going to do it had to cancel. He’s being joined by Jason Perry, Marketing Director from the Verizon Wireless Arena who also agreed to hang out with Jay on the raft and help to raise money. These two amazing guys are giving up 36-48 hours to support Wish children who have had their time stolen from them.
When I asked why Jason decided to do it, I was told by his colleague, Donna Parker, “The 36-hour event is being held in honor of all Wish families who are on their own life raft, waiting for life-changing news and support. We can make a difference by bringing hope, strength and joy into their lives through the power of a wish. Jason didn’t want that opportunity to pass us by just because we didn’t have someone for the raft.” Talk about commitment to his job and a cause! Of course it got me thinking...
Two ways to show your community (and hiring managers) the stuff you are made of are to go BIG and do GOOD via charitable acts!
First, Jason is doing something big. This is more than a fundraiser, this is him putting himself out there in a very visible, challenging manner. To me, that says a lot about his character. Second, he’s doing some serious good. If he raises his goal, that money will help to grant a half-dozen wishes of kids with life-threatening illnesses. Who doesn't respect someone who does that much for a worthy cause? I know for certain that all decent employers value talent that believes in helping others. If you are looking for work right now, ask yourself, “What have I done to demonstrate my ability to give?” You may not have money to donate, but you could do something creative like this as a way to show folks your ability to step up.
I know what you are thinking: Isn’t that self-serving?
I guess you can look at it that way. But candidly, the charity you choose to support won’t see it that way. Right now, non-profit organizations across the country are suffering. Donations are down thanks to the extended recession. They are desperately seeking ways to raise money. So, while you will be doing something to help your personal brand, the reality is the good you are doing for the charity is much bigger.
Besides, it will make you feel good!
You always hear people in the non-profit world say they don't do it for the money - and it's true! They do it for the satisfaction the work gives them. I’ve been co-chairing a charity event called Wish Racing for the last three years. It takes a lot of work, but it never fails to give me a huge sense of joy and satisfaction. Plus, it always puts life in perspective for me. I’ve also made amazing friends and met some incredible families. The time I spend on this project comes back to me 10-fold. I guess one could say that I selfishly volunteer for the way it makes me feel.
So, what do you do to go BIG and do GOOD? Share your stories below and give readers some ideas of what charitable acts they can engage in to help others while also helping their personal brand.
J.T. O’Donnell is the founder of CAREEREALISM.com and CEO of CareerHMO.com, a web-based career development company.Photo credit: Shutterstock
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Finding a job during the holidays is no easy task. You have to navigate vacations, slow hiring processes, and increased competition. Yet with the right strategy, it can be done.
This time of year offers special opportunities for job seekers. Holiday networking events, for example, can be great chances to meet professionals you might not encounter otherwise. Additionally, some employers are still eager to fill positions before budgets reset or headcount is finalized in the new year, making it a prime time to stand out with a strategic approach.
Here are five ways you can stand out from the competition this holiday season and find a job before the end of the year.
1. Showcase The Right Skills On Your Resume
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When updating your resume, focus on aligning your experience with the specific demands of the industry. Go beyond just listing responsibilities; dig into job descriptions to identify the core skills that consistently appear for your target roles. By tailoring your resume with these keywords, you not only capture the attention of hiring managers but also boost your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are often programmed to scan for these key terms. It's all about keywords!
During the holiday season, hiring managers are often managing tight timelines and high demands, making it crucial for candidates to demonstrate that they’re ready to hit the ground running. Highlighting industry-relevant skills shows you're not only familiar with the landscape but also equipped to make an immediate impact. Be sure to include examples of how you've leveraged these core strengths in previous roles to support team goals or tackle challenges (aka quantify your work experience). The holidays are hectic, so share with the potential employer how you'll be a positive addition to the team by leveraging your strengths and emphasizing your value as a business-of-one.
2. Dress The Part
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Don't underestimate the power of a great first impression. Dress for the interview in professional attire. Even if the job description mentions a casual dress code, such as jeans and a sweatshirt, it’s essential to show respect for the employer by dressing in a way that demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impression. Wearing attire that reflects your professionalism shows you care about how you're perceived and the impression you leave on others.
Not sure what to wear? We recommend dressing conservatively in clothing one level above what the current employees at the company are wearing. You want to look professional, but not like you don't fit in with the workplace culture.
3. Show Your Connection To The Company
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Employers like to hire candidates who have a passion for what they do. Why? Because when people are passionate about their work, that enthusiasm often translates into a higher level of commitment, creativity, and productivity. This intrinsic motivation can lead to consistently strong performance and a positive impact on the team and company as a whole.
In your disruptive cover letter (and during your job interview), demonstrate how and why you admire the company. Highlight what you love most about their products and services. Give examples of how you have personally used them in your own life with success. The more you can show them you understand and respect the business, the more likely you'll impress the hiring manager and move forward in the interview process.
4. Demonstrate Your Value
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It's important to remember that you're a business-of-one, and you're trying to sell the service you provide as a business-of-one to employers (the customers who will be paying you for the service).
To find a job during the holidays, you must adequately demonstrate your value as a business-of-one and highlight your strengths and the specific benefits you bring as a potential employee throughout the hiring process. How do you do this? Well, make sure to quantify your work experience on your resume. Use numbers to showcase your accomplishments. Clearly state how you'll make or save the company money with your employment. Do this, and you'll easily become one of the top candidates for the position.
5. Express Gratitude
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The holidays are busy for everyone. When you're applying for jobs during the holiday season, keep gratitude in mind. This positive mindset not only helps you stay resilient but also shines through in your applications and interviews, leaving a memorable impression on potential employers.
After every job interview, always send a thank-you note. It's just the polite thing to do, and you'll score more points with the hiring manager. Even if you get rejected, or never hear back about a position, make sure you send an email thanking the employer for the opportunity and wish them the best of luck with finding the right job candidate.
Don't be bitter. Be gracious. You never know what will happen in the future. You might want to apply for another job at the company down the line. So, don't let your frustration get the best of you. Remember: If you get rejected, they didn't say, "No, not ever." They just said, "No, not today."
A successful holiday job search depends on a solid strategy. Follow the guidelines above and land a job this holiday season!
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