COVERITLIVE.COM

10:50

Hi everyone,
Welcome to the Philadelphia Inquirer's chat with Ford R. Myers, a local career coach and author of "Get the Job You Want Even When No One's Hiring." I'm a reporter who covers workplace issues and lately, sadly, it's been all about not working as the ranks of the unemployed increase. Do you have any questions for Ford? Send them in and join us at noon.

11:51

Ford Myers - Hello, everyone! This is Ford R. Myers, and I'm eager to answer your career questions. Thanks for joining us.

12:01

Jane - Hi everyone,
We're live now and I have Ford with me. Please send in your questions. Our first question comes from Jim.

12:03

Ford Myers - Hi, Jim. Thanks for your question. I understand your situation. The ability to sell is one of the MOST transferrable skills. Capture your achievements in Accomplishment Stories, which can be applied to any field.

12:05

Jane - Lucy, Ford is typing your answer right now. I'm just a faster typist. It sounds like a drag, plus it is hard to know where to draw the line betwen naagging and support, right?

12:06

[Comment From George]
I recently attended an employment seminar, something that I haven't done in years. The focus was almost entirely on presentation, with extremely little emphasis on skills ( as in, how to upgrade your skills or where and how to aquire new ones ). It left me with the sense that we are to manipulate employers into hiring us. What do you do if you are skilled at your work, but not at marketing a "product"?

12:06

Ford Myers - Lucy, your boyfriend needs to stop acting like a job applicant, and start acting like a solutions provider/problem solver. Applying all day for advertised positions is NOT an effective strategy. He needs to focus on networking, which will allow him to uncover companies' needs, problems and challenges.

12:06

Jane - Lucy, does that help?

12:07

[Comment From Lucy]
did you get these questions?

12:09

Jane - George asks: I recently attended an employment seminar, something that I haven't done in yearss. The focus was almost entirely on presentation, with extremely little emphasis on skills ( as in, how to upgrade your skills or where and how to aquire new ones ). It left me with the sense that we are to manipulate employers into hiring us. What do you do if you are skilled at your work, but not at marketing a "product"?

12:09

Ford Myers - George, the seminar sounds a bit one-sided. But they are correct in emphasising how vital self-marketing is. Naturally, what you need is a blend of both skills AND self-marketing. It's NOT about manipulation; it is about articulating your value in a compelling manner. Keep attending career seminars! (I do one once a month).

12:09

[Comment From Pam]
I am in my mid-fifties, but I've been only working temporary contracts for years, so that I could attend to family members with medical issues. Those issues are now past and I am ready to job hunt. How does someone at my age, without an active network, approach networking and the job hunt?

12:11

Ford Myers - Pam, you sound like you have excellent skills and experience. I suggest you craft a Functional Resume, which will highlight your overall accomplishments. Also, you do need to develop your network -- this is not optional. You DO already have a network; start with the people you know and grow it from there!

12:12

[Comment From Mike]
I've been a entrepreneur and have ran my own business for the last two years but business is extremely slow and I'm trying to get back into the workforce. However, it appears in interviews that employers are lukewarm to hiring someone who's had their own business because they believe once the market goes up then I'll leave and focus on my own business again. What can I do or say to give them any comfort?

12:12

Jane -

Great question Mike!

12:13

Ford Myers - Mike - you're right. Most employers do NOT like entrepreneurs as potential hires. So, DON"T try to convince those companies! Instead, go after firms that are start-ups, small businesses, entrepreneurial businesses. These organizations will highly value your contributions and experience.

12:14

Jane - A follow-up from Lucy. These relationship questions are an issue.

12:14

[Comment From Lucy]
Yes. I just want to know specifically what I can to or say or adivce I can give to him. Without seeming rude or condesending.

12:17

Ford Myers - Lucy, you can make the suggestion to your boyfriend that he get help from a career counselor or other service. He can also buy career books, take career seminars, take advantage of local job search groups/clubs. Clearly, he needs a change of strategy to produce better results. As for your relationship issues, that's not my specialty. Maybe a psychologist, if needed.

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