Summer's Over...Back to School?

Well, the summer is almost over. I'm here at Panera typing another blog posting, I haven't had a call from a recruiter or anyone else in weeks.

I guess I can take some comfort in the fact that I'm STILL in good company. According to last week's Department of Labor, NYC has a 9.6% unemployment rate in July, its highest level since June 1997. I keep telling myself, "This is the summer slowdown...everyone is on vacation...September will be better..." and all the positive things I can think of to keep on trucking. But sometimes it feels like job finding and lotto winning have about the same odds.

I am most worried about my skills and resume getting stale. So I think I'd better come up with a Plan B. I'm seriously thinking about signing up for a few more classes at NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS).

These classes are around $800 and go for 6 sessions. While I hate to shell out the extra bucks, I believe they are one of the better ways for me to stay on top of the trends in the industry. Plus, I think the trip into the city and the social interaction, and the class would be a good change of pace for the fall.

I've been working towards NYU SCPS Digital Marketing Certificate for a few years now (on the dime of my previous employer). I've taken the Digital Strategy, Strategic Search Engine Marketing (SEM)and Social Media classes. I've found them to be incredibly informative and eye-opening. I was able to put all of my learnings to practice at work, and in my opinion, it was the best investment my employer ever made.

I first found out about Second Life in the Digital Strategy class. The concept of people sitting home and building an alternate reality for themselves on the internet and people making money programming clothes, cars and houses absolutely blew my mind. We also learned about other digital marketing opportunities, such as bluetooth, and podcasts.

The SEM class was sponsored by Google, and we were actually given a budget and a real life campaign to manage. I was able to take this hands-on knowledge to expand my responsibilities at work to include SEM marketing.

In the Social Networking class we learned the nuances of this communication channel and the best practices for using them to meet marketing objectives. I put into practice on Jillian Michaels facebook page and was able to grow the site to over 11K members in a matter of weeks. It was amazing.

This time around, I'm looking at the Advanced SEM class, and the SEO Strategy class.

Well, Back to School...that's my Plan B. In the meantime, I am playing Lotto... religiously. Just in case. Hey...you never know!

Required Reading (Top 10 Books for the Unemployed)

This blog is about being positive, and sometimes that is hard to do. I recently was sent a flyer for my 15 year college reunion. It just so happens that my picture is front and center on the mailing. The flyer was personalized with my name and a special url. It was a fantastic marketing piece. The truth is, I honestly don't want to go...the first question everyone asks you is "Where are you working these days???" Ugggghhhh.

Sometimes I need a little boost of positivity. I find comfort in books. They reinforce positive vibes and give you another perspective on how to look at the situation. Here's my list...

TOP 10 Books for the Unemployed


1) THE SECRET by Rhonda Byrne
This book focuses on the LAW OF ATTRACTION and how you are in control of what happens to you. If you think positive, positive things will happen to you. I believe this with all my heart and try to put this into practice in everything I do, including this blog. Whether you believe in God, or a higher power in the universe, it never hurts to be positive. A friend once told me, "If you think THE SECRET is crap...that's exactly what you get...right on your head."




2)WORLD WIDE RAVE by David M. Scott
Everyone that knows me knows that I love the internet more than anything in this world. I saw David M Scott at his book launch at NYU. It was incredibly inspiring. David make me remember why I love the internet so much and recognize its incredible power to make things happen worldwide.







3)WHO MOVED MY CHEESE by Spencer Johnson, MD
This book is written like a children's book, but it is a world-wide bestseller for adults. You can plow though it in about an hour, but the message is very powerful. Either you find new cheese, or you will starve. You can apply the message to the world, your business or your life. I read this book first in grad school and even assigned it to my team members in a workshop about change. I like to refer back to it again and again. This is a time as good as any.





4) WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE by Richard N. Bolles
This is a practical guide to job hunting and has been updated to reflect the current environment and challenges we all face on our job search. If you get even one tip from this book, it is worth the cost. I am sure you will find many.









5-6) KNOCK 'EM DEAD COVER LETTERS and KNOCK 'EM DEAD RESUMES
Now you can get a lot of information online about writing the perfect resume or cover letter, but I like to take a break once in a while from my computer, sit on the couch and look at a book. These books give you great samples to look at and guidance on how to write the perfect resume and cover letter.


7) ACING THE INTERVIEW by Tony Beshara
I don't know about you but I hate that question at the end of the interview, "Do you have any questions for me?" I've been asked 100s of times and I always feel like I missed an opportunity if I can't think of something to ask. And now, with all the phone interviews I have been having, I realize that I need to be that much more on to get the job. This book is an excellent resource to have in your arsenal as you start landing those interviews.




8) JOY'S LIFE DIET by Joy Bauer
You might think this is a silly book to put on an unemployment reading list, but here's the thing: I am in Panera every day surrounded by bread and cookies, and if I am not here, I am at home inches away from the kitchen. If I don't stay on top of my health, I will be fat AND unemployed, which leads to miserable. It is that easy. Joy Bauer is the ultimate cheerleader, not only that, she is an incredible business women and I find her absolutely inspiring and on top of that, her diet WORKS. That's why she is on my list.



9) THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN by Mitch Albom
This book touched me so deeply the first time I read it, I go back to it again and again. This book just makes you realize that every person you meet has an impact on your life and you on theirs. I believe that everything happens for a reason, including unemployment. It is your opportunity to take stock in who you are and how you are contributing to the world in general. If nothing else, this book will make you think.



10) THE SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PLAN by Rhonda Abrams
Well, if you can't find that dream job, how about starting your own business? My friends and I have been using our time to throw around ideas. I honestly believe one will stick and we will move forward. Having a good business plan is a good start. Rhonda Abrams will help you think of all the details and get on your way.





So that's my Top 10 reads...And no, I still really don't want to go to my reunion, but I am thinking about it.

I'm not going to let you kick ME in the Teeth...bucko!

I am so sick of these sites that allow you to upload your resume, only to find out you have to pay to apply to any of the jobs that they have listed. I'm specifically speaking of TheLadders.com, but I am sure there are others out there doing the same nonsense.

First they sent me an invitation to load my resume, then they APPROVED my resume. Today I was searching the site, and found some interesting listings, when I went to apply, I was blocked and asked to upgrade now to premium membership so I can submit my resume for this listing. SERIOUSLY???? You are wasting my time.

I realize, its not a crazy amount of money...$15 a month. But, I am unemployed. I am living on a fixed income. I do not have the extra cash to gamble on a chance that your website MIGHT get me an interview. In fact, I am seriously wondering if any of the sites will get me in the door.

Here's my list of places (to date) that try to kick you when you are down.

1) Resume Writing Services - $300 for a revised resume.
First of all, I think with the exception of a few careers, if you need someone to write your resume for you so you can get a job, you have a problem. Its like buying a term paper. Secondly, I don't like the way these services market to you. They tear you down, when you are at your lowest. And 3rd...I just think that is way too much to charge for this kind of service.

2) Unemployment Benefits - TAXABLE income.
I'm living on a FIXED INCOME that the government FIXED for me. Now I have to PAY back the government on the pittance that they gave me to survive. I'm taking the full amount now, but I know I'll feel it come tax day. While everyone is enjoying a nice fat return, I'll be happy if I don't end up owing the gov.

3) Online Banking. No direct deposit - Free Checking is GONE.
Yeah...I'm unemployed. I get a direct deposit of zero. So this is when you are going to decide to charge me? Thanks a lot.

Well that's my top 3, I am sure there are more. What's your pet peeve for unemployment?