I was interviewed yesterday by someone from Scripps Howard.  In preparation for the 2011 spelling bee, they asked how misspelled words affect hiring decisions.  If there is a misspelled word in a cover letter, can it change how the hiring manager thinks about the candidate?  If there are misspellings in the resume itself, is that a deal-breaker?

My answer to both of those questions is a resounding ‘yes!’  Open positions can attract many, many candidates.  As a hiring manager, if I’m trying to narrow the field, a misspelled word or two will definitely eliminate a resume.  And there’s another important issue, as well.  With the utilization of electronic key word searches to highlight skills, a misspelled skill will definiately knock you out of the running.

So utilize spell check.  Take extra time and care to make sure your letters and resume are flawless.  And take the seemingly small things seriously — because they could determine your success.

I spent all day yesterday in Madison, WI at our state capital talking with State 
Legislators about the role of technical colleges in the economic recovery. (I’m chair of the board at Milwaukee Area Technical College.)  The new governor has the goal of creating 250,000 jobs during his (first) term. Our argument is if he creates the jobs (the demand), we can help create the supply. 

I doubt that the Wisconsin budget is unique. Our projected deficit is more than $3 billion (that’s not a typo — billion with a ‘b’).  No program will escape unscathed — and we understand that. But without good, effective, practical career and technical education and training we won’t have the skilled workforce to do the work. So our objective was to make sure the decision-makers know that we are part of the solution. 

It was an interesting and invigorating day. I hope we got our message across as MATC continues to provide the skills that Milwaukee businesses and taxpayers need.

I recently had the privilege of attending a special send-off for someone who is leaving Manpower.  Barbara Beck ran the U.S. and Canada for many years — that’s when I had the opportunity to work with and get to know her.  Then, for the past five years, she has run Europe, Middle East and Africa for the company.  Barbara is a fabulous leader who combines all the best characteristics.  I’ll miss her very much and so will the rest of the company!

At the event honoring her service to Manpower, I thought a lot about legacy and how people leave organizations.  There are obviously many ways to leave — either voluntarily or involuntarily.  And there are equally many ways to affect how people will remember you.  What struck me about Barbara’s leaving was how universally liked and respected she was by all.  Her exit was graceful, dignified and honorable.

So while you’re working, make sure you treat all with kindness and respect.  When you leave, keep Barbara in mind.  Burning bridges is never a good thing — strengthening them as you exit makes the most sense!

And P.S.  Leaving Manpower was very hard for Barbara.  Her final, emotional words to us were a quote from Dr. Suess:  “Don’t cry because it’s over.  Smile because it happened.”  Great words to live by!

We’ve seen some pretty exciting economic indicators this week.  The ADP numbers get a lot of attention  They were nearly three times higher than expected and many hoped the 297,000 additional private sector jobs signaled the end of something bad and the beginning of healthy, recovering job growth.

The big kahuna of indicators came out this morning — the unemployment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The good news:  the unemployment rate dropeed to 9.4%.  The not-so-good news:  103,000 jobs were added and that was far fewer than expected (particularly after the ADP report).

These seemingly contradictory indicators may be confusing.  And people who are far smarter than I can do the intellectual analyzing.  My take on it all:

• 9.4% is surely better than “a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.”  After last month’s disappointing and discouraging rise in the unemployment rate, this month’s drop makes me feel better.  But…
• …one month doesn’t make a trend.  One great number (like ADP’s) won’t turn the economy around by itself and there are still 14.5 million unemployed.

So, although I’m getting sick and tired of saying I’m cautiously optimistic, that’s what I’ll continue to say.  We’re moving in the right direction — let’s continue the trend and start moving a bit faster.  Please!

Unemployment numbers come out tomorrow morning.

Here’s hoping the numbers are better this time!

In mid-December, there was an interesting piece on NPR’s Talk of the Nation.  The point of the discussion during The Hard Truth:  Companies Don’t Hire the Unemployed was that the longer one is unemployed, the harder it is to get hired.  Many hiring managers prefer to hire someone who is either currently employed or very recently working.  The cause?  Employers feel there may be a reason for the long time out of work.  Or skills may have atrophied.  Or the person has lost his or her edge.

No matter the rationale, it seems unfair to me.  I’d argue that most of the layoffs that happened during the past few years were because of the economy — not performance.  But even though I might think it’s unfair, it is also a reality.  So, my advice to the long-term unemployed:

• Use the time to either update or keep your skills current.  Look for on-line courses.  Research local not-for-profits who might be offering free training.  And include your new training in your resume and cover letter.
• And speaking of not-for-profits, use your time off to volunteer.  Seek volunteer opportunities that fit your skills — then include that volunteer activity on your resume.  Whether you’re being paid or not, you’re gaining experience!
• Make sure there is structure to your days.  You might not be able to include it on your resume, but spend your time networking and researching potential opportunities.
• Finally (and this won’t come as a surprise that I’m saying this) consider registering with a temporary help service.  The jobs you can get through the service should be included on your resume.  You’ll be earning money.  You’ll be gaining resume-worthy experience.  And you may get hired on once the employer gains confidence in this recovery.

I don’t have a magic wand and can’t get all of you an interview with a potential employer.  But consider my advice… 

It just might work!

For many this is a great time of year.  Time to be with family.  Time to be thankful.  Time to get cool presents.  But for many others, your struggle to find work continues as unemployment stays high and employers remain reluctant to make hiring decisions.

Here’s hoping that 2011 brings more positive news.  While the trends have been going in the right direction for a while, the numbers aren’t where we’d like or we’ll need them to be.

So as I make my toast to 2011 (and give my pups a kiss) I’ll be:

• Thankful for my great job,
• Wishing for economic prosperity, and
• Hoping that all of you currently looking for work find your place.

Everyone out there — please join me!

If you’ve been following my blog, you know that I’ve taken a break for the past several months.  I have no good excuse.  It wasn’t my health issues that got in the way.  It isn’t that I’m so busy at work that I don’t have time to talk with you.  I’m not out of ideas and opinions regarding the world of work.  So I guess I really have no good reason for the break.  But, the reason for this post is to tell you that I’m back.

Starting in 2011 I’ll make every effort to comment on the changing world of work on a weekly basis — at the least.  In the meantime, I’ll update you on what’s been happening with me…

You know that in July 0f 2009, I learned that my breast cancer (originally treated in 1999) had metastasized to my bones.  I started weekly chemo on August 9, 2009, and it will continue indefinitely.  But the extremely good news is the treatment is working: 

• My quarterly PET scans are clear.
• I actually like getting the treatments because the facility is pleasant, the nurses are fabulous and I’m actively doing something to stay healthy. 
• I feel great. 
• I think I look pretty good (if I do say so myself).
• I’m happy.
• I’m particularly excited about what’s going on at Manpower and the role I’m playing here.

I’m one of the very lucky ones!

So I’d really appreciate it if you’d stay tuned.  I’d also appreciate your comments on my posts.  And, finally, I’ll appreciate your continued support.

Have you ever dreamed of ditching that desk job for your dream?  I have!  I’d try to figure out something to do with dogs — a dog day care, go back to school to be a vet tech, a serious dog walker and sitter… whatever works. 

Read Ditching the Office for the Outdoors in U.S. News & World Report about someone who has done just that.  He didn’t ditch the suit for dogs, but he did develop a successful second career that takes him outdoors and keeps him active.

What is your dream?

We heard yesterday that the recession might not be officially over.  I don’t know about you, but the signs definitely seem to contradict that official call — there is job growth and other economic indicators are heading in the right direction.

An end to the recession is excellent news for those who are unemployed.  It might take a while, but the job market will come back and unemployment numbers will moderate.  But is it good news for employers?

We have some contradictory evidence.  According to a recent survey by Manpower, employers feel that fewer than 5% of their workers will jump ship when the economy improves.  But according to Right Management, over 60% plan to leave when the job market loosens up.  60%!!

It doesn’t really matter which data set is right and which is wrong.  The point is, whenever critical employees leave — no matter how many — vital knowledge about your organization leaves with them.  If you want to learn more about protecting that knowledge and making sure it is effectively transferred, read a new position paper by Manpower called Knowledge Retention and Transfer in the World of Work.