Recently I interviewed Lisa Johnson Mandell author of Career Comeback. Lisa is an award-winning author, entertainment reporter, and film critic who has appeared on dozens of major news outlets and even Dr. Phil. Here’s what she had to say about the new rules of job search for 2010 and beyond.
1. Tell me a bit about yourself and what the inspiration for Career Comeback was.
It’s based on my own experience of successfully finding full time work in this economy, in my late 40’s. I’d been a multi-media journalist for more than 25 years and was freelancing, but found that most of the good positions were going to the young, nubile and “experience-free.” I live in Los Angeles, mind you, where no one even looks at you if you’re over 23 and under 36DD. My new husband noted my frustration, and asked to see the resumes I was sending out. We decided that I needed a complete “Career Makeover” that would involve removing the age lines from my resume, rabid social networking, and branding myself to give a fresh, hip, ageless impression. The new resume got immediate response (offers for interviews within 15 minutes of sending it out, I sold the self-promotional website I started within two months of launching it, and I received multiple full-time job offers. My efforts were so successful the Wall Street Journal decided to do a feature on me and my search strategy. At that point my literary agent said, “Write a book on this…yesterday!” So I spent the next eight months researching, writing and interviewing and, voila! Career Comeback was born.
2. What is Career Comeback about and who should be reading it?
Career Comeback was written specifically for women over 35, but I’m getting a lot of feedback from men and people of all ages who say it’s very helpful. There’s a really useful chapter in the book called “Know Your Competition” about the perceived professional strengths and weaknesses of Gen Y, Gen X and Baby Boomers. You can nip those negative stereotypes in the bud if you know what people expect of you. The book is full of tips and strategies for helping you get the job of your dreams, even in this tough economy. Personal branding and social networking are essential, and the book is sort of a primer on both.
3. In the book you advocate for Botoxing your resume. What does that mean?
Botoxing your resume means firming and freshening — removing the age lines that make you look old on paper. It involves deleting any outdated skills, and getting rid of experience that doesn’t pertain to the types of jobs you’re applying for today. It also means forgoing large blocks of type in favor of bulleted highlights (looks more vibrant, less stodgy), and using a web address to immediately show that you’re web savvy enough to have your own blog or website.
4. What are your tips for looking the part in an interview?
Women should wear a skirt if at all possible, simply because it sets them apart from every other applicant wearing pants. A comfy pair of power heels are also a good choice for women, because they give you confidence. Both men and women should go for at least one pop of bright, cheery color — men can use it in their ties, of in their shirts if not too bright. Women can use color in blouses or accessories — again, you want to be memorable. Avoid too much gray, cream or khaki (boring); too much black (formal and/or depressing) and big, bold, bright prints (you don’t want potential employers to be so overwhelmed by your clothes they forget about who’s wearing them).
5. How do you suggest people leverage social media during a job search?
Brand yourself online, then use social media to publicize that brand. Have a fabulous, vital picture taken of yourself, and use it on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and any other pertinent social networking sites. Every time you post anything, ask yourself these two questions: How will this benefit others? How will this further define my brand? If you use social networking sites for fun and recreation, set up separate pages for your job search. There are so many millions of messages being sent out every second these days, that the only ones that will catch people’s attentions are ones that answer the question, “What’s in it for me?”
6. What are your top 5 tips for successful interviewing?
1. Be prepared: Do your homework on the company and, if possible, the individual conducting the interview. Then layout your interview outfit several days in advance, so you’ll have plenty of time if you need to get anything dry-cleaned or purchase something new.
2. Dress appropriately. If you can’t visit the site and see how people dress there ahead of time, call HR and ask what’s appropriate. If you over dress, you look like you’re trying to hard. If you under dress, you look like you’re not trying hard enough
3. Emphasize WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR THEM–what you will contribute, what feats you will help them achieve. NEVER talk about what they can do for you. Yourself, your assets, talents and skills all take a back seat to how you can help make the company better.
4. Listen! Instead of using the time the interviewer is talking to formulate your next answer, concentrate on their message. It’s okay if you pause briefly when the interviewer is done, to collect your thoughts. Do not try to fill in silences by over sharing personal information.
5. Exude confidence and positive energy. This comes out not only in your conversation, but in your posture, handshake, body language, etc. Never speak negatively of any former employer or work situation.
Lisa’s book is available at major bookstores and online at Amazon.