If this technology has the ability of connecting you to so many others, why not use the technology to get yourself known. Create a “get hired” Facebook site.

Set up your “get hired” page to have the following:
o Your core talents, interests, strengths and passions as part of your bio. Click here to access my talent assessment.
o Pictures of you in the workplace, in the community and copies of letters of recommendation and commendations.
o Scan the talent-based resume as an image and add it to your albums.
o Create an album for each role you are looking for such as retail, healthcare, law enforcement, regulation or some other focus. Create a specific photo album that profiles you, your resume, your attributes, your interests, and your impact.
o Identify companies you wish to work for. Join their fan pages. Become friends with their employees and management.
o Join other fan clubs related to job seeking, talent, performance or related to the industries or jobs you are seeking. Know the industries’ associations and annual meetings.
o Maintain the integrity of your job-seeking site to ensure you are perceived as professional and a good fit for the job. Disable the ability of others to tag you in pictures. This puts your reputation in your control.
o Share this address with your serious job prospects and colleagues who can share your information with their networks.

Remember: This is NOT your social site. This site’s only focus is to present your employability, fit and value to the workplace.

So, now how do you use Facebook – to show embarrassing pictures or to create new contacts to get hired?

Talent-based interviews use talent-based or behavior-based questions. These are great for a couple of reasons:
1. Talent-based questions assess how you think by asking how you would handle real workplace situations. They want to see how you would handle situations that will be part of the job; better to know this up front.
2. Talent-based questions can’t be pre-planned or practiced – you just have to respond. This gives your best and most honest answer, which is the best way to assess your fit for the job.

The now outdated standard interview questions allow you preparation time – and that means the hiring manager won’t know how you will really react in the workplace. Your “on your feet” response is more accurate about how you will act in the workplace. This is critical.

Here are a couple of examples of talent-based questions. See how these questions are designed to get you to think on the spot:
1. If I were to ask your previous boss or co-worker how you handle change in the workplace, what would he say. Give me an example.
2. What was your latest and greatest idea in your last job? How did you present it? How was it received?
3. What does a customer mean to you? For the situation I give you, how would you maximize your connection to the customer?

When you apply for a job that is a good fit for you, you can approach your interview with confidence – you will be able to answer and handle the questions well. If you apply for jobs that are not a good fit for you, it will be obvious in your responses. So, do better work up front to apply for the right jobs, then relax and show the hiring manager how confident and competent you are in your great responses.

Click here for more information about talent-based interviews.

I have put together the ten rules for a great interview. Click here to see each in greater detail. And while on the site, check out the other great ideas to get hired in 2010.

My ten rules for a great interview:
1. Think “fit” – how you fit and how the company fits for you.
2. Impressions matter.
3. Be positive, upbeat, optimistic and congenial.
4. Have three great questions ready to ask.
5. Focus on your value.
6. Be confident, not arrogant.
7. Make sure you know all the facts.
8. Look for common ground.
9. Remember the power of body language.
10. Have fun.

Your interview is your time to connect with them, impress them, show your fit and indicate how you will add value to the organization. Follow these rules and the interview will be a success. The job offer generally comes down to how you do in the interview. Know yourself. Be confident. Be great.

Share these interview rules with those others looking for jobs.

So to determine if you are a good fit for the job, hiring managers need a new style of resume – one that gives them these three things:
1. What are you great at (what are your talents and passions because they reflect your greatest performance areas)?
2. How have you used what you are great at (in other jobs so they can see it in action)?
3. What value have you created for other companies (so they can see the value you can bring to their company)?

See a sample of the new Talent-based Resume.

Here is what the captions mean:
#1. What are you great at?
List your talents and the things that make you successful. Are you great at building and sustaining relationships? Are you focused, driven and goal-oriented? Are you great at solving problems and paying attention to details? Are you great at inventing, creating and innovating? Don’t be humble, be bold and confident.

#2. How have you used what you are great at?
Hiring managers want to see you in action. Were you able to diffuse angry customers successfully? Were you able to keep a project on track or under budget? Were you able to work with a variety of personalities, and get the job done well? Hiring managers are not interested in everything you have done; they don’t have time for that. They want to see you use your talents – they want to see that you can do what you say you can do. Provide work experience that supports your talents.

#3. What value have you created for other companies using your talents?
Companies are hiring you because they want you to create value for them. They are investing in you and for this investment they expect a return (the same way you expect a return when you invest your money in a mutual fund or bank). The greater the return, the more valuable you are to a company. Tell them how you saved 5% on overtime costs by rearranging the work schedule. Tell them how you invented a new service that added $30,000 to the bottom line. Show your impact with numbers. Show the specific value you have brought to your other employers.

New workplace – new resume. Use the new talent-based resume because it provides the meaningful information hiring managers want. It helps you stand out and get hired.

Please forward this to your friends who are job searching. Help them get hired in 2010.

It is not the same world that was in place when many of you got your last jobs. The nature of work changes quickly – some industries die, others grow almost overnight. So what is hot and what is not with jobs. And what hot jobs need your talents and passions.

So here is how to proceed:
1. Connect to information that keeps you current about the hot jobs. Google “hot jobs” and see links. Connect to www.Smartmoney.com, www.monster.com, www.hotjobs.yahoo.com, and www.careerplanner.com.

2. Identify the industries that interest you AND are growing industries (why select a job in a dying industry?).
a. Growing industries:
i. Healthcare (including mental health, wellness and fitness)
ii. Technology (including web, design, engineering, programming)
iii. Accounting/Regulation/Finance
iv. Retail/Customer Service
v. Transportation/Travel
vi. Education/Teaching/Instruction
vii. Entertainment
viii. Law enforcement/Law/Government
ix. Science, Pharmacology, Medical research
x. Trades/Life Services (including construction, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, hair styling, bakers, mechanics, etc).

b. Companies who are hiring:
i. Click here for the link to see Hot Jobs’ top 100 companies who are hiring.

3. What jobs are Hot Hot Hot!
i. Click to my “Hot Job” list by industry.

Staying connected is critical for you to be aware of the opportunities and to know how to start the process of finding the right job for you. Always know what jobs are growing and which are fading. Position yourself in a high growth industry.


Next week – we focus on a finding a job that fits you. These are jobs that match your talents and passions and give you a competitive advantage in the hiring process.

See the great “get hired” tools at www.LiveFiredUp.com – click on “Job Seeker.”
Pass this on to your friends who are job hunting.

See the great get hired tools at www.LiveFiredUp.com - click on Job Seeker.

Here is summary of our weekly plan to get hired in 2010:

1. Keep your energy level up; work on your attitude – this week.
2. Be self-aware to identify your talents, strengths and passions.
3. Know your world – what fields are hiring, what are the hot jobs and the growing industries.
4. Match your talents to jobs that need what you do – think “fit.”
5. Create a talent-based resume.
6. Use your social networks to get noticed.
7. Review my 10 rules for a powerful interview.
8. How to review a job offer.

New year, new approach…let’s refocus on getting hired.

Remember – great companies are always hiring. They want A-level employees and will use the surplus of unemployed talent in the workplace to build their power teams. That means you should you always be marketing yourself to the great companies.

For those who are job hunting, consider the following tactics to improve your odds of getting hired in 2010:
1. Be clear about what you are great at – this refers more to your talents than just your skills and experience. If you don’t know, complete a talent assessment to determine your greatest performance areas.
2. Know what jobs use and need what you are great at.
3. Do your research and locate companies who are hiring jobs that need ywhat you are good at.
4. Determine the best way to communicate with these companies.
5. Create a talent-based resume. This provides the hiring manager the three critical pieces of information he/she needs to assess your fit: what you are great at, how you have used what you are great at, and what value you have created for other organizations.
6. Place your search criteria and key attributes (talents, value) into your social networks. Let the world know what you are great at and what the perfect job for you would be.
7. Stay up beat, confident and optimistic.

Job hunting doesn’t need to be as frustrating as it has been. The key is to know what you are great at and what jobs need what you are great at. Exceptional companies are always searching for candidates who will be a high-value fit.

For more information and a step-by-step process, see Stand Out and Get Hired.

Today, I introduce the final two steps.

Find the right job Steps 6 and 7:
6. Apply only for jobs that meet your criteria. Highlight your “fit” on the face of your resume. Use a talent-based resume – one that highlights your talents (what you are great at) and then presents how you have used your talents in other jobs. This helps a hiring manager easily and accurately assess your job fit. Since the job also activates your passion, applying for the job is now exciting, empowering and engaging. Applying for jobs that activate your passions encourages your best job application, resume and cover letter. This is your moment to show your fit and passion. Don’t miss this opportunity – this is where you get their attention.
7. Go into your interview with great confidence. You know the talents needed in the job match your talents. You know you love the nature of the work as it appeals to your passions. You have used these talents in other roles so you can easily show how they look to others. You have everything going for you. You know you are a good fit – and good fit is exactly what the hiring manager is looking for. Be confident. Don’t over prepare. Talk candidly, honestly and openly about your performance, your talents, how you fit and what value you can provide. This is how to stand out and get hired.

Seven steps to finding the right job – or, the job you love. Jobs you love allow you to perform better – they use what you are great at. Learn how to define and play to your strengths – it gives you a competitive edge. For more information see “Stand Out and Get Hired” . Know yourself, what you are great at and what you are passionate about. Then find a job that allows you to use these. That is the “right” job for you.

We are almost through all seven steps…today I introduce Step 5.

Find the right job Step 5:
What careers, roles or jobs need what you are great at, passionate about and meet your definition of success? These are opportunities that play to your strengths and activate your passions. These opportunities will allow you to be the most connected and most engaged. This will encourage your greatest energy, performance and impact. You now know yourself well enough to know what are the right jobs for you – the jobs that “fit.” So go ahead and create a list of your “Right” jobs, roles or careers. Consider everything that meets your criteria. You may find that the best job for you does not yet exist and if created would add great value to an organization. Don’t be afraid to invent your ideal job. Be true to yourself – put yourself in a job that will show off what you are great at, and activate your passions.

Two final steps and we’re done. I introduce Step 6 tomorrow. Don’t miss it. And share these with your friends and families who are job hunting…learn a better way of looking for the right job – one that will give you a job you love (and will excel in). For more information see “Stand Out and Get Hired” . Know yourself, what you are great at and what you are passionate about. Then find a job that allows you to use these. That is the “right” job for you.

Today, I continue with my seven steps to finding a job you love because when you love your job, your performance, effort and engagement improves. Today, I introduce Step 4.

Find the right job Step 4:
Review what you listed from steps 1, 2 and 3 (what you are great at, what you love to do and what fits into your definition of success) and identify where any of the items you listed intersect. Where these three areas intersect is called your “MaxImpact Core.” This represents the environment that allows you to connect to your performance both intellectually and emotionally. This is where you have the greatest “fit,” greatest passion and greatest connection. This is critical information needed to identify your dream job – your “right” job. It is worth the effort to go through this process. Most people do not know what they are great at. Fewer know what their definition of success is. Where these, and your passions, intersect is where you will feel empowered and alive in the workplace. Find this. Trust me, you will be so glad you did and you will never take a boring job again. Life is too short to hate your job. It is your choice to have an ordinary or extraordinary job (and life). Learn how to find a job that activates your passions and makes you feel significant. Own your work and your life…you can have the best of each.

Two final steps and we’re done. I introduce Step 5 tomorrow. Don’t miss it. And share these with your friends and families who are job hunting…learn a better way of looking for the right job – one that will give you a job you love (and will excel in). For more information see “Stand Out and Get Hired” . Know yourself, what you are great at and what you are passionate about. Then find a job that allows you to use these. That is the “right” job for you.

Find the right job Step 2:
List what you are passionate about. Passion drives energy; the more you involve your passions in your job, the more engaged and excited you will be in your role. This is the most significant component of performance. Identify what you love to do. You may see this play out in your hobbies and interests.

Step 3 tomorrow. Learn how to find and get hired in to a job that you love. For more information see “Stand Out and Get Hired” . Know yourself, what you are great at and what you are passionate about. Then find a job that allows you to use these. That is the “right” job for you.

Find the right job Step 1:
List what you are great at. Take a talent assessment if you need help or simply list what you are naturally great at. Notice this said “great” not “good” as the focus must be on things that you are the best at to be the most competitive. Don’t be humble. Be accurate and be honest.

Step 2 tomorrow. Learn how to find and get hired in to a job that you love. For more help, click on “Stand Out and Get Hired” above.

1. Get Fired Up! about finding a job. Love the process because what you love, you are more committed to. If you hate the job seeking process, several things will happen:
a. You will not put your best effort in. Today, you have to be your best to get noticed and hired.
b. If you are not excited about the process, you won’t have the energy and focus to keep moving on your search. And at the same time, you won’t show the world that you have the personality, tenacity and focus to get things done and are an ideal choice to be hired.
c. If you do not find a way to get fired up about the job hunting process, you just won’t do it. You’ll find reasons why you should not network, not create a better resume, not invent a new approach to get noticed, or not polish up your cover letter.

So get up, get going and get fired up about getting the best job. See yourself in a great job and stay focused on how good you will feel when you get the job. Be positive, upbeat and enthusiastic. Apply for jobs in which you are the most competitive. Be open to talking to anyone and everyone about what you do well because that random person you happen to meet, may be a manager looking for a high quality, high energy and focused employee like you. Get Fired Up! about finding a great job. Attitude is critical to Stand Out and Get Hired.

For more help see the new web resource “Stand Out and Get Hired” on this site. Good Luck. Be Great. Get Hired.

Here is what guides me:
1. Stay positive and find the positive, not the negative, in the change. There are always positive events if we look for them; committing to feeling bad doesn’t do any good. As I like to call it – be on the “hunt for opportunities.”
2. Know you will land on your feet. Trust that you have the abilities and the strength to come out stronger, better, happier or more successful. Believing it is critical to your success.
3. Surround yourself with others who can help you. Periods of change should send you looking for help, rather than trying to solve things on your own. Most people feel that their change situation is unique to them. Most situations have happened to others – and they may have wisdom to help guide you through the process. Find help.

Change happens. That is just the way of the world. Be optimistic, welcome it and be better because of it. Whether job hunting, managing or watching your family grow up, find the good. Celebrate the positive and commit to being optimistic.

To help with the impact of change, Job Seekers can check out Stand Out and Get Hired – your resource to help you see what you are great at, which jobs need what you are great at and how to apply in a way that gets you noticed. Managers check out Fire Up! Your Employees and Smoke Your Competition. This is your step-by-step guide to learn how to manage in today’s period of change. Use the tools to be great in times of change.