How do you present yourself offline?

I have been diligently preparing for what I hope will be a slew of interviews in the next few weeks for what will end up being my dream job as an executive leader in the Cleveland area. I've checked the job boards, uploaded my resume, secured recommendations and gave my references a heads up. I'm ready for an interview, but I'm not really. When I walk in the office for a face to face interview and answer a question with "google me," I'm guessing it won't go over very well.

We all know the job market is tough, that's why it's incredibly important that you standout during the interview. You show up for the interview, you're dressed appropriately, you've researched the company, you have a mental list of questions and a copy of your resume ready to share, checklist complete. The only problem is that everyone else has the same checklist. Note to those that don't do those things, you should.

If you are going for a job that requires leadership, organization, and experience with an expectation of being a level above the rest you simply can't just do the minimum. If you are an online junkie you may mistakenly believe all people are online savvy and that your blogs, recommendations and articles are on the screen as you walk into the interview. The fact is that not everyone embraces online marketing or has time to do the research before meeting you. Therefore, you need to bring your online presence offline.

I recommend a clear presentation cover with the front page stating your name and the position you are applying. You can then use dividers to separate the different pieces of information, for example; resume, recommendations (copied from LinkedIn or individual letters), references (names of those not on LinkedIn), awards, certificates, and basically anything that helps support why they should hire you. I believe providing a profile of your strengths offers a competitive edge. I have taken the iPRADCO High5, a behaviorally based index, and like to share those results. Since not everyone is aware of the company, I include a link (www.ipradco.com) to the site and some information from the website to give the employer a little background. Always have more than one copy of your presentation available. Lastly, don't forget to follow up with a thank you note.

I can't guarantee this will land you the job and I really hope it doesn't if we're going for the same one; but I do know you will look a lot more put together if you give it a try. If you do hear of any open positions, feel free to pass them on.

Perk Up Cleveland, I hear the job market is suppose to be much better in 2010!

Good News Comes from Helping Others

Negative news continues to dominate, however, it's not difficult to find good news. The last few weeks I have come across several examples of people pitching in to make a difference. Here are a few examples of what I've found. I would love to hear a story you know about people helping people.

iPRADCO donating self-assessment testing to Breaking the Cycle - iPRADCO has a product line of assessments designed to assist job seekers stand out and employers find the right candidate. Breaking the Cycle is a nonprofit that assists ex-offenders transition from incarceration to self-sufficiency. These assessments, based on a behaviorally based index, allow the ex-offenders to offer a prospective employer a glimpse of their strengths. If you are interested in helping out, Breaking the Cycle is hosting a job fair on August 20, 2009 at the U.A.W. Union Hall in Parma. Please contact Mike Jones for more information at (216) 799-8867. Information on the iPRADCO assessments can be found at www.ipradco.com.

Ohio Department of Development unveiled the Ohio Ambassador Program - This new program is designed to help Ohioans share what they love about living and working in Ohio. Whether it is through conversations with friends from out of state or in discussions with business partners across the world, Ohio Ambassadors will share why Ohio is the "state of perfect balance." For more information visit http://ambassador.ohio.gov/OhioCommodores.aspx.


EfficientGovNow Names Nine Project Finalists - The EfficientGovNow program, presented by the Fund for Our Economic Future as part of the ANEO Choice Awards, aims to accelerate government collaboration and efficiency by providing as much as $300,000 in funding to as many as three collaborative government projects from throughout Northeast Ohio. For more information visit http://www.efficientgovnow.org/


Fidelity Voice and Data offers Co-location Grant Program - Fidelity Voice and Data understands what it takes to start a technology based business having done so themselves right here in Cleveland over 10 years ago. We believe Cleveland is a tremendous place and home to a great deal of talented technology companies that are doing very interesting things. They will be selecting 5 start up ventures less than one year old, having less than $250,000.00 in annual revenues and headquartered in Ohio to utilize space in our world class co-location center in downtown Cleveland. For more information visit http://www.fidelityvoice.com/grant.htm.