Monday, October 29, 2012

Gaining Job Search Clarity

Several months after beginning my job search, I have made an important discovery that has changed my trajectory. I realized, after some thought provoking discussions, that I was not only unfocused, but actually moving in the wrong direction.  I was heading backwards to what I used to do, not forwards to what I want to do.  It was an "AHA" moment for me.

In fact, I have been moving in the right direction and the wrong direction simultaneously. I have a split-personality, so to speak. I failed to see that my personal persona and my professional persona should actually be integrated. My branding message is inconsistent across platforms. My Facebook profile and blog reflect my personal brand.  But, my professional persona does not clearly reflect who I am now. My Linkedin profile, resume, pitch, etc. are based on who I was and what I did in the past. 

Although I have done self-assessment and job planning in the past, I am in a different place now.  I need to stop and re-assess where I am going and what I am doing, again. In my personal life I have a clear brand, but it does not carry over into my professional life, and it should. 

My job search has been a journey of self-discovery on which I have had breakthroughs and gained clarity.  Before this epiphany, I was feeling frustrated and disappointed. Now, I feel re-focused and re-energized. I know I am heading in the right direction.  Following are the next steps I will take:
  1. Review personal branding statement & adapt for professional use. 
  2. Consistently communicate revised brand message across all marketing materials.
  3. Find the right target market for my blog and grow my following.
  4. Share my job search experiences with other struggling job seekers, especially parents transitioning back to work
  5. Explore opportunities to gain experience in different areas of social media and digital marketing.  
Stay tuned for the continuing job search saga of Marketer Mom....

Monday, October 8, 2012

Marketer Mom Returns

Hello Everyone,

It's been longer than expected, but I'm back.  After a 2 year reprieve, I've finally taken up the reigns on my job search again.  I knew when I started writing that I wasn't quite ready to return to work, but I didn't realize how long it would take me to begin the process in earnest.

Now, I have begun, and it's been an interesting experience. I've thought a lot about what personal branding is and how to brand myself.  So, that's one topic I will be talking more about. I decided that finding a job is now my priority and I've sought help to jump-start the process and to hold myself accountable to making progress towards my goal.

I've worked on improving my resume, elevator pitch and Linked-in profile.  I'm taking workshops at JVS (Jewish Vocational Services) and beginning to network. I'm posting resumes and have had one interview so far, a story in itself.  As you can see, I'm in full-swing.

You can expect hear from me on a regular basis now.  My intention is to blog at least once every two weeks.   So, hold on to your hats and come along for the ride, which promises to have as many ups and downs as the best roller-coaster ride you can think of.

Stay Tuned,
Allison Lieber Prout, Marketer Mom