Cindy, when we talked recently, you mentioned that your firm has seen a sharp rise with a number of new recruiting assignments. Do you feel that this is the start of a positive upward trend?

Yes, we have seen that companies are recruiting again. Not only are they recruiting, but also they’re reaching out to recruiters for help. As the economy continues to improve people are looking to move because they are unhappy in their jobs. That creates new openings that need to be filled.

That sounds like good news!  Any particular area, field or industries?

At our firm, we specialize in recruiting for the financial services industry in multiple markets including Atlanta, Chicago, San Diego, Minneapolis, Detroit, and San Francisco.  The fact that this hard-hit industry is being proactive in recruiting at experienced and leadership levels is a great sign of an improving economy.

That’s terrific! With things starting to shift, what can women do to make themselves more ‘marketable’ right now?           

The most important is something we all need to do:  create balance in our lives, which in turn helps us look and act more marketable. To find balance and a happy and healthy lifestyle, I believe it’s really important for women to take time for themselves.  Every one of us needs to exercise, go outside and connect with nature, and honor our passions – I tell women to respect what makes their heart sing.

Taking the time every day to be creative is second way to maintain balance.  Try something that is different from your talent area. It could be working on an art project, cooking a meal, organizing your closet, gardening, grooming the dog, or simply learning something new, such as styling your hair a new way, or doing the crossword puzzle. The idea is to mix it up and be varied in your daily activities.

Third, do something for someone who is not a part of your family. Taking the time to reach out into the community and give back is extremely rewarding and keeps you involved.

These three activities are also subtle ways of networking and will keep you multi-dimensional and outwardly focused.  The goal is to keep grounded and maintain a clear perspective.

Do you have any tips specific to the job search?

Well, I can offer two tools that women can use to make a difference in marketing themselves. They may sound simple but they are simply effective.

1.) Know your talents and understand how they are transferable to a company’s needs, issues, and challenges.  Talents are more than skills, you know - they are the unique combination of who you are and what you do.  There are many people who can communicate, work with numbers, and know about a particular field but each woman is unique and has something special only she can offer.  Even identical twins are unique in one aspect or another.  Celebrate who you are and let potential employers know how your individuality can benefit their company.  A dear and very wise friend, who was recently laid-off, calls this her USP “Unique Selling Proposition”.

2.) Always follow up after an interview. Send a note to everyone you meet, either hand-written or electronically or both.  Thank them for their time and let them know what you took away from your time together.  As you write, think, “What’s in it for the reader?” and “Why am I writing this?” As contradictory as it may seem, your job search is not about you, it’s about what you bring to the table for them.

What are your top 5 do’s for interviewing?

1. Be prepared. Research the company, the competition, the key players in the firm and their career paths. LinkedIn is a wonderful resource for this research.
2. Listen. Stay focused on the conversation to ensure that there is a dynamic dialogue occurring.
3. Dress professionally. It’s always better to over dress than to under dress.  You do not have to be in a designer outfit but make sure that your clothes are clean and pressed, your shoes polished, your breath is fresh, and SMILE.
4. Ask questions.
5. If you don’t know an answer to a question, admit it. Let them know you’ll find out and then get back to them with an answer.

Any things to avoid?

1. Your resume is your first introduction.  Do not submit it without checking, double-checking, and even triple-checking it for errors.  Have at least three other people review it multiple times for content, formatting, spelling, and message.  Always bring extra copies with you to each interview.
2. Your resume is not a position description but should have your measurable accomplishments listed.  Tell them what you actually achieved, not what you were supposed to do.
3. Be early, but not too early.  Arrive at the interview location no more than 15 minutes before the agreed upon time.
4. Do not talk incessantly. Sometimes a pause is a good thing and it is a strategy used by recruiters. Follow the interviewer's lead regarding small-talk and be prepared with creative conversation topics, such as remarking about the art on the walls or a new restaurant in the neighborhood. Avoid controversial topics (which could even be kids and pets); stick to business.

What one tip can you give women who have been laid-off, downsized, right sized, or just plain let go?

I’ve been laid-off twice. It’s painful, but looking back, I’ve come out on the better side of the situation.  I think that out of everything I’ve said today, the best advice I can offer is: take time for you.  So many people define themselves by what they do for a living, and we are so much more than that.  Make a list of adjectives that describe you and I’m sure you’ll smile and realize that your list continues to grow each day.  And lastly, breathe deeply!  It’s proven to reduce stress and improve cognitive processing.

Cindy, thanks so much. You’ve given us some advice we can all use!

To contact Cindy, visit www.gartnerpartners.com