Meet Joe Johnson, Entrepreneur, Career Coach, Speaker, Author, and Strategic-Optimist

A local Portlander, Joe Johnson loves to help people turn their biggest dreams into easy-to-follow roadmaps so that they can become their best selves. For as long as he can remember, Joe has been obsessed with the concept of unlocking human potential. Why do some people thrive and others struggle? And how many steps is the second person away from being successful? These questions are what drive him and get him excited about what he does.

To learn more about Joe and his work, check out this entry on job searching from his blog, and this entry on how to receive a salary increase.

1. How did you decide to start up the Earn More Academy website?

I decided to make Earn More Academy after I realized that my good fortune of finding great jobs wasn't luck at all--it was an invaluable skill.

I keep in contact with a lot of my friends from university; however, I noticed that many of them were really struggling to find a job. Sadly, some of them, now in their 30s, were forced to live with their parents because their current job wasn't helping them to move their lives forward.

A common thread was that each of them were both extremely unhappy with their jobs and severely underpaid. Then, after helping them with their resume, online profiles, and sharing some key career advice, they each landed a career in fields that made them happier and paid them more money.

Over the course of several years of privately coaching friends and colleagues, I finally decided to open the website EarnMoreAcademy.com to help a lot more people gain a better work life balance and financial independence.

2. Why are so many people earning less money than they would like to be earning--or even than what their skills should be worth in the current job market?

This is a BIG question. There are a lot of external factors both past and present that have affected the job market (ie: the economic slowdowns, company restructuring, layoffs, etc).

Despite this fact, I would say that the biggest thing that keeps people from earning more money, even though they may be overqualified, is they honestly don't know what they want from their own career path. Clarity is key forth finding the path to becoming a top-paid player in your industry. When you start to narrow down potential careers that leverage your real strengths and your unique talents, you can do some amazing stuff while at the right company.

Oftentimes, people suffer from job searching fatigue and grab ANY job that calls back after a long job search. However, it may not truly fit who you are and what you want to do. As a result, you will probably not excel nor be considered for a raise because your true potential will never be utilized.

3. What are some things people can do in the job they hold right now to improve their financial position/outlook?

This is a great question! We previously did a whole write-up dedicated to this exact question on our website. However, if a person is trying to improve their financial position at their current role, they are going to need to get on the same page with their employer. Here is a quick 3-part strategy for getting that salary increase that you deserve.

Stage One – Goal Setting

In the first stage, you need to approach your supervisor with the idea that you want to be considered for a raise in the near future and that you'd like to find out exactly what it would take to receive a raise. To your boss, it's going to be a refreshing change of pace that an employee is ambitious enough to go above and beyond for the company. It's very important that you get ultra-specific and repeat back exactly what they told you their needs are. Example: "So you're saying, if I were to do X, then it would make me the best candidate for a raise in the next 6 months?"

Stage Two – Execution & Recording

After you confirm your supervisor's needs, you want to make sure that you complete your new project on time and better than expected. Underpromise and overdeliver!

At the end of each week, make sure to document your efforts and show how you have either grown productivity or how your efforts have increased revenues. You will need this later, as it will be what you will use to position yourself for a raise.

Stage Three – Research & Rewards

Head over to one of the following salary comparison websites and research how much money other professionals in your industry are being paid:

Salary.com

PayScale.com

Aim to put yourself in the top 30% of professionals in your industry.

Next, you want to schedule a time to speak with your supervisor about the completion of the project and all of the benefits that have been the direct result of your work. This shouldn't be hard to do because your personal documentation serves to justify why you deserve the raise that you're requesting.

Finally, after you wrap up your project debrief session, smoothly transition into the money conversation by saying something like this, "Now several weeks ago, you mentioned that if I delivered on this project, we would discuss my salary. After researching on several payscale websites, I found the average compensation of people in similar industries was between Y and Z. Given my latest performance, I would like to request that my salary be moved from A to B."

4. What are some common mistakes people make or misconceptions people have when it comes to searching for jobs?

When it comes to the actual job interview, it can be very stressful. You basically have one shot to make an outstanding first impression. So many people have this misconception that you need to convince the employer that you are the best candidate by simply answering questions about yourself. This is huge mistake! If they wanted one sentence answers, then they would have read your resume and skipped the entire interview process.

The truth, is that every job interview is always about the company, and your answers should be crafted in such a way that it positions YOU as the best solution to their business problems. This is how you win more job interviews.

5. What else would you like readers to know about you and the services you offer through your site?

Just remember, EVERYONE has an 8-to-5. It's up to YOU to determine where you will spend that time! We have a full suite of tools to help you land a new job that will make you happier. We provide everything from eye-catching resume templates, to 1-on-1 coaching, and full job hunting online mastery courses.

Thanks, Joe!

Ideas for Sample Cover Letters

Cover letters. Just reading those two words can make you feel exhausted. I know that when I've been in intense periods of job hunting, I've changed my cover letter up quite a bit when I feel like it's not getting me good results. But how do you know what makes a good cover letter?

A great place to start is by looking at sample cover letters. The Sample Cover Letters website I've linked in this post is a helpful resource whether you're just sitting down to write your first-ever cover letter, or you're looking to improve upon the letter you've been using. There are lots of relevant tips on basics like how to format your letter, how to make your paragraphs flow smoothly, and how to emphasize your strengths and explain any issues such as gaps in employment.

Another cool thing about this particular website is that they have samples relevant to specific jobs including teaching, dental assisting, and medical assisting. And if you're an entrepreneur, here's one other interesting point: there is also a sample business plan cover letter that you can use if you're writing a cover letter to a potential investor, bank, or other business-related institution that might be helping you with funding for your business.

Did you know that a lot of job applicants don't even bother to include a cover letter when they apply for a job? You can set yourself apart from the crowd just by taking the time to compose a well-written letter. And with detailed samples to give you a solid starting point, there's really no excuse to not have a great cover letter as part of your job hunting portfolio.

Meet Christopher Berg, Career Coach and Consultant

Christopher Berg is a career coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. He runs a business called Go Berg or Go Home. He started the business with a particular goal of helping young professionals become more prepared and marketable in a tough job market.

1. What are some of the specific ways you help clients through your work offering career services?



The strength of our company is that we do a large amount of research on an ongoing basis. Go Berg has over 30 relationships with hiring managers, recruiters, staffing agencies, and HR directors throughout the Northeast region. Through these relationships, we are able to stay up to date on various industries, specifically what they are looking for in resumes, interviews, and skill set. Next, I have "secretly shopped" over a dozen colleges throughout the Northeast. I know what expectations college career centers are setting and what their limitations are. I have along extensive experience in HR, recruitment, hiring, interviewing while also achieving the highest certifications in resume writing and interview/career coaching. I offer young professionals the best services to make you stand out on paper, a chance to learn the best interviewing techniques, and the opportunity to network with my contacts to get one foot in the door. Thanks to the reputation we have built, my contacts know when they reach out to me they are getting top talent to fill their staffing needs. We help young professionals spread their wings in the marketplace by unleashing their confidence.

2. How would you define the servant leadership model, and how do you put it into action in your own business?



I am an avid servant leader. I learned about servant leadership in my master's program at Albertus Magnus College. Servant leadership is basically "serving others' needs first." I built my business with the vision of serving young professionals' needs first. When I graduated college, I was lost! I was taking little jobs here and there and living with my mom, with no clear guidance. Then a little lady named Sallie Mae came looking for money for something called student loans. I was deferring every chance I could because I simply could not afford it.

Fast-forward almost a decade later and what has changed? College grads are feeling the pressures of getting a job more than ever. Then one day it hit me. After attending a college career fair, I was in charge of hiring recent graduates for a leadership development program. After numerous interviews, I was shocked at how many students were unprepared for the interview, what was recorded on resumes, and the lack of confidence in their presentation of skills. I knew the market needed someone like me to help. The essence of servant leadership is having a passion to help others, and that is what I love to do!

3. Would you tell us about some common issues that you see coming up for young professionals and recent grads in today's job market?


Great question. I do have to break it up into two sections because there is a clear difference between young professionals and recent grads.

The most common issue I see in young professionals is how they are playing the organizational game and not knowing how to get promoted in their current career. I hear it all the time from frustrated young professionals. "I don't make enough money," "I don't get the recognition for my work," or my favorite, "Someone else got the position and I have no idea why!" I can absolutely help with these young professionals understand how the system works! How do I know how it works? In my current studies in my doctorate program, I'm focused on researching this matter and I have personally used it in my own career and have received countless promotions by following a PIE model. Want to know what PIE is? Just give me a call!

For recent graduates, it is just helping them debunk some of the myths about what a resume should look like, what some college career centers are teaching, and setting realistic expectations. I have tons of clients who become discouraged because they keep getting declined and passed over on jobs because they are simply not qualified for the position. Coaching to realistic expectations is my strength and unleashing the confidence is key when working with recent grads. Lastly, exposure!!!! It is all about exposure and understandably many college grads do not have the connections. I can help them gain the exposure so their likelihood of getting more interviews and the probability of landing a job increases.

4. Why did you decide to start your own consulting business, and what has your experience been so far when it comes to going out on your own?



Honestly, I feel I can help people. I know the in and outs of the job market game and my experience, story, and expertise can help others. I wish there had been something like Go Berg when I graduated. For most of my clients, they just need a kick in the "you know what!" I know I did at that time in my life! I want to help, spread my message, and use my gifts to help others.

Going out on my own is scary. I still work full time, pursuing a doctorate, while running a business. Time management is key in my life and my experience thus far has been amazing. The feedback, the follow-up letters, the pictures of my clients' working in their new positions makes my heart smile. There is no better feeling then knowing we helped someone start the next journey in his or her life. It is very powerful!

5. If you could give just three pieces of advice to someone who feels that he/she is struggling to find a good job, what would you say?


First, look at the jobs you are applying for. I guarantee half are out of your experience realm. When I pass up on candidates and send the "no thank you letter," I am really just saying, "You do not meet the qualifications of this specific position."

Second, take your current resume and read it aloud or record yourself reading it. It sounds crazy, but I use this technique with my clients all the time. If you are stumbling over your words, have a lost facial expression, or find confusing descriptions, you can imagine what the hiring manager is going to think.

Lastly, avoid online resume writing companies. If you can't meet and have a connection with the person writing about YOU on paper and shaping what is arguably the most important document in a career that helps open doors, AVOID! I recently paid four online companies and sent in a purposely-incorrect resume, and I was shocked on what was edited, not edited, overlooked, and changed. These services are overpriced and misleading. When you are seeking career help, just ask, "What makes you an expert?" because you can tell a lot from that answer--trust me!

Thanks, Christopher!

Temp Agencies In San Antonio: Get The Job You Want Now

The information that follows is a guest post provided by LeadingEdge Personnel, a temporary staffing agency with offices in San Antonio and Austin, Texas. This video gives an overview of their services for job seekers.

Temp Agencies In San Antonio: Get The Job You Want Now

Finding a job in San Antonio is tougher than ever. Thousands spend days on end searching job boards and writing countless cover letters, never to hear a response. It's enough to leave any job-seeker hopeless and despaired.

What do you do? You've already groomed your resume to perfection and customized every cover letter to a tee.

The answer is simple. Try the job placement agency, LeadingEdge Personnel.

LeadingEdge Personnel is hired by all sorts of top companies to help with staffing needs. Their main purpose is to find qualified candidates to fill positions. Why not take advantage and work with them? With both efforts, you'll be sure to land the perfect job in no time.

How a Temp Agency Works

When a company posts an open position on a job board, they receive an outrageous number of responses, some serious, some not. Imagine having to go through all of them, read resumes, and then narrow down who is worthy of an interview. Seems pretty difficult, huh?

Exactly. This is why companies outsource to a temp agency. They can find relief from the work it takes to find candidates and skip to the interview part.

You can do the same. LeadingEdge Personnel is already looking for candidates with your skills and experience. All you have to do is put yourself in their sights. By setting up a meeting with LeadingEdge Personnel and signing up for their FREE service, you'll instantly set yourself apart from the crowd and finally be placed in the job of your dreams.

Employment Agencies Go the Extra Mile

During your initial consultation, a LeadingEdge representative will assess your skills and experience. This helps in the matching process and provides the representative with vital information about you. You can tell them which industry you're looking to go into, what type of benefits you're looking for, if you're only looking for temporary employment, etc.

This information will also help the representative advise you on how to make yourself as competitive as possible.

For example, LeadingEdge Personnel offers skills training courses, improvement workshops, and other beneficial tools that help job-seekers gain the advantages they need. Not many other San Antonio job placement services can say that.

The Employment Agency Difference

How many times have you sent a resume out and never heard a response back? Dozens of times? A couple of dozen times?

This is an unfortunate fate many job-seekers face. Why? Because all job-seekers have access to exactly the same resources. You search the same job boards, email the same companies, and call in the same favors.

This is why using a temp agency like LeadingEdge Personnel can give you the ultimate advantage. Not only do they have access to hundreds of quality jobs, but they also have personal relationships with hiring managers. These are the kinds of resources that get people off of the job boards and into the workplace.

In fact, according to the American Staffing Association, over 2 million people are employed by staffing companies every business day, and staffing companies hire 8.6 million temporary and contract employees every year!

The odds are in your favor. Contact job placement service, LeadingEdge Personnel, in San Antonio today and get the job you've always wanted.

Introducing FresHires, A Unique Platform for Job Hunters

Are you a student or recent college graduate looking for work? When you have little work experience, it can be especially hard to find a job. FresHires (FresHires.com) is a new social platform meant to help people create an original and informative profile that allows companies to learn about their knowledge, skills, personality, and more. What sets the site apart from other job-search networks is that on FresHires, you create your own video to share with potential employers.

In addition to creating videos, job seekers can also upload pictures and documents to help communicate in a more original and concrete way with employers. By making a video resume, you have the opportunity to give employers your "elevator speech" from the comfort of your home--it's networking made easy.

People all over the world can use FresHires as the platform supports over 80 languages and allows collaboration among users. In addition to posting a profile for employers to look at, users can share documents with each other to do collaborative projects, research, and so on. There are audio and video chat features as well.

FresHires also features a job search engine, so you can use the site to look for jobs as well as create a profile and video resume for employers to view. It's a unique and creative approach to the job search arena, and if I were just finishing college, I know I'd be interested in giving it a try!

Job Search Widgets for Your Website from JobsBall

A month ago, I posted about JobsBall, a job search website which also includes useful resources for writing your resume/CV. I wanted to do a follow up post because JobsBall has a new feature, job search widgets which you can easily embed on your website.

There are various widgets you can use. Some are geared toward job search in the US and others in the UK. Here's the US job search widget...

US jobs from jObsball.co.uk
What
Location

If your website is related to employment, resumes, business, making money, or other topics where your visitors might be interested in job hunting, you might want to give one of JobsBall's free job search widgets a try!

Introducing JobsBall, a Job Search Website

Sometimes I feel like it's too easy to get into a routine where we keep using the same websites for particular tasks, even if we aren't seeing great results. That's why I'm glad to hear about different alternatives, especially when it comes to job searching. I think we would all benefit from some fresh resources in that area.

JobsBall is a website based in the UK with job search functions for both the UK and the US. In short, it's an easy-to-use website meant to help people find work. The search function pulls in a variety of jobs based on simple keyword searches.

The site isn't cluttered with a bunch of images, etc. It has a thin menu bar along the top of the screen that lets you navigate to different parts of the site, including a page with tips for writing a good CV; the page has a lot of examples to really get you thinking about which format might be best for showcasing your particular skills.

JobsBall is one of those sites that's so straightforward and useful that it's likely to gain more and more fans as the word continues to spread about it.