What are you feeding YOUR brain?

Written on 9:30 AM by Robert

Last week I received an email from CUNY (the City University of New York) about a job search bootcamp-style seminar conducted by Eric Baron. Now, before this email, I've never heard of this guy. So I did a little research, and I read up on him on his web site, Eric Barron Live. I liked what I saw, and decided to pay the small charge (CUNY discount) to attend the one-day bootcamp this past Saturday. I have to say, it was well worth the money.

The event was held at the Gotham Comedy Club, of all places. Mr. Barron conducted this bootcamp as if we were watching a comedy routine, while we learned a lot about the job search process and how to sell ourselves as a brand to a prospective employer. The workshop lasted for six hours, but I have to say that he was so entertaining that time FLEW. Although his target audience was for the 20-somethings that are about to graduate from college and enter the workforce, there were people in their 50's in the audience as well.

I want to pass onto you some of the tips I've picked up here. Here are some of the highlights:

- Setting S.M.A.R.T goals
- How to efficiently manage your time
- Creating your "Personal Brand" - I have to admit I liked this topic a lot. Basically, you are creating a 60-second infomercial about yourself, showcasing some interesting and fun facts about yourself that are not in your resume. This is useful during job fairs and during an interview when asked that famous question. "Tell me about yourself."
- Cover letter, resume, and thank you letter tips
- Interview advice
- What is networking and how can you effectively connect with people to EVENTUALLY ask them about any job opportunities
- How to use the Social Media to promote yourself (Linkedin, Twitter, blogs)

One of the most important things I learned here is creating my personal brand. That 60-second introduction is VERY important. Things that enhance that personal brand would be a business card, which includes your name, an adjective describing yourself, and a picture. There are a few job fairs here in NYC on Thursday, so I need to get on that and prepare.

Let me know if you have any questions about personal brand, or anything else about the Eric Barron workshop. I have more details that would probably take too long to spell out in one blog entry! :)