Award winning author, journalist, and film critic Lisa Johnson Mandell, in her image transformational and results oriented book Career Comeback: Repackage Yourself to Get the Job You Want, was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions about landing the job of your dreams. Lisa shares her experiences and her ideas on personal makeovers, wardrobe updates, internet and technical savvy, and Botoxing a tired resume.
Instead of losing out on jobs to younger applicants, Lisa Johnson Mandell shows you how to beat the new rules of the employment game. Instead of being passed over, become the ideal candidate for that wonderful new career.
Thanks to Lisa Johnson Mandell for these great answers.
What was the background to writing this book
Career Comeback: Repackage Yourself to Get the Job You Want?
Lisa Johnson Mandell: In my late 40's with more than 25 years of experience, I was having a tough time going from freelance to full time. I was sending out hundreds of resumes and getting zero response. I took a look at what I was doing and decided I need a career makeover, which ended up being so successful I was featured in the Wall St. Journal and other major news outlets. I got more job offers than I could handle! I decided that if I could do it, anyone could do it, and wrote a book about how anyone can successfully apply what I learned.
Is ageism an important issue in today's hiring process, and if so, how does it affect women?
Lisa Johnson Mandell: Ageism is tough today for both women and men. Many companies today are inclined to hire younger employees, whom they perceive to be less expensive and more tech savvy. I actually think it's a little easier for women to appear fresh, hip and ageless, however, than it is for men. Wardrobe and cosmetic tweaks are more available and accepted for women. Either gender, however, can exude timeless energy that will help them overcome ageism.
While experience is often valued by employers, very often younger people get hired because they are often seen as more up to date. How can an older job applicant bridge the age gap and combine experience with youthful savvy? By exuding the above-mentioned timeless energy, emphasizing flexibility and willingness to learn, and walking into any situation with a full deck of tech-savvy cards, which includes a personal blog, an affinity for and familiarity with social networking, and a mastery of Internet skills. They are a must in almost any work environment these days.
Should a woman consider redoing her wardrobe to remove certain items, and what items are especially good add, or are bad to keep?
Lisa Johnson Mandell: Yes! I advise any woman to invite a 20-something friend or relative into her closet and help her weed out anything that makes her look frumpy and dated, such as themed sweaters; plain, boxy, solid colored dark suits; heavy, flesh-colored panty hose; anything with over-sized shoulder pads; loud prints; too many ruffles, bows or ribbons; "mom" jeans or elastic-waisted slacks; "sensible" shoes and the like. Every working wardrobe should include at least one crisp, white blouse, a black turtle neck, a pencil skirt, nice fitting dress slacks, an attractive blazer or sweater, an up-to-date pair of dark (dressy) jeans, a good pair of black pants and several colorful shirts or blouses. Those are the basics. More skirts, dresses, jackets, etc. can be added from there.
Lisa Johnson Mandell (photo left)
Should a woman consider a personal makeover to project a different image, and what should that image be?
Lisa Johnson Mandell: Everyone, of any age, can benefit from an update, and it can be as simple as going to the makeup counter of a local department store and having them show you how to use the latest season's colors. Cosmetic surgery is by no means necessary for everyone, but why not walk into the best hairstylist in your area and ask what he/she would suggest for a fresher look? The image you want to project is one of ageless energy and competence.
How important is it for a woman to be up do date on the latest technology and the internet?
Lisa Johnson Mandell: It is essential! Even the most basic jobs will probably require you to communicate over some electronic device, and if you can't do that, you'll be far behind all the other candidates.
Should a woman consider starting a blog and becoming familiar with social media including Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn?
Lisa Johnson Mandell: Definitely. I can't stress this enough. They are essential in personally branding you to stand out from the competition, and to show employers that you are up on all the latest resources available.
In the book you mention Botox for a resume. What do you mean by that?
Lisa Johnson Mandell: Botoxing the resume means erasing the age-lines. The year you graduated school, for example, is not important -- the specific school and your major or field of studies is important. It also involves deleting any obsolete skills with software or professional equipment that is no longer used. And if you had jobs more than 15 years ago that have no relevance to the current job you're applying for, delete mention of those jobs as well. Employers are not as interested in when you did what, but they ARE interested in exactly what you've done that pertains to their particular position.
What is the first step a woman should take toward competing in today's tighter job marketplace?
Lisa Johnson Mandell: She needs to become Internet savvy. This is an invaluable tool for networking, job searching, researching, updating and learning new skills and trends.
What is next for Lisa Johnson Mandell?
Lisa Johnson Mandell: I'm currently blogging for AOL's Dime Crunch, and am looking at helping more people find jobs they love via television, radio and new media.
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My book review of Career Comeback: Repackage Yourself to Get the Job You Want by Lisa Johnson Mandell.
