JobCAMP

It was the morning of JobCAMP, a beautiful autumnal day in Sydney, the sun was out and the sky was clear and crisp. I arrive at Luna Park, the big smiling face under the iconic Harbour Bridge. The conference room over look’s the harbour water across at the Sydney Opera House. I could not think of anything more invigorating. It was disappointing the rest of the unemployed in Sydney did not feel the same way. There were a handful of people who made the effort to get out of bed at such an early hour to learn something new.

JobCAMP was the idea of Luke Harvey-Palmer, to inspire people to think differently when it comes to career and work. I wanted to learn how to think differently as my current methods were not getting anyway with my job search. He asks “Who has a profile in Plaxo, Friendster, in a blog…?” Who? What? Where? …the list goes on. LinkedIn, finally I get to put my hand up. Have I been missing out on something?

Adam Shay from The Face, steps up to speak about personal branding and to announce the winner of the prize, me. Luke also adds that I was the only one who sent anything in. My first thought was opportunity lost but my opportunity gained. I was surprised no one else wanted to take this opportunity in their hand. Maybe the thought of a half page ad in the Saturday’s Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) had put people off.

So there I am in front of a group of strangers and most are used to talking in front of other strangers. Yeah, I’m feeling really comfortable, not. And I have to talk about myself…

First question, “What type of working environment appeals to you?” I think back to the organisations I enjoyed working for. They would have to be like myself with their work values. The friendships I built while I was working in these environments are enduring. LinkedIn connections, which organisations had I connected the most with.

Next, “5 things your colleagues would say about you?” It’s not everyday you go around asking your colleagues what they think of you, you don’t know what you might get back! I had my recommendations to fall back on and they were all very nice, lucky. I had feedback from my agent, career consultant, interviews and those comments your colleagues make off handily.

Next…, “What can you do for the organisation?” This was the hardest question. I know what I do but it is translating my numbers into words. When I search for job advertisements, what do I look for, what words have to be on the advertisement for me to apply for the role?

It was the end, finally. Adam asks, “Did Colleen sound obnoxious?” No, everybody agrees. Phew… Maybe because I was nearly peeing myself like my nephew the day before.

What I learnt at the 2 days at JobCAMP, speakers: Every connection is a good connection, Keep on moving, Give to get – random acts of kindness, Machine cannot replace man in all situations, eg, my hairdresser and from Heidi Dening, personal health, do anything for 21 days and it becomes a habit. To rid yourself of a habit, don’t do it for 21 days.

Most importantly, I learnt I needed to change my banner title to something that stands out from the crowd. I had “Business Analyst seeking Opportunities”. No. A potential employee will see that I am looking for work in my current work status. Another part of my personal branding that must be included in my profile.

The last speaker of the 2 days was introduced as Social Networks Strategist. (Who? What?) Australia’s top blogger had been blogging before it was ‘hip’ to blog and global power150 blogger, Laurel Papworth, also known as SilkCharm. The first thing I thought was blog? The only blogs I had read were on the news sites and all they did was rant about something boring. What could one write about for all those years? I was soon to learn that there is more to blogging than ranting.

After the 2 days my head is a buzz with all the new information. The personal branding campaign is all go ahead with the ad going into the SMH the following Saturday. I have a week to prepare and do what I said I would in my initial competition story.

Next post in The Story -> The Campaign Begins