I tend to get more annoyed with myself than with other people or other situations. Annoyance isn’t very productive, so I tend to try to understand and concentrate on finding a way around a problem or putting things straight.

I’ve probably made one or two mistakes - everyone does - but that I always do everything I can to put them straight, learn from them and made sure I wont make the same mistake again.

I can see clearly that quick results are top priority - and that’s something I’m good at generating, because I have good abilities and experience to interpret situations, and then a strong focus on activities which will achieve change and results in the necessary areas.

I’m diplomatic with people too, which means I can generally bring people along with me; if needs be though I can be firm and determined enough to convince people who need a bit of extra encouragement.

Question:
I’m 24, and just graduated with a B.A in Visual Arts. I’m interested in working for the film as a set decorator. I don’t know any of the “right people” to help get me connected to the industry and I don’t have any set decorating work experience. Any thoughts or advice?

Answer:
Two films producers told me exactly how to break into the industry. I will tell you what they said, and add three more pieces of advice.

PRODUCER ADVICE
Visit film/television sets, politely approach your target and say: “I have a degree in Visual Arts and love the kind of work you do. Can I help out in any way to be part of what you are doing?” You can also do the same by calling the production company.

FIND THE RIGHT PEOPLE
You will love this. Visit your local library and get a list of all the films currently being shot in the city. Best of all, included are the names of the people in charge. You will want to talk to the art director, who is the person responsible for designing and supervising construction or all sets and scenery.

For every 10 sets you visit or production companies you call, you will have a chance to speak to two or three decision makers.

NETWORKING
Immediately become a student/apprentice member of the Set Decorators Society of America. Attend all their events. Also, book an information meeting with the director of membership and ask for recommendations on who you could speak to in the city. On the website is a member directory. This is gold. Call a member and ask politely if they could spare 10 to 15 minutes so that you could tap into their expertise to get a better understanding of the industry.

so here’s your challenge: Call or visit 10 sets. Join the society and conduct an information meeting with them. Complete this by November 10 at noon. Let me know how it goes.

Email your questions to: info@Dr-Career.com. Listen to Career FastTrack “Live” Mondays at 5.30 p.m. on CiTR 101.9 FM or online at citr.ca

Nothing really makes me mad - it’s not a good way to deal with anything.
Certain things disappoint or upset me - includes rudeness, arrogance and spitefulness.

• What is <company name? plan for the next 5 years and how is <department> specifically its  <position> fit in?

• Is the department a profit center?

• How important are the department’s function to senior management?

• Are you ready and able to hire now?

• How long has the position been open?

• How many employees have held the position in the last five years?

• Why are former employees no longer in the position?

• How many employees have been promoted from the position in the past five years?

• What does management consider to be the five most important duties of the position?

• What do you expect the person you hire to accomplish?

Question
I would like you to address the current threat of a recession. Sometimes I feel like we will all lose our jobs and it will be the end. Can you shed some light on these uncertain economic times?

Answer
There are many things I do not know. But there are three things I know for sure.

COMMUNICATE
The latest advice for bosses is for them to meet with their staff to address the current economic outlook and how it may affect the business. If your boss has not already done so, then book a meeting with him/her and ask. “For my peace of mind, could you tell me if our department will be impacted by the economic slowdown?”

SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY
Historians laugh at us because they are the only ones who have a good enough memory to remember the economy is a cycle.

Tough economic times are normal. When times are good, most people don’t make necessary changes to their careers. Take this opportunity to ask yourself if you love your work. Whenever someone loses a job, I always say: “Congratulations!” These are opportunities of a lifetime to explore your heart’s desire. Is your work fulfilling? What changes do you know you need to make?

FIND BALANCE
Difficult economic times reveal our greatest weaknesses. It reveals areas in our life we have neglected. We need these parts to remain resilient as human beings.

Have you been neglecting your family? Have you been working longer hours to avoid a problem at home? Have you not taken sufficient risks to reach out and make new friends? Have you lost your faith in life? have you neglected your community? Do you have the intimate relationship you have been wanting?

You must ask yourself these difficult questions. And you will be a stronger person when you do.

NEXT STEP
Speak to your boss today. Ask yourself what you want and give all your loved ones a hug. Remind yourself that you live in a rich country which is there for you when times are difficult. You are fortunate.

Email your questions to: info@Dr-Career.com. Listen to Career FastTrack “Live” Mondays at 5.30 p.m. on CiTR 101.9 FM or online at citr.ca

Question:
A lot of larger companies now only accept applications online through their “one-mold-fits-all” application system. In that case, how do you set yourself apart?

Answer:
There are three techniques you can apply right now that will ensure you stand out from the crowd.

Content is King

Great online marketers know that fancy websites don’t sell products.
Well written content sells and it is the same for your application. Strong accomplishment statements will ensure you shine.
Use strong verbs, include numbers and explain the actions you took to be successful.

Use keywords
This is a secret — don’t tell anyone.
At the end of your posted resume, type “Keywords:” and beside it list all the “must have” words from the job posting. When the computer does a search for keywords, you will get one hit for including them in your resume, another hit for having them in your cover letter, and a bonus hit for including them at the end.

The more hits the better.

Make a call

When you apply online, you must at the same time call the employer. Do not call Human Resources. HR always tell you to go online, which you have already done.

Call the manager of the department you want to work for and say this: “Hello marketing manager, my name is Mary, I am a marketing specialist with three years experience. The purpose of my call is to arrange a 10-15 minute appointment to discuss employment opportunities. Would Tuesday be convenient, or would Thursday work better?”

Do not refer to the job posting. If the manager asks if you applied online for the position say yes.
And then say you were also interested in meeting with them personally because you are excited about the opportunity. This technique works more often than you could imagine.

Worst case scenario: The manager hangs up and calls HR and asks them to interview you because of your initiative.

Next step:
Develop two accomplishment statements for each work and volunteer experience. Select the top five keywords from the job posting. Apply online. Then immediately call the manager and book a meeting. Seventy percent of employers do not have an HR strategy. Be their strategy by applying polite persistence.

Email your questions to: info@Dr-Career.com. Listen to Career FastTrack “Live” Mondays at 5.30 p.m. on CiTR 101.9 FM or online at citr.ca