Atlanta Career Coach

Carry Your Resume in Your Pocket!

2009-09-28T09:58:00.009-04:00

Let me tell you about a very simple, low cost, yet highly effective marketing tool for your job search strategy. I call it the ProCard and it is essential for your job search and professional networking activity. Here’s how it works…

After developing a polished resume presenting a solid focus on the career role you are pursuing, you need to add the ProCard to your job search toolbox. I highly recommend that clients add two to three branding titles to the heading of their resume. These titles represent roles that you have served in, roles that you are prepared to assume, or functional areas that represent your expertise, such as Communications Manager (title) vs. Communications and Branding (areas). Two to three of these branding titles belong on your ProCard.

Now let’s talk about Linkedin.com. You should have an eye catching profile on this No.1 professional networking site. If not, sign up for a free account today. Review my previous post on the value of developing a solid Linkedin profile. I cringe when I hear people talk about spending up to $1k or more to have a career services company develop a web based resume/portfolio. Please save your money and create your own web based resume using a free Linkedin account. Linkedin allows you to create a vanity URL, to incorporate your name into the web address for your account, rather than some random string of numbers. This vanity URL belongs on your ProCard - it will give people immediate access to the focused resume content that you have used to build/maintain your Linkedin profile.

Now let’s put the pieces together…

Go to Vistaprint.com to order high quality, low cost business cards. Select a card template that is professional and pleasing to the eye and then start to insert your content into the template. Remember the KISS rule and keep it simple. Start by inserting your Name and any academic/professional credentials (Andrew J. Smith, MBA, CPA). Then Insert a few of your branding titles under your name (Accounting ~ Financial Management). Next, add your Linkedin vanity URL to the card (www.Linkedin.com/in/AJSmithMBA). Finish the card by adding one phone number and your email address.

You’re done! Order your cards and when they arrive you are ready to go. Your ProCard is now a short cut to the resume data and profile you are promoting on Linkedin – a resume in your pocket! Hand your ProCard out at meetings and networking events; to friends, family and colleagues; at interviews…wherever the opportunity presents itself to promote yourself and give people an immediate link to your resume content.

Try Asking What? not Why?

2009-08-03T08:17:00.004-04:00

When you’re feeling boxed-in or stuck, it is often a good idea to start looking at things a bit differently and with more objectivity. A simple but often powerful way to make a positive change in your perspective is to start asking different questions. You may currently be asking questions like:

“Why is this happening to me?”
“Why is this happening now?”
“Why isn’t my plan working?”
“Why can’t I reach my goal?”
“Why am I feeling this way?”

“Why?” is one of the first questions we learn to ask as children. As a child I can remember watching movies with my family, who would inevitably become quite irritated with my barrage of “why” questions. Even today friends and family will frown at me for asking too many questions! We ask “Why” questions because we want to understand or reconcile a situation. But is the question being driven by a need to learn and grow or is it an emotional response? I sometimes refer to a “Why” question as the “Victim’s” question…“Why me?” This type of question may be good for reflection, but its focus is on the past or present. And we no longer have an opportunity to change the past or present. Not even Cher’s plastic surgeons can truly turn back time!

Consider asking “What” rather than “Why.” In the coaching world, we refer to “What” questions as WAQs on the side of the head or Wisdom Access Questions. WAQs take you beyond information gathering, to concentrate on outcomes and solutions. With a goal in mind, you can then do the research necessary to make informed decisions that can propel you forward. And the future is where positive change and goals reside. Here are some examples of essential, compelling “What” questions:

“What needs to change?”
“What’s blocking my path?”
“What negative patterns am I repeating?” ex. Job Hopping
“What do I need to demonstrate to be seen as a leader?”
“What do I need to learn / accomplish?”

Think of a common scenario, for example a conflict with your boss. You might ask questions such as “Why doesn’t my boss like me,” “Why does my boss treat me this way” or even “Why is my boss such an ass?” I’ll admit that these questions are good for bitching and whining. But the fundamental problem with these questions is that they have much more to do with the other person and their behavior than they have to do with you. You can’t spin your wheels trying to figure out the other person’s thoughts and motives. So try asking something like, “What can I do this week to improve my relationship with my boss?” A “What” question allows you to be proactive and to seek out a solution.

Next time you’re feeling stuck or need to view life a bit differently, try asking “What?” rather than “Why?” I also highly recommend “Now What?” and more great resources from life coach Laura Berman Fortgang.

Negotiating Salary with the Job Offer

2009-07-06T09:31:00.009-04:00

In the current economy, you might be questioning if there is any "wiggle room" to negotiate the salary level with a new job offer?

There is no doubt that the present job market is extremely competitive. Many companies are taking their time and being very cautious when selecting candidates to fill key roles. The experts can continue to debate whether we are or are not in a recession. But job seekers are well aware that the climate has changed; and it’s natural to question if the rules surrounding salary negotiations have also changed.

If you are a strong candidate for an opening, then your work commands a fair salary. But what is the definition of “fair”? Here are a few core “rules of thumb” to follow concerning salary negotiations:

1. Do your homework before you speak. Many candidates are terrified to answer the “What are your salary requirements?” question. Whenever possible, provide a range which starts at your “rock bottom” number and ends above your expectation. This will give you wiggle room for negotiations. Use web sites and databases, preferably within your industry, to gather targeted salary figures for the positions that you have held and the role that you’re pursuing. Consider information associated with your education level, experience, the size of the organizations you have worked in, as well as your geographic location. You need realistic, “real-world” data to negotiate effectively.

2. Negotiate from a friendly position of strength. You’ve obviously developed positive report with interviewers if you’ve received a job offer, so don’t jeopardize this with an inflated ego. Continue your dialogue in a professional and courteous manner and learn as much as you can about the perspective behind their offer. You can then use this information to respond with quantifiable data to support your request. Discuss/revisit your background and career accomplishments and re-emphasize the contributions you believe you can make to the organization, both short and long term.

3. Carefully consider all the elements of the employment package. Don’t be short sighted and only focus on salary. Keep in mind that the company may also be investing in other very tangible benefits for their staff members, so get a good inventory of these items. Medical, dental and disability insurance, employee assistance and discount programs, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, etc.; these all equate to dollars invested by the company on behalf of the employee. When you’re comparing job offers and salary levels, focus on the entire package being offered.

4. Bargain for added benefits. If during the course of your negotiations, the employer will not budge on the initial salary offer, consider bargaining with them to add a few more items to the total benefits package. Since they do not have to pay matching payroll taxes on non-salary benefits, might they consider an additional 3 to 5 days of paid leave each year, or an annual allowance for association memberships or professional development activity (seminars and workshops)? Maybe they would be willing to add a sign on bonus after the initial 3-6 months of employment or a performance bonus at 12 months. They may say “No”, but it can’t hurt to ask.

5. Be prepared to walk away. If you do not receive an offer that is at least equal to your minimum requirement, a salary level that will allow you to meet your monthly budget, then be prepared to walk away. A new career role offers the opportunity to rekindle your enthusiasm and creative energy for work. But when the pay is too low, your motivation drains pretty quickly. Plus there is increased negative stress associated with your inability to pay monthly bills.

When deciding on your action plan for salary negotiations, consider how the items outlined in the five “rules of thumb” listed above apply to your situation. Then gather feedback from the interviewer and give yourself the proper time to make an informed decision about the job offer. Here are a few resources to use when researching salary data:
Salary.com
Salary Surveys from Vault.com
Salary Info at The Riley Guide

FREE Job Hunt Guides: PDFs with Hyperlinks

2009-06-19T09:28:00.008-04:00

At Secrets-of-the-Job-Hunt,

...get your FREE Job Hunt Guides for Government, Healthcare, Green sector, and Internship resources. Download a guide for access to dozens of places online for industry specific opportunities. Thes PDFs have hyperlinks enabled for easy access to great job sites.

Guide to finding Government Jobs

Guide to finding Health Care Jobs

Guide to finding Green Jobs

Guide to finding Internships

Guide to Job Hunting

Some Promising Careers to Consider

2009-06-17T10:04:00.004-04:00

TIME has posted a great list to review
from 150 Best Reccession-Proof Jobs by Lawrence Shatkin

And check out these LISTS from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Top 50 Fastest Growing Occupations
Occupations with the Largest Job Growth
Fastest growing & Most Rapidly Decline Jobs by Industry

Is a Return to School in Your Future?

2009-05-19T10:24:00.009-04:00

Have you been thinking about taking a few specialized courses or completing an advanced degree to better compete in the job market?

School is always an option; it is never too late to pursue more education. But don’t return to school because it seems like a good idea – have a solid plan and goal in mind before you start. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that an MBA, JD, PhD, etc, alone will automatically blast open the doors of opportunity. Or maybe you’re thinking, “Hey, lawyers make a lot of money, so I guess I’ll go to law school.” Your earning power should be thought of as a reward, not a goal. The prime question to answer is, “Where is the motivation coming from?” Will a return to school put you on a path to pursue that dream career? Are you being passed up for promotions because you lack an advanced degree that has become a preferred qualification in your field? What are the careers that will remain in demand for many years?

You may find that you don’t need a formal degree program. Perhaps you should consider a graduate certificate, often 12-18 credit hours, or a professional certification endorsed by a leading industry association. Professional certification, such as the PHR-Professional in Human Resources, CMA-Certified Management Accountant and PMP-Project Management Professional to name a few, have now become preferred qualifications. Certifications are a great way to gain new skills or validate existing skills and set oneself apart from the competition. Why not start out slow and complete one course? If the motivation is there, you will likely do quite well and be ready to sign up for additional courses or a full blown program.

If you haven’t finished a Bachelors Degree, now might be a good time to wrap that up. A Bachelors has now become a minimum qualification in many fields. There’s an array of quality “degree completion” programs, designed with the adult learner in mind.

If earning an advanced degree makes sense for your career growth, then do your homework, so to speak, and choose the right degree to reach your goals. Research the career options associated with specific degrees. There are dozens of graduate degrees to choose from, many specific to a chosen field. Learn the distinctions between MS, MA, MBA, MHA, MPA, MAT, MSN, MEd, JD, PhD, PsyD, DBA and the list continues. Gather information on preferred degree paths from professional associations. Identify people who are successful in your chosen career and learn about the choices they made to advance their credentials. And speak to program leaders at the schools you are considering, to get solid data on a program’s ability to help propel a student’s career.

When selecting a school make sure it will truly fit your needs. It is critical that the institution is fully accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies in the US, rather than any national body. Many programs can also achieve accreditation from a professional association, such as the American Nurses Association, as a mark of added quality on top of regional accreditation. You have a variety of program formats to choose from: full time, part-time, traditional classroom, evening/weekend, distance/online, blended learning, hybrid, etc. Online learning has become a new standard and many respected, traditional universities now offer online degree programs. Also, do some research to determine that a school and its programs have a solid reputation among employers.

Don’t forget to check out funding sources like loans and scholarships. Also speak with a tax professional about potential tax credits for some of the costs associated with a formal degree program.

Put in the extra effort up front to assess your motivation surrounding a return to school. Then do your research to find the right degree, program and school to meet your needs. With a targeted approach, you will be setting yourself up for success.

Here are a few resources to assist you with your planning:
Peterson's Graduate Planner;
the ProLearning Link;
50 Fastest Growing Occupations;
Accredited Online Degree Ranking at GetEducated.com

FREE De-Stress Kit for the Changing Times

2009-05-15T17:06:00.016-04:00

We all know that millions of people are experiencing increasing levels of stress. HeartMath, a leading stress research institute, is offering a complimentary copy of their booklet De-Stress for the Changing Times (as a pdf). Click the banner to the left to download your free copy today.

How About a Little Career Exploration?

2009-05-07T10:29:00.006-04:00

Looking to explore career options? Maybe you're about to graduate from college Or maybe you're a seasoned pro interested in making a transition. Take a little time to explore some ideas and options on the types of occupations that might represent a better or best fit career for YOU.

Move well beyond the stereotypes of what you have heard and read about on the life of a teacher, doctor, lawyer, accountant, nurse, etc. And wrap your mind around the very real fact that most of us do NOT have stereotypical career roles. Most of us have HYBRID careers. What's a hybrid career? It is a composite of skills, strengths, interests, knowledge and responsibilities that crosses many traditional boundaries. For example, take the title of Project Manager, which exists at almost any company. You would be hard pressed to find an occupational description for project manager in any major career publication. This title represents a hybrid role; and the description (duties, experience, credentials, etc.) for this job will be unique because it will be defined by the organization.

So allow your mind to wander a bit, brainstorm and explore. You might just come across a few ideas for your next career move.

And you'll need some quality information to help with the exploration. iSEEK is a tremendous web site and offers an array of articles and resources on a broad variety of career topics. Check out these links to get started:

Career Clusters: 500+ Careers in 60 Industries

Nontraditional Careers

Complete the iSEEK Skills Assessment

Managing Job Loss & Transition

Refresh a Resume by Abandoning Outdated Rules

2009-04-13T23:34:00.010-04:00

Everyone thinks they have a great resume. In reality most resumes could stand to be refreshed or even overhauled if they’ve been on the shelf for a while. You've become so accustomed to looking at your resume that you've likely convinced yourself of its brilliance. So set your ego aside for a bit and allow some objectivity to flow. And accept the fact that a true refresh of the resume will take time and effort. Make the update a priority over the course of a week, the job will get done.

I critique resumes each week and recognize frequent missteps you can avoid and common sense techniques you can follow to refresh your document. Here are several outdated beliefs on resume writing, along with some updated thinking:

Outdated: A resume should include a complete chronology of your career activities from college to present.
Updated: A resume is a business document and needs to be concise and on point. Avoid writing a career obituary with every detail of your journey. Choose your content for maximum impact, using a nice variety of action verbs throughout.

Outdated: A functional (also called a skills based resume) is the best format for candidates in transition, job hoppers and those with employment gaps.
Updated: Avoid a purely functional format. In theory, this format has merit but recruiters and hiring personnel hate connecting the dots of a functional resume.

Outdated: Use a general, one size fits all resume and a detailed cover letter.
Updated: The message that career development geeks, like myself, are trying to convey is that the resume is your No.1 personal marketing tool. It needs to sell you to each and every reader. Infuse two to four branding titles (job titles you have held or functional areas in which you excel) into the heading. Then make sure the resume content focuses on solid descriptions of your skills, strengths and areas of expertise; and includes strong (quantify whenever possible) examples of your work related accomplishments. However, when crafting the content to sell yourself, never embellish or lie on a resume, it will come back to bite you!

Outdated: Include a strong Objective statement to target the type of role and employer you are seeking.
Updated: If the resume has an Objective statement, throw it out! These are tired and outdated, even for the recent graduate. Objective statements send the message that “I, as the candidate, am looking for this type of role with this type of employer”. Brace yourself for this news flash; employers don’t care what you are looking for in your job search. They take the position that by submitting your resume, you’ve done your homework, and you’ve researched the organization and the specific job you’re seeking.

Outdated: Lead off with a Summary to outline the scope of your background.
Updated: Use a Profile section instead of an Summary. When creating a profile, include a short, focused narrative to describe the scope of your background. This is then reinforced with bulleted key terms outlining core skills and strengths. Rather than using a one size fits all resume, the profile section allows you to focus on a specific occupation/role. By customizing your profile, you’re creating a separate resume for each distinct position being pursued.

Outdated: Under each career position, provide a detailed list of your responsibilities and duties.
Updated: If you include a bulleted, laundry list of job duties under each career position you will bore the reader to death. Include a concise narrative of your responsibilities supported by bullet points highlighting your achievements. Selected achievements, combined with data on skills and strengths, communicate the value that you can bring to an organization. And this value is what employers focus on for selection of new talent.

Outdated: Stick to a one page resume.
Updated: A two page resume is perfectly acceptable, as long as it conveys strengths, expertise and accomplishments. Two pages of laundry list info and fluff is not acceptable. When feasible, include sections for Awards and Honors, Professional Affiliations, Community Affiliations, and Professional Development Activity. This conveys a greater scope and depth to your background.

Outdated: Craft a resume that is easy to cut and paste to web sites.
Updated: We have finally evolved from the era of the ugly cut and paste resume, and can now attach and upload a pdf or word file. Just remember to make the document pleasing to the eye. A resume should be content rich and visually appealing. Use formatting features (font type, bold, italic, underline, etc.) to draw the reader’s eye to specific content.

Outdated: End the resume with the following, “References Available Upon Request”.
Updated: No need to include this line item, it is understood. Prepare a separate handout of 3-5 professional references with complete contact information for each party listed.

Bottom line, any resume must pass the “7-10 second rule”. You have 7-10 seconds to grab the reader’s interest and invite them to read further. Follow these suggestions, and you will be well on your way to creating a document with fresh appeal and greater impact. Don’t be afraid to ask others for feedback on the draft of the new resume. And don’t be afraid to engage the help of a certified career coach or resume writer, as an investment in your primary marketing tool.

Excellent Turnout at Atlanta Career Expo

2009-03-31T19:56:00.010-04:00

See a video clip of the 03/31/09 Women for Hire Career Expo!

The staff of Women for Hire (WFH) joined with volunteers to organize and run a terrific career event. Over 400 converged on Cobb Galleria for the career expo held in Atlanta, GA. Tory Johnson, the CEO of WFH, is also the workplace contributor for ABC's Good Morning America. Expo participants had the opportunity to meet with recruiters from area employers (Lowe's, McKessen, the US Gov't., etc), attend workshops on topics such as career transition and meet with professional career coaches and resume writers.

Career Coach John Long volunteered at the event. "The expo was a great success. The Women for Hire staff was friendly and professional and worked as an efficient team to ensure a well organized, smoothly run event. Participants were motivated and asked great questions as they spoke with recruiters and during the resume critiques and breakout sessions. My goal was to give participants targeted feedback on how they can immediately enhance their marketing materials, plus provide them with key resources for career transition. Thank you WFH for a great day in Atlanta."

Check out the Career Videos at WSJ.com

2009-03-30T16:54:00.004-04:00

The Wall Street Journal Online offers a nice collection of free career coaching videos on key topics of interest!

http://online.wsj.com/video-center/careers.html

It's Time to Invest!

2009-03-16T11:36:00.000-04:00

Maybe you have recently been downsized from your company - or you're worried about the next round of lay offs - or you're thinking it's time for a change. Now is a great time to invest in something that has the potential to pay dividends for years to come. Look it up, the ticker symbol to use is (InsertYourNameHere)! Make a committment to yourself to do something this month/this week, as a solid investment in your career.

What development activites have you participated in lately (and the grumbling begins across cyberspace)? I pose this question to my clients each and every week because I truly believe it is a damn good question. The opportunities are all around us in the form of for-credit college classes (classroom & online), continuing education classes, seminars, workshops, conferences, webinars, teleclasses, audio books...and the list goes on. But time and time again I hear the excuses...My company won't pay for that. Money is tight right now. I don't have the time. Seminars are boring.

If your company won't pay to send you to a class or seminar, here's an idea...pay for it yourself and consider it a great investment. But pick an activity that you are truly interested in and one that has received rave reviews from past participants. It seems that we still have the time and funds for premium TV channels, NetFlix, an upgrade to an iPhone, gourmet coffee, the salon, gym memberships...blah, blah, blah. Here's the reality check people - the way to compete for good jobs at good companies is to demonstrate that your knowledge and skills are current and you can bring new thinking, creativity and results to an organization. Now if you haven't taken a class since receiving that college degree 5, 7, 10 or more years ago...good luck with that approach. And if the last seminar you attended was "Tips for Debugging Windows ME", I suggest you avoid the topic of professional development at your next interview.

My point is this...skip the gourmet coffee, movie theatre or dining out for a month or two, or maybe even cancel HBO for the time being, and use that money to attend a class or a few targeted seminars. Look to professional associations, the continuing ed divison of local colleges, http://www.findaseminar.com/ to target and engage in learning that will peak your interest and give you latest and greatest info for your career.

Set yourself up for success by investing in the skills and knowledge you need to land a better fit, hopefully best fit career position.

Rethink Career & Job Fairs

2009-03-05T07:51:00.000-05:00

Have you ever attended a job fair? Whether they are organized as a Job Fair, Career Fair, Career Expo or Career Event, etc., they CAN be worth your effort. Please don't dismiss them as cattle calls. There are some excellent events out there, events that not only truly focus on providing exposure to quality employers, but also on providing on the spot career coaching. The key to participating in fairs is to identify events that will provide you will access to qualified leads with motivated employers seeking new talent. And do your homework to identify specialty events that target specific industries/markets (Bio, MBA, Healthcare, Technology, Green, etc.).

Now don't let the term fair confuse you. You won't be eating cotton candy and riding the tilt-a-whirl...although some days of a job search may feel like you're spinning in circles or on the bumper cars. Remember to dress for success, bring copies of a polished resume and references and be prepared to enthusiasticaly market your skills, strengths and achievements. And no matter how long the day is and how long the lines are, keep smiling and project a professional, winning image. An added bonus - events that are organized by top career related firms, like Women For Hire, offer you real time access to career pros offering resume critiques and interviewing tips.

Check it out: the Women For Hire Career Expo scheduled for the Atlanta market, on 03/31/09 at Cobb Galleria. And it's not just for women - men are also encouraged to attend! I hope to see you there - join me for my presentation on Career Transition Strategies.

Here are links for other quality career events for the Atlanta Market:

CareerEco's Green Career Forum 03/26/09

MetroAtlantaJobs.com Listing of Career Fairs

Still on Target: Let's ReVISIT ~ ReFOCUS on Some Excellent Advice from '08

2009-02-21T08:29:00.001-05:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation: Take a few minutes to review these SIX fundamental Career Lessons from Dan Pink's book, "Johnny Bunko-The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need". It's a fun approach to a serious topic. And while this will probably NOT be the last career guide you will ever need (that comment was in my Career Coach voice) I think it helps to get back to basics! Enjoy

Career Advice '08

View more presentations from garr. (tags: career advice)

Yes...You Should Have a Linkedin Account!

2009-02-10T11:28:00.000-05:00

If you're already using Linkedin, great! Now continue to fine tune your content and expand your network. If you don't have a Linkedin account, create one TODAY! Here are some of the PROS associated with building a presence on Linkedin:

The basic account is free and comes with a broad scope of features (widgets) to add interesting content areas to your account.
Your Linkedin account can serve as your web resume, so don't pay hundreds, even thousands, of dollars to have a web resume or web portfolio created.
You can customize the web link (also known as a vanity URL) for your Linkedin account, such as http://www.linkedin.com/in/johnelong, and then list this URL on your resume, business card, professional networking sites. When you don't have a resume to hand out, you can refer people to your URL.
By growing your professional network on Linkedin, you create opportunities for future networking, the exchange of ideas with colleagues, expanding skills and knowledge, informational interviews, collecting the inside scoop on companies of interest, job prospects, etc.
A growing number of recruiters and executive search consultants use Linkedin as a candidate prospecting tool. A Linkedin account can put you in front of these recruiters.
The SimplyHired metasearch tool is embedded into your Linkedin account. So you can search job postings from multiple job boards with one click.
Answer questions from Linkedin users to promote your subject matter expertise, which can improve your credibility within your industry.

The CONS to a Linkedin presence may be that it will take time, effort and creativity to maintain a strong account. And don't confuse Linkedin with social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace - make sure the content on your account supports a professional image.

Create a Linkedin account right now and incorporate it into your ongoing career development strategy!

Recent News on Job Search & Career Transition

2009-01-28T11:25:00.000-05:00

These articles have some great advice (and action steps) surrounding the JOB SEARCH process and on mapping out a CAREER TRANSITION! Check them out at:

Job Search Strategies in Volatile Times – from Job-Hunt.org

Tool up for Mid Career Job Hunt – from the Wall Street Journal Online

6 Tips on Planning a Second Career – From US News & World Report

And remember you don't have to go it alone. If you believe you would benefit from some objective feedback and targeted input available from a career professional, contact a career coach TODAY!

Embracing Positive Change for 2009

2009-01-06T08:59:00.000-05:00

Are you looking to make some positive changes in your life for 2009? A desire for change will remain on your Wish list or your To Do list until the day that you make a commitment to yourself to take action. We often become paralyzed by the fear, uncertainty, anxiety, or self-doubt that can accompany change. Or, as a result of living in an I Want it Now society, we become impatient and frustrated if we do not see immediate results.

As a coach, I believe that it is best to approach positive change with a strong plan of attack. So let me offer 10 simple yet powerful ideas to help you create your action plan for 2009.

Set goals that are both realistic and achievable. Set yourself up for success. For example, start with a morning walk around your neighborhood for a week or two rather than immediately trying to jog five miles.
Attack one or two goals at any given time. Change can be a good thing but too much change at one time can create chaos.
Envision your plan as stepping stones over a stream rather than one giant leap across a river.
Celebrate sucess! As you reach each new step in your plan (no matter how small it may seem), MAKE the time to celebrate the effort that you put forth to get that much closer to your goal. Rather than rushing forward, STOP and savor the building blocks of success.
Create a support system. Surround yourself with people that will support your goals, that you find motivating and who will serve as your personal cheerleaders.
Surround yourself with snippets and images that represent the steps in your plan and the successful attainment of your goal. Cut out pictures and phrases from magazines, etc. You can then create a collage on a Vision Board or place items around your home and office for inspiration and encouragement. If you consistently remind yourself that success is within reach, you can capture it!
There will be bumps (maybe even a few pot holes) in the road as you travel your new path. DO NOT punish yourself when you experience a bad day or a setback. Assess the situation, adapt and press forward with hightened determination.
Ask for help. If you feel you would benefit from a mentor, a coach, a trainer, a counselor, etc., then seek out that person who can provide motivation and guidance.
You can't finish what you don't start. Don't allow yourself to be trapped in the planning process. Remember that you will be re-assessing and adapting your plan as you move forward.
Do the work and maintain accountability. Remember that this is your goal and your action plan. You can wait to stumble upon that genie in the bottle who will grant your wishes...OR you can make a committment to invest the necessary time, energy and resources to reach your goal.

The new year is a great time to embrace positive change. So focus on your goal, define your plan of action, arrange your stepping stones and celebrate daily success.

My best wishes for a new year rich in possibilities!

Job Hunting in a Tough Economy!

2008-11-05T13:41:00.000-05:00

This week, a client asked me if he should put his job search on hold until the economy improves. A perfectly legitimate question! Essentially he wanted to know if this is a good time to look for a job. Whenever someone asks me that question, I respond with the same answer...

The best time to look for a job is when you need one (maybe you've lost your job due to downsizing or termination) or when you're ready for a new opportunity (due to burnout, career transition, a desire to master new skills, etc.). Most people underestimate the time and effort involved with a job search, so they put off critical prep work - like updating their marketing materials, identifying and organizing their resources, defining their network, and creating a profile (as a target) of a best fit job in a right fit organization.

Our presidential election may be decided but job seekers are left to conduct their search in an economic downturn or dare I say the "R" word - recession! Each week there seems to be some news story that triggers real anxiety about serious issues like employment, compensation, benefits and retirement. But we must push forward and not allow ourselves to be paralyzed by the evening news. Which means that candidates need to be even more proactive, more creative, more tenacious, and better prepared as they network, compete and market themselves to potential employers.

Let's also not forget about the power of positive thinking and that sometimes we do actually make our own luck. And if you're encountering some barriers and you need a fresh perspective, consider contacting a career coach!

Here are a few resources to review, dealing with job search and recession:

www.hrworld.com/features/top-25-recession-careers-022008/

www.careerhubblog.com/main/2008/01/72-recession-pr.html

www.cio.com/article/327613/_Secrets_for_Searching_for_a_Job_During_a_Recession_

The Benefits of Freelance Assignments!

2008-10-07T16:48:00.000-04:00

Have you ever considered taking on a temporary, contract or freelance project? If you are willing to compete for these assignments, the benefits to this type of work might include:

* The ability to bring in extra income as needed.
* An opportunity to explore and expand your skills and interests.
* Bridging a gap in your employment history, when faced with downsizing or termination.
* Gaining experience and building a portfolio for a career transition.
* To address a need for flexible working arrangements while completing a degree, caring for family, etc.
* Freelancing is often a great match for individuals who enjoy working from a home office/telecommuting.

This environment is expanding, as companies seek to control costs by outsourcing projects. If you're interested in exploring the freelance world further, take a look at the following web links for additional information and leads:

Virtualvocations.com
Elance.com
Sologig.com
Guru.com
Craigslist.com
Backpage.com
ifreelance.com
Clicknwork.com
Ether.com

And feel free to share your ideas and experiences surrounding contract/freelance work!

Blogging About Blogs!

2008-09-17T15:20:00.003-04:00

Each week I search the web for career resources that my clients might find useful, to augment or enhance their coaching exercises. The web offers an array of information, data, advice and opinions, often in the form of blogs, on topics such as resume writing, job search, networking, interviewing, careers, the workplace and organizational behavior. A key challenge is determining if the blogger’s examples and points of view are relevant to your current situation. Does the information fit your need and can you trust the source?

Check out the Career Blogs from Alltop - Top Career News

http://career.alltop.com/

This link presents a phenomenal listing of blogs related to the work environment and career development. In fact, it may even border on information overload! But this is a perfect illustration of the scope of data, facts, opinions and perspectives available on the web – all just a mouse click away. But this long list of career blogs is still only a small fraction of the number lurking out there in cyberspace. Scan these blogs to identify those that you might find appealing and helpful for career planning. And if all the information becomes a bit overwhelming, you can always call a Career Coach!

When you come across career blogs/sites that you would like to recommend – feel free to pass along the links.

Is it Time to Get Certified?

2008-09-03T22:31:00.000-04:00

If you have ever considered pursuing a professional credential, maybe NOW is the right time! I'm not referring to professions that currently require a license or certification to obtain employment, such as medicine, nursing, public accounting (to function as a CPA), architecture, etc. Professional certification is becoming increasingly popular and even required in many industries. It is common to see job postings that list a certification/credential as a preferred qualification of the best fit candidate; such as PHR-Professional in Human Resources, PMP-Project Management Professional, CMPE-Certified Medical Practice Executive, CPC-Certified Professional Coder for example.

Learning and training opportunities have never been more available and flexible (online courses, distance/home study courses, seminars, conferences, webinars, etc.). Professional certification is a great way to gain new skills and knowledge, as well as to validate experience and expertise.

Here are few targeted resources to assist you in researching professional certification programs across a wide array of industries:

Career OneStop - Certification Finder www.acinet.org/certifications_new/cert_search_occupation.asp

Weddle's Association Directory - Identify professional associations in your field, then research the certification programs that may be sponsored/endorsed by the association. www.weddles.com/associations/index.cfm

Put Some FEVER In Your Cover Letters

2008-08-25T12:12:00.000-04:00

Forget the drab; one size fits all cover letters that you may have used in the past. And please ignore the letter samples in publications and on web sites that go on and on with paragraph after paragraph, essentially providing a condensed version of your resume. These types of cover letters are not effective because the people you want to read them (internal and external recruiters and hiring managers) DO NOT WANT TO READ THEM. The first type is just too generic and the latter contains far too much information.

Remember that, like a resume, a cover letter is a business document. And a key rule for business writing is to make the document concise – GET TO THE POINT! If the resume is going to garner 7-10 seconds of attention from the reader on first glance, then the cover letter may actually get less. But you need a cover letter, so make sure that it is on point and delivers a message with impact.

So how do you construct a top notch cover letter? I recommend you put some FEVER in your letter!

F – Craft a document that has a very clear FOCUS on the type of opportunity (including associated titles) that you are qualified to assume. Don’t try to send the message that you will consider several types of positions within the organization. There is a very real risk in stating that you can be a manager, or an analyst, or a project leader, or whatever they need you to be at this time. The reader may decide that your flexibility actually represents a lack of clarity regarding your strengths and experience.

E – EMPHASIZE why you believe that you will be a strong fit for the position, the team and the organization. Do some homework and learn about this employer’s culture, environment, structure and work dynamics.

V – Provide the reader with a very clear sense of the immediate VALUE that you can bring to the organization. Your content should answer the question, “Why should I consider you for this position?”

E – Interject several bullet points to solidify in the reader’s mind the EXPERTISE that you offer. Don’t regurgitate all the bullets from your resume. Rather, include several select words/phrases to express some of the key skills, core strengths and expertise you hold; and these should align with the qualifications for the position you are seeking.

R – Close your letter with a strong REQUEST for a personal interview at the reader’s convenience. Convey that you are ready to answer targeted questions and explain your background in detail.

If you invest the time and effort into crafting your cover letter with FEVER, you send the message that you are a professional who is focused, efficient and serious about your interest in the position you are seeking.

Psssst...I Have a Secret - The Hidden Job Market Isn't Really Hidden!

2008-08-13T12:06:00.000-04:00

You may have come across a blurb in a publication or on a web site that brings up the subject of the hidden job market. And you've probably asked yourself "why is it hidden and how can I find it?" Well I have good news for you. The hidden job market isn't really hidden; but it will take creativity, resourcefulness and determination to access. The hidden job market is really just another name for a proactive job search. Gone are the days when looking through the Sunday paper with highlighter in hand would consistently result in promising job leads. And if you're waiting by the phone for hiring managers and recruiters to contact you after posting your resume on one or two popular job boards, make sure you have access to a bathroom - it will likely be a very long wait!

I'm not saying that you shouldn't check the want ads or the popular job boards, just don't make them the foundation of your search. Take into account that you, along with thousands of candidates (even tens of thousands in major cities), are using these same obvious sources. Check them every once in a while or set-up an automatic search agent so the job boards will send you an email with posting matching your criteria.

So how can you take control of the search process? Consider the following list of resources to be your map and flashlight...as you set out to discover the hidden job market.

Networking: Reach out and contact family, friends, professional contacts (peers and colleagues), academic contacts, community contacts, etc. and let them know you are looking for a new opportunity. Be clear and concise about the type of position you are seeking and be prepared to send your updated resume.
Print Ads in Industry Publications: Remember to look at the career postings in the newsletters and journals you receive through memberships to professional associations.
Meta-search Job Boards: Try sites like Indeed.com or SimplyHired.com to search multiple job boards at once, based upon key words and location.
Specialty Job Boards: The idea is to move well beyond the obvious and identify job boards that represent your location, occupation, industry, etc. Job boards with a niche focus will likely provide a greater percentage of qualified leads. Some of these may require a monthly subscription. So what? It’s an investment! Sign up for a few months, take a look around and cancel if you’re not getting the leads you expected.
Researching Companies of Interest: Access information from industry directories, Chamber of Commerce directories, online databases for company research, and advertised lists of top companies. Compile a list of the top 25, 50, etc. companies that are of interest to you, then jump to the company web site and explore postings on the site’s Careers page.
Professional Associations: Join groups that represent your industry and/or occupation. Then make the effort to attend lunch meetings, workshops and roundtable discussions. These groups offer you an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and meet new peers, thereby expanding your network.
Alumni Associations: Remember these? Instead of throwing away the newsletters and magazines from your alma mater, check out what the alumni career services department has to offer in terms of free or low cost job search, company research and networking resources.

There are actually several more resources in addition to those listed above. Rather than dividing your time and effort among all the possible resources, do your homework and then select 3 to 4 resources that you believe will be the most promising for your specific search. If a proactive job search sounds like a lot of work…you’re absolutely right! In a competitive market, the candidate who is willing to put in the time and effort, while being a bit more creative and tenacious, will likely have the advantage. Or you could just use the same old, obvious, tired resources and wait for the phone to ring…and wait, and wait, and wait.

Why not take control, kick it into gear and uncover promising leads each week? If you need help getting organized, staying focused, updating your marketing materials, or preparing for interviews, then contact a career coach for assistance. There is some truth in the old adage that we make our own luck. So what are you waiting for? It's time to get busy and find that best fit career opportunity!

The Case Against the Functional Resume

2008-08-05T09:58:00.000-04:00

Popular bookstores and Internet sites offer publications, examples and tutorials on how to craft the perfect functional resume. This type of resume is also known as a skills-based resume. There is a tremendous amount of information in support of the functional resume. An old rule of thumb is to use this type of document to downplay frequent job changes, as if the reader will be so dazzled by the style that they will ignore the dates of employment! I willingly admit that the functional resume looks good, de-emphasizes employment dates, and provides a nice overview of an individual’s areas of expertise. But if you are actively conducting a job search, please DO NOT waste your time and energy preparing a functional resume!

Why should you avoid this type of resume? Because hiring managers, internal company recruiters and external recruiters HATE the functional resume. Yes, I know HATE is a strong word, so let me clarify…they truly HATE the functional resume. Hiring managers and recruiters are extremely busy people and they are dedicating a portion of their work day to the review of resumes, lots and lots of resumes. They want to be able to visually scan a document and quickly get an overview of a candidate’s strengths, areas of expertise, career titles, achievements, and length of tenure with each employer listed. They compare this information to the profile of the preferred candidate for the position they are looking to fill.

Imagine you are engrossed in a really good book and truly enjoying what you are reading. Then suddenly you reach a page that is printed upside down and every third word appears backwards. Would you find this odd and somewhat annoying? You would have to stop, turn the book upside down, start reading and then stop each time you need to decipher a word printed backwards on the page. Well this is what it is like for the hiring manager and recruiter when they encounter a functional resume in a batch of incoming documents. One after another they read through the chronological resumes and then they stop at the functional document. Why do they stop? Because they have a quick decision to make; do they invest the time to connect the dots in this document, or just set it aside (or ditch it all together) and move on?

The functional resume often requires a greater investment of time and energy from the reader. The chronology is often somewhat concealed (intentionally) and it can be unclear just when and where the candidate applied his skills to produce his accomplishments. The reader must try to extract the essential details, piece the data together and then compare this to the critical elements in the job posting. And most hiring managers and recruiters do not have the time or patience to devote this kind of attention to a first scan of a resume. They may decide to skip this functional document all together and move on with their review of the incoming resumes.

So as a career coach my advice is simple…give the hiring managers and recruiters what they want. Give them a clear chronology that focuses on skills and achievements and be sure it includes a brief statement to explain any gaps in the timeline. For those individuals who are in love with the functional masterpiece they have crafted, I will offer a compromise. Produce a hybrid resume to provide a summary of skills and career highlights, but be sure to include a strong chronology of academic and employment history in support of major achievements. There are no guarantees for the job seeker. But if candidates give the reader what they are looking for, and it is packaged in a document that is content rich and visually appealing…odds are it will be reviewed.

Change Can Be Good...Just Start Out Slowly

2008-07-31T08:19:00.000-04:00

Career coaching is often about discovering a new approach to an old problem. People look to a coach to provide solutions, but are they willing to do the work that is necessary to stimulate the positive change they're seeking? As a professional coach, I wish I could say that I have all the answers and that I can solve any problem. But what I can say with a very high degree of certainty is that you almost always have viable options when you are facing a challenge and that is often the spark for an "ah...ha" moment.

For those people who are feeling stuck, options can feel like roller blades. For those that feel as though they have been backed into a corner, options are like the magic crayon that allows you to draw a doorway to a sunny new room. When we are feeling lost and uncertain, options become our GPS, with a friendly voice acting as our guide.

But how do we identify our options? In order to recognize the options, you must be open to change and be willing to start doing things a bit differently. Do you remember that old saying about the definition of insanity...doing the same thing time and time again and expecting different results? When you start to look at your challenges a bit differently and then begin to make simple changes in your approach, things start to change. If you know you need to exercise but you hate going to a gym, consider going for a walk in the park. If you're feeling stagnant and want to learn something new, sign up for a class or a workshop. If you're tired of your weekly routine, take a different route to work, go someplace new for lunch, and enjoy a different activity after work. You don't have to wait for the weekend to have a little fun, like a mid week bike ride, a movie or a gallery exhibit.

And how do we identify which option represents the right path? Try some brainstorming, some self assessment, some trial and error, and maybe even the objective help from a coach. When it comes to issues of career development, stress management and work-life balance, I offer clients suggestions and resources that often represent a change from their norms and comfort zone. And I offer feedback as they break through old walls with a renewed plan of attack.

Consider the benefits of working with a career coach. At this point in your life, are you willing to gain a fresh perspective and remain open to positive change? You may discover that the power behind coaching doesn't rest with the coach, it flows from the client who chooses to embrace change and focus his strengths, energy and vision of success.