Career Counseling Blog

Try A New Perspective

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:45:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
The interesting thing about perspective is that it is determined by where you are when you seek it and what you’re looking at. A single pair of eyes can only ever have one perspective at a time. The same eyes viewing the same set of “facts” from a different angle, will almost certainly render a different and new perspective and probably create a different set of “facts”.

Applying the New Perspective theory to finding a new career you’ll enjoy is critical if you find yourself clear that you can’t keep doing what you’re doing in your career now, but have no idea what to do next. It’s somewhat like the well-known definition of insanity – “to do the same thing the same way expecting different results”. If you are struggling this way, consider if this applies to you - are you looking at the same “facts” from the same vantage point and expecting to come up with a different perspective? To come up with new and different ideas about what you can/should do next requires consciousness of your initial perspective so you can change it to see the same set of “facts” differently.

To change your perspective, consider changing what you’re looking at or from where/how you’re looking at it (e.g. a lawyer might focus on “skills” and describe herself as detail-focused without seeing or giving adequate value to her client relationship skills – especially when she’s evaluating what she likes to do each day). To change her focal point will change her “facts” as she sees them and therefore allow her to draw different conclusions and stop the “insanity”. Whatever works for you so you can change your view point on your past, your transferable skills and what really makes you happy is a critical first step in being able to create a new career future for yourself that you’ll enjoy each day.

© Career Illuminators - Career Counseling

Changing Jobs - If Not Now-When??

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:12:00 GMT

by Michael Reddy and Dan Thomson
It’s a new year; is it a new you—a new you that is going to seek and find that great, new job. It’s out there you know—you just have to find it.

Are you ready to make the change to a new job—the new job you’ve been talking about getting for the last year or even longer? If not now – when? Changing jobs is never easy.

It’s so easy to get complacent, especially if you’re making a decent or even a great salary, and you’re comfortable with what you do. But do you look forward to getting up and going to work? Do you resent having to occasionally stay late or come in early? Does your job inspire you? These answers should tell the tale. As undoubtedly you’ve heard many times, work should be something you enjoy doing. Then it’s not work, it’s just something you enjoy doing.

Let’s face it—changing jobs is scary. It’s always a little unsettling to change jobs. It’s the fear of the unknown. Maybe you need someone to push you or guide you, such as a mentor, a spouse, or even a job coach. Keep a written record of everything you do to monitor your progress. This should tell you exactly how much effort you’re really putting into your search.

If you think you want to change fields, it’s even harder. Especially if you don’t know what field you would like to enter. You might consider taking a night class in an area you think sounds interesting. Seek out people in that field and ask a lot of questions. Do a lot of research.

Keep in mind this quote by Charles F. Kettering:

“The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.”

© Career Illuminators - Career Counseling Programs

Stop Limiting Yourself - and Your Success

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:47:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
Are you limiting yourself in your current position? Sure, it pays the mortgage, the car payment, etc. You really do have to be reasonable about your choice of work, don’t you. Do you, really? No, absolutely not!

Have you pushed aside dreams about things that really interested you? Perhaps you did this all in the name of being sensible and pragmatic? Don’t push those dreams aside any longer…embrace them. To quote Joy Page, “Dream and give yourself permission to envision a You that you choose to be.”

If you decide that it’s just not reasonable for you to pursue something that interests you because you’ve never done that before, then you are getting in your own way. You’re limiting yourself again. Get out of your own way. As Jack Welch said, “Change before you have to.”

Apply for that position that you think you aren’t qualified to do. Let the employer tell you “Sorry, not here, not now,” rather than not applying at all. You do not know who else has applied. There is no reason to assume the other applicants are more qualified than you. If you don’t apply, then you’re not even playing the game, so how can you possibly win? Get out of the stands and into the game!

You can probably come up with many excuses as to why others wouldn’t hire you. Instead, apply with your best foot forward, and give it your best shot. If someone else beats you, so be it. At least, you didn’t beat yourself. You’re only a failure if you don’t try.

There is a great quote by George Bernard Shaw, “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.”

© Career Illuminators - Career Counseling

The Power of YOUR Network

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:13:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
Think you don’t have a network - WRONG! Any interaction with people expands your network. Your co-workers, ex co-workers, neighbors, alumni from college and high school, members of civic organizations, people you know at church, and even parents from your child’s soccer league are just a few examples. Get the idea?

Your network is your best chance of landing your next position. Make a list of everyone in your network…don’t leave anyone out. Then contact them all. You never know whom they know that may be able to help you in some way.

Think of it like the ripple effect when you throw a stone in the water. That one splash makes many, many ripples that just keep on going. It’s the same way with people. Your network may expand much farther than you ever thought possible.

On a more technical level, here’s another way of looking at it – consider what Robert Metcalfe, co-inventor of Ethernet and founder of 3com Corporation, once asserted with respect to telecommunication networks. Its value is proportional to the square of the number of connected users. Your career searching network functions in much the same way.

Remember that you’re also in other people’s networks. Anytime you can be of help to someone else, do so. Maybe that means a simple introduction, or even a letter of reference. Anything you can do will be appreciated.

As you know “knowledge is power.” It also applies to your network, but in a different way. If your network knows you are looking and what you are looking for, then you are in a powerful position! Remember the ripple effect! If they don’t know, then you have considerably less power, possibly none.

Get busy, and let your network start working for you.

© Career Illuminators - Career Counseling

Who Made You Do That? Take Responsibility!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:01:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
As Brian Koslow, an American author and entrepreneur once said, “The more you are willing to accept responsibility for your actions, the more credibility you will have.”

It is so easy to be mediocre… you don’t have to expend as much energy, you’re under less pressure, but in the end you’ll always be mediocre. Some companies will tolerate mediocrity, many will not.

In the business world, when you think of the greats, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Donald Trump and Dave Ramsey could come to mind instantly.

Whether you are mediocre or great in your position depends entirely on you. To be successful you must put yourself out there in the limelight, and take responsibility for your actions, right or wrong.

As Henry Ford said, “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.”

Companies are more forgiving of failure if they know you are putting yourself on the line for them on a daily basis. A big success can go a long way, and bring you instant recognition. As long as your company knows you are working hard to make great things happen, they’ll have your back.

But it all depends on you! You can make things happen: take responsibility. It is a mindset; you must realize:

The only one who can make you act is you
The only one who can allow you to feel guilt is you
The only one who can inspire you to change is you
The only one who can motivate you to act is you

The sooner you’re able to accept that you really do control how you are in every moment you experience, the sooner you will empower yourself to be able to create a positive energy and, therefore, positive outcomes in you current role or in a new role. Take responsibility!

© Career Illuminators - Career Counseling

Manager vs Leader: Which are You?

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:14:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
You may not think there is a big difference between a manager vs. leader…but there is a huge difference. Managers want authority; leaders want responsibility.

If you are thinking about changing positions, this is something very serious to think about. First, you should be honest with yourself and decide whether you’re a manager or a leader. Once you give the question some thought, it’s fairly easy to determine which one you are.

Ask yourself these questions:

Do you tell your employees what to do and even how to do it?
If so, you’re a manager. This is not necessarily bad; some people had rather work for a manager. They feel less pressure to perform because they were told what to do and how to do it! Others, however, don’t like to work in this type of atmosphere. They don’t feel empowered or get a sense of accomplishment from their work...they will not be happy.
Do you provide vision and direction to your employees, and empower them with what they need to get the job done? Do you trust them to get the job done and done right?
If so, you’re a natural born leader, and the leaders under your supervision will love you for it! However, the managers in your group won’t be so happy…they need some handholding.

If you’re unhappy in your present position, perhaps you report to a person that doesn’t suit your style. It might help to have a good talk with your boss to let he/she understand what you need to be satisfied and successful. If he/she is not receptive, maybe it's time to look for a position that gives you the leadership style you need. Another possibility is a lateral move within your current company with a manager or leader that suits you.

© Career Illuminators - Career Counseling

Tips for Getting Small Company Jobs

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:25:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
Are you a high level executive or entrepreneur who needs to make a career change to regain the zeal and excitement you used to have when you were working your way up the corporate ladder? Maybe you’ve worked so hard to get to the top, it’s taken a toll on your relationships or your health. The question is how and where to start over.

It can be done, but it will take some creative thinking. After all, creative thinking got you where you are today. Right? Why not consider small company jobs? Small businesses can present great opportunities.

The difficult part is getting in the door. Things just don’t work the same with small business. Typically, one or two people make all major decisions, including hiring. It’s important to find out who those people are, and try to get an interview with them, not HR.

Here’s a list of some things you might want to do:

Do your research of the company
Take an internal skill assessment of yourself
Ask for an interview.
If you can’t get an interview, ask the owner/president out to lunch
Be very straightforward; ask about their greatest problems and strengths
Get as many details as possible
Ask to meet again in a few days
Sell yourself...explain how you can help their company
Explain how you can affect their bottom line in a positive way
Bring samples of your previous work
Show them with numbers how successful you were at your old job
Demonstrate how you can use social media to help their company…social media is usually an area in which small businesses really need some help

If they are still hesitant about bringing someone else aboard, offer to work for free or on commission until they see the difference you can make.

© Career Illuminators - Career Counseling

Finding a Job IS a Job!

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:12:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
There are a few things you should do immediately:

Update your resumé…if you know someone very experienced in this area, ask him or her to evaluate it for you and offer suggestions. If you don’t know someone, you might want to consider hiring someone to professionally write it. It is imperative to have a great resumé…it should set you apart from the others.
Let everyone you know you are unemployed. That includes friends, former business associates, and anyone else that may be able to help you. Yes, it can be embarrassing…but it’s even more embarrassing to be out of work for a long period of time. It’s a well-known fact that your chances of finding a job are better with someone pulling for you from the inside.

Finding a job takes discipline, creative thinking, and hard work. Treat it just like a job, because it is. Set up a routine for yourself:

Get up early each day.
Finding a job can be stressful; exercise first every day to keep your stress levels down and get the creative juices flowing.
Get dressed in the same clothes you would wear to work; don’t sit around moping in sweat pants or pajamas.
Work in your office at home, if you have one, or at the dining room table.
Keep you work area clean and uncluttered.
Set goals each week, such as how many people you will contact, your interviews for the week, how many letters and/or resumes you will send out, etc.
Maintain documentation of the people you contact, the resumes you send, and when you need to follow up.

Put in your time during the week, but take the weekend off and re-charge yourself. On Monday, get back into your routine of finding a job with some fresh and new ideas!

© Career Illuminators - Career Counseling

Before You Quit Your Job

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:18:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
How do you know if it is time to quit your job? Do you look forward to going to work or are you excited to get up each day knowing you get to spend the next several hours doing something to which you are fully committed and about which you are passionate? If not, that might be your first indicator that it may be time to quit your job.

It's very difficult to decide to quit your job which you've had for a long time, and into which have invested a lot of hard work and time suffering up the corporate ladder. Ask yourself: what is the cost to you and those you love if you continue this lifestyle? Is it worth staying? Is it time to quit your job?

Many thoughts no doubt will run through your mind when deciding to quit your job, like:
Is the grass greener on the other side?
What am I going to do now?
If I quit my job, will they think I’m a failure?
Will I “burn any bridges”?

One thing that might help is to consider whether to quit your job is to ask if you are running toward a new career and lifestyle you want, or away from something you don’t want. The former should be your motivator, and if this is the case, then your main obstacle to quitting your job is likely deciding what to do next - not often an easy question to answer.

Consider if you are limiting yourself by looking at only those roles for which you have the "necessary" knowledge rather than considering other, perhaps less conventionally obvious, roles for which you already have the necessary transferable skills. Consciousness of and valuing those transferable skills is critical to deciding to quit your job.

© The Right Mountain - Career Counseling

Leaving your job? Do you really want to?

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:58:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
Leaving your job can be a very difficult decision, especially in today’s job market. It is definitely a decision that should not be made lightly and should involve an honest evaluation of your current situation. The following exercise is one that many have found quite helpful.

First, make a list of the things that you like about your job. It might look like this:

Great benefits
Good salary
Flexible hours
Friends

Next, make a list of the things you dislike about your job. Perhaps, it reads something like this:

Burnt out feeling
You seem to get blamed for things, whether they’re your fault or not
The good things; you never seem to be recognized or acknowledged
Others get promoted, but not you

Well, you’ve got a nice list of things you like about your job. Those things aren’t easy to come by…a lot of companies are cutting back on benefits and salaries; flexible hours are rare, and good friends mean a lot. Now it’s time for some real soul searching.

Are you doing just enough to get by?
Do you deliberately avoid taking risks, just in case something goes wrong?
Are you staying educated on new ideas and new technology pertinent to your company?

If you answer these questions truthfully, maybe you know why you’re getting passed over for promotions. A new attitude might be all you need.

Be grateful for what you do have and make a decision to change the way you work to change the things you don’t like. Try being more outgoing in meetings – bring in fresh ideas. This means doing your homework and investing more of yourself in the company. Request to be in charge of a new project and shine! If you have a mentor, use him/her. If you don’t, find one! Respect your work and show it…others will notice.

© The Right Mountain - Career Counseling

Linkedin Job Search Tips

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:02:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
We’ve previously discussed the power of using your personal network in finding a job that fits with your values and professional expertise. A LinkedIn job search can not only expand your personal network, but provide exposure that can surpasses that of your direct, job related network of friends, clients and associates.

The LinkedIn job search process starts with creating a profile at linkedin.com, and then building connections with and through professional associates whom know you. You should start building these connections today - though it is very important and helpful to know what you're looking for before asking your network to help you find it.

Maintaining your LinkedIn job search profile should become a daily priority for you. The detail you provide (such as accomplishments and documentation of past work - what makes you unique and memorable) will highlight your credentials and relevance to a potential employer.

Tips for correctly managing your LinkedIn job search effort include:

Update your status daily, and inform your connections that you’re looking for a job or a career change (when you're ready to go public).
Use links to others who work for companies that might be a fit with your career aspirations. This can help move your application out of the HR resume pile into a much smaller group of referred candidates.
Don’t be afraid to ask for LinkedIn recommendations from connections.
Check the “Jobs” section as part of your LinkedIn job search routine on a daily basis.

In the internet age, almost every employer will do an internet search on your name prior to making an offer. If your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date, they’ll find you in search results, view your profile, and you’ll gain instant credibility if you contribute to a larger network of professionals.

We’ll discuss more social networking opportunities in future blog posts.

© The Right Mountain - Online Career Counseling

Being a Leader Means Setting an Example

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:55:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
Many people seem to believe that leadership ability is conferred by title or position, and that authority to lead must be granted by someone else higher up in the corporate food chain. Authority is not the same as leadership.

In modern organizations, being a leader is not necessarily connected to a title. We’ve all worked for bosses who have no clue what being a leader is all about. But just take a look at your most recent performance appraisal – it’s quite probable that “leadership” is a dimension that was part of your evaluation, even if you aren’t in any kind of management or supervisory position.

Robin Sharma recently wrote a book, "The Leader Who had No Title", that examines the true nature of leadership in the workplace. Anyone can be a leader. The most fundamental characteristics of being a leader lay in taking responsibility, being an inspiration, and contributing to team success.

No one needs the “authority” to lead by example, regardless of their role in an organization. Being a leader means doing your job in a manner that is an example for those around you. Getting noticed by your clients or coworkers, whether you’re a barista at coffee shop, the person who dries cars as part of an auto detailing team at a car wash or a member of the management team, means being a leader by doing your job to the best of your ability, with commitment and enthusiasm.

Whether you’re serving coffee, washing cars, or in a management position, don’t wait to be given authority to be a leader. Use your own values, judgments, and work ethic as an inspiration for others to follow, and your career will take off in ways that you can’t imagine.

© The Right Mountain - Career Counseling Program

Getting a Job is Not a Game Show!

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:07:00 GMT

by Michael Reddy and Dan Thomson
How nice would it be if getting a job was as simple as outlasting other applicants on a reality TV show such as “The Apprentice”? The real world is rarely that kind to job seekers.

More often than not, those who are looking to change careers or find a new job reach out to their personal networks, cultivate potential opportunities, and then accept what appears to be the best offer. Unfortunately, this approach simply leaves too much to chance. It’s almost like blindly selecting “door number 2” on a game show, and then finding out what’s behind the door once it’s opened.

Getting a job and finding the position that’s a fit with your talents and values isn’t a game. Many job seekers, particularly those who are unemployed, jump at the first opportunity that arises. But what if there was a better path to getting a job that you really want?

The most powerful way for getting a job that fits you is to be very clear with yourself on what that “perfect” job would look like. Create a plan that is tailored to finding that perfect job. Executing such a plan means communicating your needs and desires to your network. Be clear about the type of position you’re seeking, and stay on that path. It’s OK to say, “Thanks, but no thanks” when one of your network contacts finds you a potential position that doesn’t feel like it would fit in with your personal or professional goals.

Finding the best opportunities requires a commitment to yourself, and no small amount of personal clarity on where you want to be in the future. That’s the best for getting a job that will make you want to jump out of bed every morning, excited about the work day ahead.

© The Right Mountain - Career Counseling

Finding a Career is More than Just Job Hunting

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:32:00 GMT

by Michael Reddy and Dan Thomson
Ideally, a career is a life-long vocation inspired by what you really want to do, not just a job that provides you with an income. So, when you’re looking to change your professional path, think in terms of finding a career rather than just landing another job.

There are three main challenges to finding a career:

Know who you are, and almost as importantly, who you are not.
Determine what inspires and motivates you into action.
Decide what you are really looking to do with your life and career, and then think about what a job that you would love looks like within that framework.

Finding a career takes a lot of work, so use all of the resources at your disposal. Once you’ve reached a point of self-actualization that you can really decide what’s right for you, start the journey.

Most career opportunities aren’t posted on websites or job boards. Networking will get you referrals for hidden opportunities. So, when you’re embarking on the job of finding a career, work your network of friends, family, and professional associates. Be clear about what you’re looking for, because most people will will want to help, but they'll need to know what you're looking for.

Use online social networking such as LinkedIn and Facebook to maximum effect. If you’re unfamiliar with using online social networking for finding a career, get busy and learn how these tools can be a key weapon in your career development arsenal. By participating in these networking forums, you’re branding yourself, and demonstrating professional expertise in your chosen field. Make yourself (and your availability) known.

Lastly, once the offers for interviews start coming in, make sure that the role you’re applying for is what it really appears to be. Finding a career is all about realistic expectations, not an unattainable fantasy.

© The Right Mountain - Career Counseling Program

Career Development: Plan Your Job Satisfaction

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:18:00 GMT

What does the term "career development” mean to you?

by Michael Reddy and Dan Thomson
At a basic level, this phrase suggests professional growth, progress, and accepting increasing levels of responsibility as you move up the corporate ladder. This development, though, is rarely a vertical ascent. In some respects, career development is sort of like mountain climbing, because there are steep inclines, plateaus, and even some valleys along the way.

As you mature personally and develop professionally, you might find that there are obstacles to your success. Some are more daunting than others. This is particularly true when it comes to finding personal satisfaction in your career path, and is why it’s so important for you to create a roadmap that will create an environment for the career development that you need to move forward.

It’s entirely possible that to reach your personal and professional goals, you’ll have to shift gears and head in a different direction. Ask yourself: “Is it possible to create a career development plan with my current employer to reach my goals?” To answer this question, it is essential that you have a high level of self-awareness. Knowing yourself is just as important – maybe more so – than knowing the career paths available with your employer.

What lights you up? If there is a specific accomplishment in your life that would motivate and inspire you, determine what it could look like if replicated professionally. From a career development standpoint, enlisting a mentor at your workplace could help you reach your goals, but be prepared for the possibility that you may have to change jobs, or even your professional path, in order to get there.

Understand, too, that a career development plan doesn’t necessarily imply reaching a professional destination. Like most things, it's an always evolving journey.

© The Right Mountain - Career Counseling

Job Interview Questions YOU Should Ask

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:23:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
Every job interview typically concludes with the opportunity for you to ask questions of the interviewer. While that’s not the only point in the discussion where you can ask job interview questions, this is your time to determine if there’s a fit with your professional aspirations and personal values.

Well framed job interview questions is another opportunity to distinguish yourself from other candidates. While the following job interview questions may actually be answered during your research prior to or even during the interview, it’s important that you come away with a positive feeling about how well you will fit within the company’s vision and strategic direction. Consider asking the following job interview questions to help make this determination:

What are the company's core values? Determine if employees are empowered with autonomy to make decisions based on these values.
What is the long term strategic direction of the company, and what role would you play in realizing that vision?
Is there anything else that you can answer for the interviewer to make sure that your core skills, interests and values align with the company? (Job interview questions like this serve a dual purpose – they engage the interviewer, and give you the opportunity to communicate your own interests and values.)
Is there anyone else you need to meet with?
Could you tour the office / facility and meet co-workers?

Finally, the best set of job interview questions would end with one similar to this: “If you offered me the job, and we met here a year from now, what has to have happened for you to be happy with your decision to have hired me?”

Open ended job interview questions like this can elicit a response that tells you everything you need to know to determine if you’d be truly happy.

© The Right Mountain - Career Help

Choosing a Career That's Ideal for You

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:13:00 GMT

by Michael Reddy and Dan Thomson
In a rough-and-tumble economy, choosing a career that might be right for you can be a full time job by itself. You will improve your chances of choosing a career field that you’ll truly enjoy if you take the time to do a personal inventory of your professional abilities, wants and desires.

Here’s why a personal inventory is so important when choosing a career: you can love what you’re doing every day, or you can loathe just getting up to go into work. If a job opportunity truly matches your core skills and values, you have a much better chance of thriving in that role/career.

Even more critical is the fact that if you know yourself (and your potential fit for a position when choosing a new career), it will come through loud and clear during the interview process and you will stand out from the rest of the job-seeking crowd.

Before you start down the path of choosing a career, consider:

What motivates you to action?
What are your core skills? Specifically key on how (and where) those skills have created a sense of professional and personal satisfaction for you in the past.
What do your personal and professional networks bring to your task of choosing a career?
Are you comfortable with “asking”? Ask for help. Ask for information. Ask for opportunities. Asking and believing in yourself gets you what you want when choosing a career.

Choosing a career that’s right for you is all about you. Don’t assume that everyone (or anyone) you know is going to take the initiative to tell you about opportunities and paths that might be right for you unless you communicate your needs by asking. Letting people know what you want is the second step in that process.

Knowing yourself is the first.

© The Right Mountain - Career Assessment Tools

Career Help: Find Out What's Best for YOU

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:55:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
Self-doubt can be a wicked de-motivator. You’ve probably run into situations in your life where you wondered, “how did I get here?” If you’ve reached that place in your profession, it might be time to seek some career help. You can’t really say that you confidently and consciously chose the path that you seem to be following, but at the same time, you understand that it’s not working for you anymore.

The first step in making progress is to take responsibility for your present circumstances. Make a brutally honest assessment of how you arrived at a place that no longer fits with your long range desires or personal values. Enlisting some career help will allow you to shake off the inertia.

Consider the type of career help that will make this transition easier. You have many choices: self-help books, online career help resources, and career help from counselors and coaches are among the various learning strategies that you can employ. Do you have the discipline to work alone, or do you need personal reinforcement from an independent third party? While books may be your first choice (and that’s true for most people), even the best books are silent and conspicuously disengaged when you run into a challenge. A book can’t give you the feedback that you may need to move forward when you’re stuck.

What motivates you, and excites you enough to jump out of bed in the morning to go to work? If you don’t know the answer to that question, career help from a coach may have benefits well beyond just finding another job.

Finding a satisfying career path is a daunting, but do-able task. It takes time and commitment from you, and possibly some career help from a professional coach to point you in the right direction.

Career Aptitude Test Drawbacks

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:13:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
A career aptitude test is one way to assess your skills, and determine if there’s a fit that might be right for someone with your experience and education. There’s a key phrase in the previous sentence, though, that should give you pause – “right for someone…”

Is that “someone” you? The inherent flaw of almost every career aptitude test is somewhat akin to that presented by taking a personality test on a dating website. The resulting profile is developed based on statistical analysis of responses from many others who have taken the same test and gave answers similar to yours. So in essence, a career aptitude test points to a professional path determined primarily by learned professional competencies and education. Aptitude tests can’t subjectively factor personal desires and values into any recommendations.

So, as Pete Townshend wrote, “Who are you?”

A career aptitude test tells you what to do, rather than providing a range of options based on what you want to do. The role of a competent career counselor or coach is to take the objective results of this testing and then meld the recommendations with who you are, and what (and where) you want to be in the future.

Without this integration, a career aptitude test alone may direct you toward a path that allows you to leave a current unpleasant job environment, but soon puts you back in the same, professionally unsatisfying situation with another employer. Is that what you really expected or desired? Of course not.

Potential future career satisfaction can’t be measured by a multiple choice career aptitude test. Long term professional satisfaction rests with knowing who you are, and engaging in an honest, subjective self-actualizing process, rather than rote adherence to the recommendations of a computer generated report.

5 Job Interview Tips

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:15:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
One of the more daunting aspects of making a transition to a new career is the job interview process. Here are some job interview tips to help you prepare for the big day:

Know yourself. The easiest way to give a good first impression is for you to uderstand who you are, and what you can bring to the employer. Be unapologetically confident in yourself and your abilities.
Know the prospective employer. There is no such thing as too much research when it comes to understanding the products or services that the company provides, who their customers are, and the corporate culture. Don't "wing it".
Know the proposed role. How does the role you’ll be filling fit within the corporate culture and upward mobility potential? Think about how the position fits within your own career and personal goals and craft the questions necessary to find out if you don't know going in.
Know the truth. If you don’t have the answer to a question, you might be inclined to panic and make up an answer. Don’t lie. It’s ok to say that you’re not sure of the correct answer, provided you get back to them promptly.
Know the questions to ask. Ask insightful questions that demonstrate you understand the company and its business but which are geared at determining whether the company is a good fit for your core skills, interests and values. Be sure you are not applying to a "fantasy" version of the job. What's it really like?

Lastly, here are a couple of “soft” job interview tips. Look and act professional at all times – display confidence, but not arrogance – and pay attention to your body language. All the job interview tips in the world can't make up for poor presentation.

A New Career - More Than Just A Job Change

Fri, 27 May 2011 18:16:00 GMT

by Dan Thomson and Michael Reddy
Starting a new career should begin with reflection and incorporating both the positive and negative lessons from past work experiences into your future plans. This means opening up to new possibilities, which can be emotionally liberating, sometimes frustrating, and perhaps even a bit frightening.

The key to success in making a career change is to incorporate past job experiences, both good and bad, into a cohesive path forward. A first career is more likely to be an evolution from “learning” (school) to “doing” (job), rather than a truly conscious decision on what you wanted to do with your life. Very few of us get the ideal job right after graduation, but that first job tends to dictate a career course that might not be easy to change.

Starting a new career is the opportunity to finally steer the professional, and maybe even personal, direction of your life. Now is the time to realign what you want, and how to really achieve what you want from your new career, rather than just going with a career flow that you’re not really controlling. Re-envisioning yourself gives you the ability to align skills, interests, lifestyle, and personal values with a new career that truly fits you. How exciting is that? (How scary is that?)

Making the personal commitment to a new career will require an attitude change, and possibly a realignment of your lifestyle. This transition in your way of thinking will allow you to actually create a new future, rather than letting forces outside of your control push you in a particular direction. It is truly empowering when you are the one dictating the terms of employment for yourself. You end up with more than a new career – you’ve put yourself in charge of your life.

The results can be dramatic.

Planning Your Second Career

Fri, 20 May 2011 18:42:00 GMT

by Michael Reddy and Dan Thomson
Every significant move that you’ve ever made in your life started with a plan. While there are few plans that ever manifest exactly as we’ve envisioned, starting with a solid and well considered path forward is the first step toward actualization.

Laying the foundation for a second career can be terrifying. Simply by making the decision to do so, you might be tacitly admitting that your first choice of a career path was not the right one. Maybe it didn't fit, or conflicted with your values. Regardless of the reason, you need a road map that gives you the confidence that you can – and will – succeed in your second career.

It’s been said that most people fear success more than they fear failure. Maybe that’s because we’re more accustomed to failure. After all, our hardest life lessons come from failure rather than success. But to succeed, it’s vitally important in a second career to invert the fear, and harness a vision of success for the future.

Whatever the circumstances that forced a reboot of your professional life, it’s time to take an inventory. Very few of us are satisfied with our first job choice, but many of us stick with that choice irrespective of how miserable it makes us in the long run.

When given the opportunity to launch a second career, insist on more from yourself and be true to your values. Those around you, and those who depend on you, will benefit as much as you do from this recommitment and repurposing of your second career.

A second career that satisfies your core strengths and personal values is what will truly make you want to get up in the morning and not work – but for once – enjoy what you do, and who you are.

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Career Advice: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself

Tue, 10 May 2011 13:01:00 GMT

by Michael Reddy and Dan Thomson
Have you ever said something like “This can’t be what I do for the rest of my life!” or “There’s got to be more to my life than this?” or “I know I don’t want to do this anymore, but what should I do next?” You’re not alone.

From a career advice perspective, call it the “grass is greener” effect (or whatever other cliché you prefer), but the point is simply that it’s easy to find reasons to dislike something you are doing, but it’s an entirely different challenge to decide what to do next. One key component in any career advice is to identify and create strategies with which to see through blind spots. We all have them.

The only real way to be able to make a confident choice is to know who you are, what motivates you and what you stand for. Most people don’t have the time or make the time to consider these issues, despite how critical they are to an individual’s immediate and long-term success. No career advice worth its salt would ignore the significance of this concept. Consider carefully whether you have the freedom to be only who you really are or do you have to put on a “game face” at the office.

What comes to you naturally? What do you dismiss as not very significant because everyone can do it or knows it? What seems “simple” to you? These are important questions to answer when you are looking for career advice.

Here are FIVE “simple” career advice questions you need to answer in order to solve the enigma: “But what should I do next?”:

What makes you jump out of bed because today’s the day you get to do it? Thomas Edison once said, “I never did a day’s work in my life. It was all fun”.
What or who inspires and/or motivates you to take action?
What can you do that you dismiss as being (subjectively) easy that others might not think is so (subjectively) easy to them?
If money didn’t matter to you, what would you do and why?
What are you intellectually curious about? When you go home and engage in self-study of any kind, what are you learning?

More than anything, if you really feel stuck, the best career advice is to seek professional guidance from someone you trust and to be brutally honest with yourself (all progress starts by telling the truth) – there is no (objective) right answer. The right answer can only be what’s right for you (subjectively). That’s why you need to know who you are and what you stand for.

Career Change Can Be a Difficult Choice

Tue, 03 May 2011 13:44:00 GMT

by Michael Reddy and Dan Thomson
At one time or another, just about everyone realizes that they need to make a career change. Perhaps you’re suffering from job burnout, or your job just doesn’t appeal to you anymore. Regardless, there are career counseling services and many self-help books that can be useful in making such a transition.

The bigger challenge that many people face in considering a career change is simply getting over the hump of just making the decision to get on with it. Why?

Golden handcuffs: Maybe you’re vested in a long term bonus or retirement plan that you stand to lose if you leave your current job.
Apparent lack of transferable skills: If you have limited experience in other fields, it’s difficult to take a chance on gaining new skills in a new job that you’re unfamiliar with.
Age: Once you hit middle age, it’s hard to imagine yourself making a career change.

Henry Ford once said: “Whether you think you can, or you can’t do, you’re right.” A more contemporary sage, Yoda, says: “Do or do not. There is no try.”

Don't allow yourself to fall into a trap where you think that you can’t change, or gain new skills. Believe that you have something valuable to offer to another employer. Others will believe it too.

The most difficult part of career change is your own mindset, particularly if you’re resigned to your present unhappy circumstances. If you’re stuck in this rut, challenge yourself to remove this self-imposed limitation. Attack the problem from the angle that you do have alternatives, and that a career change is yours to make. You are in control of your destiny.

Otherwise, both Henry Ford and Yoda will both be right: if you think you can’t, you won’t even try.

Job Strengths vs Job Weaknesses

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:09:00 GMT

by Michael Reddy and Dan Thomson
Have you ever had one of those performance reviews where your boss evaluates your job strengths and weaknesses? You know what I'm talking about. The one's in which your boss tells you how thrilled he or she is with your work, but really seems to be more interested in what you are not doing. Is that the best way to assess people - by what they can't do? Society says yes, but logic says no.

Everyone has strengths and everyone has weaknesses. That is the way it has always been. So, why, then, should we focus on our weaknesses when we could, instead, focus on our job strengths? Why not place ourselves or our employees in situations where our job strengths or theirs, can show? If you encourage yourself and encourage your employees you will watch your results improve dramatically.

There's a saying that goes, "You can't send a duck to eagle school." If you had both a duck and an eagle, which one would you send to go get you fish? The eagle, who has talons, or the duck, who's feet are webbed? What if you wanted one to take a swim? Which would you send then? One thing is certain, you wouldn't tell the duck to grow talons and you wouldn't tell the eagle to grow webbed feet.

The majority of people spend their time focusing on negativity - just watch the news. However, you can't find success with this state of mind. Success comes from a positive attitude and by learning how to focus on and utilize your job strengths.

When we know what our job strengths are and how we can use them, we can place ourselves in situations that allow us to succeed. So, focus on your strengths and allow yourself to continue to thrive in your area of expertise.