Archive for Career Transition
Where recent graduates can look for networking opportunities
Posted by: | CommentsCheck out my latest video as I discuss the importance of networking for recent graduates. You have to learn how to network. In this video I share why it is important and places you can look for networking opportunities.
Six things you need to organize your job search
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You’ve heard it before – looking for a job is a job in itself! If you’re starting a job search, you must have tracking methods to keep tabs on your action steps and progress.
The following are some essentials you’ll need to know what you’ve done, who you’ve seen, and what you need to do next in your job search:
- Computer and a printer for emailing your resume and cover letter to prospective employers.
- Quality resume paper, matching blank resume paper, matching envelopes, and stamps for snail mailing your resume to prospective employers.
- Computerized or paper calendar to track the date you mailed a resume as well as the date you need to call to follow-up.
- Computerized calendar or paper appointment book with times for scheduling interviews.
- Professional message on your voicemail to take messages from prospective employers when you’re not available to answer the phone.
- An agreement with your family, roommates, and friends as to privacy and the times they can or cannot interrupt you during your job search.
With the essential tools, self-discipline, an optimistic outlook, patience, and persistence, you will be on your way to your ideal next job!
Terry Wynne
Certified Career Coach
P.S. Get one of the most information-rich career newsletters on the web delivered straight to your email inbox! Check out our Free Newsletter to help you along your career journey today!
Are you in the right mental state for you job search?
Posted by: | CommentsI loved this video that I recently received from my career coaching client, Tom. He sent it to me the other day mentioning that this is how he used to feel on the job and while in job search mode. This was before he worked with me as well as a therapist to improve his self confidence. Watch the video below:
Remember, any action you take towards your ideal career or in your job search will go better and be more successful if you come from the right mental place or state. “Don’t sell damaged goods” as this author puts it. I think this is the perfect way to describe it!
I hope this video was helpful to you. If you’d like help with your job search, contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
Hallie Crawford
Job Search Coach
P.S. Are you frustrated with your job search? Check out our FREE REPORT: ”Take Control of Your Career Transition: Uncover Hidden Opportunities”.
Are resumes becoming obsolete?
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Career coaching clients often ask me, what do I think of resumes and cover letters, are they still necessary or are they becoming obsolete? And what about online resumes or webpages to showcase your skills?
Resumes and cover letters are still a must. I think over time they will be delivered or provided in a different format. (Think LinkedIn or online resumes). But they’re not going anywhere. They are still a must. If the company says do not provide one or the other, follow their instructions. Both are still very important though.
Including a cover letter is important because 1) it shows your writing skills and how well you communicate and 2) it demonstrates you care enough about the position to write one and you are able to speak about your skills related to the position confidently. So even if they don’t ask for a cover letter, provide one. As an attachment – not in the body of the email. Err on the side of more formal and professional unless your field calls for something else more creative or different (marketing or advertising for ex).
Online resumes are becoming more popular. I think it’s nice to have one. It’s not a must but it depends on your industry. If you’re in technology, go for it. If you’re in a more traditional field you can get away without one, but consider it as a way to stand out from the crowd. Here’s a website I like for online resume examples: http://www.opresume.com/examples
You’ve read about people who created YouTube videos for job applications as well. These days it can seem like anything goes but that is not entirely the case. Consider these two things when you are deciding what to create for yourself:
1) What’s appropriate for your industry but will still help you stand out.
2) Ensure whatever you do is professional, tasteful and well done.
Creating a video or online resume just for the heck of it, and only doing a halfway decent job, doesn’t cut it. It’s better to skip it altogether.
Hallie Crawford
Job Coach
P.S. Are you in the ideal career for you? Find out if you’re in the right career with our Ideal Career Quiz.
5 tips to help you with job applications
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clients often ask me why they have sent out so many resumes but rarely, and sometimes never, hear back from the employer. There are so many possible reasons that it’s hard to pinpoint one.
One of my career coaching clients recently asked me this very question the other day.For over a year before working with me he’s applied for jobs and never heard back. When I looked at his resume and cover letter I realized why. His cover letter was dense and way too long. A full page of text, that’s very dense and not easy to read isn’t going to be read by many employers. He needed to cut it back; we set to work doing just that.
Here are the top 5 reasons you might not be hearing back about your job application:
1. Your resume isn’t tailored to the position. An employer can tell if it isn’t. If you don’t take the time to revise your resume for each job you’re applying for, you won’t look qualified and it will go into the recycle bin.
2. Your resume doesn’t have relevant keywords for the position, and companies that use computers to review resumes to determine which ones to review by hand tosses it out.
3. You didn’t follow their application instructions to the letter. That is an automatic disqualification. Always follow their instructions. If they say don’t contact them to follow up, don’t.
4. The job has been posted for weeks, and you are just now applying. Sometimes you can be way too late to apply. Stay on top of job boards and postings to apply right away.
5. Your resume is in a format that is hard to read and scan quickly. If they can’t tell if you are qualified right away, or can’t quickly review and identify your qualifications, it goes into the trash.
Remember, there are many possible reasons you’re not getting calls back. There’s no way to know exactly why. You have to try to get it right as often as possible, so that your chances are increased.
Hallie Crawford
Ideal Career Coach
P.S. Are you frustrated with your job search? Check out our FREE REPORT: ”Take Control of Your Career Transition: Uncover Hidden Opportunities”.
Cover yourself in your cover letter
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These days I have career coaching clients that ask me frequently if a cover letter is still necessary. I say absolutely, unless the employer specifically tells you not to include one. It shows your ability to communicate and that you’re interested enough in the position to write one. Include it even if you’re uncertain if it’s necessary. Err on the side of providing it.
Also, you need to be sure you cover yourself in your cover letter. Sometimes people use a standard or template resume or cover letter to apply for all the jobs they’re considering. It’s okay to use a template, but remember, always tailor each resume and cover letter to each job. Don’t use the same one for the same position even if you think it’s a similar job. Take the time to make sure that yours speaks to the position, and to what the company is looking for.
One thing that you should always do is back up the claims that are in your cover letter, on your resume as well. Your cover letter and resume should go hand in hand. Don’t treat them as separate items. If you say you possess a specific skill, or have experience in an area or industry relevant to the job, make sure you back that up in your resume. Be careful though, because you don’t want your cover letter to be a carbon copy of your resume. Make sure you refine the information in your resume and explain in greater detail how your experience or skill set brings value to the position at the company you’re applying for.
If you’d like more help with your cover letter or resume, contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
Hallie Crawford
Job Search Coach
P.S. How do you know if your resume is good? Take this Resume Quiz to find out how to keep your resume out of the trash can.
10 tips to help you prepare for a career fair
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Today I wanted to discuss how to effectively use career fairs as part of your job search process. Career fairs are a great opportunity for job seekers to network, get to know what companies are hiring, and learn more about their chosen industry.
Here are 10 tips to help you make the most of career fairs during your career transition:
- Find a list of employers that will be there.
- Identify the top employers that you want the opportunity to meet.
- Research the company and their current news so that you can prepare what you want to say to them.
- Have well thought out questions that you want to ask them about the company.
- Dress up and look professional (this seems obvious, but I went to career fair and woman was wearing sneakers with a suit and it didn’t come off well).
- Have a business card with your contact information to hand out as you make networking contacts.
- Get your elevator pitch ready and practice it before the day of the career fair
- Always use a FIRM handshake when introducing yourself.
- Look the people that you meet directly in the eyes.
- Saying something that makes a good impression and will make them remember you.
Remember, your first impression counts EVEN more at a career fair because you are only going to have a couple minutes with them. Take the time to prepare yourself and put your best foot forward. Your career is depending on it!
P.S. Be sure to check out our LinkedIn Consulting Program where you can learn how to effectively leverage your LinkedIn account for your job search and ongoing professional development.
Are you making the most out of LinkedIn?
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One thing that I always tell my career coaching clients is that LinkedIn is not optional in your job search. Recruiters and employers are reporting that 80% recruiting is done through LinkedIn. You can’t just stop once you’ve set up your LinkedIn profile. You have to make sure that you are actively connecting with people to benefit your networking efforts.
For example, I asked my career coaching client, Lisa, if she could identify a potential informational interview among her LinkedIn connections. One person she picked was a woman in one of her industry specific LinkedIn groups. Because of their mutual participation in the LinkedIn group, Lisa felt comfortable reaching out to her. The woman was kind and gave her tips about how to strengthen her position in her job search. This is great example of how beneficial networking through LinkedIn can be.
We recently received some positive feedback about our LinkedIn Consulting. Here’s what they had to say…
“I am thankful for the guidance and clarity you [Stacy] are providing me on our career coaching journey. Your skill at your craft is quite evident in the way that you have transformed my LinkedIn page. These changes have proven quite powerful as made apparent by the number of inquiries I have received since you made the changes.” – R.S., Maryland
Having an updated and professional LinkedIn profile is key to your job search. Check out our LinkedIn Consulting Package and learn more about how we can help you.
Hallie Crawford
Job Search Coach
P.S. Are you in the ideal career for you? Find out if you’re in the right career with our Ideal Career Quiz.
