Archive for Career Transition
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.
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.
Begin Your Ideal Career Scavenger Hunt today!
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It’s hard to believe that spring is already here! With Easter so early this year, it seems like the seasons are flying by too quickly. Spring time brings back fond memories of flying kites, Easter egg hunts, and playing outside. To help you get in the mood for spring, we are kicking it off with an Ideal Career Scavenger Hunt. If you are ready to get on the hunt for your ideal career, here are the 5 things you need to do to participate. See the bottom for where to submit your answers and receive a complimentary copy of our Career Transition book!
Destination #1 on Your Ideal Career Scavenger Hunt
People You Know - Brainstorm career options with people you know. This will give you a different perspective about your unique skill set, personality or even past work experiences. Utilizing your friends and family is a great place to start the hunt for your ideal career!
Destination #2 on Your Ideal Career Scavenger Hunt
Online Resources - Websites such as mypursuit.com and onetonline.org can really help you narrow in on your ideal career. Check out one of these online resources and plug in keywords that are related to your interests or your skill set, and then the site will give you ideas to brainstorm with.
Destination #3 on Your Ideal Career Scavenger Hunt
Informational Interviews - Conduct informational interviews with people who work in, or have been part of the industry that you are considering. The idea of an informational interview is to learn more and gather information about the job, industry or specific company that you would like to work for. Schedule and conduct one informational interview per week.
Destination #4 on Your Ideal Career Scavenger Hunt
Networking Events - Attend two networking events this month in industries that you are considering. This will help you to learn more about the industry that you want to be part of. You can network with other participants at the event and take notes during presentations about relevant trends within the industry.
Destination #5 on Your Ideal Career Scavenger Hunt
Career Assessment - Partake in a career assessment to help you learn more about your interests, preferences and personal style. We offer 2 career assessments that you can learn more about here (the Strong Interest Inventory and Strengthsfinder).
Career assessments are a great tool to help you along your ideal career path. There are also some free online career assessments such as this MAPP career assessment.
To Complete Your Ideal Career Scavenger Hunt
Submit all 5 of your completed tasks to hunt@halliecrawford.com by April 30th. We will choose one scavenger hunt winner and announce it in May’s Career Newsletter. Good Luck and Happy Hunting!
Hallie Crawford
Ideal 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!
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.
It requires balance to identify your ideal career
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I wanted to share this testimonial from a career client, Kevon, who is part of our new online 60 Day to Your Ideal Career Program. His story reminded me of how important it is to fit your career transition action steps into your existing schedule and your life, in order for it to be successful.
“Thank you for checking in. Everything is going well and I think I’m making great strides. Also, I like the new format– doing the workbook online, unlimited emails, etc. It is much more conducive to my lifestyle and what I need out of my coaching.”
When it comes to your identifying your ideal career, it takes a balance between making the time and not getting so overwhelmed by it that you don’t take action at all. You don’t want all of the work you spend on defining your dream job to feel like an added item on your to do list. Find a way to work on it that works for you. Our online program is not for everyone, but is perfect for those who want to work on it at their own pace on their own time.
If you’d like to learn more about our career services, contact us today.
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!
You need to SPEAK UP in your job search!
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Today I wanted to share with you the importance of having an opinion and a strategy in your job search. I often have to discuss with my clients how crucial it is to have a plan while in career transition. You have to be prepared for everything that comes your way so that you can have the confidence you need to land a job. This is especially true once you are in the interviewing process.
For example, my career coaching client Paul in California recently shared with me that when he’s in an interview he often gets nervous, does not speak up and does not voice his opinion. He knows that this is not good because they can’t evaluate him as an employee if he does not speak up. Having an opinion and something to say in the interview process helps the employer know how you think and how you would handle situations as an employee.
Don’t try to just please the interviewer, the prospective employer, or someone you are trying to network with. It does take some balance. You don’t want to come off as rude or try to control the conversation. Be respectful, be relaxed and be yourself, so that you can show them what you really have to offer.
If you’d like more help in your job search, please contact us today for a complimentary consultation!
Hallie Crawford
Atlanta Career 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.
