Archive for job search
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.
Affirmations with an exclamation!
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This was also printed in H2O magazine, but I wanted to share it with you because I really liked it. It was written by one of my associate career coaches Terry Wynne…
Do you want to have more control of your current job, job search, future career, next interview, or other circumstances in your life? Try using affirmations. Affirmations are statements of what you want for yourself. These statements are in the present tense without the use of the words, “no” or “not.” Some examples are:
- I have a career I love.
- My boss, my co-workers and I respect each other and each other’s ideas.
- I make a salary large enough to meet all of my needs.
The reason you avoid using “no” or “not” is because your mind believes what you tell it, but your mind doesn’t comprehend a negative request; it only comprehends what to do, much like a computer. If you put in “no” or “not,” your mind will delete these words and give you what you don’t want. Instead of “I am not a good interviewee,” a better affirmation is “I interview well and describe my qualifications expertly.”
Likewise, using the present tense is important so that you mind implements what you tell it right now. Using “I will” or “I must” only results in your mind delaying your request because “will” or “must” is an affirmation for your mind to delay your request until the future. Instead of “I will not find a job,” use “I find job opportunities that are interesting to me.” Again, think of your computer – it does what you tell it to do, when you tell it to do it so use present tense.
The best way to use affirmations is to put your desires in writing, and read them at least three or more times a day. Place your affirmations where you can see them consistently — on your mirror, your computer, in your wallet, and on your night stand. Even if you don’t believe your affirmations initially, pretend to believe them and in time, you will. Afterall, affirmations are a way to change an existing situation into the way you want the situation to exist.
Affirmations are powerful because you become what you think. Don’t believe affirmations work? Ask people who use them to tell you their experiences. Then you’ll quickly understand why you need to put your affirmations in writing – so you can remember your requests, recognize when your request becomes reality, be grateful, and create your next affirmations. What a way to give yourself a feeling of hope, belief, and control!
-Reprinted with permission from H20 Magazine
Terry Wynne
Certified Career 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.
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”.
How to give interviewers a reason to choose you
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Do you want to make sure you make a good impression at your next job interview? Here are some tips to make sure you’re an outstanding candidate:
- At the beginning and the end of the interview give the interviewer a firm handshake while looking him or her directly in the eye. Say something to put the interviewer at ease such as “I’m pleased to meet you. Your company must really be busy since the phones are ringing constantly in the receptionist’s area.”
Rationale: First impressions are lasting ones and the interviewer isn’t expecting you to put him or her at ease and will be pleasantly surprised at the first impression you make.
- When asked if you have any questions, ask at least one question which shows interest in the company instead of your own benefits. An example is, “How do you see the company progressing in the next five years?”
Rationale: Interviewers appreciate it if you are as interested in the company as you are in the job for which you’re applying.
- Ask for the business card of everyone who interviews you, and show your business letter writing skills by promptly word processing and mailing individualized letters thanking interviewers for their time.
Rationale: A thank you letter is not only an opportunity to show gratitude for the interviewer’s time and information during your interview, but it’s also an opportunity to show off your business letter writing skills, and an opportunity to put your name in front of the interview again. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity.
- At the end of the interview, look the interviewer directly in the eye and while shaking his or her hand, say something memorable such as, “I hope you’ll consider me your most enthusiastic candidate.”
Rationale: You want the interviewer to remember you, so make sure your last impression is as good as your first one.
Somebody is going to receive a job offer with these tips, let’s hope that person is you!
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.
5 tips to help you with job applications
Posted by: | CommentsCareer coaching
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.
Compare the qualities vs. direction of your ideal job!
Posted by: | CommentsCheck out my latest video as I discuss how to create a list of things that you want to have in an ideal job, in order to find the right career path for you. It helps you create the vision of what you really want to have. When you’re writing down your list, you’ll notice there’s a difference between things that are qualities versus things that are directional. Listen to this video as Hallie explains what the differences are, and what to do with them.
