Archive for job searching
Go On Job Interviews to Get Started With Your Job Search
Posted by: | CommentsWhen I start the coaching process with a new client, I am often asked, “when can I start applying for new jobs and looking for new opportunities?” I typically ask them to wait a few weeks until we’ve gotten into the meat of our ideal career program, but tell them they don’t have to wait very long.
Looking for job openings in your possible new field of interest will help you learn about the industry and what is out there. This will give you momentum and get you back in the job search mode. Even going on interviews will help you discover what you like and dislike about the fields you’re looking into.
Getting started with you job search can give you clarity about your direction. It can also make you feel better because you’re taking action, and not just thinking about it.
When you find positions that look appealing to you, it can give you hope that something better is out there for you. I’ve had this happen to many of my clients. They come back to a coaching session with job openings they’re excited about and it makes a dramatic difference in their job search. They can see that there are jobs out there they would enjoy.
I’m not suggesting that you go on interviews for jobs that you’re not interested in, wasting everybody’s time. I’m suggesting going on interviews for jobs you think you are interested in, even if you’re not 100% sure. The important thing to know is, you don’t have to wait until you’re 100% clear on your career direction before going on job interviews. Job interviewing is a way to help clarify if a job is a fit for you, and it gives you job interviewing practice if nothing else. It is better to have several job interviews under your belt before you’re interviewing for your dream job. You’ll be better prepared and more confident.
Hallie Crawford
Atlanta Career Coach
Networking: Business cards are NOT optional
Posted by: | CommentsA few years ago, I was giving a presentation at a Re:Focus on Careers event (this is a great networking group by the way). A man who was job searching came up to me and we started talking. He was asking me questions, and when I asked for his contact information, he had to scribble his name on a ripped up piece of paper. I wasn’t even in a position to hire him and I was not impressed. Imagine doing that same thing with a prospective employer, or valuable networking connection.
Don’t let this be you.
This topic came up at a more recent career event that I presented at. People were asking me if they needed to have a business card when they are unemployed and job searching. The answer is simple, yes! You need to have a card (or something with your contact information to give out to people) when you’re on the job search, regardless of your current work situation.
Some college students have asked me this as well. Does it make sense for a college student to have a card? I say the answer is yes here too. You have to give the people who you are networking to something with your contact information on it so that they can keep in touch with you. What an impression that would make, a student in college with a business card! I guarantee you’ll stand out.
Business cards are a must, they are not optional.
There are many resources out there to create business cards. You can get free cards at Vistaprint.com. Print them out on your computer at home. Do whatever it takes to ensure you make the right impression and come across as a professional who cares about your job search and about connecting with others.
Hallie Crawford
Job Search Coach
Improve your job search with a part-time job
Posted by: | CommentsI really want to highlight this article written by Sabine Francois because it has positive points for recent college graduates and other job seekers: http://blogs.wsj.com/hire-education/2010/08/19/whew-a-part-time-job/
Sabine shares that although she has not found her dream job, she was able to get a part-time job. She now is able to relax a little because of having some money coming in and is hoping to be able to do an internship in a field she is interested in part-time.
Like Sabine, you may not have landed your dream job yet. But, her story is very encouraging as she points out the positives of even getting a part-time job in your local area while you search.
Having a part time job allows you to gain work experience and building your resume. Even if this part-time position has nothing to do with your chosen field; you have the opportunity to be interacting and networking with clients, co-workers and supervisors. You also do not have a huge gap of no work experience in your resume.
A part-time position can also give you a confidence boost (like it has with Sabine), especially if your job search has been going on for awhile and you’re feeling frustrated. Most certainly, even a part-time job brings financial help and support.
With a part-time job, you have many options. You will still have some free time and a schedule that allows you to continue the search for your ideal career. In Sabine’s case, her part-time job will enable her to take on an unpaid internship in her chosen field when she’s not working.
And last but, not least: When you do find that perfect position, you will be accustomed to being on a schedule, as opposed to having to go from full-on vacation mode to full-time work mode.
So even if you can’t find your dream job right now, look into some part-time jobs, while continuing your job search strategy.
Hallie Crawford
Certified Career Coach Atlanta
If you need help with you job search strategy check out our Job Search Program for Professionals: Networking and Online Strategies for the 21st Century.
Adjust Your Career Transition Attitude
Posted by: | CommentsPounding the pavement for a job search is tough. Let’s face it; it’s not going to appear on anyone’s top 10 list of fun things to do. But if you go into you job search with the wrong attitude, it’s going to be a downward spiral with a potentially unhappy ending. The good news is… you can help prevent this.
You need to make career decisions from a position of strength or possibility and not out of fear, weakness or other negative feelings. It may take practice, but creating that feeling of strength and optimism can happen. This will help you to bolster you outlook on your job search:
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Worrying does NOT help – Taking action does. Do something about the challenges you’re facing. This not only helps you tackle each challenge head on, it also empowers and motivates you to continue to achieve success along your career path!
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Evaluate your decision making process – Take some time to notice how you approach your decisions. Are you approaching them with confidence and strength? If the answer is yes, then you’ll know that you’re getting a positive outcome as a result of this positive attitude and actions. If you approach decisions with fear or anger, then, conversely, you’ll notice the result is much less constructive.
- Practice being positive – Consciously practicing being positive may feel strange at first so take small steps. How are you feeling about the decisions you are making. If you are experiencing ‘bad vibes’ then it might be time to shift your mindset, or to table that important decision until you feel more comfortable and confident.
- Invest in yourself – While money may seem tight right now, one of your best bets is to spend resources making yourself invaluable to your current or potential employer. When you invest in your education – through additional classes to beef up skills or through advanced programs to learn new skills – you enhance your value and marketability.
Here's to having a career you love!
Stop Spinning in Your Job Search
Posted by: | Comments- Are you in career transition but aren't finding the job you want?
- Do you feel like you're spinning your wheels and getting nowhere in your job search?
- Are you not getting any quality job offers?
- Do you need help with your job search strategies?
Then this one hour job search teleclass is for YOU!
On this call you'll learn key strategies to conduct an effective job search. You will get resume and cover letter tips, learn vitally important interview skills, and get networking advice that you can begin using right away.
Learn more about the job search teleclass here:
www.halliecrawford.com/jobsearch.html
Have a great weekend!
Hallie Crawford
Job Search and Career Coaching
Overcoming Fear and Adjusting your Attitude
Posted by: | CommentsIf you go through your job search with the wrong attitude, it’s going to be a downward spiral with a potentially unhappy ending. The good news is… you can prevent this.
You need to make career decisions from a position of strength or possibility and not out of fear, weakness or other negative feelings. It may take practice, but creating that feeling of strength and optimism can happen.
Here are some suggestions on how to do this:
- Worrying does not help – Taking action does. Do something about the challenges you’re facing.
- Evaluate your decision making process - Take some time to notice how you approach decisions. Are you approaching them with confidence and strength? If the answer is yes, then you’ll know that you’re getting a positive outcome as a result of your positive attitude and actions. If you approach decisions with fear or anger, then, conversely, you’ll notice the result is much less constructive.
- Practice being positive – Consciously practicing being positive may feel strange at first so I encourage you to take small steps. Notice how you are feeling about the decisions you are making. If you are experiencing ‘bad vibes’ then it might be time to shift your mindset, or to table that important decision until you feel more comfortable and confident.
- Invest in yourself - While money may seem tight right now, one of your best bets is to spend your resources making yourself invaluable to your current or potential employer. When you invest in education – through additional classes to beef up skills or through advanced programs to learn new skills – you enhance your value and marketability.
Join our job search teleclass "Stop Spinning in Your Job Search – 3 Ways to Get Ahead of the Traffic" on Friday July 17, 2009 at 12:00 noon ET. Register here.
Helping you get back in the driver's seat,
Hallie Crawford
Job Search Coaching
