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Articles from David Couper | Selfgrowth.com
- ***Coping with Long Term Unemployment - by Submitted on Apr 10, 2009 from David CouperWhen does your unemployment become long term? Some experts say after six months. I say that in this market after a year is more accurate. Here’s why? In a good job market it can often take at least three months to find a management or professional job. Even if you find a job and interview ...
Views: 2699 - *** Six Reasons Why Job Networking Doesn’t Work! - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David Couper1. Not doing your research. - Make sure you know who will help you and why. Understand your business and how it works. Research which are the companies that you want to work with and which are the ones that you don't. If you don’t you run the risk of blowing the job. - I called someone ...
Views: 2603(1 vote) - *** How to Fail Your Job Interview – Interview Horror Stories and How to Avoid Them - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David Couper1. Low-cut, Cut-offs, and Cutting Edge should be cut out of your interview dress. 50% of hiring managers say dressing inappropriately is the biggest mistake. Business dress works even if the company does business casual normally. It shows respect. Remember you can always take your jacket or ...
Views: 2398(1 vote) - *** Four Essential Rules For Job Relocation - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperMoving to a new city or country for work can be tempting or sometimes may seem like the only option. But think things through before packing! Don't only move for money? - I've known executives who have moved to a country they were not interested in and away from family only to quit after ...
Views: 1285(1 vote) - *** Four Tips for Making Working Abroad a Reality - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperI have lived in Japan and worked in the UK where I grew up as well as Chicago and LA in the US. In between times I have visited another 20 or so countries for fun or work. Every trip I learned something but it was only when I was living in another country did I really start to understand the ...
Views: 1223(1 vote) - ***Four Tips for Making Working Abroad A Reality - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David CouperI have lived in Japan and worked in the UK where I grew up as well as Chicago and LA in the US. In between times I have visited another 20 or so countries for fun or work. Every trip I learned something but it was only when I was living in another country did I really start to understand the ...
Views: 1199 - *** Untold Interviewing Tips - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperBe prepared as many interviewers are neither ready nor skilled at interviewing! One interviewer had someone else's resume when he interviewed me for a job. It took ten minutes to realize he was not talking about me. Sell yourself, don't rely on the recruiter to buy without some help. Some ...
Views: 1103(2 votes) - ***How to Make Sure Your First Three Months Are Not Your Last! - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David CouperYou're one of the lucky ones who just got a new job or you started on a new project. How can you make sure you your first 90 days isn't your last? It's all about showing your value to the employer or your manager while still learning the industry, company or job. That can be tough. You say ...
Views: 1101(2 votes) - ***Top Companies to Work For - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David CouperThere are many Top Companies out there but you need to know what makes them top and how that matches your values. DDI a leading HR development company defines a key aspect of interviewing and hiring as Motivational Fit. How will the person fit in with the environment? Will he or she like ...
Views: 1039 - *** Why Bother with a Cover Letter When Applying for a Job? - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperYou can never know what happens to a cover letter. Some cover letters are electronically scanned, some are read and some are tossed! You can’t take the risk of not doing a cover letter when your future employer reads and analyzes every response. So bit the bullet and do it. Here are some ...
Views: 994(3 votes) - *** Why a Professional Career Needs a Professional Resume - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperPart of what I do with some clients is getting them a new resume. Very often the most articulate and polished person has trouble "singing their own praises". One marketing professional, on paper, made herself sound like she was new to the business and not seasoned with twenty years plus ...
Views: 971(2 votes) - ***The Seven Tips You Need To Find a Job in A Recession – Offering Hope and Help! - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David CouperIt depends who you ask whether we are in a recession or not. But as I talk to clients things are not all great. So first keep your job - even if you don't like it - it makes sense to find a new one before you quit. Make sure you are wanted - volunteer for the key projects and create ...
Views: 956(1 vote) - *** Growth Areas for Jobs - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David Couper1. Green is this year's color. Green jobs are the flavor of the month and because of the new administration this month should last at least four years and more. Solar energy, alternative fuels, energy conservation are all hot! Social awareness and conscious investing are also growing. ...
Views: 947(1 vote) - ***Your Gifts in the Workplace - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David Couper1. Be authentic. Some people use gifts as part of doing business or politic. But I prefer to be genuine. If your boss or your co-worker or a recruiter has been supportive then now is a good time to say thank you. 2. Be appropriate. Don't give a present that looks like you expect ...
Views: 947(2 votes) - ***How To Fail Your Job Interview – Interview Horror Stories and How To Avoid Them - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David Couper1. Low-cut, Cut-offs, and Cutting Edge should be cut out of your interview dress. 50% of hiring managers say dressing inappropriately is the biggest mistake. Business dress works even if the company does business casual normally. It shows respect. Remember you can always take your jacket or ...
Views: 946 - ***Why Bother With a Cover Letter When Applying For a Job? - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David CouperYou can never know what happens to a cover letter. Some cover letters are electronically scanned, some are read and some are tossed! You can’t take the risk of not doing a cover letter when your future employer reads and analyzes every response. So bit the bullet and do it. Here are some ...
Views: 923(1 vote) - *** 5 Resume Tips - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David Couper1. Sell yourself! List your top accomplishments and your biggest successes that will wow prospective hiring managers. 2. Write for the reader not you! Include the information that the employer wants to know and is interested in. 3. Keep it clean! Don't include gimmicks, graphics, or ...
Views: 920(2 votes) - *** Career Assessments - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperThe Meyers Briggs Assessments gives you useful information on yourself and how that can applies to your career. It is a widely used tool that is valid and well thought of. www. Keirsey.com has a free version of the Meyers Briggs test. It is a handy no cost way of finding out about yourself. ...
Views: 905(1 vote) - *** Inspiring Job Search Tips - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David Couper1. Do one more thing. Make one more call - that could be the one. Send another email - who knows what could happen. Go to another networking meeting - this could be the one – the big one. 2. Do one less thing. Send one less email and make a phone call instead. Send one less "blind" ...
Views: 904(1 vote) - ***Resume Tips - Good to Great - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David CouperA resume is paradoxically important and not important. It's important because it makes you think through your career and analyze what your accomplishments were and how they relate to your next job. But on the other hand it's not important because 80% of jobs are got through networking where it ...
Views: 894 - *** Survival Jobs - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperNeed to pay the bills until you sell that script? Studying for your next career move and need some extra money? Or laid off and still looking but your mortgage is looking to get paid? You need a survival job. In Los Angeles survival jobs are common nature for many people especially those ...
Views: 878(2 votes) - *** The Ultimate Guide to Resumes! - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperA resume is paradoxically important and not important. It's important because it makes you think through your career and analyze what your accomplishments were and how they relate to your next job. But on the other hand it's not important because 80% of jobs are got through networking where it ...
Views: 878(5 votes) - *** Interviews: OK to Extraordinary - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperTo me an interview is a game. You start off with 100 points and you lose points. The objective is to get 80 or more. You lose five points for wearing an inappropriate tie. You lose 10 points for not being prepared. You lose another five points if you don't have a great example of how you ...
Views: 870(1 vote) - ***Mentors - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David CouperThe origin of the word is Greek mythology. When Odysseus left for the Trojan War he placed Mentor in charge of his son and palace. Roll onto 2008 and mentors have been promoted from the babysitting and house-sitting to key advisory roles. Why get a mentor? Learn from someone who has been ...
Views: 866 - ***Off the Wall Tips for Getting A Job - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David CouperDon't write a resume. Instead of sending out a resume, talk about who you are. Whenever someone asks for something in writing to send to a contact ask to speak to the contact instead. Don't post a resume online but do post to blogs and other websites in your field. WHY NOT - we often rely on ...
Views: 862 - ***Inspired Networking - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David CouperNetworking can be for two reasons. One to gain contacts, information and leads OR two to increase awareness and educate yourself about jobs and the market. And when you are looking to gain awareness and education you want to be inspired. What does that mean? It means that networking with ...
Views: 860 - *** Your Gifts in the Workplace - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David Couper1. Be authentic. Some people use gifts as part of doing business or politic. But I prefer to be genuine. If your boss or your co-worker or a recruiter has been supportive then now is a good time to say thank you. 2. Be appropriate. Don't give a present that looks like you expect ...
Views: 846(2 votes) - *** Back to School or Not? - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperFor me going back to school was a complicated decision. I didn't need to but "I thought it would be a good idea". I was totally right about that. I was lucky enough to attend a school where what I learned would not only have a direct impact on my career but on my life and personal growth. ...
Views: 844(1 vote) - ***Inspiring Job Search Tips - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David Couper1. Do one more thing. Make one more call - that could be the one. Send another email - who knows what could happen. Go to another networking meeting - this could be the one – the big one. 2. Do one less thing. Send one less email and make a phone call instead. Send one less "blind" ...
Views: 837 - *** Current State of Affairs with Recruiters - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperJust as the market for some jobs have shrunk with outsourcing, cost-cutting and now the R word, so some recruiters are finding themselves squeezed. Internal recruiters may have to find applicants for 40-50 jobs and although external recruiters will be looking for less openings they could be ...
Views: 834(1 vote) - *** Inspired Networking - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperNetworking can be for two reasons. One to gain contacts, information and leads OR two to increase awareness and educate yourself about jobs and the market. And when you are looking to gain awareness and education you want to be inspired. What does that mean? It means that networking with ...
Views: 833(1 vote) - *** Mentors - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperThe origin of the word is Greek mythology. When Odysseus left for the Trojan War he placed Mentor in charge of his son and palace. Roll on to present day and mentors have been promoted from the babysitting and house-sitting to key advisory roles. Why get a mentor? Learn from someone ...
Views: 828(1 vote) - *** Off the Wall Tips for Getting a Job - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperDon't write a resume. Instead of sending out a resume, talk about who you are. Whenever someone asks for something in writing to send to a contact ask to speak to the contact instead. Don't post a resume online but do post to blogs and other websites in your field. WHY NOT - we often rely ...
Views: 828(1 vote) - ***What Are The Top Jobs And How Can I Get Them? - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David CouperAccording to some surveys some of the top jobs for 2009 will include those in IT especially data warehousing and mining, IT security, networking, virtual computing and VOIP; engineering; accounting and tax professionals. Especially those in demand will be the specialist who can also communicate ...
Views: 823 - *** Top Companies to Work For - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperThere are many Top Companies out there but you need to know what makes them top and how that matches your values. DDI a leading HR development company defines a key aspect of interviewing and hiring as Motivational Fit. How will the person fit in with the environment? Will he or she like ...
Views: 814(1 vote) - ***Growth Areas for Jobs! - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David Couper1. Green is this year's color. Green jobs are the flavor of the month and because of the new administration this month should last at least four years and more. Solar energy, alternative fuels, energy conservation are all hot! Social awareness and conscious investing are also growing. 2. ...
Views: 814 - *** The Seven Tips You Need to Find a Job in a Recession - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperIt depends who you ask whether we are in a recession or not. But as I talk to clients things are not all great. So first keep your job - even if you don't like it - it makes sense to find a new one before you quit. Make sure you are wanted - volunteer for the key projects and create ...
Views: 810(2 votes) - ***How Do You Change Jobs? - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David Couper5 WAYS 1. Go back to school. The most expensive and longest route. 2. Go back to school but get somebody to pay. E.g. Some local areas will pay you to retrain as a teacher. 3. Work part-time in your new career while working in your old job. 4. Volunteer in you new career and get ...
Views: 810 - *** Dos and Don'ts of Online Profiles! - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David Couper1. Don't include anything on Facebook, Myspace etc. that is suspect! You don't want anything that on your profile that wouldn’t want your grandmother or boss reading. Sex, religion and politics are potentially dangerous. And only share if you want to not by accident or default. According to ...
Views: 809(2 votes) - ***Six Reasons Why Job Networking Doesn’t Work! - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David Couper1. Not doing your research. - Make sure you know who will help you and why. Understand your business and how it works. Research which are the companies that you want to work with and which are the ones that you don't. If you don’t you run the risk of blowing the job. - I called someone ...
Views: 795 - ***Survival Jobs? - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David CouperNeed to pay the bills until you sell that script? Studying for your next career move and need some extra money. Or laid off and still looking but your mortgage is looking to get paid. You need a survival job. In Los Angeles survival jobs are common nature for many people especially those ...
Views: 794 - *** Can You Have Your Cake and Eat it, or Not? The Choice to Be Freelance or Fulltime Sliced and Served! - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperI have done both and loved (and hated) both. Self Employed Pros 1. Freedom! You work as much as you like, when you like, where you like and dressed in what you like. 2. Money! A successful freelancer or consultant can make significantly more than the same job as an employee. And ...
Views: 778(1 vote) - *** What Are the Top Jobs and How Can I Get Them? - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperAccording to some surveys some of the top jobs for 2009 will include those in IT especially data warehousing and mining, IT security, networking, virtual computing and VOIP; engineering; accounting and tax professionals. Especially those in demand will be the specialist who can also communicate ...
Views: 776(2 votes) - *** How Do You Change Jobs? - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperHere are 5 ways to change jobs: 1. Go back to school. The most expensive and longest route. 2. Go back to school but get somebody to pay. E.g. Some local areas will pay you to retrain as a teacher. 3. Work part-time in your new career while working in your old job. 4. ...
Views: 772(1 vote) - ***Why A Professional Career Needs A Professional Resume - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David CouperPart of what I do with some clients is getting them a new resume. Very often the most articulate and polished person has trouble "singing their own praises". One marketing professional, on paper, made herself sound like she was new to the business and not seasoned with twenty years plus ...
Views: 772 - *** How to Make Sure Your First Three Months Are Not Your Last! - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperYou're one of the lucky ones who just got a new job or you started on a new project. How can you make sure you your first 90 days isn't your last? It's all about showing your value to the employer or your manager while still learning the industry, company or job. That can be tough. You ...
Views: 769(1 vote) - ***Interviews - OK to Extraordinary - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David CouperTo me an interview is a game. You start off with 100 points and you lose points. The objective is to get 80 or more You lose five points for wearing an inappropriate tie. You lose 10 points for not being prepared. You lose another five points if you don't have a great example of how you ...
Views: 769 - ***Untold Interviewing Tips - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David CouperBe prepared as many interviewers are neither ready nor skilled at interviewing! One interviewer had someone else's resume when he interviewed me for a job. It took ten minutes to realize he was not talking about me. Sell yourself don't rely on the recruiter to buy without some help. Some ...
Views: 748 - *** Dealing with Layoffs - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from David CouperYour company is in trouble. The stock is down, reduction in force is rumored. What should you do? Having survived three layoffs, I can talk with experience! How to Avoid Being Laid Off Make yourself indispensable. - Working on the lifeblood of the company, key projects, or ...
Views: 741(1 vote) - ***The Low Down on Changing Careers Successfully - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2009 from David CouperAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, people change jobs, on average, ten times during a twenty-year period. More shocking is that baby boomers continue to have a relatively large number of short-duration jobs even as they approach middle age. ( Department ...
Views: 724