It's only Sunday night but already you're thinking about the dreaded event: returning to work on Monday.
If this is the thought that goes through your mind each Sunday night, here are some ideas that can help. I suggest the following six strategies to help overcome those "Sunday night blues" ... Views: 2168
Do you work with one or more co-workers who SERIOUSLY annoy you? Is there someone in your office whose habits and behavior patterns just “drive you crazy?” When you’re working eight hours a day in close quarters – or even in cubicles – some would say that it’s only a matter of time before some ... Views: 2163
Over the years, I have worked with hundreds of key executives – CEOs, Partners, COOs, Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, and so on. Top business professionals like these present unique challenges to the Career Consultant, because they face unique challenges in their own transitions! ... Views: 2117
Many people make significant job search mistakes and never even know about it. These blunders are easy to make, and they can cost you the job offer or lose you thousands of dollars.
Below, I reveal 10 of the biggest mistakes, and explain how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Relying on Online Job ... Views: 1968
Winter was long and cold across much of the country, and for many people it was an extremely challenging period with regard to work, careers and job search. The news about the economy and job market continued to be negative and cynical throughout the season. But now, it’s April. Spring has ... Views: 1930
Would you like to get your career on track, with more power and momentum than ever before? Are you prepared to create the focused and productive career that you know you are capable of having — one that will give you great satisfaction and financial reward? When you think back to prior career ... Views: 1912
Let’s assume that you’ve just spent a lot of time preparing, strategizing and tooling-up for a job search. Now, you’re finally ready to get into action. What’s the first thing you’re likely to do? Of course! Go online (or open a newspaper or trade publication), to start scanning the job postings ... Views: 1789
Most people already know that they need a list of Professional References. But you might be asking, “Why do I need Letters of Recommendation at this point in my career?”
The answer is simple. You don’t NEED them … but you should WANT them. Why? Because when you find yourself in a competitive ... Views: 1784
Celebrate Your Success
Landing your new job is a wonderful experience. In fact, don't forget to celebrate because you definitely deserve it after all your hard work!
After the celebration, write letters or cards to your network of contacts, letting them know about your new position and ... Views: 1776
My clients often express frustration after they’ve completed their interviews for a position they want. The common complaints include, “Why doesn’t the company call me back?” or “I feel like I have no power; all I can do is wait for an answer,” or “Can’t I do anything to make the employer say ... Views: 1747
If you’re in job search mode, you should create a binder – your very own Career Transition Binder. I’ve found that there are two types of job seekers: those who create a binder to keep track of all their networking, interviewing, career documents, lists, and contacts in one place – and those who ... Views: 1728
As a Career Consultant, I work with clients on all the tools and techniques that are needed to succeed in the job search – including interviewing skills. One thing I have noticed over the years is that candidates often get “trapped” in certain interview questions that are designed to make them ... Views: 1722
You get your clothes cleaned when they’re dirty. You pay your bills each month. You see your doctor once or twice a year. You send cards to family-members at each birthday. So, why is it that most people (maybe even you!) don’t integrate career management into their regular routine?
Most ... Views: 1703
When you’re in a job search, it’s important to be crystal clear about the kinds of companies you’d like to work for. Once you have gained this clarity, you’ll want to research and identify the names of the companies that meet your search criteria. Your goal will be to “infiltrate” these ... Views: 1633
Every year as the holidays approach, most jobseekers and career changers make the mistake of halting all their efforts. They believe there is no point in pursuing new opportunities during the holidays, and that nobody is making hiring decisions until late January, so "why bother?" Many decide to ... Views: 1608
Introduction
Let’s assume that you’ve done your strategic networking, gotten some names and numbers, leveraged recruiters, and gotten referred to the right people in the right places. Now it’s time to learn some important details about the interviewing process.
What follows is an outline ... Views: 1582
In today’s challenging economy, many people feel that they have lost a sense of control over their careers. Widespread corporate layoffs and downsizings have made the job market a tenuous environment in which to build a solid future. As a result, a growing percentage of my career consulting ... Views: 1510
The most important questions of your interviews might be the ones you ask. In the interview, don’t think you’re the only one who is “on the spot.” It is perfectly acceptable for you to ask questions of the interviewer and to take notes throughout the meeting (which will help you to formulate ... Views: 1480
So, you’ve gotten totally clear on your career goals, prepared your complete “executive portfolio” of self-marketing documents, and developed a detailed strategy for your search.
Now it’s time for “your feet to meet the street” – and that means NETWORKING! You’ll be spending most of your job ... Views: 1475
The fourth quarter of the year is the most common time for employees to get laid off. One mistake many people make is that they leave themselves vulnerable by not being prepared for year-end changes in their work situation. If you (or anyone you know) were unfortunate enough to “get the pink ... Views: 1463
People who are seriously considering engaging the services of a Career Coach usually ask many questions about what the advisor "will do or should do" in order to make the coaching relationship work for the client. This is certainly reasonable and understandable. However, there are also several ... Views: 1461
Over the past year, we’ve received a number of phone calls from parents of recent college graduates. This is unusual for two reasons: (1) we don’t usually work with clients in their twenties; and (2) these parents are seriously concerned about their children’s ability to start careers. Indeed, ... Views: 1458
Even in a down market, job seekers and employees are not powerless or without recourse. In fact, you have more control over your career circumstances than you might think. I’ve developed 20 specific strategies and tactics that consistently generate powerful results for job seekers, even when it ... Views: 1457
On July 2, 2010, CNNMoney.com ran an interesting article about older job candidates. Click here to read the article. It stated that “Companies are starting to hire again, but many are turning their backs on older job seekers.” The piece went on to say, “The nationwide unemployment rate for older ... Views: 1452
Your negotiating ability is a strength and an asset to your prospective employer. By doing it effectively right from the start, you are proving that when you're on the other side of the desk, you will negotiate on behalf of the company to make the best deals, get the best prices, and generate ... Views: 1452
Cover letters are not so much a part of your “Job Seeker’s Tool Kit” as they are part of the implementation of your overall “self marketing” strategy. That’s right – a cover letter is a sales presentation in disguise!
With cover letters, you’re reaching out for a very tangible goal – a job ... Views: 1446
Summer is coming to a close, and September is here! That means it’s time to hang-up the beach bag, dry-out the swim trunks and focus on career advancement. Here are five tips to help job seekers get out of their Summer “career coma” and focus on Fall career success:
1. Create and Control Your ... Views: 1444
In today’s challenging economy, many people feel that they have lost a sense of control over their careers. Widespread corporate layoffs and downsizings have made the job market a tenuous environment in which to build a solid future. As a result, a growing percentage of my career consulting ... Views: 1430
You get your clothes cleaned when they’re dirty. You pay your bills each month. You see your doctor once or twice a year. You send cards to family-members at each birthday. So, why is it that most people (maybe even you!) don’t integrate career management into their regular routine?
Most ... Views: 1425
It has often been said that, "You only get one chance to make a first impression."
Whether you are networking, interviewing for a job or meeting new colleagues for the first time, here are some guidelines to keep in mind which will make a good first impression.
* Be mindful of the other ... Views: 1425
"I want a more satisfying career, but where do I begin?"
When you're considering making a change in your career, it's difficult to know where to start. There are usually conflicting thoughts and feelings involved, and too often the result is a kind of paralysis. In addition, most people ... Views: 1418
Now that it is September, many recent college graduates are about to start their first professional positions. Many more are still engaged in the job search. I have been contacted over the past few months by parents who are deeply concerned about their childrens’ ability to find and keep good ... Views: 1405
Here at Career Potential, it seems like we hear about businesses merging, plants closing or production facilities moving overseas on a daily basis. These "business transitions" force out valuable employees — the very same people who often wind-up in our office seeking career help. Some of these ... Views: 1403
As a Career Consultant, I work with clients on all the tools and techniques that are needed to succeed in the job search – including interviewing skills. One thing I have noticed over the years is that candidates often get “trapped” in certain interview questions that are designed to make them ... Views: 1398
Of all the subjects we cover in career management and job search, the one that seems to cause clients the most anxiety is INTERVIEWING. To ease my clients’ concerns, I often simplify the topic by reducing it to a handful of basic elements.
When you boil it all down, job interviews are made-up ... Views: 1371
If you’re out of work now, what part-time or flexible work can you do to fill the gap until you land the job you want? If you’re fully-employed but concerned about losing your job, what sort of opportunities could you pursue to earn additional income, should the need arise? The “Bridge Job ... Views: 1364
Are you a leader?
A leader generates his or her own opportunities. Leaders don’t whine and complain about the lack of opportunities to develop their careers. They CREATE opportunities – regardless of their current situation, regardless of their current boss, regardless of obstacles that may ... Views: 1354
In considering the self-employment option, there are two main questions to ask yourself:
1. Is self-employment potentially right for you?
2. If so, which of the four paths to business ownership would be best for you?
You have two main career paths: Self Employment vs. “Getting a ... Views: 1331
NOTE: This article appeared originally in “Your Career Advocate” a few years ago. The response was so strong that we decided to run it again in this issue – with some minor updates!
Do you hope to get your career on track in 2010, with more power and momentum than ever before? Even though ... Views: 1320
Do you hope to get your career on track in 2010, with more power and momentum than ever before? Even though we’re in a very challenging recession and a very bad job market, do you want to “buck the trend” and create breakthrough results? Are you prepared to create the focused and productive ... Views: 1298
Work Harder and Smarter for Better Career Results
Let's face it: the job market is bad and the economy is worse. That's why this is the time to push harder than ever in conducting your job search and managing your career. In addition to working harder, you'll need to work smarter as ... Views: 1295
*You’ve finally landed the job. Is this a good time to settle in and take it easy for a while, or is this the worst time to take your foot off the “career gas pedal?”
A lot of people in this situation might think, “Whew – now I can relax, cruise a while and rest on my laurels.” Actually, your ... Views: 1293
1. The most qualified candidate does not necessarily get the job offer
Many times, candidates with lesser qualifications get job offers simply because they've prepared and presented themselves in a more compelling way. In other words, they're better self-marketers than the other ... Views: 1288
In my career coaching practice, I often find myself telling clients that they need to pursue two parallel paths in order to achieve career success and satisfaction. They inevitably ask, “You mean I have to work in two different careers at the same time?” No, that’s not what I mean.
Here are ... Views: 1284
As regular readers of "Your Career Advocate" know, I sometimes feature the writing of others in this space. I thought this piece by Amy Dinning would be an ideal selection, because many clients have recently been asking, "What, exactly, should I be doing to maximize my job search efforts?" Amy ... Views: 1278
When it comes to job search and career development, I think 99% of the population has it wrong and “does it backwards.” This realization comes from my more than 20 years of experience as a Career Coach, and after working with literally thousands of clients.
Looking back, I believe that this ... Views: 1276
When there are many more workers than job openings, employers behave differently than they do in a healthy employment market. This is largely because the locus of control shifts from candidates to employers, and employers will have the sense that they can “call the shots.” These dynamics can ... Views: 1262
Would you like to get your career on track, with more power and momentum than ever before? Are you prepared to create the focused and productive career that you know you are capable of having — one that will give you great satisfaction and financial reward? When you think back to prior career ... Views: 1248
Even in a down market, job seekers and employees are not powerless or without recourse. In fact, you have more control over your career circumstances than you might think. Over my 25 years of experience as an Executive Career Coach, I’ve developed 12 specific strategies and tactics that ... Views: 1247
In all my years of experience in the career services field, I have coached thousands of job seekers through their searches and career transitions. I have also worked as an executive recruiter, filling positions for corporate clients.
I have seen the hiring process from the perspectives of ... Views: 1243