There is an anxiety in the air when it comes to job searching. My ODL training came in handy this week when I began to ask my friends and colleagues for Linkedin recommendation; as if I were just moments from the unemployment line. You would have thought that the S&P dropped my credit rating. What is going on inside my head?
ODL training tells us that when there is anxiety in the system we tend to do one of two things, differentiate or collaborate. Its the fight or flight syndrome from Psy 101. Let me explain. As human beings we take cues from the environment. And, the environment is telling us that the economy is weak, the job market is tougher than shoe leather and if we feel secure in our jobs- Well,don't feel secure in your job.
As career professionals, we need to provide hope and encouragement for our clients. But how do we convey this emotion when we know that the job market reality is gloomy. Cloudy with a chance of rain is the employment outlook, everyday. Where are the sunny skies?
The sunny skies are in your ability to work past the gloom and doom and tell your clients that people are getting jobs in this economy. It is all about attitude and preparation. Gone are the days when you sent a resume out and you received a call back with in days. I remember applying for jobs online in circa 2003 and scheduling four interviews in one week. I may sound like a dinosaur, but I probably won't live to see those statistics again. Now, I sound gloomy, I have to stop that!
I find that in my profession, I give tough love now more than ever. I am pushing to the point that I make my clients look at every angle, it is like the 360 mirror on "What Not to Wear" I am Clinton and Stacy. I am the Mrs. Trumbull of career services; not really. You get the idea. If our clients feel the passion we feel for their endeavors, they will work harder and longer and never give up. Therefore, as career professionals I am asking you to take the vow of never giving up.
Raise your right hand and repeat these words, in your office, in your cube, in your bathroom mirror.
I (your name) solmenly swear not to perpetuate the anxiety of the gloomy job market forecasts to my clients. Instead, I will provide the guidance, passion and due diligence that will make my client believe that they will become successfully employed, doing what they love and make a difference in the world. So help me (fill in the blank with a favorite career development theorist or mentor).
Now give yourself a round of applause! Clinton and Stacy would be proud.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Path of Least Resistance- Working Smarter Not Harder to Get the Job.
Often in searching for work or pursuing a career we look for those opportunities that provide a “path of least resistance." In other words those opportunities that require the least amount of effort; which could be the reason that most people start their job search with the internet or the newspaper. There is little effort required and more often than not little success using these methods. But, there is a way to pursue the "path of least resistance," and make your minimal effort work.
It's Who You Know
One aspect of CDF training is to utilize who you know in order to find job leads, this requires that you make a list of everyone you know and how that person can help you. Each person on your list will be labelled a reference, resource or direct job lead. For instance, if you identify your co-worker, as a reference, this is a person that you can trust to provide accurate, positive information to a potential employer. This is someone that must be responsible enough to return a reference call and respond to permissive questions that identify your strengths, and work ethic. Another person might be designated as a resource and that could mean someone that can help you put together a compelling resume, cover letter or participate in a mock interview. It could also be someone that will watch your children or feed your dog or give you a lift to a job interview. It could be someone that knows a company you are interested in and give you inside information on the challenges the company faces or the work culture. Designating someone a resource is identifying a powerful ally in your job search. Targeting someone as a direct job lead means that this person can provide an introduction, set up a meeting, maybe lunch or move your resume to the top of the pile and make sure it gets to the departmental hiring manager. Again, another powerful ally in your job search.
Role Player Beware
In my career lifetime, I have played every role for friends, family and co-workers. And, I have, in most cases been very careful about which role I chose to play. If I knew of a job opening within my company but did not feel the person seeking the position was suitable, I would offer help as a resource, instead of a direct job lead. Let’s face it; we don’t want to put our neck on the line for someone that could impact our future with the company. I made that mistake once and it was enough of a lesson for me to become careful on recommending someone for a position. You know the old saying, “no good deed goes unpunished.” I have on many occasions been selected as a reference and I am more than happy to accommodate someone that lists me as a reference but, not happy when I am caught off guard. If you use someone as a reference, contact them before hand and ask their permission and provide details on the position and brief your reference on the types of questions that might be asked. It is an important courtesy that can make all the difference. We all know that when a company gets to the point of checking references, you are a serious contender for the job.
Mind Your Manners
Finally, in your job search document your connections, followup and actions. Sometimes, a job lead will come many weeks or months after your pursuit and you want to recall your efforts, no matter how minimal. Also, if nothing comes of your efforts, it is necessary to change your strategy, perhaps the "path of least resistence" requires additional tactics and perhaps large scale intervention. And, by the way don’t forget to thank the people that provided you with a reference, resource or direct job lead. We all get more bees with honey than vinegar and chances are that we will need them again in the future.
It's Who You Know
One aspect of CDF training is to utilize who you know in order to find job leads, this requires that you make a list of everyone you know and how that person can help you. Each person on your list will be labelled a reference, resource or direct job lead. For instance, if you identify your co-worker, as a reference, this is a person that you can trust to provide accurate, positive information to a potential employer. This is someone that must be responsible enough to return a reference call and respond to permissive questions that identify your strengths, and work ethic. Another person might be designated as a resource and that could mean someone that can help you put together a compelling resume, cover letter or participate in a mock interview. It could also be someone that will watch your children or feed your dog or give you a lift to a job interview. It could be someone that knows a company you are interested in and give you inside information on the challenges the company faces or the work culture. Designating someone a resource is identifying a powerful ally in your job search. Targeting someone as a direct job lead means that this person can provide an introduction, set up a meeting, maybe lunch or move your resume to the top of the pile and make sure it gets to the departmental hiring manager. Again, another powerful ally in your job search.
Role Player Beware
In my career lifetime, I have played every role for friends, family and co-workers. And, I have, in most cases been very careful about which role I chose to play. If I knew of a job opening within my company but did not feel the person seeking the position was suitable, I would offer help as a resource, instead of a direct job lead. Let’s face it; we don’t want to put our neck on the line for someone that could impact our future with the company. I made that mistake once and it was enough of a lesson for me to become careful on recommending someone for a position. You know the old saying, “no good deed goes unpunished.” I have on many occasions been selected as a reference and I am more than happy to accommodate someone that lists me as a reference but, not happy when I am caught off guard. If you use someone as a reference, contact them before hand and ask their permission and provide details on the position and brief your reference on the types of questions that might be asked. It is an important courtesy that can make all the difference. We all know that when a company gets to the point of checking references, you are a serious contender for the job.
Mind Your Manners
Finally, in your job search document your connections, followup and actions. Sometimes, a job lead will come many weeks or months after your pursuit and you want to recall your efforts, no matter how minimal. Also, if nothing comes of your efforts, it is necessary to change your strategy, perhaps the "path of least resistence" requires additional tactics and perhaps large scale intervention. And, by the way don’t forget to thank the people that provided you with a reference, resource or direct job lead. We all get more bees with honey than vinegar and chances are that we will need them again in the future.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Have You Had A Career Check Up Lately?
Almost everyone is good about scheduling their yearly check up with their physician. We are repeatedly told that preventative care is essential to maintaining good health and longevity. However, as career professionals, most of us never think of an annual career check up. Our career health like our physical health consists of vital signs as a measurement of our well being. And, we often hear that job satisfaction is directly linked to fewer sick days, reduced stress and improved personal and professional relationships. So, lets take a look at your career vital signs and understand how each plays a role in delivering a positive or negative prognosis on your overall career health.
H is for Holistic
Are you doing work that needs doing?
Do you find the opportunity to mentor at work or in your community or educational institution or professional affiliations?
Do you volunteer or provide financial support to a cause you believe in?
Do you find a meaningful link between the work you do and your personal life?
R is for Reflection
Are you self aware?
Do you feel career empowered?
What is your EQ? (emotional intelligence)
Do you know your strengths?
Do you read books that offer self improvement ideas?
Do you discuss with a friend or colleague the challenges you face, day to day?
Do you feel supported on the job, at home?
Are you engaged at work?
T is for Temperament
Do you believe in the mission, vision, direction of your organization?
Are you connected to a career professional that you can discuss issues with on a regular basis?( we recommend at least once a year)
Do you have a career action plan?
Do you know where you want to be in 5 years
P is for Promotion
Are you recognized for your efforts?
Are you challenged by the work you do?
Does your boss put you on the biggest problems or the biggest challenges?
Are you keeping abreast of the changes in your field of expertise?
Are you attending conferences, pursuing a degree, or continuing education opportunities?
The recommendation is to schedule an appointment with a career professional once a year to find out if you are on track. Speaking with a career counselor, career coach, or a trusted mentor is essential to maintaining your career health and development. And, as always share good information with family, friends and co-workers. Here's to good career health in the New Year.
H is for Holistic
Are you doing work that needs doing?
Do you find the opportunity to mentor at work or in your community or educational institution or professional affiliations?
Do you volunteer or provide financial support to a cause you believe in?
Do you find a meaningful link between the work you do and your personal life?
R is for Reflection
Are you self aware?
Do you feel career empowered?
What is your EQ? (emotional intelligence)
Do you know your strengths?
Do you read books that offer self improvement ideas?
Do you discuss with a friend or colleague the challenges you face, day to day?
Do you feel supported on the job, at home?
Are you engaged at work?
T is for Temperament
Do you believe in the mission, vision, direction of your organization?
Are you connected to a career professional that you can discuss issues with on a regular basis?( we recommend at least once a year)
Do you have a career action plan?
Do you know where you want to be in 5 years
P is for Promotion
Are you recognized for your efforts?
Are you challenged by the work you do?
Does your boss put you on the biggest problems or the biggest challenges?
Are you keeping abreast of the changes in your field of expertise?
Are you attending conferences, pursuing a degree, or continuing education opportunities?
The recommendation is to schedule an appointment with a career professional once a year to find out if you are on track. Speaking with a career counselor, career coach, or a trusted mentor is essential to maintaining your career health and development. And, as always share good information with family, friends and co-workers. Here's to good career health in the New Year.
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