The job sounds great, but is the new workplace a fit for you?
A new job brings about a lot of changes, which can make you feel both excited and nervous. Most people do a lot of research throughout the job search process on the jobs themselves so they can best show how they are qualified based on their skills and experience. That is a must when applying for a job and completing the interview process. What many candidates don’t consider is that they are interviewing the company just as much as the company is interviewing them. Part of that consideration is the workplace itself, namely its culture. You can secure what you deem to be the perfect job in terms of duties and responsibilities, but if the workplace culture isn’t a match it significantly decreases your chances of success in the role. How can you find out if that workplace is a fit or you?
read moreGet out of your career rut!
Your work life will most likely feature both highs and lows. Sometimes when you are stuck in a rut you don’t know where to start in order to get out of it. You may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, lost, or even scared. The good news? There are many career opportunities out there that can provide fulfillment. The bad news? It can be hard to find the right opportunity for you given your experience, skills, and interests. The following are strategies to help you get moving forward again. The keys are to start small, educate yourself, and focus on the positive.
read moreTransform your internship into a job!
Participating in an internship is a great way to gain relevant experience in a job or field that interests you. It allows you to learn and apply important professional skills, adjust to a new work setting, and start building your network with colleagues. There is a steady stream of research that has shown that completing an internship increases your chances of getting a full-time job, which makes sense. Employers want to know if a potential employee can do the job (based on skills and experience) and will fit with company culture (based on attitude, motivation, and soft skills). Internships allow employers to evaluate potential employees prior to making a full-time offer based on that criteria. So, once you land an internship, what can do you to increase your chances of turning that opportunity into a full-time job? Consider the key elements of performance, networking, and unique value.
read moreDo you need noise canceling headphones for your career?
Many people, especially those who travel, use noise canceling headphones. Not only do noise canceling headphones block out exterior noise, they allow you to limit distractions and focus on what is important to you. Now, think about your career. It starts early. Young children are commonly asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” When the child answers, the response is met with some type of feedback and advice. Advice, which can be requested or unsolicited at times, continues throughout your life as you move through your career. It comes from family, friends, mentors, supervisors, colleagues, and sometimes total strangers. That advice, or noise, can become so loud it drowns out your own inner voice. When that happens, consider using your very own career-related noise canceling headphones.
read moreConsiderations before negotiating salary in a new city
Moving to a new city is exciting, especially if it involves a new job! Some of the changes that you will anticipate include a new community, position, company, and professional network of colleagues. What can surprise you are the financial implications of such a transition. Your compensation will be different, and most likely your cost of living will vary from your previous location as well. You can set yourself up for financial success by effectively negotiating the compensation you will receive in your new role as well as considering the financial implications of your new situation. Before you accept that offer and start packing, get your financial house in order. To do so, it’s essential to research the value of the new position (and your skills) in your new market and the cost of living in the anticipated location.
read moreBeware of these career watch-outs!
Your professional life is a journey. It will feature twists and turns, ups and downs. That said, each person’s journey will be different. I’ve worked with many people as they’ve developed career strategies and put them into action. I’ve witnessed great success, as well as many bumps in the road. Check out the following career strategy mistakes others have made. You can easily avoid them if you know what they are!
read moreNew year, new career adventures!
The start of a new year is a great time to think about a career tune up! The energy and resources you invest into this exercise can pay dividends that will boost or shift your career. Are you ready to move forward to embrace new and exciting career adventures? Here are three ways to accomplish just that.
read moreWhy should I hire you? Tell them this!
Why should I hire you? How would you respond? That is what employers are essentially asking you as you apply and interview for jobs. To establish yourself as a viable candidate for a position, you must possess the appropriate professional skills and experience. One challenge during the job search process is that many of the other candidates will have equal, if not better, qualifications than you. How can you set yourself apart? Consider going beyond the usual answers and integrating information based on your personality and values. This information can be a difference maker that will allow you to illustrate, unlike any other candidates, how you will be a fit for the position and organization.
read moreA job search can be complicated. Knowing these things can help!
The process of looking for a job is complicated. Understanding some basic fundamentals of a successful search can help you secure a great opportunity. Keep in mind that everyone enters the job search process with different experience, skills, and qualifications. No two people, or job searches, are exactly the same. As a result, a job search must be customized to maximize your chances for success. Addressing key fundamentals such as aligning qualifications with opportunities, searching for jobs via the hidden job market, and utilizing the right tools effectively can turn your journey from a search to a find. read more
Have you identified your career super power?
A job search can be tough, and it’s much more like a marathon than a sprint. It’s important for job seekers to understand this in that it will allow them to make the most of opportunities that arise along the journey. While it’s important to create great jobs search tools (such as a resume, cover letter, elevator pitch, LinkedIn profile, etc.) and build an effective job search strategy, one element could hold the key to success. It’s your career super power! Have you identified yours? read more