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 moreThe 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
Yes, you should! Involvement with an organization can support both your personal and professional development. Whether you are a seasoned professional or someone just starting out in either college or the world of work, a connection with a social, professional, or nonprofit organization can provide a boost in many ways. The key is finding a good fit and making the most of the opportunities available to maximize the impact of your involvement. Consider the following benefits you can achieve by getting involved. read more
A strong professional network can boost your career in many ways. It allows you to gain important information, connect with key contacts, and share material that will both help others and showcase your professional prowess. That’s why it’s important to start building your network as soon as possible, especially while you’re in college. Most people understand they should seek out seasoned professionals as network contacts, but did you know diversity within your network can provide new perspectives that will allow you to expand your knowledge and identify valuable skills that can enhance your career? To make the most of your network, make sure it includes the following contacts. read more
An important part of career strategy is networking, which is connecting with people to share information relevant to a certain topic, professional industry, or career field. While it’s great to make an effort to connect with others, you must do so in a safe way. Even if you have some familiarity with a new network contact, keep in mind that your experience with that person is limited and you may not be familiar with his/her character. With some planning, you can avoid a situation where you fear for your physical safety or feel uncomfortable given a certain conversation. The following are ways that you can network professionally in a safe and effective way. read more
LinkedIn, a professional networking platform, is a valuable tool that you should be using as part of your career strategy. Most people familiar with LinkedIn are aware of the need to create a profile and connect with other professionals, as networking is at the core of LinkedIn’s functionality. However, there are other elements that are critical to creating and implementing a successful LinkedIn presence. Investing five minutes right now to make sure you are making the most of LinkedIn will pay dividends in terms of your ability to leverage the platform for your professional gain. To do so, you will need to promote your brand effectively, create an impactful headline, and boost your credibility. read more
A secret weapon for job search and professional development isn’t so secret; it’s the thank you note! As fast as life moves these days in the digital age, a simple thing like saying thank you can help you stand out. For your thank you to be received in a positive way, make sure it’s timely, customized, and sincere. read more
A one-week career initiative can lead to new and exciting opportunities. How can you make an impact in just one week? It’s all about assessment, connection, and building your critical assets. read more
How do you create and achieve effective new year’s resolutions? That’s the million-dollar question that many people ponder as one year comes to a close and another approaches. It’s natural to look forward with anticipation, but also possibly trepidation. One aspect of life that can come under scrutiny is your career. Whether you are looking for a job for the first time, want a change, or are satisfied in your current role, there are opportunities to create new year’s resolutions that can boost your career. So regardless of your career status, read on to learn how resolutions related to your key career tools, network, and LinkedIn can enhance your career as you look to 2018. read more
A career fair brings job seekers and employers together in a forum to connect, although they do so for different reasons. Employers participate to promote their companies/organizations, screen potential employees, and identify viable candidates. Job seekers participate to learn more about companies/organizations, promote themselves as candidates, and make valuable professional connections. Although career fairs feature competition for both employers who are seeking great candidates and candidates who are trying to land jobs, in many cases job seekers feel more pressure when attending these events. It’s important for a candidate to make a good impression, as an employer will use the exchange to make an initial hiring decision. How can you stand out, in a positive way, at a career fair? read more