Career Musings

Not on LinkedIn?

2012-02-23T09:18:00.000-05:00

I recently met with a new client and discovered that she is not on LinkedIn. I must admit..I am amazed. LinkedIn is one very powerful source of information for any job seeker. If you must have one online presence only in your job search, then LinkedIn it is...and the reasons are numerous.

If you do not know what LinkedIn is, or how to get started, take the time to figure it out to consult a career coach who will guide you through it. It is worth the effort.

2012-02-23T09:16:00.001-05:00

"60 Minutes" recently ran a story about an innovative program underway in CT to fight discrimination against the long term unemployed. As with age discrimination and discrimination by gender, race, etc, this is illegal; however, that does not mean it does not exist and happening all the time.

Is such discrimination avoidable? Sure it is....How?....by keeping your skills current. Any potential employer is going to ask what you have been doing while you were out of work...and the answer is volunteering to keep your skills up as well as to learn new skills... taking classes...many free and online...and attending industry conferences. All of the above also provide networking opportunities...the best way to gain new employment.

Leaving No Stone Unturned

2012-02-16T11:39:00.001-05:00

Recently I met with a new client, and discovered to my amazement that she is not familiar with LinkedIn. She has been unemployed for over 6 months and until we began to work together, her networking consisted of talking to a few friends about her skills and on their suggestions sending resumes into the black holes of online job boards. She is also looking in the private section only; her spouse told her that securing a state or federal position takes too long. Had she started a good search 6 months ago in both the federal and private worlds, she might just have secured a good position by now, especially since she has skills that are somewhat in demand. This client has not understood up to now the importance of leaving no stone unturned! The modern job hunt today requires paying attention to any and every possible job source. It takes time, skills an dedication. You work at least 40 hours per week; be prepared to search 40 hours per week.

Latest Bureau of Labor Statistics Report

2012-02-13T12:53:00.001-05:00

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecopro.nr0.htm.The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently issued the above report and set off a firestorm amongst folks like me about how to use this information when ooaching and counseling clients. After some debate, I concur with anyone who suggests caution. These are projections, nothing more. No one has a crystal ball. Take any projections like these, combine them with what is going on in your working area, and from there. I live and work in Northern Virginia, where we have been protected in a large part by the federal government. That is changing; the federal government continues to shrink; cuts have arrived in DOD spending. Will the private sector in this area pick up the slack? That is the prediction...stay tuned and be aware.

Time Out

2012-02-07T09:31:00.000-05:00

Today I scheduled a meeting with a client who literally cannot come to see me unless she an get a Saturday morning appointment, which, luckily, I offer. Otherwise, she would have to invent a "doctor's appointment" in order to take a few hours off. Granted, she could hardly tell her employer that she has an appointment with her career coach, but making an employee, especially in a small business, account for every moment of "time out" when the employer does not hesitate to take as much of the employee's personal time as is deemed "needed to do the job" is hardly fair and hardly right. Yes, we are seeing more and more of this in the present economy, but that does not justify it. So, Mr. or Ms. Small Business Owner, look at your policies, both written and unwritten, and think again about them. Yes, there are those employees who will always violate the "rules"; then again there are also those employees who deserve to be treated as human beings with needs not necessarily covered under any HR policy manual; tending to their physical and mental wellbeing is important and part of every employer's responsibility.

The Ability to Sell

2012-01-31T13:11:00.000-05:00

Can you sell? According to various reports about the skills very marketable right now in this country, the ability to sell can prove to be the ticket to your next job. There are those who feel that sales is a part of every job right now, and I believe them correct. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, needs continual good customer servioe training, and I also think that everyone needs sales training. In everything that you do professionally, you are selling..not only your product or your service, but also yourself. If your present employer offers any kind of training, but especially customer service and sales training, take advantage of it, whether or not it is usually offered to those in your job. Ask your boss to enroll you. If your employer does not, he/she should be. If you are a business owner, make sure all your employees are trained, and continually trained. That is the ticket to professional success.

Taking It One Step Further

2012-01-17T14:24:00.000-05:00

Recently I had an email from a client who worked with me about one year ago. He has been trying to re enter the work force especially in the non profit world. He has had all kinds of interviews and has yet to land a job. He asked me for any further advise.I reminded him that it is not enough to say you want the job; you must show you can do the job and do it better than anyone else. If you are fortunate enough to get an interview situation and just prepared for the old fashioned "they ask the questions and I answer them" interview, you are missing a bet. These days, you have to DEMONSTRATE worth. So...based on your previous research and what you have also gleaned as the issues facing the employer, tell them, or rather show them, what you would do in the first 30, 60 or 90 days. Assess the climate in the room, and if you are comfortable, go for it. Make sure your comments are simple and direct. Remind the interviewers that you are basing your comments on what you know so far; it may not be enough, but based on what you do know, present your case. I recommended that my former client try this technique. I hope to hear good news in the future.

Considering Working Abroad?

2011-12-05T12:31:00.001-05:00

Recently, I had my first experience with a client who along with his spouse wants to work aboard, specifically in France. For the client, not only would his working location change, but also his profession. For his spouse, the work location also would be changing, but she would at least be reverting back to a variation of a previous career.I researched options for this couple, and came up with four. Given the world economy and the challenges of finding employment for a non French citizen in France, two of the options we deemed the most viable, and based on these, we discussed next steps including further education and research on their part. Dreams can only come true with thorough preparation and understanding. Opportunities can be realized by planning and consultation with a career development professional. My client was eminently satified and ready to continue to dig deeper on his (their) own.

Are You Cooperating with Your Career Transition Specialist?

2011-11-18T12:15:00.003-05:00

What does it mean to work with a career coach/counselor/career-job transition specialist? You as he client makes the contact, and I hope that you are talking to more than one potential coach. Then you choose, perhaps even meeting the coach before you decide. Once you decide on whom to work with...do not think that all onus passes to that person. The onus is on you!

This is your career/job transition, not the coach's. You are the person who has to do the work. Will it be frustrating at times...time consuming...seemingly endless?? You bet! Why?- have a look of our economy for the answer. Unless you are fortunate enough to be a part of a profession where there is demand, and you can follow that demand, be aware. Remember that if you work 40 hours per week, it can and will take 40 more hours per week to find new employment, unless you are one of the lucky few.

You have someone in your corner, however...your coach. Cooperate with him/her. Book and keep your appointments on a steady basis...do not lose momentum. Work your network, keep your spirit strong, build your skills and take care of yourself and keep trying. Those are today's tickets to success.

What Are You Waiting for?

2011-11-01T14:59:00.001-04:00

Are you unhappy in your career? Are you unhappy in your job?

If you are, there are many people out there just like you. So what do you do? Do you do the "same old, same old" and expect something to change? Do you do something (like work with a career coach) and then not follow through with assignments or make and/or keep appointments? Do you whine and complain that things are not happening fast enough or at all?

If any of the above describes you, it's time to get moving! Nothing will change unless you begin and then stay with the process. It only takes one networking contact, one job lead, one effort to turn the corner in your career. Be positive, keep at it.

Can You Write? Can You Speak?

2011-09-14T13:08:00.002-04:00

If you think that your career might be stalling because of your poor writing and/or public speaking skills, and you are looking for coaching in either or both, contact me at pat@vanhaste.com. I am a CT and VA certified English teacher, who has also taught Writing, including Business Writing as well as Public Speaking on an university basis.

I will not write business reports, etc for you, but I will edit and proofread, at the same time coaching you to do the same. I will not write your public presentation for you, but I will get you ready to write and present it yourself.

Let me help you present your best self and finally learn those skills you never quite got when you were in school.

Have an Interview Appointment? Are you ready to Sell?

2011-09-08T10:19:00.002-04:00

Modern interviewing may no longer be the standard one on one conversation in a private room, or even one versus a panel of interviewers in a private room. Today's interviewing may and can include time spent with potential colleagues or direct reports, and even a formal presentation to an audience of any size.

Be aware that when you interview, it may be suggested first that you sit with some future colleagues and/or potential direct reports to you. Do not be fooled...this is still an interview and how you interact...the comments you make, the questions you ask, will all be mulled over and reported back to the hiring manager. ...will you fit in? are you knowledgeable about the company...the industry? Be yourself...but be prepared.

The next step may also be a formal presentation, with you as the presenter. A topic will be suggested and you will be expected to prepare and speak for the amount of time allotted. What do you do? You research your subject, practice your presentation, have a look at the room and check your equipment beforehand, dress appropriately, know everything that you can about your audience before you meet them, and then do your best. The key here is preparation, so call in a consultant with a background in public speaking preparation (like me!) to get you ready. Remember, the most sought after skills by any employer today are communications skills...the ability to read, write, listen and speak well. If you can do all of these well, you can do anything.

Add Google + to your List

2011-08-25T09:59:00.001-04:00

Think LinkedIn is enough these days when job seaching? While LinkedIn is still the number 1 source to get and give information when career changing and/or job searching, Google+ is up and coming. I advise my clients to have a LinkedIn (and use it), a Facebook page and now a Google+ presence. Fill each and everyone of these with keywords that reflect your area of expertise. Make yourself easy to find by hiring managers and recruiters. Use these tools to search out information on others.

Is Your Career Stagnant?

2011-07-22T13:40:00.001-04:00

I see clients every day who profess a real need to change careers. They are convinced that their present situation is so unpalpable that a 180 degree change is necessary. One question that I ask right up front is whether or not the present career can be "sculpted" to make it less stagnant and more rewarding. Many say no.....but frequently, most begin to consider it, based on the current uncertainly of today's economy. What do you do when you think your current career is stagnant?

First, realize the importance of your mind set. Look at what you enjoy in your present career. Look at what is working and how you can get rid of, or at least lessen, what is not. Be more positive and more flexible.

Second, self-consider. Consider what your ideal work world would look like and then think about how to get there.

Third, how are your skills? Are there job tasks that you do now that you need to do better? Be open to further training and education and take advantage of any offered. If it is not offered, go get it yourself.

Fourth, do something. Action can mean progress. Talk to a career coach, to your boss, to anyone who might help you. You will be glad that you did.

The Start Up of You

2011-07-15T14:52:00.001-04:00

Thomas Friedman, the author, recently posted a blog on this topic in the New York Times. He commented on his vision of the hiring future in this country and it will truly be survival of the fittest. Employees of the future, according to him will have to "turn on a dime"; in other words constantly stay current, constantly add value, constantly reinvent. Entirely new mind sets and skills sets will be necessary, including getting rid of the "grand plan". Perpetual career planning will be the key; keeping on top of what industries are working and growing will be necessary, and being able to "role with the punches" will be paramount.

How will our schools adapt, especially the schools of higher education? Who will be responsible for training these future employees, especially in encouraging entrepreneurial vision? I think that the responsibility for training the future US workforce will lay squarely on each individual in it. As I mentioned above, survival of the fittest will be the name of the game. Think about it.

Background Checks, Anyone?

2011-07-08T09:53:00.001-04:00

As I coach and consult with clients, when we discuss job search techniques, I emphasize the importance of being careful with one's online presence. Not only do potential employers google the applicants to gain information, but now also scour the web, social networking sites in particular looking for digital dirt, and using this as a basis to say "no thanks" to an applicant. In fact, the Federal Trace Commission has authorized Social Intelligence Corp of Santa Barbara, CA to sell reports on checked applicants to employers and those files can last for seven years.

Be also aware that you might be very careful, but your Facebook "friends" might not be so. You could indeed be linked to someone nefarious and be cast aside due to guilt by association. Remember, this is legal; right now this company uses human analysis; however, before too long, this too may be "outsourced" to more and more hi tech software.

What can you do as a jobseeker to "remedy" this? Right now, not much. Your best bet is to clean up digitally as much as you can, and then blog, write articles etc. Establish yourself as an expert in your field, a "go to" person who writes authoritatively and well. At least as you add positive items to your web presence, you can push down any others that can potentially hurt.

Are You Female, Good in Math, and Want to Get a Job?

2011-06-30T09:37:00.001-04:00

Recently, The New York Times published a blog by Ariana Gardella, who helped start Network Equipment Technologies, a company that went public in 1987. She is now chairwomen of Coraid. She is also a professor at Stamford.

Ms Gardella talked about how she got into technology because she was good in math and was economically motivated. She feels there is no real barrier to women in technology and urges women to take advantage of technology courses at the university level. CEO's she claims, do not come out of HR; they come out of product development and marketing in technology based companies.

She recommends that girls get involved in computing by first grade. She wants to see games and contests that appeal to first and second grade girls rather than boys. Little girls like the idea of saving the world, and she feels that technology solutions will play a large part in our efforts to build a better society in the future.

How to Change Careers

2011-04-20T09:16:00.002-04:00

Before deciding if a career (and not a job) change is best for your at this time, consider the following:

Review what you most dislike about your current career. Make sure that the things you most dislike are not your boss' personality, etc. Make sure that your reasons for wanting the career change are sound and not colored by emotional issues. This may not be easy; is it the career or just some aspect of the job that needs to change? Do you want/need more salary? Changing careers may mean starting all over again. Do a cost/benefits analysis. Evaluate your costs for training/education against the anticipated starting salary in the new career. How long will it take you to see a positive return?

Visualize your "perfect' job. For whom are you working? What kind of a boss do you have? What are you doing? Where are you doing it? When are you doing it...time of day? Why are you doing it? What sense of value do you get? This comes from your work values. Make sure that your work values match those of the considered career. If they do not, and you cannot compromise on at least some, then the considered new careers may not be for you. FOCUS- get crystal clear about your core work values...Would you love this new career so much that you can happily put up with all the "stuff" that comes with it?

Make an action plan. Be realistic. This is WORK!

What are the skills needs in the new career? Do you have at least some of them? Remember that once you begin your new career it will be a shock, and having at least some transferable skills will help.

Research! Target a few people whose careers you admire and interview them. How did they get to where you think you want to be? Volunteer. Can you run "parallel" careers for at least a while? It may take several years until you are established. Look at this as a series of steps.

Do not change careers solely because of financial considerations. Do not do so because of pressure from others. Can you take your present career and "sculpt" it to make it more palatable? If so, it might not be worth it to change careers at this time.

CareerXroads "Sources of Hire" Report/ How Important is Networking in Job Search?

2011-04-13T11:51:00.003-04:00

Gerry Crispin and Mark Mehler's recently published report from www.careerxroads.com dated March, 2011 contains some very interesting data concerning where new hiring came from in 2010. Not surprising is the fact that nationally, 27.5% of all hires come from Referrals in 2010. This was the number one source of external hires. 24.9% came from Job Boards and 18.8% came from Career Sites. Career Fairs produced only 1.8% of external hires. 50.3% of all vacancies were filled internally. Our Metro area shows some similarities and differences, including the fact that far more of new hirers in this region came through Employee Referral than nationally. There is no question of the importance of networking as a significant source of job leads. Remember that networking, either online or in person, does not happen overnight. Networks must be cared for.

Harvard Study Suggests that Bachelor Degrees Are Not for Everyone

2011-02-10T13:45:00.003-05:00

Harvard University recently published a study suggesting that the current emphasis in US culture on every high school graduate continuing onto higher education with the goal being earning a bachelor's degree is a poor idea. Why this is news to any of us is surprising. The poor state of the US economy in the past few years is in many ways a result of "College is for Everyone" thinking so prevalent in our society. Now it has taken Harvard to echo what so many other trustworthy voices have recently commented on....the need for more than one kind of respected educational track for our youth, rather than the one size should fit all idea that has never made any real sense. Go to O'Net. Have a look at the predictions for the jobs of the future. Many of them do not require more education than what a local community college offers. Start there, Youth of America. Learn some skills. Develop and grow those skills. Then consider, if you want, further degree work. Have a career plan, rather than just a college plan. You will be glad that you did.

Do You Just Want to Talk?

2010-09-21T10:51:00.002-04:00

Are you in career transition or hope to be soon? Recent media reports say that as this recession eases, thousands of people who are unhappy with their careers and/or jobs will be looking.

If you are one of the above, you may decide not to go it alone, but instead to reach out to a career coach/counselor for personalized help, and personalized it should be. Career transition services should not be "one size fits all". Unfortunately, this is how it seems to many clients who are introduced to a very non-personalized process of assessments and inventories all designed for at least quick, and hopefully easy answers.

Would you rather just talk? Would you prefer to discuss your situation with your coach/counselor as well as work through the rest of the process? If you would, you are not alone. Make sure when selecting your coach/counselor, you find someone who will allow you the time to talk and to reflect. Your future depends on it.

Missed Connections: The College to Career Gap

2010-09-10T09:42:00.002-04:00

Dr. Anthony Caravale of Georgetown University recently released the above titled article on huffingtonpost.com calling for a user friendly system where consumers considering a traditional four year college education can see data on what graduates of programs within these schools are earning compared to what they spent and the debt, if any, that they accrued. He argues that the Dept of Education releases data about for-profit schools based on the above; therefore the same should be true for traditional 4 years institutions as well. The main point of his article, however, is that there is a "missing link" as he terms it in our higher education system and that is its failure to adequately connect college to careers.

There was a storm of reaction to this article, including the traditional argument that 4 year programs should do more than prepare a student for a career. While I agree that 4 four year colleges should "educate" and not necessarily "prepare", I agree with Dr. Caravale that in the past there has been too much emphasis on "education" and not enough on "preparation", and this is one of the many reasons our society is in the economic mess that it is.

Are you about to advise a young person concerning purchasing a college education? Are you a young person about to do so? Are you a mid career professional considering going back to school in an effort to further and better equip yourself for the future? Consider wisely and carefully. Seek counsel and remember that while no education is ever wasted, a graduate degree or a four year degree is no longer the right answer for everyone.

KSA'S Gone!

2010-03-29T14:44:00.002-04:00

The federal government recently announced that as of April, 2010, KSA's (knowledge, skills and abilities) will no longer be required for most federal job applications. I say "most" because it will still be up to the hiring manager to decide whether or not to use them in the vetting process. The federal government, it appears, wants to move more toward a private sector style job application.

Keep in mind, All You Federal Job Seekers Out There, that an awareness of your knowledge, skills and abilities, and the ability to write them in "sales" style, is still very important, no matter what type of resume you are writing. KSA's may no longer be necessary on the application, but still should appear in the body of your resume. Read the federal job announcement carefully. No matter whether it asks for a USAJobs style resume or not, understanding what your knowledge, skills and abilities are, and how to write them is still key, and will remain so.

Need help? Contact a career coach. You will be glad that you did.

WSJ Recent Article the Worth of a Degree

2010-02-03T10:19:00.002-05:00

The Wall Street Journal recently published an article about the dollar worth of a college education. Per the article, in recent years the nonprofit College Board estimated that a degreed individual would earn as much as $800,000 more than a non-degreed individual over a lifetime. The article goes on to say that this estimate was based on the 2002 Census Bureau report entitled "The Big Payoff".

Now, a representative of The American Institutes for Research calls all of this into question. The estimates, per this individual do not factor in such things as student loan debt, or breaks in employment. Essentially, no one can predict what someone will earn.

There is no question that every American needs some kind of post secondary education and/or training. However, like with anything else in life, look before you leap. Make sure your student has an idea of what he wants to study, what kind of work his major will lead him to, what kinds of opportunities there will be for this work in the future, and how else future education and/or training might be secured beside the very expensive four (or five or six) year college education route.

Getting More Out of Your Graduate Education

2010-01-16T10:24:00.002-05:00

So, you have decided to return to school and get a graduate degree. You have done your research (you think) and have decided to get a graduate degree not because you do not know what else to do but because you are sure that this degree will assist you in further career development. If you are like many graduate students now, you feel you need further education to insure career success in the future.

Whether or not the above is true is up to you...however, if the above describes you, then I suggest that you pay attention to the following during the course of your education: consider seriously how the knowledge that you are learning can be applied to your present job or to the one you want in the future...do you see a direct match? It is not enough for the admissions department to see the match; you must see it and understand how all you are learning can lead to future success. Then, talk to your professors! Tell them about your career goals...use them as mentoring sources. Many professors work in business too and those are the people who can help you the best. Lastly, volunteer within your field; look for internship and shadowing opportunities so that as you prepare to graduate, your can show both theoretic and practical knowledge to a potential employer.

"Slow Careers"

2009-12-14T10:59:00.002-05:00

I recently read on article on this subject. A "slow career" is defined these days as a cultural shift, and as a slowing down of one's life pace...either because of choice or because the slowdown is thrust upon you. The article states that frequently this slowdown leads to the development of better self-understanding and increased ability to deal with the demands of life, employment, etc.

I think we will see more "slow career' participants in the coming years. Our population is aging, and although the baby boomers are probably the healthiest, both physically and mentally, of any group that has ever approached "old" age in this country, many of these folks will opt out of their present "fast' careers situations as soon as they can,,or they will be pushed out. What is interesting is that this phenomenon sparks interest in younger people as well. The stress and pace of modern careers and modern lifestyles, coupled with the challenging economic times, makes the concept of a slow career very attractive for various reasons to some. Think about this concept as you ponder your next career move. Your physical and mental health may thank you in the future!

Train the Teachers Better!

2009-10-28T12:17:00.002-04:00

Here we go again. Secy. of Education Ann Duncan recently delivered a speech calling for more and better teacher preparation in USA teacher education programs. Secy Duncan said that in order to make sure that the US remains competitive, more time, attention and yes, financial resources must be given to better teacher education.

All of this is well and good, but we have several huge roadblocks here.. including our cultural bias against educators in general (on the whole we pay them little), the poor morale of American teachers( about half leave the profession in five years) and our odd ability as a culture to blame teachers for many of society's ills...poor student performance and high property taxes among many others.

What is it going to take to change the way we educate our teachers, who in turn educate our children?
First, teachers need respect. No one with any brains enters a profession where so little respect is given to those within it. Second, teachers need support, and that includes the support of administrators (themselves former teachers) parents, community leaders, etc. Finally, teachers need exposure to the work world that their students will be living in; business and education still rarely mix, and I believe that is one underlying reason we find ourselves in the economic mess that we are in.

Downtime Vrs.Missed Opportunities

2009-10-26T10:31:00.002-04:00

Are you glad that you were laid off? Has it given you a sense of relief?

Perhaps for some the questions above might come as a surprise, however many recently laid off people report a sense of relief and sudden peace that the ax has finally fallen and they can leave all the stress and anxiety their job produced in them behind. If you were fortunate enough to receive a severance package that provides not only an income but health benefits for several more months it is tempting to delay any job/career search and just kick back for a while.

So, do you do it? Do you go "on vacation" from life and chill out? My advise is sure...you earned it....but the job/career search can be a long and arduous road and will probably take more time than you think so decide on a reasonable break and then get back into the saddle as soon as you can. Make an action plan; include in it the services of a career coach/counselor and get busy. If this action plans includes a career change as well, then you have another complication adding to the timeline. Do not delay!

Pulling Out All the Stops

2009-09-30T12:37:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I volunteered to critique resumes at a local job fair. I met with a young women who had just earned her master's degree in school counseling. She was bemoaning her lack of a job, saying that area schools (she meant public schools) were just not hiring. I asked her a series of questions and her answers immediately showed me that she had not pulled out all of the stops in her job search. Had she gone to her university's career center for help?... had she looked into employment in any private schools in the area?...had she joined any professional associations or her alumni association and tried networking through those?...had she tried social networking sites?...had she expanded her search outside of this area, especially into places where there were immigrant populations speaking the languages that she speaks? and finally, had she considered her transferable skills and how to use them to secure employment in another area of counseling?...Obviously, this young women had not...and that is one reason that she does not have a job right now.

In this market, it is very important to "pull out all the stops" and leave no stone unturned when looking for a job. Make sure that you do.

Career Change and Networking

2009-08-24T14:38:00.003-04:00

I recently read a blog entry written by an MBA who has spent the last seven years in the financial world. He has decided that he wants a career change but has been having trouble making connections. It has just occurred to him that while he has many connections in the financial world, he has yet to establish any in his target career. How can he establish such connections when he has no experience as yet in the new career (much less a job or any training)? My advise to him would be to work with a career coach who expertise includes how to network and how to get experience and contacts in your new career. Remember, the best investment you can ever make is in yourself>

Starting a Private Practice-Colleagues to the Rescue

2009-08-03T19:43:00.003-04:00

Here is what it takes to begin a private practice.

A New Reality

2009-07-02T11:15:00.003-04:00

One of the things that I enjoy as a career coach is the variety of clients that I service. Besides my private practice, I also volunteer at my local one stop career center where I use my group skills with a new collection of people each week, many of them immigrants to the US. It always strikes me how different we are as a people and yet how similar. What I am hearing from all my clients is how the "new reality" of job and career search is challenging the mental and perhaps even physical health of most of us, and what I continue to tell everyone, from the newest immigrant to the executive at mid career is the following: continue to hang in there, work your network, prepare career plans A, B and maybe even C, be positive, and be good to yourself even in the smallest way. Remember that you are the president of "You" Inc. and it is in your best interests now and in the future to always be prepared for changes in your work life.

Over on Career 'Rocketeer'

2009-06-27T10:49:00.003-04:00

Have a look at this article about Making a Career Plan. It appears on Career Rocketeer, which is also on my linklist to the right.

"Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work"

2009-05-22T12:28:00.003-04:00

I recently read an essay entitled "The Case for Working with Your Hands" based on this forthcoming book by Matthew B. Crawford, which will be soon published by Penquin Press. The essay, like the book, puts forth the premise that many of our young people, in their parents' quest to provide them with future "success" are hustled off to college and pointed at "cerebral" professions rather than allowing attention to be paid to natural tendencies for "hands on" work. Therefore education and work become "abstract and distant". The author makes quite a case for his theories.

Nothing in this essay surprises me. As a coach who has spent lots of time assisting adolescents in making post secondary choices, I have been aware for years of the disconnect in our American culture between what is seen as "real" work and hands on work. Mike Rowe, the star of "Dirty Jobs", a popular television show on the TLC network, has stated that Americans have declared war on work, or "hands on" work. Parents, before you begin talking to your children about post secondary education, which I agree all young people need, make sure that in your desire to do the best for them, you allow their personalities, interests and abilities to help drive their choices. A four year degree from a college or university is not the only answer, and in this day of outsourcing and massive layoffs, a young person who is equipped to earn a living with both his brains and his hands can indeed do very well in life.

Creating a Career Transition Plan

2009-05-05T15:26:00.004-04:00

Have you ever done anything of major importance without developing a plan of action first? People who are buying a home, getting married or taking some other big momentous step in their lives usually try to insure their success by making a plan of action first, and then sticking, more or less, to it. Surely this must also be true in making a career transition. When you are ready to look for the answer to the question "What will be my next career step?", try making a plan of action first! Assess all aspects of yourself, update your resume, research, pay very close attention to networking and not just Facebook or Twitter, develop and set short and long term goals, and be flexible enough to make adjustments along the way. How can you do all of this? With the assistance of a career transition professional, of course! Don't think you can do it all yourself! You hire a realtor to help you select a home, you partner with a wedding planner to give a wedding; why not find a career coach to help you take that next very important career step? You will be glad you did.

Education as Your Next Career

2009-04-27T16:18:00.002-04:00

Almost every day I see another article full of recommendations about entering Education as a career field and as an answer for those who have lost jobs as a result of the US recession. As an educator myself (years of teaching in public secondary schools, adult education and university level) I certainly encourage anyone with both the interest and desire to go for it. The US Department of Labor is calling for a shortage of workers in education within the next five years. However, be aware of the following: a general shortage of teachers will not happen everywhere...for instance, in many New England states where the population is aging rapidly, teachers who retire will generally be replaced only in the cities where the immigrant population will be the only population showing growth; real shortages exist now in special education, secondary mathematics and science and that will continue..if these specialities are not your forte, then chances are you will not make the cut. Finally, it is a fact that half of all new teachers, no matter what their ages or preparation leave the profession within the first five years. Culturally, we are not a society that values teachers, not in respect nor in salary.

If you plan to become an educator, go into it with your eyes open. Shadow a teacher, do informational interviews, volunteer in the classroom setting if you can. Make sure you understand what you are getting into. Do not enter education, or any other career for that matter, unless your personality type, interests, values and transferable skills match that of the field. There is a lot more to teaching than "summers off"; you and our children deserve better.

Australian career education project calls for greater career awareness for young children

2009-04-09T11:08:00.002-04:00

A recent top news story in the Australian press reports on Principals Australia, a career education project sponsored by the federal department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations which calls for career development concepts to be included in a new national school curriculum in that country. The article termed this "career counselling" and this led to an outcry from various sources calling the idea presented by the project "crazy stuff", among other very negative comments.

The projects sponsors countered by citing research showing that children as young as six can identify what they thought they wanted to be upon growing up. Since children identify with their parents and their parents' careers at young ages, the sponsors feel that explicit exposure to career developments ideas, etc, would be helpful to encourage children to see that there is a wide range of careers out there, beyond what their parents do.

As an educator and a career coach, this is far from "crazy stuff"...in fact, I recently served on a committee that awarded mini grants to teachers teaching at as young as the kindergarten level to fund career exploration projects. It is never too early to gain more knowledge about the world of future..especially about the world of future careers, and that indeed applies to all ages.

Half of Life is Showing Up (and Being on Time)!

2009-03-30T09:06:00.002-04:00

I volunteer at a local job and career assistance organization where I teach a once per week resume writing workshop. Every week the staff overbooks my class just so a reasonable amount of people will show up...usually it is half. Why don't people come? I suspect that these folks have not yet learned that half of success in work life (and also life in general) is showing up! Some people also do not understand the importance of being on time. Frequently, I have latecomers...I allow those folks in a few moments late, but after five minutes, no one is admitted. The other half of success in work life (and also life in general) is appearing on time. Perhaps this is why your polished resume did not get you an interview. Did you submit it by the deadline date? Might your colleagues at work be upset with you because your share of the latest project was not in on time? Was a reason why you were denied a promotion because you have to be chased for items due..and everyone else around you resents that? Being on time is a necessity in the American workplace these days. Just something as seemingly slight as being there and being there on time can make a world of difference.

Personal Branding

2009-03-19T10:31:00.004-04:00

I have been reading so much about personal branding lately. Articles on it are everywhere; there is even a blog on it! While as a career coach/consultant and a professional I well understand the importance of developing a personal brand in this economy, my concern is that in trying to forge that "personal brand" in resume writing, we miss out on the importance of showing skills and abilities in all aspects of the career/job that we are targeting. Remember that employers want well-rounded employees first and foremost. Your resume should contain about 50-80 keywords, not 20 or 30. Make sure that you can truthfully "comment" on most of the items in the job description in front of you as you write. Then concern yourself about how you are unique, and how you can communicate bringing added value to the employer.

Using the Internet for Your Job Search

2009-03-10T09:58:00.003-04:00

The Internet has become the single biggest tool that most Americans use when searching for a new job, and it is a wonderful tool...but it is just that...a tool, and how you use that tool will have a huge effect on how successful your job search will be. First, you must do your homework and find out which one of all those job boards posts the most jobs that you are qualified for, and with the salary that you feel you can command. While social networking sites like Linkedin and Twitter are all the rage, nothing beats face to face, one on one contact, so do not ignore old-fashioned ways of networking. Tips from friends, a mention of something available from a web contact to whom you have offered help ...this is the way to tap the job market. Talk to everyone, even if you cannot fathom how that person might be able to help you...you never know.

Further Education, Anyone?

2009-03-02T11:48:00.002-05:00

So many times lately, there have been articles in the media about the number of adults going back to school for further education and/or retraining, rebranding, as an answer to today's job and career challenges. As a teacher and trainer, I have always believed that furthering one's education is great...however, these days I am not so sure. If you think that going back to school is your answer, you first have to decide in what? Many of these articles tout the education, finance or healthcare fields as prime targets, but there are many different avenues in all of these as well as in other areas..so which one do you choose?? and what if none of those avenues appeals to you? How will you know that you will both enjoy and profit from the going back to school experience before you commit?

The answer is research,,and a targeted step by step search leading you to a decision that is right for just you...right in that you will have the personality, ability, and interest to profit from the training/education. Make that decision carefully...and seek out the consultation expertise of a trained professional ( and not the admissions counselor at an institution of higher learning near you). You will be glad you did.

Career Education in the Schools

2009-02-26T11:08:00.004-05:00

As someone who offers career development and transitions services to all age groups, from high school students through Baby Boomers, and has experience with all these groups as well, I read this morning yet another posting about career education, or lack thereof, in the public schools. It is my belief and experience that when true career development education is not taught through the curriculum in public middle and high schools what results, among other things, are young people who are clueless when making post secondary choices, as are their parents for them. In our recent past, these young people overwhelming go to four year colleges, then take 6-7 years to complete, if they ever do, because of continual changes of major. Many finish/drop out with little to no marketable skills, and are the first to be let go in a downturn. They select a path simply because they do not have a grasp ofwhat else there might be..and besides everyone else is doing the same thing. For any parents or teenagers/college students and parents of same reading this blog...find out what your school is offering in terms of career development/transition services and take advantage...job shadow..do an internship, schedule informational interviews and before you make the usually very expensive decision, especially in these times, on post secondary education, make sure that you have an idea of "where you are going" and why.

A Belated Goodbye to "Shifting Careers"

2009-02-24T08:45:00.004-05:00

I just this week found out that "Shifting Careers", a column about the changing world of careers in this country has been discontinued by The New York Times, where it appeared. What a shame that in times like these, this well written, well thought out column has been let go. Its title, "Shifting Careers" I found to be so pertinent today. Even if you think the latest job and career turmoil has not had an effect on you, stay tuned. In the world of career development, things are shifting more and more each day...young people about to graduate from post secondary education will find a challenging job market, even those with "high demand" majors. People at mid career need to be aware that their "solid" job can disappear in a moment. Baby Boomers face a particular challenge as they ponder "retirement" and what it will mean in the future. Gather your resources, read as much as you can about the future of career development and work in this country, remember that there are people (like career coaches) who can help you, and by all means, get ready to be flexible.

It's Past Time for a Resume Tuneup

2009-02-23T09:48:00.003-05:00

When was the last time that you tuned up your resume? What? You don't think you need to..? Everyone, and I mean everyone, needs to have an updated resume available at all times, and especially now. Yes, we in the D.C. area are partially insulated from what is going on nationally, but be aware...no one is completely protected...

So, take out that resume and look at it...is it just a list of job titles and dates and responsibilities? That isn't going to cut it anymore...today you must show value, accomplishment and skills. How do you do that? Well, you can sort through the many, many books, articles etc. on the internet on this topic........or you can get it done professionally, with a career coach to help you.

Don't delay in these challenging days. Until next time...