Getting More Play?

A long time client just reported that after several years of intense networking, suddenly he is getting some "play", that is interest in his skills and abilities from prospective employers which he has not seen before, including from industries that he never thought would produce any connection. He admits that he has spent so much time intensely networking that he has not paid any attention to other aspects of his life...he need to consider his physical space, in case a new position means a move elsewhere; he also needs to pay attention to his financial situation.

Might a new position, if everything else were "in place" mean starting at a lower salary? It just might....therefore, it is very important to be aware of where you stand financially. A new position might mean a lateral or even a step back but such a position might expose you to a new and better skills set which would ultimately lead you to an even better and more prosperous future.

If you found this post useful and interesting, please consider sharing via the buttons below.

Can't Or Won't

There is a school of thought that says if you continue doing the same thing again and again and it is not working, try doing something else. This is true in career change too....a recent returning client has been trying for two years to secure employment. At one time, he considered retraining in another field, but put that aside for a variety of reasons. Now he is rethinking his earlier decision.

Earlier, he gave many reasons for not retraining...but the real reason, I believe, is that he could not accept that the skills he has are not in demand. Two years of coming close to a new position, but just missing out every time has now led him to believe that retraining might be the ticket. Is that scary? Sure. Does he want to work? Yes. Therefore, he has his answer, and I hope to continue to stay in touch as he retools and seeks alternate employment.

If you found this post useful and interesting, please consider sharing via the buttons below.

Burning Bridges-Never a Good Idea

I am presently working with a client who, as a temporary worker, was treated poorly by the employer. He was told he had the "inside track" toward a permanent job, did more than what was required of him in terms of job performance, and then found out through another source that he would not be getting the job. When he asked, the reason given to him as to why the employer was hiring someone else was, in his opinion, shaky at best. Therefore, he left immediately, causing coverage problems for the employer and prompting a scene between him and his immediate supervisor. He was told not to expect a good reference.

While his reasons for leaving immediately were understandable, the way he handled it was poor. Never burn your bridges! At all times, your intent to get leave an employer with good feelings and with a positive reference. My client is now working on securing a positive reference from another source within this temporary job. I hope he will be able to do so.

If you found this post useful and interesting, please consider sharing via the buttons below.

Are You a Female in the Workforce?

Randstad, the international staffing company recently issued a report detailing results of their ongoing surveys that are part of the Randstad Engagement Index. The latest report talks about women's insights and perspectives on work and how they view the economy's impact on their jobs.

Women say that the top skills needed in the workplace today are "flexibility and adaptability, followed by knowledge of technology and teamwork."

It is obvious that employers need to pay attention to this for both hiring and retention purposes. Women are proving to be academically superior in our schools, have better graduation rates, and should be developed as leaders. It will be the wise employers who will benefit.

If you found this post useful and interesting, please consider sharing via the buttons below.

Looking Overseas to Find a Job

The Sunday, November 25th edition of The Washington Post carried an interesting article about Americans looking overseas to find jobs. It highlighted several individuals who were unable to find well paying or even any kind of job in their fields here, but found new and very good jobs abroad. The Department of State estimates that 6.3 million Americans right now are studying or working abroad. If you are looking for work, consider this as an option.

Lots of these newly employed Americans are teachers, but the article also follows one couple who are respectively a medical research assistant and a non profit employee and who both found work in Asia, a booming area, per the writer, Emily Matahar. Because of the high number of foreigners moving abroad, the writer also states that most Americans, even without local language skills, easily find the international community and fit right in.

There is no doubt that the job market is still a tough sell for most people. People will pay you for the skills that they want. You may have an easier time finding work aboard, at the same time adding to your resume as well as your bank account, by looking to the other side of the world.

If you found this post useful and interesting, please consider sharing via the buttons below.

Videos...Videos

Never underestimate the power of a video. You've reached out to prospective employers with resumes, your own website, blogs, LinkedIn sites...etc. How about a video?

Videos are easy to create, and you can upload something short highlighting you in action to your own website, if you have one, or to your LinkedIn. It is one more way to communicate and to get your message out. Make sure you spotlight a situation where you are demonstrating your skills, be it in public speaking, training, leading a meeting...whatever. A picture is better than a thousand words. Try it today.

If you found this post useful and interesting, please consider sharing via the buttons below.

Network, Network, Network!

Recently, I worked with a client who is finishing her master's degree and is concerned about her future employment. She asked me for the one outstanding piece of advise that I could give her...and I told her what I wrote above..."network, network, network".

People hire people, not resumes, or networking cards or LinkedIn profiles. People hire people who they either have worked with before, or who have worked with someone they know and value. That is why smart employers offer cash rewards to employees who bring them hirable candidates. This has always been important, and now more than ever.

Is being invited to networking functions enough?...no...you have to go, and work the room. Is being on LinkedIn enough?...no, you have to use it. Should you wait until you need a job?....no, networks need tending. Popping up on someone's radar only when you need them is ill advised, and frankly rude.

Networks do not grow overnight, and can easily die if not cared for. So pay some attention to your LinkedIn; take the holiday invitation and respond "yes" and go. Your working life may depend on it.

If you found this post useful and interesting, please consider sharing via the buttons below.