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

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

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

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?

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

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"

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

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...