Considering Working Abroad?

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?

What does it mean to work with a career coach/counselor/career-job transition specialist? You as the 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?

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?

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?

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

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?

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.