It can be an uncomfortable feeling when you think about your own career development. It is common and natural for you to encounter anxiety and apprehension. Based on the work in my practice, here is a list of what clients said are their fears and how to overcome them.1. Fear of Commitment to a Job or Career for LifeMany individuals are afraid to close off their options by making a commitment to one particular career, job o...
Good news! Here is a resource you may not have tapped into for your job search. If you are an alumnus of a college or graduate school, there is a good chance that you are entitled to lifetime career services. Some schools offer services free of charge, while others charge a fee. In addition, public libraries and community colleges are also a source of career information and resources. If you are serious about your search, i...
During your career you often hear conflicting messages about the nature of work. Too many people today believe in myths and have excuses that prevent them from moving forward with their career plans. Knowing the truth about these common inaccuracies will help reduce your stress in terms of your long-term career development. Try to be clear and open minded when it comes to achieving success by avoiding these common misconcep...
You had a killer resume that helped you land an interview last week. You aced the interview, but today, the employer called and wants your references, the final part of the process, before they can offer the job. In a panic you responded, “Sure, no problem. I’ll get them to you right away.” You hung up the phone and realized you don’t have a clue about how to handle references.References are an important part of the hirin...
Often job seekers hit a roadblock in the process of searching for their ideal career. “I’ve written my resume and my cover letter is coming along, but now what do I do?” is a common dilemma for many. If you have completed the self-assessment stage carefully, you will have prioritized your: 1) geographic areas of preference 2) three to five career fields of preference. Now it’s time to target all the employers in those geogr...
After networking, the second most effective job search technique is connecting with employers through what can be termed, Targeted Direct Contact. Here’s how to begin:1. Set Your Career ObjectivesWhat are you trying to accomplish specifically in your search? Define how much time each week you will invest in this process. Prioritize your job and geographic areas of preference in terms of top/ideal, second tier/back p and...
Back in the 1950s there was a social contract between an employer and employee. The company would offer lifetime employment in exchange for loyalty. That unspoken agreement has radically changed. Today, we can be let go at a moments notice, and so career self-management has never been more important.What exactly is job hopping? Loosely defined, it is too frequently changing jobs to the detriment of your career. The phrase “...
A membership in a professional association can often be an excellent source of employment information and job leads. Here is how membership in one can assist you with job hunting and your long-term career development:1. NetworkingThe number one benefit of a membership in an association is networking. Participation in a national, state, regional or local chapter will open you up to additional contacts. Since members of the a...
If you have stopped-out of the workplace, there are some strategies for making a smoother transition. You may feel anxious about the challenges of moving from home to office. You can lessen the stress if you prepare ahead of time. For all the many things that women are juggling today, getting started is the hardest part, but investing your time will be worth the results. Get Career Tested by a Career Counselor. This reentr...
With literally thousands of career web sites available to job seekers, the “high touch” aspect of the job hunt might be overlooked. Despite technological advances including Internet resume posting and reviewing jobs online, networking still remains the number one job search technique.Networking is a skill and a planned process by which one becomes known through professional, business and social meetings, to people who can p...