Mark Hirschfeld

I’m sure you’re worried about getting a job and want to spend most of your time responding to postings and networking, but I’d like to encourage you to take time to consider jobs that fit your skills and interests.

How are skills and interests different? I love to play golf (interest), but for the life of me I can’t make a three-foot putt (poor skill). On the other hand, I’m actually pretty good at project management (skill) but I hate doing it (definitely not an interest). If we find a job where skills and interests align we’re likely to be happier and more successful.

There are a number of free self-assessments out there and some for a nominal fee. None of them are perfect, but they can give you guidance. Additionally, ask others who know you to provide feedback on what they see in your skills.

There are twelve training videos on the web site of my faith community and a handout the videos reference. There are additional details about asssessments. This content is free. Please consider passing along to friend or loved one who may need help: https://www.thetablempls.com/jobresources

Recruit someone to act as your coach, who can provide accountability and support along with way. Your coach can also help with some job search tasks, such as prepping you for an interview.

The only requirements of a coach are they care for you and are willing to help. A good coach could be a loved one, co-worker, or neighbor.

Have at least one meeting with your coach every week. Show them your work plan and talk about where you’ve made progress and where you fell behind. Your coach doesn’t need to show up with a ruler to wrap your knuckles, but are there to listen, to support and to inspire.

What do you pay your coach for their efforts? I’ve found a heartfelt thank you, and maybe some homemade cookies, to be more than enough compensation.

There are twelve brief training videos on the web site of my faith community and a handout the videos reference. This content is free. Please consider passing along to friend or loved one who may need help: https://www.thetablempls.com/jobresources

#career #careercoach #jobhunting #careers #jobsearch

JOB SEARCH TIP #2– Create a plan and work your plan. You should see your job search as… your job! Set aside time every day to work your plan, whether you’re responding to job posts or networking or making follow up calls.

If possible, set up a place where you live that is just for your search activities.

I’ll say more about this later, but plan at to make at least one networking call every day. Networking is so important! There are twelve training videos on the web site of my faith community and a handout the videos reference. The handout has a sample plan you can use. This content is free. Please consider passing along to friend or loved one who may need help: https://www.thetablempls.com/jobresources

#career #careercoach #jobhunting #careers #jobsearch

My wife Nancy and I worked for a firm for many years that provided training to employees who had lost their jobs. We were privileged to do this work, and in this time when so many are unemployed I want to share what we learned.

If you’ve lost your job, I am so sorry. Along with the loss of income, we often miss the satisfaction that comes from doing meaningful work and loss of friendships. I don’t know exactly how you feel, but I’ve lost a job before, and our son is currently furloughed.

This isn’t easy.

Nancy and I volunteered to help folks who attend our church a few weeks ago. I don’t want to offer anyone a false sense of hope, but several people we know have gotten jobs– good jobs– in the past few weeks. It’s certainly a more challenging environment, but there are open positions out there.

One of the things people in the job search struggle with is a feeling of losing control. That is understandable and a normal response to, in this case, a crazy situation. However, there are many things that job seekers can control– activities that can be done every day to advance a campaign. We’ll focus on those.

There are twelve training videos on the web site of my faith community and a handout the videos reference. This content is free. You don’t need to register or provide any personal information: https://www.thetablempls.com/jobresources