Tag Archives: #jobsearch

JOB SEARCH TIP: Bring value to networking contacts.

28 Oct

In describing relationships, Dr. Gale Muller said that “relationships should eventually be equal but are never equal at any one time.”

When you are networking in search of a new job, you may feel the exchange is one-sided, where a networking contact is only helping you.

Although it may feel that way, that doesn’t mean you can’t add some value or be of help to your contact.

How?

~ Perhaps you can offer information about a former employer or a contact of yours,

~ Maybe you can bring an article about an industry trend the contact hadn’t seen,

~ Or you make an introduction to a contact of yours that would be of value.

Be proactive. Show you are willing and potentially able to reciprocate.

The exchange may not be perfectly equal, but you can make an effort that will be noticed.

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JOB SEARCH TIP: Answering the “Weaknesses” Interview Question.

27 Oct

How do you answer the question “what are your weaknesses?”

Please don’t answer “I don’t have any”, because we all have them and that response will not go over well.

Two approaches:

· talk about a weakness that you are aware of that either wouldn’t be a big problem in the job for which you are applying; or

· a weakness you have learned how to manage. For example, I’m not very organized, but I’ve developed systems and techniques that help me stay organized.

Make sense?

What it comes to naming your weaknesses, tell your story and tell it well.

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JOB SEARCH TIP—Even the best athletes have a coach… get one.

26 Oct

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 do the trick. You might also want to keep in mind that although you may not be able to help the coach right now, you could sometime down the road.

#career #careercoach #jobhuntingtips #jobhunting #careers #jobsearch #jobsearchtips

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JOB SEARCH TIP: Skills + Interests = Strengths.

25 Oct

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 (not an interest). If we find a job where skills and interests align, we’re likely to be happier and more successful.

There are several 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.

#career #careercoach #jobhuntingtips #jobhunting #careers #jobsearch #jobsearchtips

 #jobsearchcoach #jobsearchhelp #jobsearchstrategies

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JOB SEARCH TIP: Hate practicing for an interview? Do it anyway.

24 Oct

Practicing for an interview can be painful, but rather you get feedback from a friend who cares for you that your answers don’t make any sense than in front of a recruiter or hiring manager.

Give your coach a list of questions. There are lists on the internet you can access and also write your own questions! Write questions that ask you to explain how your past experiences and successes can be applied to the position. Write questions that are specific to the job for which you are interviewing.

To make it more spontaneous, have your coach throw in a surprise or two. They could do that by mixing up the order of the questions, or dropping in a question you didn’t expect.

You’ll need to get good at this, so practice, and then practice again. Heck, practice some more.

As it is said: “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” When it comes to your job interviews, don’t let that be your epitaph.

#career #careercoach #jobhuntingtips #jobhunting #careers #jobsearch #jobsearchtips

 #jobsearchcoach #jobsearchhelp #jobsearchstrategies

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