The Career Coach's Blog

10 Simple Tips to Networking Success

US News article:

It's not so easy to master the art of juggling a plate and drink in one hand while gracefully delivering an on-target elevator pitch. And for introverted job-seekers who prefer one-on-one meetings or small group interactions, the idea of needing to "work a room" to meet an influential new contact may seem overwhelming.

But succeeding at in-person networking is not out of reach. This article list 10 steps to ease awkwardness and emerge with terrific contacts:

Full article at:

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2012/04/11/10-simple-steps-to-networking-success

How To Keep Your Job Without Working Yourself To Death

Fortune article: Employers are reluctant to hire and want more productivity from fewer people.

"Before your blood pressure rises, take a deep breath. Remind yourself that whatever goals the company sets from on high, you don’t have to single-handedly fulfill them. Keep in mind, too, that the person best suited to look after your interests is the one who stared back at you in the mirror this morning."

Full article and great tips at:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2012/04/09/how-to-keep-your-job-without-working-yourself-to-death/

Top 7 Social Media Jobs

Brazen Careerist article:

"One in every nine people on the planet use Facebook And that’s good news for social-media-savvy job seekers."

"Since social media has become such a major part of daily and business life, demand is high for web-wise people with great analytic and communication skills. But what exactly are your career options?"

Full article and job listing at:

http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2012/04/11/top-7-social-media-jobs/

 

An Honest Note to All the Sucky Managers

Brazen Careerist article:

"If you’re a manager, you’ve probably experienced the sensation of people not liking you — but does that mean you suck?"

Full article and ways to know if you are a sucky manager at:

http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2012/04/11/an-honest-note-to-all-the-sucky-managers/

 

Research Shows Where Employers Find Their New Hires

Fortune article:  Have you ever wondered where companies find their most qualified candidates and new hires?

The answer? referrals and their own company career sites.

"It turns out that job applications who come in through internal sources get the same number of interviews as ones from outside. However, internal sources, such as employee referrals, inside hires, walk-ins and a company’s career site, produce almost twice the number of hires as external ones, which include job search engines, job boards, print advertising, and job fairs."

Full article at:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/04/06/new-research-shows-where-employers-find-their-new-hires/

Career Dreams Are Not Just for Children

Was quoted in this article. Thanks Beth!

The sky is the limit when kids think about what they want to be when they grow up. Become the first female president? Colonize the moon? Play both pro hockey and pro baseball? Most adults are supportive of these dreams, even if they seem unrealistic. To squash the ambitions of a child seems, well, just plain heartless.

"How can you deal with naysayers when you know the right next move for your career but aren’t getting the support you need to reach that goal? Career coach Deborah Brown-Volkman, president of Surpass Your Dreams and author of Coach Yourself to a New Career, urges people to let go of the need for outside approval"

“While it would be wonderful for everyone to love your career vision, this is not always possible. Sometimes people tell you something isn't feasible, but they are not talking about you. Instead, they are talking about themselves. Maybe they were disappointed or hurt when they tried to do something in their career and because it didn't turn out well for them, they assume the same will happen to you.”

Full article and more tips at:

http://theofficeprofessional.com/career-dreams-aren-t-just-children

Changing Trends In Health Care 2012

What a guide. Very interesting and informative. I was quoted in Strategies To Get Ahead In Your Career section. All 68 pages are worth reading.

Full guide at http://health-care-jobs.advanceweb.com/sharedresources/EBook/2012/February/AC2012/AC2012_interactiveFinal.pdf

How To Be More Confident At Work

Was quoted in this Forbes article. Thank you to Jacquelyn Smith for including me.

Article's opening: There are many reasons you can lack confidence at work. Maybe you’re in a job that requires skills you don’t have, or you’re less experienced than anyone around you. Or you’re new to the company and feel uneasy about your ability to succeed. Or you feel threatened by colleagues, fear losing your job, or are simply too hard on yourself. Public humiliation and errors in judgment can also do the trick.

"Deborah Brown-Volkman, a career coach and president of SurpassYourDreams.com, says that without confidence you won’t stand out, you won’t be assigned great projects, and you’re less likely to be recognized or get raises, bonuses, and promotions."

"Accomplishing things that you didn’t think possible can be a great way to boost your confidence. Find projects and assignments that give you an opportunity to use your strengths and take on projects that stretch you, Brown-Volkman says."

Full article and more ways to be confident at:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/03/06/how-to-be-more-confident-at-work/

What do you believe about your career?

In a world that puts out a lot of negativity, it's a challenge to think positively. But unless you do, your goals won't happen. A negative attitude holds you back. It makes you doubt yourself and your ability to reach your goals.

I wrote this one.  Full article at:

http://info.shine.com/Career-Advice-Articles/Self-Development-Growth/What-do-you-believe-about-your-career/4993/cid994.aspx

Stop Making Career Excuses

Are you having a tough time in your career? If the answer is yes, know that you are not alone.

Things are tough for most people. There are fewer jobs and more work for those that are employed. Workers are over-utilized and stretching themselves thin. It’s a bit crazy out there. Many people I talk to are tired and stressed out. Not ideal conditions to do your best.

But sometimes you have to ask yourself, “What is really holding me back?” Yes, for many, it’s the economy. For others, it’s their beliefs. Worries about the future and uncertainty over what will happen next. Who can blame you for holding back a bit?

But, what do you do when you are not where you want to be in your career? What do you do when you are unhappy? The “reasons” why you don’t have what you want may be valid, but are they getting you to where you want to go?

Full article at:

http://dailycareerconnection.com/stop-making-career-excuses