by careertipper | | Blog

A career search can cause you to experience a range of emotions that can sometimes lead to frustration. Career search frustration can encompass; the unexpected duration of your career search, interview outcomes, financial needs, and sometimes feeling unfulfilled with your current career path based upon multiple variables. To combat frustration, it is important for you to focus on the positive experiences and results of your career search to date and remain encouraged. It is within your ability to implement power filled thoughts, words, and planning fortitude when you need to overcome frustration.
“Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.” ~ John Quincy Adams
Below are a few ways to remain encouraged during your career search.
- Speak positive affirmations during each instance of frustration. Example: I will connect with an industry professional that will lead me to my employable opportunity.
- Push and encourage yourself to have a mind shift of perspective that will ignite you to re-strategize your career search if applicable.
- Do something that makes you smile and/or laugh.
- Seek advice from industry influencers.
- Display an attitude that is open to receiving constructive feedback that can help you improve your marketability and skills.
by careertipper | | Blog

Phone interviews should not to be disregarded or taken lightly during the interview process. If your first phone interview is not viewed as successful by the interviewer; the face to face or Skype interview you are aiming for will most likely not be scheduled. Phone interviews can sometimes result in you being viewed as a qualified candidate for more than one employment opportunity pending the company’s hiring needs. Be yourself and be certain in your skills. Your confidence will be projected through the phone.
Below are a few phone interview do’s and don’ts for your review and consideration.
- Do declare to yourself that you are going to have a great phone interview with the potential employer.
- Don’t take your phone interview while driving. It’s ideal for you to complete the phone interview in a space where your call cannot be interrupted with back noise, music, or other audible distractions.
- Do smile during your phone interview. A smile can always be felt through the phone. If possible, keep a mirror in front of you as a reminder to smile.
- Don’t speak negatively or be disrespectful to the interviewer. During your phone interview they are the gatekeeper to you moving forward in the interview process.
- Do stand up during your phone interview. Standing up keeps you energized and assists in projecting your voice well during the call.
- Don’t be late for your phone interview. Be completely set up in your interview space and ready to take the call on time with the interviewer.
- Do have your resume in front of you and your preferred technical device near by that you may need to use to research something quickly during your interview.
At the end of your phone interview; journalize your outcomes, your follow-up action items, and your lessons learned if applicable.
by careertipper | | Blog

Knowing your preferred company environment is favorable during your career search. Many companies are transparent with what type of work environment they promote through their company website, blog, and social media platforms. Companies often host chat sessions on Facebook and Twitter to share details about their hiring process, industry insights, and sometimes general day-to-day activities that a prospective employee may experience. On Instagram, you can view fun pictures and brief videos sharing highlights from a successful company event. Companies will also email invitations to their hiring events to people who follow them through social media and/or sign up to receive their company email blasts through their company website. Attending hiring events is also a great opportunity to learn more about the environment of the company. Take your time to ponder, research, and list what specifics you want your work environment to provide you. Below are a few starter inquiries to assist you in developing and fine tuning your work environment wish list.
- Telecommute Option
- Flex Scheduling
- Casual Attire vs. Professional Attire
- Professional Training and Development
- Community Involvement
- Intrapreneurship Option
- Employee Morale Booster Activities
Next, update your career goal affirmation to include details of your desired work environment. Remember, that your words are powerful. Words frame the outcomes of your life. Repeat your career goal affirmation daily.
Example: I am a business subject matter expert that exceeds assigned metric goals quarterly. I effectively execute training initiatives to team members. I am grateful to be working a flex schedule; three-day a week working remotely from home and working two days in the office.
by careertipper | | Blog

Planning and launching a career search can spark a range of thoughts and emotions that have been ignited by a variety of personal and/or professional needs and ambitions. One of the most important things to remember during a career search is the power of words and keeping your career goals visible consistently. It is critical that one doesn’t speak negatively about any situation or outcome they encounter during their career search. In addition, to keeping a career goal reminder in a location that is often visited. Creating and viewing a vision board and repeating a career affirmation daily are great encouragement boosters during a career search . Your vision board and affirmation will help shift things to fall in order and manifest your career goals to a tangible reality.
Activity of the Day: Create a vision board displaying all desired career outcomes, professional relationships, company culture, goals, professional environment, income/salary, attire, and professional travels one wants to experience. Through photos, words of affirmation, stickers, and media clippings the vision board will be a motivational daily reminder for the career seeker and/or changer to place dedicated effort towards accomplishing their career goals.
What is your career excellence goal affirmation?
Example: I am a business subject matter expert that exceeds assigned metric goals quarterly and effectively executes training initiatives to team members.