The Power of Networking

The Power of Networking

“Pulling a good network together takes effort, sincerity and time.” ~Alan Collins, Author of “Unwritten HR Rules”

There are a variety of ways that you can network for your next career promotion, industry contact, or new professional resource. You can attend an online networking event, a lunch chat, or an after hours networking event. You can also host your own networking event at your home, a local venue, or a restaurant. Invite respected professional peers, mentors, and industry influencers you would like to reconnect and connect with.

Get creative with planning your networking event. Your event should display a festive and upbeat theme with coordinating decor and edible treats that represents excellence. Develop an event schedule that is time sensitive and easy to administer with a smile. Take time to identify intriguing conversation starters and industry relevant current events and trends to candidly discuss. After your networking event, skip the email and send a handwritten thank you note. A hand written thank you can leave a notable lasting impression that can connect you to the career shift that you are seeking.

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Career Search Strategies Requires Repetition

Career Search Strategies Requires Repetition

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Repetition of your career search plan will be a constant requirement of you during your search. Take the time to determine each daily action item that you will commit to completing.  At the start of your search, begin with small tasks and continue to larger tasks as your desired results develop and your confidence in your strategies increases.

The repetition of your career search plan is a great way to build and improve your time management skills, self-esteem, planning systems, and most importantly confirmation of your success mindset. Plan wisely.  Your words and actions are framing your future daily. Remain focused and diligent on accomplishing your career goals. Make it a point to say your positive career affirmations as a part of your daily activities. Toss in stress busters that will help you deviate high emotions and tension that can be associated with you career search.

Career Search Strategy Plan Suggestion from Gregg Pollack, Technology Industry Influencer

Check out the link below to read Gregg Pollack’s awesome insight on ‘How To Land Your Dream Job

Gregg Pollack’s Bio: Founder of Envy Labs, a web development consultancy, and Code School, and online learning platform for developers and designers. Aside from Starter Studio, Mr. Pollack founded the Orlando Ruby Users Group, BarCamp Orlando, and the Orlando Tech Events Newsletter. All initiatives to help build the Orlando Tech Scene.

 

Are Your Skills Current?

Are Your Skills Current?

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“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” ~ Vince Lombardi

During your career search, keeping your industry skills current and relevant should be a constant and consistent focus throughout your search. It is important for you to practice your craft daily and not let excessive time pass to the point that your skills only read well on your resume. Take the time to ensure that your skills remain test ready through conversation or an assessment. Your ultimate goal is to get a return on your education and training investment that you are proud of and feel well compensated for. Keeping your skills sharp is a factor to being interview ready. The future of you career is worthy of your skills refresh time and can potentially lead you in successful salary negotiation if warranted.

Have fun and get creative with your practice and review sessions to keep your skills industry relevant and current.

Be On Time

Be On Time

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During your career search it is important for you to be on time for every appointment and deadline that is requested of you.  Being on time is a sign of respect and shows that you take being considered for a potential position seriously.  Not being on time for interviews or data submission deadlines will not be viewed as favorable by a potential employer. Aim not to let nervousness or insignificant situations cause delay for you during your career search.

Make time management a consistent focus daily in all that you do. Plan your day and get into a routine of checking the traffic and weather reports to determine if you need to leave earlier than intended for interviews. Create lists with timelines of completion that will assist you in being prompt with submitting or completing assigned career assessments. Strive for your timeliness to be a strong trait in your professional regime. Being on time is an unspoken professional expectation in all industries.

What Does Your Career Portfolio Say About You?

What Does Your Career Portfolio Say About You?

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One of the most powerful tools you can create and promote during your career search other than your resume is a career portfolio. Your portfolio is a great opportunity for you to display your professional accomplishments and awards. When developing your career portfolio the presentation format and creative ideas are endless. Your presentation can be produced as a brag book or through an online portfolio source. Your portfolio should be professional and consistently industry relevant. Do not rush the process and have fun formatting your portfolio with quality copies and clear pictures. Take a moment to view your great work with pride and confidence. Your portfolio can be an empowering conversation point during your interview that ushers you to opportunities to speak more in-depth about your accomplishments with verifiable data present beyond some interview questions guides.  Your portfolio can be the deciding factor for you being considered for a position or a promotion.

Career Portfolio Content Ideas

  • Non-confidential metrics
  • Resume
  • Awards
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Previous non-confidential industry related project outcomes
  • Transcripts
  • Community outreach projects with pictures if applicable
  • Media tears
  • Mock industry related projects to show your creativity or plan execution ability