by careertipper | | Blog
Before launching your career search, complete a financial credit check on yourself. It is a given that your background will be checked when you are being considered for a job in most industries. Some career seekers and changers do not take the time to consider how their financial credit history can be the determining factor in being chosen for a position. Take the time to research how your credit history is factored into the hiring process for your chosen industry.
If you have good to excellent credit, be consistent in your efforts to maintain your current rating. If you have room for improvement, investigate options that will direct you in improving your credit rating. The key to repairing your credit rating is being diligently focused in your efforts and realistic with the timeframe it will take you to accomplish your credit reform goals.
There are some companies that will give you the opportunity to explain the ‘why’ behind your credit history during the interview process. Other companies may direct you to reapply for the position after improving your credit rating over a designated duration of time. All other required qualifications associated with the position must still be verifiable when you reapply.
During your career search, many lessons are learned along the way. If your financial credit history becomes a lesson for you; embrace the lesson and revise your strategy. Remember, what is for you is yours. The right employment opportunity is in route to you!
Financial Credit Review Resources
www.annualcreditreport.com
www.myfico.com
by careertipper | | Blog
Throughout your career search many questions are generated that you may not know where to gain direction and solutions from. It is strongly encouraged to be confident and comfortable to ask yourself and others questions to gain clarity about the next steps you need to take regarding your career search.
Asking the basic questions of requesting assistance with resume reviews, referrals, or employment leads can often be asked with ease. It’s important to ask yourself and sometimes consult with others the applicable questions and scenarios listed below.
- Is this the right time to start a career search? Determine if you need to professionally develop in your current position longer before moving on to a new employment opportunity.
- Do you need to improve your communication skills? If yes, identify what specific communication skills you need to improve and create an action plan accordingly.
- Is it time for you to be considered for a management position? If yes, assess what qualifies you to be considered based upon the required experience listed for the position description.
- If you desire a career change because of management. Resolve if is it worth transitioning out of your current role because of one person or a certain management style. Take the time to rethink your decision at least once to determine if the potential career move will be an overall advantage or disadvantage to your current career path.
- Are you playing yourself small in your current role? If yes, decide if you want more and why now is a good time to seek career advancement. Pinpoint what eligibility steps you need to make to be considered beyond strengthen your self-confidence.
You are meant to achieve greatness and it is up to you to solidify your path to experience it. Ask questions to assist you in determining how to accomplish your desired career outcomes.
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
Taking the time to attend networking events during the week is beneficial to your career search. Networking events can be a fun way to develop your people skills, connect with industry professionals, and become actively involved in your local community. You can potentially locate networking event details through various professional associations and Chamber of Commerce offices. Leave your resume at home and take your business cards, optimistic attitude, strong handshake and cheerful smile with you to the event. Mingle well and add value to conversations you participate in. Aim to connect with at least three new professional connections before leaving the event.
For career changers, that may not be able to attend a networking event on a weekly basis due to their current work schedule. A similar networking strategy can apply to your LinkedIn engagement. Today accept the challenge to increase your interaction with current and potential connections to be noticed and considered for your desired employment opportunity. Review, implement, and execute the steps below on a daily basis. Leave a comment below and share your outcomes from this LinkedIn Engagement Challenge.
- Make sure all of your professional experience is well noted and listed on your LinkedIn profile.
- Upload a quality and clear photo of yourself solely. The background of your picture and your attire should be professional.
- Under the Interests tab start following five Influencers and post a comment. Commenting on posts by Influencers is a strategic way to be seen and potentially have your profiled viewed.
- Under the Jobs tab register to have email alerts sent to you daily or weekly.
- Review your connections listing. Comment or like any of their recent accomplishments, anniversaries, or posts that they have made. Giving recommendations is always a great way to give thanks or pay it forward when networking on LinkedIn.
- Search companies to identify employment opportunities through an advanced search by the categories of Relationship, Location, Industry, or Company Size. Send an InMail of interest or apply immediately for a position that interests you. LinkedIn gives you the option to make your career search activity private. Visit Settings for more details.
- Remember consistency is the key with all career search tactics.
by careertipper | | Blog
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” –Arthur Ashe
During an interview it is important for you not to sell yourself or your industry expertise small. Your resume and/or referral secured the opportunity for you to interview. In most cases, your confidence and ability to effectively explain your skills and knowledge will advance you to the next step in the interview process. Display good posture, eye contact, and avoid being fidgety during the interview. It is important not to take offense to any questions about explaining your ability to be effective in the potential role. Sometimes it may seem that the same questions are being asked of you in different ways. Throughout the interview, display patience and provide detailed answers with a smile in a calm demeanor. For select technical positions, be prepared to complete proficiency tests if required by the potential employer. Let your attitude be upbeat and engaging in conversation. Remember, your end goal is to leave a positive lasting impression that leads to a potential job offer.
Interview Prep Activity
Partner with a friend, family member, or mentor and complete a mock interview. Research possible interview questions online that are related to the potential position. Be receptive to the critiques. Edit your answers or body language until you are confidently interview ready.
