by careertipper | | Blog
During your career search journey it is important for you to take time to do something fun or spend time with people who you enjoy. Being consistent in your daily checklist is paramount to the success of your career search. It is equally important for you to restore your spirit and mind with sanity balms and soul motivators. Scheduling or being spontaneous to create cherished memories at one of your favorite venues can help you diffuse stress that can unfold during a career search. Reflecting with self or your inner circle of confidants leads to analyzing your attitude, replay of lessons learned, or re-strategizing your career search tactics.
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Thomas A. Edison
Time of restoration can often help reduce the feeling that you are carrying the world on your shoulders while being diligent in accomplishing your career search goals. Never give up on you career aspirations. Be proud of all of your career search efforts and enjoy the journey. How you journey through is a part of your life story.
Daily Refresher Activities
- A midday walk at a park
- A phone chat with a friend
- Attend a yoga class
by careertipper | | Blog
During your career search there many things that you must remember to do on your daily action items checklist. Taking the time to thank your supporters and opportunity connectors for investing time in you is important. Their assistance towards you accomplishing your career goals is to be appreciated. Showing awareness that your career search is not a solo act; helps you choose to communicate and interact with people in a consistent kind and respectable manner. After all interviews take the time to thank every point of contact that you interacted with during the process. A simple act of thanks can be the positive turning point for you being the chosen candidate for your desired position.
Activity of Thanks
Send five emails and five hand written thank you notes to people who have been supportive of your career search through wisdom, kind words of encouragement, sharing career fair or networking event details, or referred you to a hiring manager.
Your efforts will be appreciated by the recipient and their response just might brighten your day in return.
by careertipper | | Blog
Your daily routines and habits can lead you to experiencing your career goals and aspirations. Becoming impeccable with your words and dressing for the position you desire is imperative to your success.
Take time daily to frame the words you speak about your career search that you will express to others when networking. It is to your advantage to express gratefulness for your professional experiences and acquired knowledge during your conversations. Be prepared to share your lessons learned in a constructive and positive manner that will prompt one to connect with you and share their wisdom with you. Genuine professional connections that can be mutually insightful and informative should be the goal when networking.
In many professional environments how you dress is noticed and matters. Take your time to make sure the basics are covered daily. The way you take care of your clothes, hair, and overall appearance are noticeable basic details. Invest in quality and tasteful clothes and shoes that will represent you well for your industry that can transcend from a boardroom meeting to an after hours professional event if required.
Impeccable Action Activities of the Day
- In front of a mirror practice explaining your career outcomes to date in a positive manner. Pay attention to your facial expressions during the explanation. Emulate confidence versus frustration. Aim to avoid sounding like a victim of circumstances. Demonstrate accountability and share your career search plan summary in less than two minutes with a smile.
- Research current professional wardrobe must-haves and trends, and audit your closet. Identify which garments should be removed and donated. List what garments you need to add to your wardrobe that represent the position you desire. Set a deadline and a wardrobe budget for when the wardrobe updates will be complete.
by careertipper | | Blog
No matter where you are on your current career path or succession plan; you must remain current and relevant in your skills and knowledge. Identifying education, mentorship, industry certification, or success coaching opportunities beyond what is provided by your employer are beneficial to your professional development. Own your professional evolution and do not be reluctant to take immediate action to determine which form of professional growth you need. Research your options well and with a purpose of being promotable, trainable, and/or a verifiable Subject Matter Expert. The professional and personal development time you invest in yourself always yields a solid return. Being current and relevant is a requirement for your career stability whether you want to retain or advance in your position and industry.
Current and Relevant Self-observation Inquiries
- Can you easily share the top five current and forecasted industry trends for your profession?
- Are the same development opportunities surfacing during annual reviews or statuses with management continually?
- Do you have the education and/or certification credentials needed to be considered for your next desired position or to be retained in your current position?
Talent alone won’t make you a success. Neither will being in the right place at the right time, unless you are ready. The most important question is: “Are your ready?” ~Johnny Carson~
by careertipper | | Blog
Beyond earning a salary that will support your chosen lifestyle. Many employees prefer that their salary reflect that they are viewed as a valued contributor to their employer. It is to your advantage to proactively have the salary negotiation conversation for your peace of mind and the navigation of your career path plan. Considering the overall landscape of the employment opportunity is a viable factor when accepting or declining an employment offer as well. Proving your worth while embracing the new economy is key in salary negotiation.
Salary negotiations is an important focus point to most career seekers and changers during the interview process. Due to multiple factors salary negotiations may not be applicable for every position you apply for. It is strategically beneficial to consider your salary negotiation approach beyond the desired income and benefits that you have identified that will permeate you as a valued hire to the potential employer. While pondering your negotiation approach consider the following insight to display during the interview and hiring process:
Your Posture: Display confidence not arrogance or entitlement.
Personal Brand: Genuinely demonstrate the soft skills, attire, and attitude the position requires during your interaction with all involved parties during the interview and hiring process.
Professional Examples: Be prepared to share metrics if applicable that can be used as a qualifier during negotiations.
KSA Survey: Conduct a knowledge, skills, and abilities analysis compared to the job description. Determine if the outcomes surpass the minimum and required experience for the position.
