Are You Ready For Your Next Career Level?

Are You Ready For Your Next Career Level?

Entitlement does not apply to most career promotional opportunities. You need to take the time to determine if you are promotion ready. After reviewing the checklist below; request face time if applicable with the hiring point of contact or decision maker and inform them of your interest in the position. If the career promotion that you desire is with your current company; be mindful that there are unspoken factors that may be considered during your potential interview process.

Promotion Ready Triggers and Unspoken Factors Checklist

  • The professional company that you keep while at work is noticed. Focus on surrounding yourself with productive peers that operate in integrity that promotes positive energy.
  • Your ability to be on time for your scheduled shift and appointments matters.
  • Your social media brand is relevant. Review and decide if you need to reorganize your social media presence.
  • The quality and accurate completion of your assigned projects by the designated timeline is being noted.
  • Your attire matters. Go into observation mode and determine if you are currently dressing the part that the desired position requires and/or portrays.
  • Your conversation indicates readiness. What does your message delivery style and tone say about you?
  • Do you meet the qualifications required of the position?
  • Has your thought process and mind-set shifted to the next level your potential promotion requires? Pay attention to the mannerisms of the those at the next level you‘re aiming for.  Are your mannerisms in synch?

Set your timeline of completion to make the necessary shifts to be viewed as the best candidate for your next level position. You are capable and able to accomplish your career goals!

Healthy Habits During Your Career Search

Healthy Habits During Your Career Search

 

“Energy & persistence conquer all things.” ~Benjamin Franklin

Demonstrating healthy habits during your career search will help you look and feel your best, while taking time to de-stress frequently. Your focus of re-strategizing your career path through education, coaching, or through a company change needs constant healthy living refueling.

Your career search sustainability will thrive when you take care of your body, mind, and spirit. Your healthy living refueling routine should play out in your life daily through positive words, encouraging reads, promotable actions, detailed planning, clean eating, satisfying exercise, and sufficient rest. Get clever with your healthy habits. Review and research social media and periodicals. Consult with friends and family for yummy recipes and fun exercise routines that you will enjoy implementing into your lifestyle. Your health habits will bestow great energy that will be noticed during your career search activities.

Healthy Living Suggestions

  • Drink 6 – 8 ounces of water daily.
  • Avoid emotional eating opportunities.
  • Eat clean and healthy snacks and meals.
  • Exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes.

 

 

What Does Your Career Portfolio Say About You?

What Does Your Career Portfolio Say About You?

Businness guy in front of idea light bulbs concept

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

 

Are You Phone Interview Ready?

Are You Phone Interview Ready?

Smiling businessman talking on the phone

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.

Be Confidently Interview Ready

Be Confidently Interview Ready

Sell Yourself Computer Keyboard Red Key Promotion Marketing

“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.