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.

A Scene Change Can Be Prosperous For You

A Scene Change Can Be Prosperous For You

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Do not let your fears choose your destiny. ~ Unknown  

Be open to relocating to launch, change, or advance your career. Some people have reservations about packing up and moving to a new location. Others are eager to experience the new adventures a location change will bring. If you are on the fence about relocating for an ideal professional opportunity due to personal reasons; make a list of pros and cons. Set aside dedicated time the following day after completing the list to review each pro and each con listed. Timing is a significant factor when determining if a relocation can become a reality. If your personal foundational components are in order or can lineup quickly for you to elevate your career and create new adventures, accept the offer to relocate.  A change of scenery can be an awesome opportunity in disguise for your career and your overall lifestyle.

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

 

Know Thyself

Know Thyself

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What is the recipe for successful achievement? To my mind there are just four essential ingredients: Choose a career you love, give it the best there is in you, seize your opportunities, and be a member of the team. ~ Benjamin F. Fairless

Before you start your career search or plan to change your current career path; it is crucial for you to complete a self-reflection of how you want your career path to manifest. Breakdown your career plan beyond position details and income. Identify a top ten list of what you want your next position on your career path to provide you.

Career Path Development Exercise and Questions  

  • Take a personality test.
  • Career Changers, review your resume and determine what your top experiences from your previous positions were. Are they potential transferable experiences to your next role?
  • New Grads, what classes did you enjoy and excel in during school? Are there possible positions that will provide you the opportunity to expand your learning and experience in that area?
  • Were there community service experiences that brought you fulfillment that can be transferred over to a professional position?
  • Was there a success story that you observed or read that you need to revisit and research how you can have similar success outcomes?

 

Conversations To Remember

Conversations To Remember

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A man’s character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation. ~ Mark Twain ~

Your conversation engagement goal should consistently be to leave a positive lasting impression when speaking with various industry professionals. Beyond being a subject matter expert; it is great for you to be open to share a few of your own personal interests, goals, and hobbies with others. Strive to share something different in each conversation. The ability to dialogue a mixture of topics; displays your range of diversity of your life experiences and studies.  Embark upon conversations with novice and seasoned industry professionals that you can learn from. Every conversation has the potential to deliver you valuable knowledge that you can potentially incorporate into your everyday success activities. Position yourself to be a part of conversation to remember frequently.

Possible Conversation Activity Sparks

  • Learn a new word. Many dictionary sites will email you a new word to assist you with increasing your vocabulary daily.
  • Attend culture events. Take time to attend events, festivals, and concerts locally and nationally.
  • Be adventurous daily. Try new foods. Shop in different locations throughout your city.