Recently Laid Off Mind Set

Recently Laid Off Mind Set

For the unexpected career changer, it is important to keep your mind focused on the future seen and unseen positive career outcomes in route to you. Remain encouraged, being unemployed is only a temporary season of your life. Take a few days to rest, reflect, and strategize your next career move. The unemployment break can lead you to a liberating career path that brings you the desired prosperity and professional growth you have been seeking. Others may choose to embark upon a new journey to educate and train for a completely new career move. Be open to listening to suggestions and feed back that others share with you. You never know the resource that will connect you to your next career opportunity that is the desire of your heart.  Be kind, approachable, accountable, and most importantly continue to live expecting the best to come your way!

 

 

 

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!

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

 

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.

 

Which Environment Is Calling You?

Which Environment Is Calling You?

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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.