Monday, October 29, 2007
A CASE OF THE "YES, BUTS"?
There's an illness running rampant among career changers and job seekers, and I bet you've seen a case or two recently. It's a disease called the "Yes, Buts!" Common to individuals in career transition, its primary symptom involves settling for the status quo. Other signs of the disease include a resistance to overcoming obstacles and an emphasis on developing valid-sounding excuses to justify inaction. Let's take a light-hearted look at this problem and what can be done to treat it!
THE "YES, BUT" OF FEAR
For most people, the known is more comfortable than the unknown. The old acronym for FEAR-False Expectations Appearing Real--helps people to examine those expectations and find ways to take action.
Antidote: For starters, name your fears, such as:
- I'm afraid that the new work I'm moving toward will require sacrifices on my part.
- I worry about having the resources I need to make my transition (finances, connections, training).
- I'm afraid of others having negative opinions about my new career direction.
- I don't know if I can do the job well enough to be successful.
Once the fear has been named, get comfortable with not knowing! Life doesn't guarantee us all the answers ahead of time. Trust that there will be solutions and provision. Look to past successes in having managed other transitions (no matter how small) and leverage that into confidence and momentum.
THE "YES, BUT" OF TIME
Life's most precious commodity these days is time. Our calendars are crammed with commitments--some good, some not so good. With the busyness and breakneck speed of life, the thought of making a career change could send you over the edge. Perhaps some of these statements ring true for you: - The thought of finding time to pursue a new career direction seems overwhelming and impossible right now.
- I want my transition to be quick and painless.
- I'm running so fast that I can't even hear myself think.
- There just isn't anything I can let go of, turn from, or put on hold to make more space in my calendar.
The reality is that we make time for what's important. When a busy working mother is given the news that she has cancer and needs daily radiation treatments to beat the disease, you can bet she'll find time in her schedule. This is an extreme example, of course, but it illustrates that we can make changes in our schedules.
Antidote: Make daily priority lists, and stick to them. Accomplish the "mission-critical" items first--if they get pushed off because of other emergencies during the day, don't go to bed without having tackled them and checked them off. And don't buy into the quick-fix mentality that is so pervasive in our society--a phased transition may be the solution for you. If it takes a few months or even a few years to get where you want to go, you'll be exactly where you're supposed to be every step of the journey. Think long-term!
THE "YES, BUT" OF FINANCES
Money can be one of the biggest obstacles to career freedom. Which of these statements might you relate to? - My new opportunity will require me to take a cut in pay, which I (or my family) cannot afford.
- My new opportunity will require me to lower the lifestyle to which I have become accustomed.
- My new opportunity requires an investment in retraining and I can't afford the tuition.
- I'm going after this position primarily because of the high salary it pays, even though it will cost me in terms of having life balance or pursuing what I truly feel called to.
Antidote: If finances are frustrating you, develop a strategy to create financial reserves. Talk to a financial planner. Again, consider a phased transition. Look at work options such as a flexible part-time or temporary position to financially cushion the transition. Enlist the support of family--making the transition a team effort, with everyone cutting back on expenses, can add the important element of solidarity.
THE "YES, BUT" OF IDENTITY
The topic of identity can range from feeling insecure to struggling with pride. One of these statements may capture how you are feeling: - I just don't have the confidence to move ahead. I can't imagine myself doing something new--I've been a ____ [fill in the blank] my whole life.
- I have feelings of unworthiness--I just don't deserve to pursue this new direction. People will likely think I'm being presumptuous and wonder, "Who is she to think she can do that!"
- I am being pressured by parents, family, or colleagues to pursue a career course that just doesn't fit with who I am.
- I'm avoiding moving on an opportunity because it seems beneath me--I've paid my dues and shouldn't have to lower myself to that level.
- My ego is itching! I have to admit that I'm pursuing this opportunity because people will be impressed with the title/company/perks.
Antidote: As members of the human race, we are meant to grow throughout our lives. Only when our identity is rooted in the significance of being a human being and not based solely on what we do for a living (the lie of "I'm valuable because I'm an attorney/manager/engineer") can we make true progress.
THE "YES, BUT" OF ISOLATION
We were designed to be connected with one another! Which of these statements best typifies you? - I prefer to do things on my own.
- I'm too busy to network or get together with a support group.
- I'm too shy/embarrassed/insecure to reach out to others.
Antidote: Life is a contact sport, and so is your career! If you don't have a job support network, develop a "fan club" or group of supporters and accountability partners. You can also start your own career club in a library or coffee shop if one doesn't exist in your community. Reach out for the support you need and stay connected!
In closing, did you see yourself in any of the above symptoms? If so, be proactive and take part in determining the best course of treatment. Here's to career health!
Reprinted with permission, Susan Britton Whitcomb, Career Coach Academy
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
When Interviews Don't Produce Job Offers
Question: I get to the second or third interview in the hiring process but can't get a job offer. What could I be doing wrong? And how can I "close the sale?"
Answer: The fact that you're getting interviews is a good sign. It means that your letters and resume are working and that you're making a good first impression. There are at least eight reasons you could be failing:
1. You don't look the part.
Your clothing is out of style. Make sure your clothing, including eyewear and briefcase, is current. Have shirts and blouses professionally cleaned and starched.
2. You lack focus.
You come across as too much of a generalist, as someone who can "do it all"--jack of all trades and master of none. You haven't defined what you want or where you fit, and companies pick that up as lack of direction. Without sharp focus you appear scattered and may come across as a "loose cannon." To combat this, develop strong preferences and be clear about what you want and what you don't want.
3. You're overselling.
In an attempt to "make the sale" you're pushing too hard, or coming across as desperate. You may appear too eager or overanxious. Create a high-impact, accomplishment-oriented resume and let it do most of the selling. In general, listen 75% and talk 25% of the time.
4. Your references are shooting you down.
Who are you using to support your candidacy? Have you asked them what they'll say? Have you prepared guidelines for them? Do they have your resume? Do you brief them before they're called? Be sure to give employers references they can relate to. Engineers like to talk to other engineers, and attorneys prefer other attorneys. Last point: don't overuse your references.
5. You want too much money.
Don't gauge your present worth on your last salary. The market may have changed; people with your skills could be in oversupply. Do a quick salary survey to determine realistically what you should be earning. Ask what the company plans to pay for the position. Then be flexible. You can lose out by seeming to care more about salary and benefits than about making a big contribution.
6. You appear difficult.
In multiple interviews companies have time to uncover weaknesses, character flaws, and problem behaviors, such as being arrogant or losing patience. You must appear co-operative, collaborative, and easy to work with.
7. Someone on the team doesn't like you.
Many companies hire by consensus. That means nearly everyone has to like you. Technical people often feel their track record "speaks for itself," but that's seldom true. In today's team-oriented environment, you need to make a strong effort to be liked by everyone you meet, from entry-level workers to the CEO.
8. You're not the best qualified. There may be others who really do fit the job better.
Interviewing is a selling opportunity. It's a relatively short time frame and you're in the spotlight. Even in so-called casual interviews, you're watched and evaluated very closely. You're compared to others and graded. Everything you do, everything you wear, and everything you say is magnified, and either helps or hurts you.
Courtesy of Career Lab
Answer: The fact that you're getting interviews is a good sign. It means that your letters and resume are working and that you're making a good first impression. There are at least eight reasons you could be failing:
1. You don't look the part.
Your clothing is out of style. Make sure your clothing, including eyewear and briefcase, is current. Have shirts and blouses professionally cleaned and starched.
2. You lack focus.
You come across as too much of a generalist, as someone who can "do it all"--jack of all trades and master of none. You haven't defined what you want or where you fit, and companies pick that up as lack of direction. Without sharp focus you appear scattered and may come across as a "loose cannon." To combat this, develop strong preferences and be clear about what you want and what you don't want.
3. You're overselling.
In an attempt to "make the sale" you're pushing too hard, or coming across as desperate. You may appear too eager or overanxious. Create a high-impact, accomplishment-oriented resume and let it do most of the selling. In general, listen 75% and talk 25% of the time.
4. Your references are shooting you down.
Who are you using to support your candidacy? Have you asked them what they'll say? Have you prepared guidelines for them? Do they have your resume? Do you brief them before they're called? Be sure to give employers references they can relate to. Engineers like to talk to other engineers, and attorneys prefer other attorneys. Last point: don't overuse your references.
5. You want too much money.
Don't gauge your present worth on your last salary. The market may have changed; people with your skills could be in oversupply. Do a quick salary survey to determine realistically what you should be earning. Ask what the company plans to pay for the position. Then be flexible. You can lose out by seeming to care more about salary and benefits than about making a big contribution.
6. You appear difficult.
In multiple interviews companies have time to uncover weaknesses, character flaws, and problem behaviors, such as being arrogant or losing patience. You must appear co-operative, collaborative, and easy to work with.
7. Someone on the team doesn't like you.
Many companies hire by consensus. That means nearly everyone has to like you. Technical people often feel their track record "speaks for itself," but that's seldom true. In today's team-oriented environment, you need to make a strong effort to be liked by everyone you meet, from entry-level workers to the CEO.
8. You're not the best qualified. There may be others who really do fit the job better.
Interviewing is a selling opportunity. It's a relatively short time frame and you're in the spotlight. Even in so-called casual interviews, you're watched and evaluated very closely. You're compared to others and graded. Everything you do, everything you wear, and everything you say is magnified, and either helps or hurts you.
Courtesy of Career Lab
Friday, October 12, 2007
Don't Fall in Love Too Fast!
Did the interview go well? Were you a perfect fit, and did they say they'd call you back by Friday? Great! Now forget the meeting ever took place and forge ahead on to your next "perfect fit." Companies will tell you anything to keep you available while they look at other possibilities to find the best candidate. The very worst thing you can do is believe everything you hear except when it comes in the form of a job offer. Don't sit home waiting for them to call. It might never happen! Tell them you want the job to keep your hat in the ring and then move on! Have as many "perfect fits" going as possible and one will come through!
Job search is much like dating. Many scenarios are necessary until you find the right workplace for your particular situation. The more advance time you have to determine the best career move the more likely you are to reach your long term goals. Look around at the people you work with and live with. Some are sailboats whose direction have been determined by the wind. Others are motor boats complete with rudders. It should be easy to tell who is who. Remember.. you have a choice!
Job search is much like dating. Many scenarios are necessary until you find the right workplace for your particular situation. The more advance time you have to determine the best career move the more likely you are to reach your long term goals. Look around at the people you work with and live with. Some are sailboats whose direction have been determined by the wind. Others are motor boats complete with rudders. It should be easy to tell who is who. Remember.. you have a choice!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Your Old Resume May Be Hazardous to Your Wealth
If the events of the last 10 years have taught us anything it is to be prepared. In years past I've done everything from purchasing silly Y2K videos selling below-ground housing in case of nuclear attack to more sensible investments such as off-site backup for our hard drives. I'm more prepared for weather emergencies and more vigilant than ever at airports. These are the only models from which I've been taught. I know I can't anticipate everything, but if I were ever a job seeker in a recovering job market one thing I certainly would prepare for is opportunity!
Can opportunity be deemed an emergency? It certainly can be if you're about to miss out on competing for your fantasy job! An interesting phenomenon occurs when a job market begins to recover. What recruiters refer to as "passive job seekers" are now joining the already swollen pool of the unemployed and disillusioned. But there's one major difference; they are actively being pursued!
Recently I felt badly for the Controller who got a call from a Big 4 firm he believed held his dream job. Following a recommendation from an internal source, a director offered to fly him down within 48 hours for an interview. Frantically he called and begged us to update his resume and executive portfolio. We couldn't help him. Nor could any of our colleagues. He had waited too long. I don't know what became of him. My instincts tell me that he was forced to resort to the "Bill Gates" Windows resume template. An enviable career on a form resume? Not a good thing! Could this issue kill the deal? In combination with a poor interview the deal probably died.
Some of us spend our lives working hard and longing for the chance to get that great offer, and after such challenging times, it's nothing short of tragic if we experience paralysis, much like a deer in the headlights, due to lack of preparation. Polishing your presentation for opportunity should be ongoing.
Can opportunity be deemed an emergency? It certainly can be if you're about to miss out on competing for your fantasy job! An interesting phenomenon occurs when a job market begins to recover. What recruiters refer to as "passive job seekers" are now joining the already swollen pool of the unemployed and disillusioned. But there's one major difference; they are actively being pursued!
Recently I felt badly for the Controller who got a call from a Big 4 firm he believed held his dream job. Following a recommendation from an internal source, a director offered to fly him down within 48 hours for an interview. Frantically he called and begged us to update his resume and executive portfolio. We couldn't help him. Nor could any of our colleagues. He had waited too long. I don't know what became of him. My instincts tell me that he was forced to resort to the "Bill Gates" Windows resume template. An enviable career on a form resume? Not a good thing! Could this issue kill the deal? In combination with a poor interview the deal probably died.
Some of us spend our lives working hard and longing for the chance to get that great offer, and after such challenging times, it's nothing short of tragic if we experience paralysis, much like a deer in the headlights, due to lack of preparation. Polishing your presentation for opportunity should be ongoing.
