New Year, New Job: 3 Steps to Achieve Your Resolution

Careers 2013Among the most common New Year’s resolutions, besides losing weight, getting into shape and spending less money is finding a new job. This is true for both employed as well as those currently unemployed. In fact, according to a survey of 2,250 U.S. adults conducted by Glassdoor, one in three employees plan to look for a new job in 2013.

As we all know, while important, it takes more than resolve to achieve your goals; it takes a plan. The following are the first three steps you should be taking toward achieving your career resolution:

Step 1: Set Your Sights on a Target.

It’s important to begin with the end in mind. Without a destination it’s difficult to map a route. The same is true in a career transition. In what has become a very competitive job market it’s essential to first have a goal in mind and then create a compelling, consistent communication strategy and marketing message that conveys your personal brand and value proposition as it relates to that goal.

Step 2: Get Your Resume In Order.

With your goal in mind, update your resume. Remember resumes need to be targeted towards the position you’re seeking. It should include a scintillating marketing statement, your outstanding business achievements (quantified when possible), of course your career history in reverse chronological order and your education.

Step 3: Update Your LinkedIn Profile.

LinkedIn continues to dominate as one of the most effective tools in a career transition. Having a captivating LinkedIn profile can mean the difference between a fast, efficient job search or a long, drawn out campaign. Not only do recruiters and hiring managers mine for candidates on LinkedIn, it’s the most useful tool to target companies in which you have an interest and to improve your network exponentially.

As Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu said, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Here are three steps that will get you started on your new path and a new position that could be a thousand times better than your last. But, if you really want to fast track your journey, hiring an expert in career transition could be the best and most important step you take.

~Linda

Should You Include “Other Interests” On Your Resume?

ResumeAre your other interests interesting? Obviously they are to you, but how will the recipient of your résumé perceive them?

In a recent blog post, Employers Hire Potential Drinking Buddies Ahead Of Top Candidates, the author cites the results of an academic study by Lauren Rivera, an assistant professor at Northwestern University’s  Kellogg School of Management. Rivera found that people hired candidates who they liked and to whom they could relate rather than the most qualified person. Shocking? No. But Rivera’s accompanying anecdotes are very instructive.

She found that résumé reviewers looked at the “Other Interests” section of the résumé and would frequently make interviewing decisions based on the contents. In one instance, rejecting a candidate out of hand because the applicant enjoyed lacrosse, squash and crew and therefore would not fit in with the rough and tumble culture of the law firm to which he was applying.

However, at another company, the resume reviewer played squash and said she loved anyone else who did as well and would therefore be partial to that person.  The author of the article concluded you should include a section for “Other” or “Interests” on your résumé because “Your passion for squash or for running marathons might wind up getting you the job.” Or it might get you eliminated before you even have a chance to interview.

In my experience, the real estate on a résumé is precious and should be filled with your skills, accomplishments and relevant career history. Logistically, there often isn’t room for an “Other” or “Interests” section. But, more importantly, why take the chance of having an interest that will take you out of the running before you even reach the starting line. Save the other interests information for the interview where you can establish a rapport and see how well your pursuits and personal pastimes are playing.

I do have one caveat, if the corporate culture is a significant part of the company’s brand, i.e. The North Face, and your own personal passions and pursuits align with their extreme outdoor activity culture, then by all means add it to your résumé.

~Linda

 

A Gift That Keeps On Giving Throughout Your Career

GiftAs you’re madly rushing around this holiday season, remember, this is a good time to take a moment and give a gift to yourself. The gift of introspection and reflection. Things generally tend to slow down as we approach year-end, making it a perfect time to stop and assess where you are in your career and where you want to be.

I’ve had many successful clients who contact me, saying they’ve let their careers drive them and while this has led them on a great course thus far, they now want to look ahead, take control of their careers and choose their own paths.

As you’re thinking through the direction in which you’d like to go, a great thing to think about are your past accomplishments. Looking back at prior achievements will help you in two ways: not only will it assist you in identifying what you’re most passionate about and when you most enjoyed your job, it also highlights your best skills. Having this insight will help you move through the career transition process.

Keeping track of your accomplishments, complete with quantitative figures (i.e. dollar amounts for sales and revenue growth or reduced expenses) will help you better market yourself to future employers. These accomplishments are the stories that you can use on your resume to illustrate your prowess. They are also the anecdotes you’ll tell when you’re interviewing for potential new positions.

Whether you’re thinking about a career change now or in the future, chronicling your success stories is a gift that keeps on giving. It enables you to be prepared at any time to speak about your strengths and highlight your career history. That way you’re ready for that unexpected phone call from a recruiter, the unanticipated downsizing, or the planned and well thought out transition as you take control of your career.

~Linda