Recently I wrote about the hope, from career seekers, that I am able to tell them what they should to be "when they grow up", and the reality that I can't.
This week I'd like to focus on another tool that many job seekers think has the answer: Career Assessments.
Don't get me wrong, assessments can be useful, but they are only one part of a career search tool kit.
When I took the Strong Interest Inventory, I came out high in the Artistic dimension (it picked up on my love of crafting and creative hobbies, as well as appreciation for music and theater) - which lead to suggestions that veered toward the arts. So while I enjoy a variety of creative things, I am probably not going to be a costume designer.
What it did do was make me look deeper into what that Artistic dimension meant for my career. I realized that any job I hold needs to have a creative component to it - such as writing a blog. In the end, what the assessment did for me is make me think and delve into what the results meant.
With the Strong, as with many instruments, results come from research that shows what characteristics someone, who is successful in a particular profession, has. But that's not the whole story, and that's what needs to be remembered. There are always other factors that played into that success (and then the question is - does success equal happiness?)
Keep in mind that the results, that comes out of an assessment, are only as good as the answers to the questions. What was the mood you were in when you took it? Are you so burned out in what you're currently doing that you respond negatively to everything associated with it? Have you taken these assessments so many times (hoping for different results?) that you try to 'beat the test'? And finally, what stage career or life state are you in? As we age, our results can change to reflect our experiences and growth.
So in the end, assessments are there to make us think about what the results mean for us, but not to give us the ultimate answer to the question of what's the right career for us.
Unfortunately, the only thing that's going to help us is a lot of hard work, introspection and... the occasional assessment to get us thinking.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Writer's Block and Getting Inspiration
I try to come up with something new and fresh, every week, in the hopes of providing content of value - or at the very least, interesting and potentially amusing.
But every once in awhile I get writer's block, and that's when I go looking for inspiration.
One of my favorite places is Box of Crayons to watch one of the creative movies, or read Michael Bungay Stanier's blog posts.
Need some inspiration? Take a look at the Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun. I'd love to hear what bubbled up for you! I see/think of something new every time I watch it.
And if you're in need of daily inspiration, I highly recommend Great Work Provocations. I get the short messages every morning and they never fail to make me think about how I can apply the message to my life and work.\
Do you have something/someone that inspires you? Please share - we could all use some inspiration.
But every once in awhile I get writer's block, and that's when I go looking for inspiration.
One of my favorite places is Box of Crayons to watch one of the creative movies, or read Michael Bungay Stanier's blog posts.
Need some inspiration? Take a look at the Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun. I'd love to hear what bubbled up for you! I see/think of something new every time I watch it.
And if you're in need of daily inspiration, I highly recommend Great Work Provocations. I get the short messages every morning and they never fail to make me think about how I can apply the message to my life and work.\
Do you have something/someone that inspires you? Please share - we could all use some inspiration.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
What Should You Be When You Grow Up...
I often encounter people, in a career discussion, that have no idea what they want to be when they grow up. They're hoping I can tell them - based on tests, our conversations, their interests and skills - what their dream career is.
The hardest thing for me to say is "I don't have the answer." I WANT to have the answer because I don't want to see people struggle. If I could come up with the magical formula, the correct wave of my wand, or see into the crystal ball, I would. But here's the thing, it would be arrogant of me to even think I could give anyone the answer to the question "what should I be?"
Here's what I can give you... my experience as a career professional. It's going to take a lot of work and soul searching on your part. You and I can discuss the results of any assessments you've taken. We can look at careers that match your skills and interests. We can discuss strategies of how to explore these careers. What I can also tell you is that it's not going to be easy or a quick process - and, I don't have the answer.
I know - not what anyone wants to hear. But my wand is broken, the crystal ball doesn't work and I have no magic formula. What I do have are two ears, experience in working with transition and career exploration, and a lot of heart.
I don't have the answer, but I can help as you explore for one.
The hardest thing for me to say is "I don't have the answer." I WANT to have the answer because I don't want to see people struggle. If I could come up with the magical formula, the correct wave of my wand, or see into the crystal ball, I would. But here's the thing, it would be arrogant of me to even think I could give anyone the answer to the question "what should I be?"
Here's what I can give you... my experience as a career professional. It's going to take a lot of work and soul searching on your part. You and I can discuss the results of any assessments you've taken. We can look at careers that match your skills and interests. We can discuss strategies of how to explore these careers. What I can also tell you is that it's not going to be easy or a quick process - and, I don't have the answer.
I know - not what anyone wants to hear. But my wand is broken, the crystal ball doesn't work and I have no magic formula. What I do have are two ears, experience in working with transition and career exploration, and a lot of heart.
I don't have the answer, but I can help as you explore for one.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Does Your Cover Letter Really Matter?
Previously I wrote about the importance of a great cover letter, but now I'm going to tell you that it's probably not what's going to get you in the door.
In a Fast Company article, this fall, Elizabeth Segran wrote that while job seekers fret about their cover letters and GPAs, 60% of recruiters found these to be the least important factor for job fit and paid less attention to them than other pieces of information.
So what's important? I know it's seems I'm constantly singing the same song but, again, it's who you know (and I would add, who knows what you can do). Personal referrals are becoming more relevant. Those within a company know what the environment and culture are like, and are best suited to recommend others that they feel will be a good fit. This has become so important in recruiting that companies are now providing compensation to an employee who recommends a successful hire.
The article also mentions that, along with personal referrals, recruiters are paying attention to social media - a topic I've covered a number of times. While LinkedIn is assumed to be the site most often looked at, recruiters are looking at Twitter feeds and Facebook pages. Another reason to watch what you're putting out there. (Who knew selfies were frowned upon?)
So should you worry less about your cover letter? Not necessarily. Within the comment section, one writer notes that he often learns more from a cover letter than he does from a resume.
Bottom line? Networking, social media, and your written materials (cover letter and resume) are all part of your job search and attention should be paid to each. You never know what piece of information will capture a recruiters attention. Make sure it's a good one.
In a Fast Company article, this fall, Elizabeth Segran wrote that while job seekers fret about their cover letters and GPAs, 60% of recruiters found these to be the least important factor for job fit and paid less attention to them than other pieces of information.
So what's important? I know it's seems I'm constantly singing the same song but, again, it's who you know (and I would add, who knows what you can do). Personal referrals are becoming more relevant. Those within a company know what the environment and culture are like, and are best suited to recommend others that they feel will be a good fit. This has become so important in recruiting that companies are now providing compensation to an employee who recommends a successful hire.
The article also mentions that, along with personal referrals, recruiters are paying attention to social media - a topic I've covered a number of times. While LinkedIn is assumed to be the site most often looked at, recruiters are looking at Twitter feeds and Facebook pages. Another reason to watch what you're putting out there. (Who knew selfies were frowned upon?)
So should you worry less about your cover letter? Not necessarily. Within the comment section, one writer notes that he often learns more from a cover letter than he does from a resume.
Bottom line? Networking, social media, and your written materials (cover letter and resume) are all part of your job search and attention should be paid to each. You never know what piece of information will capture a recruiters attention. Make sure it's a good one.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
New Year, New Resolutions? I Give Up
This article, by Gwen Moran for Fast Company, really got me thinking. Rather than focusing on creating New Year's resolutions (which eventually get forgotten), what would happen if we focused on what to give up in the new year. And maybe in the process, of giving up some things, we might actually accomplish what we need to do. Or, at the very least it might provide us with a better sense of well-being instead of feeling like a failure for not keeping our new year's resolutions.
Moran has six suggestions of actions to let go of in the new year and I wondered how easy this might be for me. Let's see...
Give up:
- Being constantly connected - this is an easy one for me! I don't have a need to be constantly on the computer, reading social media posts, answering emails. I'm not even that good with having my cell phone in a place I can hear it. So - check!
- Beating up on yourself. Ok, this is going to take some effort. As a type A, I have a tendency to think I could have done better and thus begins the vicious cycle of being a perfectionist while not being able to live up to my expectations. Definitely need to work on this one.
- Focusing on the flaws - looking at what wasn't accomplished, wasn't productive, or what was done wrong. Ok, this one is another one to work on. In the process of continuous improvement, aren't we taught to look for flaws and how to fix them? Moran's suggestion is to look for the win instead of the negative. What we did right, not what went wrong. We'll see.
- Either/Or mentality. This is also about seeing the world in black and white, or in terms of winners and losers. You're either for me, or against me - we've all heard that one. So, while I strive to work collaboratively, I suspect this is one I can do better with.
- Comparing yourself to others... am I spending too much time trying to complete with what I see as the end goal that I don't enjoy the journey? It's the professional version of keeping up with the Jones' without knowing what challenges the Jones' face as they make it look easy.
This has been easier for me lately, as I enter the next phase of my (working) life. With family obligations and the wisdom I've achieved from getting older, I've determined that I don't need to be another rat in the rat race, and am taking advantage of slowing down. The Jones' can move in their direction, and I'll move in mine. I'll give myself a half check on this one. - Hiding your imperfections. We can't be perfect in everything (back to that type A personality thing again) and refusing to face that fact can hinder moving forward. I believe that most of us have learned to hide what we perceive as our faults instead of learning to ask for help, from someone who can complement our skills. Mark me as guilty.
What are you willing to give up?
Thursday, December 17, 2015
If You Want to Connect With Me On LinkedIn, Tell Me Why
Last week I wrote about what LinkedIn can do for your job search. This week I'd like to touch on the topic of making connections.
I have often taught workshops on how to effectively use LinkedIn to both students and alumni. I will admit I'm not THE expert, but what I cover is the basics of what LinkedIn can do and more importantly how to present yourself.
That said, the thing I stress most, in making connections, is to tell someone why you want to connect. Think about what a connection means. It means you are willing to show that you are associated and possibly make an introduction for that person.
But, what if you don't know the person making the request? Even LinkedIn says not to connect to those you don't know or don't have a shared interest. So have you ever gotten one of those canned LinkedIn invitations to "I'd like to add you to my professional network"? My question is, without some sort of explanation, why would I? Especially if I'm not already connected to you outside of LinkedIn.
Tell me why you want to connect with me. Perhaps we're both members of a LinkedIn group (like the Miami Alumni Association group) and you'd like to do an informational interview based on my profile. Maybe we worked at the same company, in different departments, and you'd like to connect as 'alumni' of that organization. Or, you work for the same company I do and there's the connection. I just want to know what our association is.
I'm so good at delivering this message, it came back to get me last year. My son attended one of my workshops and after it was over I sent him an invitation to connect. I wasn't thinking that it needed any explanation, I mean, he was my son. When I asked him why he hadn't accepted my invitation, he replied that I hadn't told him why I wanted to connect and he'd heard in a workshop you shouldn't accept canned invitations. He was right. I reissued my invitation, with an explanation (contrived, I admit) and he accepted.
So, if you are asking to make a connection with someone, tell them why. You may be surprised at how much faster your invitation is accepted.
I have often taught workshops on how to effectively use LinkedIn to both students and alumni. I will admit I'm not THE expert, but what I cover is the basics of what LinkedIn can do and more importantly how to present yourself.
That said, the thing I stress most, in making connections, is to tell someone why you want to connect. Think about what a connection means. It means you are willing to show that you are associated and possibly make an introduction for that person.
But, what if you don't know the person making the request? Even LinkedIn says not to connect to those you don't know or don't have a shared interest. So have you ever gotten one of those canned LinkedIn invitations to "I'd like to add you to my professional network"? My question is, without some sort of explanation, why would I? Especially if I'm not already connected to you outside of LinkedIn.
Tell me why you want to connect with me. Perhaps we're both members of a LinkedIn group (like the Miami Alumni Association group) and you'd like to do an informational interview based on my profile. Maybe we worked at the same company, in different departments, and you'd like to connect as 'alumni' of that organization. Or, you work for the same company I do and there's the connection. I just want to know what our association is.
I'm so good at delivering this message, it came back to get me last year. My son attended one of my workshops and after it was over I sent him an invitation to connect. I wasn't thinking that it needed any explanation, I mean, he was my son. When I asked him why he hadn't accepted my invitation, he replied that I hadn't told him why I wanted to connect and he'd heard in a workshop you shouldn't accept canned invitations. He was right. I reissued my invitation, with an explanation (contrived, I admit) and he accepted.
So, if you are asking to make a connection with someone, tell them why. You may be surprised at how much faster your invitation is accepted.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
From the Mailbag: LinkedIn
The question is: How can LinkedIn help me with my job search?
The answer is "in a number of ways." Let's explore.
First, LinkedIn, versus Facebook, is a professional portrayal of you, your skills and your experience.
Second, your connections can 'endorse' you based on your skills and their experience with you. Has a co-worker seen a presentation you've done? Has a colleague worked with you on a project where you were the team lead? These individuals can relay that information on your profile.
Third, joining affinity groups helps you connect with a community that has the potential of putting you in touch with like minded members or information and research you may not have otherwise seen. Research and consider joining groups associated with your alma maters, professional organizations, and interests.
Finally, recruiters are looking. At a recent industry panel I attended, each recruiter emphasized the importance of LinkedIn and what they saw on an applicant's profile. Their reasoning was that people tend to keep their profiles updated and they look for discrepancies between what a person puts on LinkedIn vs. what is stated on a resume. One recruiter went so far as to say that they wouldn't look twice at a person who did not have a profile picture in place. While some fear that leads to discrimination in hiring, their rational was that it showed a complete profile. And, recruiters are looking at you, even when you aren't looking - based on what's in your profile. You may pull up in a search for individuals that a recruiter or hiring manager may be trying to fill.
While it's not wise to put all your hopes into LinkedIn, it is one of the tools you have as part of your public image.
The answer is "in a number of ways." Let's explore.
First, LinkedIn, versus Facebook, is a professional portrayal of you, your skills and your experience.
Second, your connections can 'endorse' you based on your skills and their experience with you. Has a co-worker seen a presentation you've done? Has a colleague worked with you on a project where you were the team lead? These individuals can relay that information on your profile.
Third, joining affinity groups helps you connect with a community that has the potential of putting you in touch with like minded members or information and research you may not have otherwise seen. Research and consider joining groups associated with your alma maters, professional organizations, and interests.
Finally, recruiters are looking. At a recent industry panel I attended, each recruiter emphasized the importance of LinkedIn and what they saw on an applicant's profile. Their reasoning was that people tend to keep their profiles updated and they look for discrepancies between what a person puts on LinkedIn vs. what is stated on a resume. One recruiter went so far as to say that they wouldn't look twice at a person who did not have a profile picture in place. While some fear that leads to discrimination in hiring, their rational was that it showed a complete profile. And, recruiters are looking at you, even when you aren't looking - based on what's in your profile. You may pull up in a search for individuals that a recruiter or hiring manager may be trying to fill.
While it's not wise to put all your hopes into LinkedIn, it is one of the tools you have as part of your public image.
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