Everywhere you go - There you are!

      As a life and career coach, people frequently come to me with questions regarding their career options but I always start at at same place.  I ask how are things going in their life in general.  Your life consists of 5 sections:  health/well-being, financial, vocational, relationships, leisure and spiritual. 

• Health/well-being: your physical health, stamina, grooming, attire.  
• Financial:       savings, earnings, retirement plan, insurance, investments, taxes, etc
• Vocational:    education, work history, hobbies,
• Relationships: all social interactions including parents, friends, children, significant others, co-workers 
• Leisure:         anything you do for fun
• Spiritual:        your believe and value system

Many people don't realize that an imbalance in any area will impact the others. So, how do you incorporate the various aspects of your life into your job search? 
 Health/well-being:   are you physically able to perform your anticipated job duties,  is your medical information organized so that you can provide it if needed, can you explain any disability for which you are seeking job accommodations, are there work hours that best meet your needs, is your appearance current, should you loose some weight.

• Financial: what is the minimum income that you need, what benefits do you need, can you afford to relocate, what is the going rate for the job that you are seeking
• Relationships: are your family and friends supportive, are you on good terms with at least 3 former co-workers and 3 peers that can serve as references for you.  
• Leisure activities: can be used to demonstrate leadership skills, personal qualities, networking opportunities
• Spiritual activities:  will help you stay focused and motivated with your career transition.  Do you share your spiritual believes with those that are going to be your primary emotional supports during this time?

Take the time, to review how you are doing in these areas.  Consider how your ideal life would be, how would you change your life, what would you leave the same and why would you make these decisions.  Try not to blame problems in your vocational life for problems in other aspects of your life.

For daily job search information Tweet me @CYCWC  and for more information on balancing you life please, contact me at 402.965.1496 or chartingyourcoursewithcoaching@gmail.com. 

Mr. Mom - The changing roles of men.

     Sunday, was Father's Day.  It is a day to demonstrate our appreciation for everything that our father, grandfather or father figure has done for us.  As a career counselor there are many issues that are associated with being a father. 
     Traditionally, these issues focused on making money and getting benefits.  In the distant past, "doing right" by the baby's mother and getting married was a major concern because how this change would affect the man's work performance due to the emotional pressures.  Now, the decision to remain in the workforce is a major issue.  Child support continues to be a concern.
   The consequences for nonpayment of child support have become more significant over the years.  It could result in a loss of driver's license, garnishment of wages and other legal issues.  Ongoing court battles could result in excessive time off from work.  Not to mention the awful mess that "baby mama drama".  The question of paternity has all but eliminated by the availability and quality of testing.  Involvement or even the suggestion of involvement in a paternity suit or nonpayment of child support is  enough in some professions for a man's reputation to suffer. 
     Even if a man is attempting to be a good father, given the present economy many men are having difficulties meeting the financial obligations that are associated with being the head of household.  Some men are electing to resolve this issue by assuming the role of Mr. Mom.  They are unemployed either by choice or by circumstances.  Some men realize that their significant other is capable of generating more income or has a better chance of sustaining employment then they do and therefore elect to stay home with the child(ren).  Other men were laid off and as a way to adjust to the loss of income, childcare was eliminated and assumed this role.  The stigma of being a stay at home dad is slowly disappearing as more men assume this role due to problems with the economy.  
     According to the U.S. Census bureau, more men are electing to be single dads and stay at home dads.   Men now have the opportunity to take time off from work because company's now offer family leave to men for the birth or adoption of a child.  Furthermore, more men are being sole custody of their children and are being awarded child support.  The final area in which men are making a break through is in the area of adoption and foster care.  Agencies are now accepting of same sex placements as well as permitting single parent adoptions. 
     President Obama stated that being a father is the most difficult and the most rewarding job he has undertaken in his life.  This is from the President of the United States and the leader of the free world!  In order to address the demands of being a dad, the President has started a series of initiative including bowling in order to assist fathers to have quality time with their children.  More information about this initiative is at http://www.fatherhood.gov/. 
     What is the significance of these changes?  As a father or potential father, you have more options in your career path.  When considering a position, you have the right to request your desires to participate in the rearing of your child.  It is socially acceptable to make career decisions based on your desire to be an active participant in the rearing of your child.

Risk management during career transition

      Heart pounding?  Sweaty palms?  Hyperventilating?  Do you believe these are symptoms of a career transition?  WRONG!   Changing careers should not feel like you are leaping into an abyss.  Yes, there is going to be some stress but it is manageable.
       A clear understanding of the reasons that prompted your decision to change careers is essential.  This information will let you know how quickly you will need to leave your current employer, resources, availability of references and your feelings about the transition.  The latter is extremely important!  Your feelings will impact how you interact with others, approach necessary tasks and ability to recall information.
        Develop a Career Transition Plan, which is a formal strategy listing the steps need to be taken.  These steps should meet the SMART criteria.  They should be specific, measurable, accountable, realistic and time specific.  Federal, state and county employee can consult with their personnel department.  The U. S. Office of Personnel Management offers the Career Transition Assistance Program.  (www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp).   Military personnel can participate in either TAP or DTAP (http://www.turbotap.org/portal/transition/resources/About_Us).  Major corporations that are downsizing  or relocating frequently offer employee assistance programs or outsourcing sources as part of the discharge package.  Determine your entitlement to these benefits by consulting the human resources department and/or union representative.  Depending upon your state unemployment services may provide counselling services that outline the steps to be taken and other supportive services.
     According to Susie Orman, you can be financially responsible and make a midlife career change.  She recommends that your have at 6 months of saving at all times and provides steps on how to make a career transition in her article "Getting Set to Start Over"  (http://www.oprah.com/money/Getting-Set-to-Start-Over).  Consulting with your financial planner, personal banker, investment broker and/or accountant will help you make decisions on the best time to leaving your present position, withdraw money and adjust your financial investments.   
     Purchasing a business or franchise requires due diligence.  Informational interviews, The Occupational Handbook and the Department of Labor can provide industrial information but legal advise is necessary.  Checklists such as the one listed at http://www.findlaw.com/  on "Buying a Business: Due Diligence Checklist" is a good place to start.  Organizations such as SCORE and the U. S. Small Business Administration (http://www.sba.gov/), Success Magazine, or sites such as http://www.entrepreneur.com/ are useful.  Depending on the type of business, consider using an attorney that specializes in e-Commerce Law, Entertainment & Sports, Environmental, Tax, Business or Real Estate/Property Law.
     The financial aid office for institution of higher learning that you are considering can provide assistance.  A Google search will provide a plethora of sites that  promise to help locate funding for this pursuit.  One of these sites is www.collegegrantnews.com/new.php.
      If you need help creating your career transition plan, contact me at 402.965.1496.
 

Career advise from my mom.

      Our parents have a tremendous impact on our career choices, goals and work habits, but, have you considered how they impacted your job search?   In honor of Mother's Day, this  week I am going to share some pearls of wisdom from my mom. 

1. No one will know how good you are if you don't bang your own drum.
2. Nothing beats a failure but a try.
3. Be polite.
4. Respect your elders (more mature people that you supervise and young people in managerial positions).
5. You want your boss to love you.  Always do your best work.
6. God gave you a mouth - ask questions.
7. Wear clean clothes.
8. Sit up straight.
9. Keep your focus.
10. Keep learning to keep earning.
11. Be friends with everyone on your job.
12. Mind your mouth (don't gossip).
13. Remember where you came from and who you are.
14. Just because everyone is doing it doesn't make it right.
15. Ask God to bless your efforts
16. Be mindful of the little people (or be respectful of all people including the cleaning people)
17. No job is too little for you (all assignments deserve your full attention)
18. Be true to yourself
19. Come early - stay late
20. You can't fall if you are sitting on the ground.
21. Be helpful.
22. Think!
23. Be thankful for your job.
24. Smile!
25. Ask God to guide your steps.
26. A dollar has four corners.  Pinch a corner for charity, a rainy day, to invest in yourself and one to live on.
27. Have pride in yourself because you are standing on the shoulders of your forefathers but never be over confident
28. You can learn with your eyes, ears as well as you hands. 
29. Take pride in your work.  Always do your best!
30. Look people in the eye when you talk with them.
31. Beauty comes from within not a jar.
32. Help others because someone helped you.
33. You are never alone.  Someone is always watching you even if it just your own conscious.
34. Aim for the stars, if you miss you'll catch the moon, if you miss the moon you'll catch the clouds, if you miss the clouds you'll land in a tree and if you miss the tree you'll still be on the ground. 
35.  If the Devil closes the door,  God will open the window but you need to climb out.

Amazing!  My mom knew the importance of networking, branding, self care, faith and optimism in order to keep and maintain a job.    



    

Getting the job done!

     Like many of you, I participate in professional and civic organizations.  During the last week, I noticed that people were struggling with the same issue.  That issue was delegating tasks.  Several reasons for people not using this skill include a fear that they will be perceived as being lazy and having a poor work ethic; that the task will not be performed properly and finally because they had a bad experience with delegating. 
     There are three tiers in the corporate ladder.  These tiers are technical skills, people skills and finally leadership.  Extensive training is available to acquire technical skills in a safe environment but the acquisition of people skills can only be gained by having experience.  The ability to delegate is a critical people skill.  It requires you to communicate effective, understand the human condition (motivators) and teach.  Learning to delegate is difficult because most people do not know how to do it properly.  Being able to delegate creates a win/win situation on the job which is great for you.  As your work responsibilities increase your ability to manage your time and workload is critical.  Being able to delegate a project that is not critical for you have a "hands on" presence can allow you to work on more critical issues.  It allows you to grew and develop your staff by assigning them new responsibilities.   
      When you ask people, what is the major problem with delegating an assignment?   It is the fear that the task will not be done properly.  People attempt to address this concern by "nagging" or managing by being MIA.  Neither approach is successful and both can be avoided.    
       The clue to proper delegation is in the work itself:
Define your role in the task.  Ask yourself, if your involvement is critical?  Do your superiors perceive your
    role in this task as critical?  If the answer to either question is yes, then do not under any circumstance
    delegate the task.
Evaluate your employees.  Make sure they are ready and willing to assume this task.  Ask yourself, what
   will the successful completion of this task mean to this person?  How will they be perceived by their
   peers?  What are the unwritten expectations if they are not successful?  Do they understand your reasons
  for delegating the task and that you are still involved?
List the desired results and time lines.  By being clear of your expectations and needs, you will be able to
   communicate them to your subordinate. 
Explain the 'environment' to your employee.   They need to know how this task fits into the mission of the
   organization.  This includes the purpose of the project, who will get the results and how the results will be
   used.  Don't be afraid to explain how this task will impact you, the Team as well as the employee
Grant them the authority to make and implement decisions.  Are there financial or other possible restrictions,
   then determine how much authority they will have or a procedure for them to obtain your approval.
Assure the employee that they will have your full support.  If upper management is monitoring this project,
    let them know that their support is available. 
Train the person in areas in which they are not proficient.  Arrange a time and place for the training so that
   the person will have these skills at the appropriate time.
Establish a timeline for regular communication and the format in which progress reports should be made.

In order to learn how to delegate effectively, use it in volunteer activities.  Once you feel comfortable with your skills in this area then implement them in the work place.  If you need help understanding your role, expectations or just letting go, contact me for assistance.

21 must haves for any professional

     Over the years, I have read several "must have" lists.  Sometimes the list didn't make sense but as I proceeded with the activity the need for the item became clear.  I created this list for the professional that wants to ready for a job interview. 

1. Interview suit including a shoes, jewelry, perfume/after shave.
2. Brief case or portfolio 
3. Resume
4. Professional references (at least 3)
5. Personal references (at least 3)
6. Network system or support group for job search
7. Career path or goals with options
8. Resume (corresponding to each career path)
9. Email address that is restricted to job search/professional work
10. Internet presence (ie Facebook and Linkedin)
11. Elevator speech
12. Stationary
13. Personal business cards
14. Cover and thank you letters that can be customized
15. Documentation of formal education, military experience, workshop, etc
16. Documentation of awards and honors
17. Know your skills sets and your limitations
18. Financial considerations (ie salary, health insurance, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, stock options)
19. Non-financial considerations ( ie vacation, work hours, family leave)
20. Knowledge of your industry (ie education requirements, salary, projected growth)
21. Timeline to achieve goals.  

After reviewing this list, let me know if you think there is something that should be changed.

So you want tell

      Last week, we discussed how employers could find out about you and briefly touched on how you disclose information about you without necessarily  knowing.  This is based on the concept of blind spots.  Imagine being a rectangular window that consists of four panes.  Each pane is different.  One is clear, two are blurry and provide a distorted image and the finally one is completely opaque.  This is because there are things that only you know about yourself, while most things both you and others know about you and there are somethings that no one knows. There is an old saying "If two people know something, then it is not a secret."  In the case of a job search, only the information that you alone know can you control being disclosed, everything else has to be managed.
     Confused?  Let's consider situations that fall in each category.  If you are unemployed, you and your previous employer will know the reasons for the discharge.  This is a clear pane.  Your co-workers may know or believe they know the reasons for your departure.  This is a blurry pane.   Suppose your employer needed to downsize and decided to discharge you.  You may never know all the reasons for their decision.  Again, this is a blurry pane.  If you decided to quit your job, only you know the reasons for that decision.  This is a clear pane.  Finally, you come to work and the doors are locked.  This is an opaque pane because you and others don't know the reasons for this action.  
       How do you get information about yourself?  Reviewing your personal journals are great sources of information and insight.  Tracking your activities over the course of a week or a month can provide you with some insights.  For example, if you log your activities at 30 minute intervals for a week, you will have a good idea on your activities and productivity.   Friends, family, and co-workers can provide some information.  Performance appraisals are sources of information from your supervisors.  Ask questions, on  how to improve your work performance and request information regarding your career ladder from your supervisor during your appraisal.   Perhaps you requested training or being assigned to a special project and your request was denied.  This presents an opportunity for you to ask for feedback from your supervisor.  Every so often, employees have the opportunity to participate in a '360' assessment.  This is a terrific way to gain some insights.  Things that are unknown to both you and other should be left alone while you pursue your goals.
     Comparing yourself with peers can let you know if you are on track or if there are gaps in your life.  This comparison can be tricky if your career path resulted in transversing a social class or if your are in an unique career.
      Disclosing information about yourself during the job interview requires skill.  The employer's questions are designed to get information about you, your skills and ability work in their environment.  Your goal is present yourself in a positive manner.  Disclosing negative information should not be done unless it is absolutely unavoidable.  This is usually when they ask a specific question ie have you ever been convicted of a felony.  You need to develop ways to minimize the impact of this information.  If you are friends with people that routinely do hiring then role play answering the question.  Your representative at Workforce should be able to provide suggestions.  There are job hunt clubs that specialize according to industry and clientele.  Find one that works with your issue and participate. 
     So if your believe you must tell,  take 5.  Make sure it is absolutely necessary to disclose.  Have your facts.  Make sure it is absolutely necessary to disclose.  Be absolutely certain that must disclose.  Present the information in a positive manner and move on.         

Is age a factor in your job search?

     Recently, I have heard several people complain that their age is a factor in their ability to obtain employment, climb the cooperate ladder or relate to their co-workers.  The usual retort is "you are only as old as you feel' or "age is just a number" however, these statements don't make you feel better.  An article in the The Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ dated 12-22-10) listed 21 obsolete items which included VCRs, Dial up Internet, CDs, landlines phones, and fax machines.  As a baby boomer, we remember when these items were the state of the art.  However, there are things that are now obsolete that will impact your job search. 
      Consider, your job search.  In the old days, everyone checked the classified ads in the Sunday paper.  Today, you go to craigslist, or the company's online job board.  You don't mail or fax your resume  but complete one online or email it to potential employers.  Researching potential employers required the use of the telephone book, encyclopedias, directories, and catalogs.  Today, a Google search can provide a wealth of information.  You could also do a blog search and  consult Face book.
       The intangible qualities (ie being organized, responsible) that everyone promoted and office skills (ie typing and the ability to use office equipment such as the  fax or copier) were standard questions.  These skills are obsolete.  Time management is automated because your smart phone has a calendar function that can integrate both your personal and business activities and provide you with reminders.  No reason to request directions to the office for the interview because you can rely on the negation function on your phone.  Your knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Power Point and Excel) are the skills of today.  So how do you disclose your age on your resume or in your cover letter?

1. Did you type or hand write it?  These are both No Nos! Please take a course at the local community college or State employment office to learn how to use a computer.
2. Did you mention any of the afore mentioned obsolete items ie fax machine?  
3. Check your spelling and vocabulary?  Terms, phrases, spelling have changed.  Are you using terminology that is obsolete or unique to your previous employer?  If you need help, ask a young person to proofread your letter and resume.  If they don't understand a term or phrase, most likely your interviewer will not either.
4.  Addresses:  Companies like people move.  Are you using an address, phone number or email address that is dated and no longer valid?  Take the time to confirm this information.  If the site you worked at is now closed ask them how should it be listed. 
5. Phone numbers and email address:  Your employer may not have physically moved but they might have relocated in cyber space.  Include the area code and check the number.  You may want to include the extension rather than have someone have to travel the menu tree.  Get the email address of previous employers.  
6. Position titles:  positions could be consolidated or renamed.  Should someone contact a previous employer, the new HR person might not be familiar with the title you held.  Ask them would is the current title and use it or explain the position in your cover letter. 

Thank you letters are not obsolete however, please email their thank you notes.  Don't waste time writing a letter.  Post your response immediately.  Remember to ask for the interviewer's business card so that you can have the correct address. 

Do you just disclose or do you titilate?

     No, we are not going to plan a hot night out!  We are discussing your cover letter.  Surprised?    Shocked?  Confused?  A cover letter is a personalized statement to a recruiter about your abilities that is designed to get an interview.   In a way, it is like flirting.  Your stationary and resume could be compared to your attire but your cover letter is like making eye contact.
     You make eye contact and smile before approaching someone.  Your cover letter needs to convey this.  It needs to indicate that you are desirable and  approachable. So, what should you put in your cover letter?  Start with the posting.  Read it several times and check for the name of the person to contact, buzz words and job requirements.  You may want to dissect the posting in order to answer the questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how.

• Who 
• who posted the job
• who are their clients
• who are they hiring (ie., job title)
• What
• what are the job duties
• what are the hours 
• what the characteristics of the person they want
• what are educational requirements
• what type of work experience are they seeking
• When
• when do they want the person to start working
• when are they going to interview
• when will they stop accepting applications
• Where
• where is the job
• where do you submit your application 
• Why
• why do they need to fill this position (ie.,relocating, expansion) 
• How
• are you to respond to the posting (ie., physically bring it, mail it or fax it)
• are you going to perform the job (ie., computer skills, language skills)  

     The answers to these questions are in the advertisement.  If you are not certain, then investigate the company.  Note, if the ad does not provide the name of the company, you may want reconsider the validity of this posting.  Companies have been know to advertise positions to find out who is looking for another job and/or to establish an applicant pool.  Use their buzz words and clearly indicate that you have the desired skills.  Your closing should be either a call to action or let them know that you will be contacting them.  Remember to thank them for their time and consideration.  Keep the cover letter to one page.

Take a Break!

     Take a break before you proofread it.  Compare what you wrote and with the advertisement.   Check your spelling, grammar and the reading level.  Now, do print preview.  Remember, how I compared the letter to making the initial eye contact and smile.  You would never want a piece of broccoli stuck in your teeth so you check yourself.  The same principle applies here. How does the letter line up on the paper?  Do you need to adjust the margins?  Is it in block format?  Did you use abbreviations?  Now print.  The envelop should be printed also. 

Take a Break!

     Take one last look.  Perhaps, you should have someone else read it.  Does the letter give the impression that you are the right person for the job?  Does the employer know how to reach you? 

     Keep a copy of your records.  Be certain to make the follow-up call, if you stated that you would be calling.

     Still not certain how to write a cover letter or would like someone to review your letters, please call me for a free consultation.  My number is 402.965.1496.

How did they know that?

You have been on job interviews and they seem really interested in you but you don't get the offer. Ask yourself why?  There could be a number reasons that you don't get an offer.  Perhaps, they found a better candidate or they cancelled the position or did they find something in your background? 

You need to be very proactive when addressing information that potential employers could obtain.  First, what are your references, former employers and co-workers saying about you.  Secondly what is on the Internet about you.  Third, what does your credit rating say.  Finally, address the negativity.

Always contact your references so that they know who will be calling and inform them about the position being sought.  Determine if there is number and/or time that would be more suitable for them to be contacted.  Remember, if your reference does not seem professional the value of their endorsement will be reduced.  Remind them of situations that they can use to emphasize your character.  Confirm the contact number for previous employers and verify the type of information that they will provide.  Most HR departments will only confirm dates and positions held at a company.  This will not support your claims of being an outstanding employee so be able to document any statements you make to your potential employer about yourself.  Offer to provide this documentation when you do your thank you letter.  Be prepared to demonstrate your work history with awards, newspaper announcements, performance appraisals even tax statements (ie documenting bonuses)  but have documentation. There is an old saying "put your money where your mouth is"   If your credit rating is poor, your may not qualify for certain positions.  Address this issue by telling the potential employers the truth, your credit rating is at an all time low, due to your prolonged unemployment or illness and that you are working with your creditors to correct this situation.  You want the employer to know that you are a financially responsible individual.  "Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.' - if you had co-worker(s) that do not fall in the 'friend' category, you may want to know where they are currently working because they could be a source of negative information about you. Don't assume the supervisor or HR asked them for a reference because some haters just love to sling mud and will volunteer their opinion without solicitation.  Do everything possible to resolve your issues prior to the interview.  If this isn't possible then perhaps you might consider not working at that company. If you are a social butterfly, clean up your site(s), voice mail, and ask your friends to help you.  If there is something truly horrible about you on the Internet and you believe that it will be uncovered then you need to acknowledge it, confirm the validity of it, and notify potential employers of any legal action that you might be taking to correct the situation ie you were the victim of identity theft.  In the worst case scenario, blame it on the stupidity of being young but never blame your "friends" alcohol or drugs for poor judgement because this will say more about you than any picture.  Make sure that the interviewer knows that you have matured and you will enhance the company's image.

If you are positive that none these issues were factors, then request a post interview.  This should be done by your career coach or counselor from employment services not you.  The goal of this interview is to learn how to present yourself better for your next job interview.

If you would like help with your job seeking skills or need someone to make a post interview call for your, please call me for a free consultation.    

Staying Positive While Changing Careers

       A very useful tool, to stay motivated while changing careers is to read biographies of successful people.  “Miracles Happen” by Mary Kay Ash describes her life and the issues she had to address in order to launch Mary Kay Cosmetics.  She faced discrimination and her share of family drama.  However, rather than becoming complacent or despondent, she made a decision to be somebody.  “Miracles Happen” is full of vignettes that stress the importance of faith in you, a kind word, networking and servant leadership.  Mary Kay Ash is a terrific example on how to reinvent youself. 

      So how did, Mary Kay Ash reinvent herself?  First, she had to be honest with herself.  This means she had to critically assess her situation and recognize both the good and bad.  She had to identify what works and what was a waste of resources.  Secondly, she set priorities and developed a plan.  Third, she worked long and hard on her plan while being enthusiastic.  Does this sound overwhelming?  Complicated?    Exhausting?  You are absolutely right! 

       Mary Kay Ash lived by simple rules that anyone can adopt.  Her priorities were clear – first God, then family and then career.  She lived her motto which is the Golden Rule, or treat others as you would like to be treated.  She surrounded herself with positive, supportive people that shared her values and work ethic.  She was not afraid to ask for help.  She kept her word.  She had a vision and broke into smaller achievable steps and she celebrated these achievements.   None of these concepts are novel but they are very easy to break when things get difficult. 

     One of the primary reasons, she established Mary Kay Ash Cosmetics was to empower women while they balanced work, family and civic obligations.   Yes, she recognized the need to make sacrifices at times however, it was imperative to maintain balance in your life.   This takes insight and discipline.  Is your life in balance?  Do you know what your values and priorities are?  Do you have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish?  If you answered no to any of these questions, then you should consider obtaining life or career transition coaching.  Call me at 402.965.1496 for a complimentary session.   

Don't Ask - Don't Tell

        When seeking employment this concept, not only applies but should be expanded to included Don't Post.  Your goal when seeking employment is to find a position that meets your needs. Therefore, you want the present the most desirable image of yourself possible.
         You need to be prepared to ask questions but only ones that indicate that you are knowledgeable about the industry and that company.  These questions will reflect your motivation to work for that organization as well as your expertise in the field.  Don't ask questions that imply that your goals may not be the same as management.  A good example would be asking about the salary or benefits before the job is offered. 
          Don't tell the interviewer negative information about yourself or previous employers.  This is true even if they ask a question like "what is something that you would change about yourself?"  Remember, always present yourself in a positive light.  If you are concerned that you could be discriminated on the basis of your sexual orientation, age, race or religion try not list organizations/activities that would reveal these issues on your resume.  You could use a functional resume format or allude to the skills or achievements in a cover letter.  You can also discuss them in person if appropriate or if you feel comfortable.  Be aware of your attire including jewelry and perfume.  If you are not certain what to wear, then check out the company prior to your interview.  You can observe employees in the parking lot, local coffee shops, or on the company's website   Ask the staff at your state employment office as well as the career counselors at your school for more information on the corporate climate of your potential employer. 
          Don't post!   Employers know how to Google and do.  This is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to do a background check on you.  If you are routinely being rejected by employers when you think you should have landed the job, by all means do a google search on yourself.  This search should include My Space, Facebook and the local newspapers should be included in your search.  Next do a financial background check.  Your bank or credit union could help with this.  If you find something negative or confusing about you, then take steps to address it. 
          Remember, Don't Ask, Don't Tell and Don't Post!  -  Get the Job!   

Success - How do you define it?

     As an entrepreneur, I love reading Success Magazine.  I learn about new tools and get tips on things to do or avoid in order to be a success.  As a career coach, I am constantly hearing from people that believe that they suck at life because they are not employed or don't love their career.  When I ask these people, how do they define success, many are speechless or recite the standard list of must haves and some actually tell me this is what my spouse or mom or dad said I should do.  Most  people do not have a vision or goal never mind having a personal definition of success. 
     As a career and life coach, I want my clients to achieve their vocational dreams while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.  Many of the featured celebrities in Success magazine did not have a clear image of their vocational goal when they started nor were their lives balanced. Yet they were able to succeed. Why? Because, they became their own personal "COACH".  They developed a vision and recognized the need have a balanced lifestyle.  So how do you coach yourself?  Easy!

           Create your vision
           Own your reality
           Accept opportunities
           Challenge yourself
           Handle success

    To create or change your vision, you need to know what you are passionate about.  You may need to try different things in order to find your calling.  That is OK.  Just remember, you can't do this if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Your vision must be detailed.  Rather than saying that you are going to loose weigh, you should say I am going to weigh X and wear size Y, by xx/xx/20xx by exercising 4x per week, drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily and eating a healthy diet.  Own your reality by recognizing issues and responsibilities that must be addressed.  Accept opportunities - do volunteer work, work part-time or take a class.  Recognize and act on any opportunity to move yourself in the direction you want to go.  Challenge yourself - be prepared to make sacrifices.  Les Brown's famous quote "Fake it till you make it" still applies.  Feel the fear but act.  Keep saying to yourself, I will not live my life with regrets because I act appropriately and learn from my experiences.  Finally, know how to handle success.  The world is full of "haters"  and they will never praise you, so accept that and move on!   Successful people give themselves permission to enjoy the rewards that they earned because a balanced lifestyle does not mean dull or boring and definitely not isolating yourself from family and friends.   They share these blessings with others because they are not afraid of loosing what they have because they can always get more.

     For more ideas on how to have a successful career, call me at 402.965.1496 or email me at chartingyourcoursewithcoaching@gmail.com.