Richard asks: When is the best time to look for a new job?
In answer:
It is always a crazy market out there for jobs, but particularly at present. Even if you think your job I secure in your current post, you should always be doing the following.....
Always keep an eye on what is available – spend a few minutes each week surfing your favourite internet site, or reading the local and national newspapers jobs section. You may realise what you are doing is not what you want to be doing
Always keep your CV/Resume up to date – the best time to look for a new job is when you are comfortable in your current one, about 2+ years in to the position
Always increase your skill set – employers will often invest in ambitious employees through college or professional education programs, but make sure they are externally recognised/benchmarked. These make you more valuable to the employer - and even if you are released, it makes you more employable to others in a better position
Be kind to the people you work with – at least pretend to like them! Go to events organised by the company and outside organisations like unions of professional staff groups
Save some cash – have enough for around three months of redeployment, so you are not desperate to take the first job offer
If you are fired – don’t take the first severance offer: NEGOTIATE!
Good Luck!
Showing posts with label career planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label career planning. Show all posts
Friday, 15 August 2008
Can you recommend CV/Resume tactics for someone with a varied career background?
Kim asks: Can you recommend CV/Resume tactics for someone with a varied career background? Over the years I've had several positions varying in responsibility and skill levels - I've always been more about finding the right fit for a company than being concerned about the job title. In every position I've held, I've always accepted more responsibility, worked very hard, etc. Over the past year I've discovered (yet another) career path which I'm doing very well in and would like to continue in. I've already achieved a good industry certification in my field (and passed with flying colours, which will be noted on the resume) and am looking to continue in my field. Part of the reason that I've done so well is because of my past experience. My difficulty is in finding someone to help me put together a resume which accents my skills and accomplishments without appearing to be "flighty". Any advice is appreciated - Thanks!
In answer:
In all honesty Kim, I don't see that much "flighty-ness" in your career history....
- June 2007 – Present (1 year 3 months) - Asst. Property Manager, Lutheran Social Ministries
- September 2006 – June 2007 ( 10 months): Best Buy Consumer Assistant, selling computers
- January 2003 – May 2006 (3 years 5 months): Same-Differences (Privately Held) Owner of a scrapbooking product manufacturing company
- 1999 – 2000 (1 year): Chief Operating Officer, Saba Software
- June 1996 – September 1998 (2 years 4 months): COO, Regional Internet Company
So that's - three years of ISP/Software; three years in self employment; one year after that companies (sale or collapse?) back in the IT industry; and now one year in property management. Assuming your next job is in property management, honestly there is no problem! And if the scrapbooking company did fail, don't worry about that either - you now have a new and at least semi-qualified career path
Recruiting and HR managers will look at the gaps between positions as much as the achievements in a position. Its the "why" of drive/goal and change that matters in their view of career management and (hence) why you are applying for their post, as much as the skills that you can apply when in post.
If you are looking for a CV/Resume writer, look for one with a professional qualification such as the Council of Professional Resume Writers or the National Resume Writers Association - and stop worrying about your flighty career, when it honestly is not!
Good Luck!
In answer:
In all honesty Kim, I don't see that much "flighty-ness" in your career history....
- June 2007 – Present (1 year 3 months) - Asst. Property Manager, Lutheran Social Ministries
- September 2006 – June 2007 ( 10 months): Best Buy Consumer Assistant, selling computers
- January 2003 – May 2006 (3 years 5 months): Same-Differences (Privately Held) Owner of a scrapbooking product manufacturing company
- 1999 – 2000 (1 year): Chief Operating Officer, Saba Software
- June 1996 – September 1998 (2 years 4 months): COO, Regional Internet Company
So that's - three years of ISP/Software; three years in self employment; one year after that companies (sale or collapse?) back in the IT industry; and now one year in property management. Assuming your next job is in property management, honestly there is no problem! And if the scrapbooking company did fail, don't worry about that either - you now have a new and at least semi-qualified career path
Recruiting and HR managers will look at the gaps between positions as much as the achievements in a position. Its the "why" of drive/goal and change that matters in their view of career management and (hence) why you are applying for their post, as much as the skills that you can apply when in post.
If you are looking for a CV/Resume writer, look for one with a professional qualification such as the Council of Professional Resume Writers or the National Resume Writers Association - and stop worrying about your flighty career, when it honestly is not!
Good Luck!
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Can you get a second chance to make the first impression?
Ramiz asks: Can you get a second chance to make the first impression?
In answer:
In a job application - lower down the ladder yes, higher up: NEVER! Generally you might be able to get a second chance to make AN impression, or improve on the one you made the first time, but by definition, you absolutely cannot ever make that first impression more than one time...maybe a better 'second' impression, but you had your chance the first time.
In answer:
In a job application - lower down the ladder yes, higher up: NEVER! Generally you might be able to get a second chance to make AN impression, or improve on the one you made the first time, but by definition, you absolutely cannot ever make that first impression more than one time...maybe a better 'second' impression, but you had your chance the first time.
Monday, 11 August 2008
Administrator career change - how?
Cindi asks: I've always been geared toward Administrative Positions. How can I market myself to take that next step forward?
In answer:
The best question to ask yourself is - where do you want to be in (say) five years: if you are brave, push that out to 10 years! Draw a little mental picture and then write it down or even sketch it as to what your life looks like in all aspects - relationships, home life and work life.
Around the work life picture, find someone who is doing that job right now - find out how they got there, what qualifications and experience mix they have, and the job path they took to get to that position. Use their path as the basis for planning out your own path. Then having written it down, chat it through with a few close friends - not work colleagues - and let them test and critic it for you. Modify as necessary.
The answer out of this exercise is that you now have a goal and a path - so now you just need to take it in to action. The easiest way to do that is now take the "where" to your boss, and chat through the opportunities of the "how" with him. If you don't get a positive answer, you know you have to move - go to HR for an internal opportunity and have the same conversation with them, and if that's negative go to a good recruitment agent recommended by a friend who has recently taken an job move.
If you stay where you are, part of your path will be volunteering for projects to undertake tasks or co-ordination - admin people are always good basic project managers; and hence opportunities should abound.
Good luck Cindi, but the answer is - when you know where you want to go, then the path becomes much, much clearer!
In answer:
The best question to ask yourself is - where do you want to be in (say) five years: if you are brave, push that out to 10 years! Draw a little mental picture and then write it down or even sketch it as to what your life looks like in all aspects - relationships, home life and work life.
Around the work life picture, find someone who is doing that job right now - find out how they got there, what qualifications and experience mix they have, and the job path they took to get to that position. Use their path as the basis for planning out your own path. Then having written it down, chat it through with a few close friends - not work colleagues - and let them test and critic it for you. Modify as necessary.
The answer out of this exercise is that you now have a goal and a path - so now you just need to take it in to action. The easiest way to do that is now take the "where" to your boss, and chat through the opportunities of the "how" with him. If you don't get a positive answer, you know you have to move - go to HR for an internal opportunity and have the same conversation with them, and if that's negative go to a good recruitment agent recommended by a friend who has recently taken an job move.
If you stay where you are, part of your path will be volunteering for projects to undertake tasks or co-ordination - admin people are always good basic project managers; and hence opportunities should abound.
Good luck Cindi, but the answer is - when you know where you want to go, then the path becomes much, much clearer!
Sunday, 10 August 2008
Donna asks: A candidate client suspects that the former employer may be blackballing, is wondering how to determine whether this is true, and what he/she might be advised to do about it. The client worked for the former employer for a significant number of years and handled major accounts. Suggestions and insights appreciated. Thank you.
In answer:
Lets be honest, its not uncommon - plus on certain occasions, if a candidate provides three references, and the first one highlights a certain issue, its not difficult for the reference taker to verge towards that negativity.
The first thing to check, is that the candidate client is being wholly honest with you about their reasons for leaving past employers? When I first meet new candidates, I always ask on those I choose to put forward or place on the dBase, to think about where and who they will reference to - even dumb candidates know to avoid the boss who hated them, only desperate one's are likely to knowingly make that mistake
If you are convinced about the candidates clarity and honesty, then I think approaching each of the references they have given (they may think its X, where as it could be Z being very horrible for reasons unknown to the candidate), and advise them you are the recruitment agent/career advisor, and as they had been provided as a reference to the candidate, was wondering if they could provide a written summary of their reference to you for your files. Then, if they don't or if they provide a statement that says one thing and yet say another on the telephone - which the future employer will always comment on - then its isolates the reference who provides the problem, and makes them looks like an idiot, not the candidate unemployable.
If you do find such a situation, and that employer and the experience gained is key to the candidates being employed in the new post, then - if they are a reasonable person - there is always someone else who can be suitably referenced to, either upwards or sideways. If they weren't dismissed, but don't have any other contacts, there is always the HR department which is a highly suitable "last resort" reference
References are a good thing, but some times reveal a situation in a one-time telephone conversation which can destroy a good career opportunity. I hence think referencing needs careful management from the point of initial contact with the candidate, to successful new employment.
In answer:
Lets be honest, its not uncommon - plus on certain occasions, if a candidate provides three references, and the first one highlights a certain issue, its not difficult for the reference taker to verge towards that negativity.
The first thing to check, is that the candidate client is being wholly honest with you about their reasons for leaving past employers? When I first meet new candidates, I always ask on those I choose to put forward or place on the dBase, to think about where and who they will reference to - even dumb candidates know to avoid the boss who hated them, only desperate one's are likely to knowingly make that mistake
If you are convinced about the candidates clarity and honesty, then I think approaching each of the references they have given (they may think its X, where as it could be Z being very horrible for reasons unknown to the candidate), and advise them you are the recruitment agent/career advisor, and as they had been provided as a reference to the candidate, was wondering if they could provide a written summary of their reference to you for your files. Then, if they don't or if they provide a statement that says one thing and yet say another on the telephone - which the future employer will always comment on - then its isolates the reference who provides the problem, and makes them looks like an idiot, not the candidate unemployable.
If you do find such a situation, and that employer and the experience gained is key to the candidates being employed in the new post, then - if they are a reasonable person - there is always someone else who can be suitably referenced to, either upwards or sideways. If they weren't dismissed, but don't have any other contacts, there is always the HR department which is a highly suitable "last resort" reference
References are a good thing, but some times reveal a situation in a one-time telephone conversation which can destroy a good career opportunity. I hence think referencing needs careful management from the point of initial contact with the candidate, to successful new employment.
When is the best time to seek a new opportunity?
Richard asks: Does one wait until you're unemployed? Should you leave at the first sign of turmoil? Should you weather the storm, gain experience and then vacate?
In answer:
Career management is not something which you just wake up to - and so hence leads to knowing which opportunities you should seek to attain that goal you have defined - which leads to knowing why you took that particularly job, and why you have been there for X period of time - which leads to knowing how much longer you have there, and which opportunities you seek next to write on your CV/Resume - which results in happy and fulfilled employment, and a better life!
You will always know when you are being interviewed by an HR professional, as they will ask you about the points of change in your career: "You went from position A with employer B, to position X with employer Z: why?" They look for both fulfilment in career and application to a particular path, and checked whether that is inline with the position being interviewed for and its skills requirements.
If you apply the question of "where do I want to be that will make me happy" then you will know why you are where you are at present. These people are normally fun to be around, and - like an old mentor of mine - have smiles on their faces at least 3 days out of every 5 work days: unfortunately, the smelly stuff happens to everyone!
If like the majority of people - I'd say 7 out of 10 from those I interview, and you don't manage your career and wake up one day unhappy; or if the job you are working doesn't put a smile on your face 3 days out of 5: then NOW is the time to start changing. What ever you do don't reach for the word processor and start writing a new CV/Resume because you heard of a better job at a particular company - write down why you are happy in your present job, why you are unhappy, and where you want to be in 5 and 10 years time. If you are feeling really brave, write your own obituary - its a tough psychological challenge, and most don't complete it - but its what it reveals about where you want to be and how quickly that change needs to be made which is the actual required and revealing result.
Most people don't know what makes them happy, so recognising that you may want to make a change Richard is 7/10ths of the battle won. Now its just a question of finding what and where, and those are relativity easy in comparison. The outcome will be a clear goal, a better plan with more networking to find that better opportunity - and a happier work life.
Good Luck!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
RB
................................................................
Dear Richard,
Thank you!
If I can help you at any time, please just ask, and in the mean time - Good Luck!
Best Regards,
Ian McA
In answer:
Career management is not something which you just wake up to - and so hence leads to knowing which opportunities you should seek to attain that goal you have defined - which leads to knowing why you took that particularly job, and why you have been there for X period of time - which leads to knowing how much longer you have there, and which opportunities you seek next to write on your CV/Resume - which results in happy and fulfilled employment, and a better life!
You will always know when you are being interviewed by an HR professional, as they will ask you about the points of change in your career: "You went from position A with employer B, to position X with employer Z: why?" They look for both fulfilment in career and application to a particular path, and checked whether that is inline with the position being interviewed for and its skills requirements.
If you apply the question of "where do I want to be that will make me happy" then you will know why you are where you are at present. These people are normally fun to be around, and - like an old mentor of mine - have smiles on their faces at least 3 days out of every 5 work days: unfortunately, the smelly stuff happens to everyone!
If like the majority of people - I'd say 7 out of 10 from those I interview, and you don't manage your career and wake up one day unhappy; or if the job you are working doesn't put a smile on your face 3 days out of 5: then NOW is the time to start changing. What ever you do don't reach for the word processor and start writing a new CV/Resume because you heard of a better job at a particular company - write down why you are happy in your present job, why you are unhappy, and where you want to be in 5 and 10 years time. If you are feeling really brave, write your own obituary - its a tough psychological challenge, and most don't complete it - but its what it reveals about where you want to be and how quickly that change needs to be made which is the actual required and revealing result.
Most people don't know what makes them happy, so recognising that you may want to make a change Richard is 7/10ths of the battle won. Now its just a question of finding what and where, and those are relativity easy in comparison. The outcome will be a clear goal, a better plan with more networking to find that better opportunity - and a happier work life.
Good Luck!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
RB
................................................................
Dear Richard,
Thank you!
If I can help you at any time, please just ask, and in the mean time - Good Luck!
Best Regards,
Ian McA
Advice on entering field of Program Management?
Daffyd asks: I currently run a Project Management Office and everntually would like to move into full-scale Program Management or into a Senior Project Officer role. Can anyone, particularly recruiters who recruit for these types of positions, give me any advice on
1) the best way to leverage my skills and talents, and
2) training, courses, certifications to take or get
to improve my chances of landing such a position?
In answer:
Modern careers are based on a balance of....
- Certified skills
- Relevant experience
There is also a lot of evidence that modern employers are basing their recruiting choices on niching and pinnacling. As pressures mount on modern industry, they want the right skills/experience and the top person to minimise commercial risk.
Project or Program management is now a classical "err towards the certificates" career, and is often derived from another career choice before hand - ie: telcoms engineers becoming telco PM's, construction engineers becoming construction PM's, etc. There are also sub-niches to those main markets, and its resultantly an easy career to get "niched" into both employment - and unemployment!
I would hence choose to first certify as a PM with one of the main bodies, and also gain a Prince2 qualification - the basics in the PM world. After a few years (by say mid-30's, or latest mid 40's) I would then consider undertaking an MBA and/or a finance certificate qualification. As you get older, if you choose a technology based market or sub-niche, the technology you know will get replaced and you stand a greater chance of unemployment: the MBA and finance qualifications recognise your wider skills.
Good luck - PM is a great career choice, and is one of the still developing professional career choices which you can't see going out of fashion in one or two generations.
1) the best way to leverage my skills and talents, and
2) training, courses, certifications to take or get
to improve my chances of landing such a position?
In answer:
Modern careers are based on a balance of....
- Certified skills
- Relevant experience
There is also a lot of evidence that modern employers are basing their recruiting choices on niching and pinnacling. As pressures mount on modern industry, they want the right skills/experience and the top person to minimise commercial risk.
Project or Program management is now a classical "err towards the certificates" career, and is often derived from another career choice before hand - ie: telcoms engineers becoming telco PM's, construction engineers becoming construction PM's, etc. There are also sub-niches to those main markets, and its resultantly an easy career to get "niched" into both employment - and unemployment!
I would hence choose to first certify as a PM with one of the main bodies, and also gain a Prince2 qualification - the basics in the PM world. After a few years (by say mid-30's, or latest mid 40's) I would then consider undertaking an MBA and/or a finance certificate qualification. As you get older, if you choose a technology based market or sub-niche, the technology you know will get replaced and you stand a greater chance of unemployment: the MBA and finance qualifications recognise your wider skills.
Good luck - PM is a great career choice, and is one of the still developing professional career choices which you can't see going out of fashion in one or two generations.
Friday, 8 August 2008
Career change and time to look for a new job while working
Catarina asks: I work in the financial field for 7 years now and I never really liked it, I felt in it by chance. I feel so burned out and depressed and I need a career change. I had some holidays abroad and spoke with a career counsellor that advised me to change into direct marketing, I´ve been working as a volunteer for charities in direct marketing and I love it, I really feel I´m using all my right skills. She helped write a functional C.V. for me to look for a new job. I already have a post-graduate degree in Marketing.
My problem is, due to my full-time job (I work from 9-6) I don´t have time to concentrate in looking for job ads and do the career change properly. Also my company is not very flexible with working hours. I feel really depressed about having to concentrate in something I´m so burned out and not be able to have free time to concentrate instead on my career change. What do you advice me to do? Should I take the risk and just quit? I don´t know how long will it be till I find a new job in this new field, although I have a recruiter friend that´s helping me with the job search part. Please advice!
In answer:
Hmmm - the modern internet powered world was meant for you!
First, congratulations on accepting your unhappiness, and doing something about solving it. Honestly, having found what you now want to do, you are 7/10ths of the way there mentally, and 5/10ths of the way there in the timeline. And secondly, don't yet leave your existing job - being employed gives you leverage when negotiating for salary, benefits, etc.
In the old pre-internet world, you had to leave your job to find a new job - not now in the internet world! Tap into Google "Direct marketing jobs X" where X is the state or city in which you wish to work - I suggest you don't go down to town or county level, unless you live in a big city county. From that, you should find a series of jobs board with such jobs listed on them - choose the board where the most jobs you like are listed, and register as a candidate.
Modern recruiters and employers accept that candidates are busy, and that 9-5 interviews are often a thing of the past. As you register two things happen - now you can apply for those listed jobs, and recruiters looking for people with your skills can approach you. When you come home at night, simply check your eMail, and respond to the jobs/recruiters you think will fulfill your needs. When you are approached by recruiters or employers, explain that you will find it difficult to attend an interview during work hours, so would an initial telephone interview suffice with follow-up either at lunchtime or another time when you are free.
If you want something slightly more advanced, do the Google search again. Now comes the nifty modern bit - Google provides you with an RSS feed, effectively a whole stream of information which matches your search criteria. There will be an orange-coloured symbol to the left of the URL return, that looks like a square with a series of ripples coming out of it - press that and a piece of text will appear. Click on the text, and on the next window select Google Reader (if you don't have a Google Reader account, simply register for one). This feed will now keep you informed on a daily basis of all the new things Google finds which match your search criteria - in other words, Direct marketing jobs in X!
You have made great progress so far, but the dilema of "stay unhappy or leave to find happy employment" doesn't really happen in the modern world - it works for you to find a better position!
Good luck, and if I can help further, please - just ask!
My problem is, due to my full-time job (I work from 9-6) I don´t have time to concentrate in looking for job ads and do the career change properly. Also my company is not very flexible with working hours. I feel really depressed about having to concentrate in something I´m so burned out and not be able to have free time to concentrate instead on my career change. What do you advice me to do? Should I take the risk and just quit? I don´t know how long will it be till I find a new job in this new field, although I have a recruiter friend that´s helping me with the job search part. Please advice!
In answer:
Hmmm - the modern internet powered world was meant for you!
First, congratulations on accepting your unhappiness, and doing something about solving it. Honestly, having found what you now want to do, you are 7/10ths of the way there mentally, and 5/10ths of the way there in the timeline. And secondly, don't yet leave your existing job - being employed gives you leverage when negotiating for salary, benefits, etc.
In the old pre-internet world, you had to leave your job to find a new job - not now in the internet world! Tap into Google "Direct marketing jobs X" where X is the state or city in which you wish to work - I suggest you don't go down to town or county level, unless you live in a big city county. From that, you should find a series of jobs board with such jobs listed on them - choose the board where the most jobs you like are listed, and register as a candidate.
Modern recruiters and employers accept that candidates are busy, and that 9-5 interviews are often a thing of the past. As you register two things happen - now you can apply for those listed jobs, and recruiters looking for people with your skills can approach you. When you come home at night, simply check your eMail, and respond to the jobs/recruiters you think will fulfill your needs. When you are approached by recruiters or employers, explain that you will find it difficult to attend an interview during work hours, so would an initial telephone interview suffice with follow-up either at lunchtime or another time when you are free.
If you want something slightly more advanced, do the Google search again. Now comes the nifty modern bit - Google provides you with an RSS feed, effectively a whole stream of information which matches your search criteria. There will be an orange-coloured symbol to the left of the URL return, that looks like a square with a series of ripples coming out of it - press that and a piece of text will appear. Click on the text, and on the next window select Google Reader (if you don't have a Google Reader account, simply register for one). This feed will now keep you informed on a daily basis of all the new things Google finds which match your search criteria - in other words, Direct marketing jobs in X!
You have made great progress so far, but the dilema of "stay unhappy or leave to find happy employment" doesn't really happen in the modern world - it works for you to find a better position!
Good luck, and if I can help further, please - just ask!
Sunday, 3 August 2008
What happens when you wake up one day and realize your career is in shambles?
Todd asks: What happens when you wake up one day and realize your career is in shambles, your nearly 40 with a wife, kids, a mortgage and a boat load of credit card debt?
Two years ago I moved to a new city to take a new job with a home builder. Three months later the industry collapsed and so did that job (just before the holidays).
Next I took a job with a start-up company which lasted a year before serious cash flow problems resulted in another layoff.
A few weeks later I accepted another position with a financial institution only to find out that my boss was a complete and total nightmare. She terrorized the department with her hostile and unprofessional behavior. I tried unsuccessfully to resolve the issue. First directly with her, then with our department head and then eventually HR. Our entire department was so focused on dealing with her hostility that we spent large chunks of time talking about it, coping with it and trying to find ways to support each other. It dominated our time, our thoughts and our performance. Eventually it started to affect me emotionally and physically. After only 4 months on the job I resigned my position.
The next job I took was working for a company in California as a telecommuter. During the job interview the CTO and VP of Sales specifically told me the owner of the company was impossible to work and that they were looking for new jobs. I figured after my last boss there was no way I couldn’t handle this guy, besides I would be working from home most of the time and it was making substantially more than I had ever made. Three weeks later the CTO resigned and the VP of Sales was so consumed with his hate for the boss that he couldn’t think or talk of anything else. At the five week mark my boss told me he needed this position to be full-time at his location. When I refused to move, he fired me.
Now it’s been just shy of two years, I’ve had four jobs, three in the last six months, and after a month of looking I’m taking a contract to hire position because it’s the best I can do with that many jobs on my resume.
In answer:
This is very common career path Todd - even in good economic times.
People make good choices, but things just don't work out - often because a successful business also depends on a business plan being both realistic and executed: so what did the first two have to do with you? I am a bit surprised by the last job choice - they actually warn you how bad the boss is, and you still took the job: and yet I am not because people after two/three short term job moves that don't work out do make rather short term "get a job" choices over better career management options.
So, here's the good points - you are asking questions, and seem to be staying positive: you are hence very employable. The bad points are - even in a down turn, there are still opportunities. Its just that you have to fight your way through the crowd that is now around, and having made a few moves you'll know how the market works so that gives you an advantage.
You need to sit down with a blank piece of paper, and ask yourself what you want to REALLY be doing in ten years time. Figure out how it rewards you emotionally, physically, and financially. Then, pick someone who's doing that job, and find out how they got there - experience, qualifications, or most likely a mix of both and a few job advancements. Now, write yourself a new career plan based on what you want to do using how they did it as a reference- sure, a few things may have changed, but that can be built in. Then ask three great friends - including at least own woman - to review and critic your plan. Sure, at this point you could go an get a career coach, and the best place to start for one is with your old colleges or if you have military experience your Forces Liaison point - but friends can be as good before those steps.
Now you have a plan, which you can turn into a job search, and write the right resume for - you will need some help there, its a presentational issue you'll have which is easy to overcome. The trick is employers like people who know what they want and what excites them - it doesn't matter what the economy looks like, someone will always give a focused employee a job!
Good Luck - you are asking the right questions, stay positive, and if I can help further: please just ask!
Two years ago I moved to a new city to take a new job with a home builder. Three months later the industry collapsed and so did that job (just before the holidays).
Next I took a job with a start-up company which lasted a year before serious cash flow problems resulted in another layoff.
A few weeks later I accepted another position with a financial institution only to find out that my boss was a complete and total nightmare. She terrorized the department with her hostile and unprofessional behavior. I tried unsuccessfully to resolve the issue. First directly with her, then with our department head and then eventually HR. Our entire department was so focused on dealing with her hostility that we spent large chunks of time talking about it, coping with it and trying to find ways to support each other. It dominated our time, our thoughts and our performance. Eventually it started to affect me emotionally and physically. After only 4 months on the job I resigned my position.
The next job I took was working for a company in California as a telecommuter. During the job interview the CTO and VP of Sales specifically told me the owner of the company was impossible to work and that they were looking for new jobs. I figured after my last boss there was no way I couldn’t handle this guy, besides I would be working from home most of the time and it was making substantially more than I had ever made. Three weeks later the CTO resigned and the VP of Sales was so consumed with his hate for the boss that he couldn’t think or talk of anything else. At the five week mark my boss told me he needed this position to be full-time at his location. When I refused to move, he fired me.
Now it’s been just shy of two years, I’ve had four jobs, three in the last six months, and after a month of looking I’m taking a contract to hire position because it’s the best I can do with that many jobs on my resume.
In answer:
This is very common career path Todd - even in good economic times.
People make good choices, but things just don't work out - often because a successful business also depends on a business plan being both realistic and executed: so what did the first two have to do with you? I am a bit surprised by the last job choice - they actually warn you how bad the boss is, and you still took the job: and yet I am not because people after two/three short term job moves that don't work out do make rather short term "get a job" choices over better career management options.
So, here's the good points - you are asking questions, and seem to be staying positive: you are hence very employable. The bad points are - even in a down turn, there are still opportunities. Its just that you have to fight your way through the crowd that is now around, and having made a few moves you'll know how the market works so that gives you an advantage.
You need to sit down with a blank piece of paper, and ask yourself what you want to REALLY be doing in ten years time. Figure out how it rewards you emotionally, physically, and financially. Then, pick someone who's doing that job, and find out how they got there - experience, qualifications, or most likely a mix of both and a few job advancements. Now, write yourself a new career plan based on what you want to do using how they did it as a reference- sure, a few things may have changed, but that can be built in. Then ask three great friends - including at least own woman - to review and critic your plan. Sure, at this point you could go an get a career coach, and the best place to start for one is with your old colleges or if you have military experience your Forces Liaison point - but friends can be as good before those steps.
Now you have a plan, which you can turn into a job search, and write the right resume for - you will need some help there, its a presentational issue you'll have which is easy to overcome. The trick is employers like people who know what they want and what excites them - it doesn't matter what the economy looks like, someone will always give a focused employee a job!
Good Luck - you are asking the right questions, stay positive, and if I can help further: please just ask!
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Do you network without looking for a job?
Dennis asks: I've been posting in a blog about reasons to network. It does not have to be all about getting a new job (although, networking is helpful there). What things have you done to network? What benefits have you gotten from networking?
In answer:
If to you "networking" is only undertaken when you went a job, then clearly - you don't get it (networking) and won't get the best job.
Your network can bring your plans to fruition - finding you experts, learning experiences, people with complimentary skills, ideas, and eventually: realisation. You can apply those to both job hunting and business development, sales or ideas for your existing corporate job - just about anything you want to apply it to.
Networks are also passive - they don't react best immediatly, they react best over a period of time to a constant tune. The key in networking is to have a plan - know what you want and what you can offer, and communicate that: then passive energy works for you.
If all networking is to you is finding a job when you need one then - you just don't get it! Networks can be career builders, but that's like viewing them as Job Centres
In answer:
If to you "networking" is only undertaken when you went a job, then clearly - you don't get it (networking) and won't get the best job.
Your network can bring your plans to fruition - finding you experts, learning experiences, people with complimentary skills, ideas, and eventually: realisation. You can apply those to both job hunting and business development, sales or ideas for your existing corporate job - just about anything you want to apply it to.
Networks are also passive - they don't react best immediatly, they react best over a period of time to a constant tune. The key in networking is to have a plan - know what you want and what you can offer, and communicate that: then passive energy works for you.
If all networking is to you is finding a job when you need one then - you just don't get it! Networks can be career builders, but that's like viewing them as Job Centres
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