Category Archives: career change

January 30, 2014 · 9:45 am

Any Questions? How to leave a lasting impression

Picture this: you are at a job interview and things are going really well. The hiring manager leans back in her chair and asks if you have any questions. Bang! Here is your opportunity to cement everything and nail the job.

So, what do you ask?

Hint: Do not begin with when does the job start. If they really want you, they will have already asked that question.

There are a couple of ways to go. One is to focus on the hiring manager. When did they start with the company? What do they like about the organization? What is the most meaningful part of their work?

You can also dig deeper into the company and it’s culture. What challenges does it face? What sets them apart from their competitors? What is the style of the senior leadership team?

Or you can ask about the role itself. You can ask about the compensation. Careful though. Sometimes employers don’t want to talk about that until quite late in the process. You could ask about whether there is variable compensation and how it’s tied to your performance. The answer to that could be quite insightful. You could also ask for more detail about other other
perks such as savings plans, company discount programs or tuition reimbursement. This one is nice because you could get a follow up question about your future goals around learning.
( so be ready for that).

There are lots of choices. The important thing is to think about it before you get there so that they are ready at hand. You don’t want to end an interview with a blank look and a shrug.

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January 9, 2014 · 9:43 am

Take a Course – Change you Life

My friend signed up to take a course. She is going to spend the next eight Thursday nights learning about writing and performing stand up comedy.

It’s not for her job. It’s not even a hobby of hers. She is just doing it because it sounded interesting and just a little bit scary.

I really admire her for signing up for this “stretch” activity. I can’t wait to hear about what she learns and experiences.

The cool thing about this is that is will be life changing. She just does not know how yet. She will have a new social circle, new stories and a new confidence from doing things she never thought she would do.

This will have all kind of positive ripples in the rest of her life too. Things at work may suddenly be more interesting or more dynamic. She might find herself with more energy. All kinds of cool things could happen.

On New Year’s Day when I was nursing a headache and some unattractive gas issues, I figured it was probably time to join a gym. Now, I am not so sure. I think I could find something way more satisfying like pole dancing or learning the electric guitar. How about you? What will you learn this year?

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December 5, 2013 · 9:43 am

Gifts for the Job Seeker

It’s that time of year…..when you try to find thoughtful gifts that don’t break the bank. But what to do for the folks you know who are in transition?  The holidays are a tough time for them and there are many ways to show you are thinking of them that are both thoughtful and constructive.

 Top ten gift for job seekers:

  • Resume editing gift certificate – everyone’s resume needs a brush up
  • Lunch date – either with you or better yet, with you and someone who might be a good connector for the job seeker
  • Introduction – to a key hiring manager
  • Invitation to a members only networking event???????????????????????????????????????????
  • Free haircut or manicure – by a professional – no DIY here
  • New shirt – interviews always feel better in new clothes
  • Mixed tape of power songs – or today’s equivalent from iTunes
  • Lunch box – for their first day
  • Coffee gift cards – a free coffee is always a treat

There you have it. Be a pal and have some cheer- help someone find a job next year. 

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October 10, 2013 · 9:43 am

The Eight Year Internship

My first real job lasted eight years. I was not in the same role for that whole time. It was a fast growth company and as things grew and evolved I was thrown into different responsibilities.

I can’t tell you that I loved every day because I didn’t. There were many days when I felt like I was in way over my head. But armed with a high capacity for action (I was younger then) and a sense of humor, I managed.

It was during that time that I learned exactly where what I liked and what I was good at intersected.  That became the jumping off point for the rest of my career.your career

When I was in the middle of all that work and craziness, I certainly did not think of it as an internship. No way. It was serious. It was my life.

I think about all the things I got to do and try and how often I draw on those experiences now and it amazes me.  It really was like an internship albeit for eight years.

If you look back at the jobs you have had, can you find an intense learning period?   I am not talking about learning lingo and product specs. I am talking about real business learning: customers, innovation, process and all that stuff.

It’s a long weekend. Give this some thought while you are napping or walking off your turkey dinner. These are the kind of stories you will need for your next job interview.  You’ve got the experience. Get ready to talk about it.

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June 13, 2013 · 9:43 am

Top Five Things to do before a Job Interview

I interview lots and lots of people and frankly, have seen lots of weird things happen at interviews.  The things that seem so obvious to me apparently are not to the average person.  So, in an effort to help people make a better impression at interviews, here are my top five tips.

Research. Research. Research.  Read the job description and the website.  See if there is anyone you know who works there and could share some inside info.  One of the trendy interview openers is “Tell me what you think this role is about”.  Be ready for this.

Dress to impress.  Don’t fool around with this one.  Pay attention to the industry and the people in it.  Remember you can always take off a tie and slip it into your pocket. You cannot discreetly pull a jacket out of your briefcase.businessman

Find the location the night before – maybe even do a drive by.  There is nothing worse than the stress of being late because you can’t find parking or you end up on the 28th floor of another tower.  It’s sweaty and embarrassing.

Be on time.  This is key.  “On time” means you arrive at the appointed hour.  Not a half an hour before.  Not half an hour later.  If you are hyper and want to appear eager, than five to ten minutes is plenty.  More than that and you like you either don’t have enough to do or you have a very loose relationship with time.  If you need to kill time, hang around outside, or in your car, not the reception area.

Practice your handshake.  I know this sounds silly but it is important to get honest feedback on this because it is a really big part of the first impression you make.  Ask the people you practice with to describe your handshake. Is it strong and confident?  Too short or too long?  Are your palms sweaty?  It is better to know this stuff and deal with it than to have your presentation marred by a damp, limp greeting.  You are better than that.

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October 11, 2012 · 9:57 am

They want you. Now what?

Salary negotiations at the end of the interview process can be tricky.  They shouldn’t be, but they usually are.

The problem, I think, lies in when they happen.  Usually, it’s the very last step.  The candidate has met the whole team and is in love with everyone.  The hiring manager is already filling that person’s name in on the Holiday Party seating chart and then bam!  Everything grinds to a halt when some mentions base salary.

Whether you are the candidate or the hiring manager, salary should be among the first things to discuss.  Once you think there is some skill crossover and a bit of chemistry, get money on the table.

There is no point in going through an extensive interview process only to discover that there is a $40K gap in what you want and what they have.  It is crushing for both sides.

If you are in a first interview with a hiring manager or a recruiter and the subject of compensation has not come up, ask the question.  Don’t just wait for it to come up later.  This is especially true if you are near the top of the market or are pretty senior.  Take the bull by the horns and bring it forward.

“This sounds like a very interesting role.  What kind of salary range do you have?”

“I work in a large company now with a lot of perks.  What kind of package does this job come with?”

If the answer is hedgy or not clear, be wary.  You don’t have to run for the hills, just make sure to keep it on the list for the next conversation.

I know that money is not everything but let’s face it:  If there is a big gap in base salary expectations, it can be problematic.  Psychologically, we know what we are used to and what we have nurtured and developed over our careers.  Taking a big haircut is not always in the cards and if it is possible, better to know if up front so we can start rationalizing the offsets.

It’s like looking at the dessert menu before you order your main course.  It just makes sense.

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Filed under career change, Interview, Job Search, Networking, recruiter, Resume

August 30, 2012 · 9:43 am

Move the Carrot just a little Closer

I have been working on our family budget this week.  Ugh.  It is way more daunting than a resume.

Yesterday, I got so fed up with the process that I took a completely lateral move and figured that I could just make more money.  Then I would not need a budget at all.  It would totally free up the long weekend.

Now, any economist (or fan of Till Debt Do Us Part) will tell you that how much money you make has nothing to do with the act of budgeting.  But as a recruiter, I will tell you that thinking about how to make more money is definitely a positive action.

So how do you make more money?

Just working harder in your current role is not enough.  Unless you are working on commission and slacking off every day.  If that’s the case, then get off the couch and go to work.

For most of us, it’s a little more complicated.

Does your current role have room to make more?  Is there a bonus based on some personal achievements?  Could you focus specifically on those for a while to get some payoff?

If there is no opportunity for a greater financial reward, is there a career move within the organization that pays more?  Could you leverage what you know and do in your current situation for some gains?

Sometimes, you have to leave to be able increase your value.  It’s sad but sometimes it takes a new group of people to look at your skills and experience to really appreciate what you bring to the table.  This is especially true if you have been with a company for a long time.  They see you as you were when you joined, not necessarily as you are today.

So open your eyes and take a look around to see what you can do to improve your lot.  And when you figure it out, make sure you stick to the budget so you can really make it mean something.

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May 24, 2012 · 9:45 am

Oh….the possibilities…..

I just finished reading Fifty Shades of Grey.  I had to.  When a book is shooting up the Amazon charts that fast, you have to see what it’s all about.

I have to say that I did not really see what all the fuss what about.  It’s just like any other romance but longer….

What did impress me was thinking about its widespread popularity and what effects it will have on the future.

I am thinking about all the new occupations this could spawn and how much fun it will be to recruit people for these new roles.

For example, I see an emerging market for sex shops with drive through windows.  That way people won’t have to risk being seen walking in to the shop.  Can’t you just picture it?  Driving up to the speaker and asking for two packs of extra -large ribbed and a bottle of strawberry lotion.

Or consider this:  who is going to install and do the maintenance on the home gyms that will be re-purposed for different kinds of “activities”.  I look forward to finding the mechanical engineer who can listen with a straight face when the homeowner asks to have the chin-up bar attached to the ceiling with a pair of handcuffs on each end.

I also think there could be a good market for equestrian supply stores in the off season.  Imagine the brisk bridle and riding crop sales a Christmas…..

So don’t despair.  If you are looking for a career in an emerging and sexy field, it could be just around the corner/boudoir.

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May 3, 2012 · 9:38 am

Facebook fame? No thanks.

Here’s a new word: microfame.  This is the term used when you make a sudden but bright splash in the digital world.  Like when you are featured as a Pampers Facebook video contest winner.  Or you publish a tweet that gets retweeted and retweeted.  Or it’s your birthday and you get messages from all of your 1500 Facebook friends and become a “trend”.

Pretty heady stuff.

But is this really the legacy you want?  When you google your name (and you should), is this they type of stuff you want people to see?

Imagine who will be searching for your presence on line.  Future employers?  Yes.  Potential  volunteer organizations?  Definitely.   Old friends?  Possibly.

Microfame is fun the same way a little Friday night red wine buzz is fun.  It’s nice while it lasts but it leaves you with a headache and a need for a nap.

Keep your eye on the long term stuff.  You might never be famous but you will have a pretty good shot at being satisfied and successful.

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April 26, 2012 · 9:43 am

It’s Time to Bait the Hook

If you are thinking about making a job change, consider the old adage:  fish where the fish are.

What is it that you want to do next and where are the people who are doing it now?  Better yet, who is doing it now and has a problem that you can fix?

Imagine you have decided that you want to move from a customer service role to an outside sales role.  You have been feeling hemmed in lately.  You really want to get out in field and get face to face with customers.

How about this?  Look for a company that has a product that’s the same or similar to yours and then drill down to find trouble.

Trouble could be in the form of a growth spike, a quality issue or wider market acceptance.  These challenges are pain points for company leaders.  Leaders want to relieve pain.  Figure out how to market yourself as the prescription.

An email message might say:

I have been listening to customers like yours for years.  I know what they need and how to package your product so that it provides a solution that fits.  Couldn’t you use someone like me in the field?

Just attach your resume and hit send.

There is certainly no guarantee that one email will start a conversation but it’s a good start.

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