Category Archives: Career Advice

Reverse Mentoring

Passion is not something you are born with, yet it defines who you are. It’s developed from a combination of your interests, your inspirations, and whatever truly motivates and excites you. You are the only one who can decide what you are genuinely passionate about.

Passion = prowess.

How intense your passion is for something directly correlates to the level of fulfillment you get from doing that task. This is why those who are truly passionate about what they do don’t think of work as “work.”

How would you rate your level of passion in your job?

How to find your passion.

If your current job is leaving you burned out, tired, and exhausted at the end of the day, think about what you like to do outside of work—your hobbies or interests. Studies suggest that 65% of people do not like their current job. Money can be one … Continue reading When the Passion in Your Job Is Gone, Move On →

Do you feel like your career has reached a dead end? Or is it that you just aren’t motivated to do your job anymore or you find you’re not making best use of your full potential, talents, and skills?

There can be many reasons for a career change and the constant hope of finding your dream job—a job that you have a strong passion for—can actually make the process of a career transition seem all the more daunting. Here are three questions to ask yourself to help you decide if your career change reasons seem valid or if you’re not really ready to jump into a career change right now:

What makes me “me”?

Start by evaluating yourself. What do you have to offer? Make a list of what you like to do outside work—your hobbies or interests, talents, special skills that make you stand out, and even your values … Continue reading 3 Questions to Ask Before You Jump into a Career Change →

Samantha was ready to move up. But she was pretty much at a dead end at her current job.  She knew she needed more executive job training before she’d be ready for a profitable transition to another company, but as a single mom, she couldn’t afford to pay for it.  Her current job wouldn’t cover it. The executive training had to be free.

“I knew I needed to think and act like an executive before I’d ever have the chance to be in that position,” Samantha said. “I was close.  But not there yet.  I came up with 4 free sources for executive job training.”

1. Observation.

“It cost me nothing to observe other leaders,” Samantha said.  “I looked for executives within my current company—ones I liked and admired.”  She made a conscious effort to watch their management style.   She took notes … Continue reading How to Find Free Executive Job Training →

Client Lindsey Asks: Lately I’ve had a funny feeling at work. I’m apprehensive because I don’t think things are going well. I’m doing my job, the same as always, but I seem to be left out of the loop. I’m not invited to meetings but later I find out through the grapevine that people have made decisions that actually affect my work. Am I about to get fired? This isn’t exactly my dream job, but it’s been a good job and in this economy, I don’t want to lose it. I’m feeling very scared.

Coach Joel Answers: There are several clear signs that you’ve fallen out of favor with your boss and your job may be in jeopardy. You’ve already mentioned one of them. If you suddenly find that you’re no longer in the loop about things, that’s typically a bad sign. It’s often the first and most subtle sign … Continue reading Tips to Save Yourself from Being Laid Off or Fired from Your Job →

Client Garrett Asks: I’m considering a career change, but it’s been a while since I’ve had to look for a job. Is there anything I need to be aware of before I start my job search?

Coach Joel Answers: Whether you are unemployed or employed and looking for a job, you need to be prepared before the job search even begins. When you start your search with a plan for how to find a job, your strategy, daily game plan, and overall focus will help you find the right job more quickly. Don’t be like most people who start a job search by immediately applying for jobs, sending out updated resumes and telling people the 4-5 jobs they want without any thought process before they jump in.

1. Prepare for a long job search.

On average candidates take about six to nine months to find a job. Even though you … Continue reading Conducting a Job Search? Having a Plan Is Critical →

Tricia just got fired. Security is putting her personal items in a cardboard box and escorting her to her car. She is in shock.

What now? Her first reaction is to drive far, far away and scream loudly about the unfairness of it all. Doubtless this has happened to the majority of you at one time or another. And screaming, however good it might feel for a moment or two, is not the answer. Instead, follow this plan for closing the door on the past and opening the door to new opportunities.

Immediately

Stay calm. You may be tempted to verbally retaliate, especially if you feel the firing was unfair, and you probably do. Instead, keep calm. Having a conversation now, while tensions are high, can lead to saying things you’ll regret later.

Be thankful. Thank your boss, the HR representative, or whoever else just let you go for the … Continue reading Tips if You’ve Just Been Fired So You Create a New Opportunity →

Client Bart Asks: I have a couple of job interviews coming up next week. A friend told me I ought to invest in a whole new wardrobe, including an expensive looking watch. I’m a pretty casual, laid-back guy. I’d feel almost like a phony in a three-piece suit and a Rolex watch. What should I do? Can the wrong clothes truly hurt my chances of getting hired?

Coach Joel Answers: It’s an old cliché, but it’s true—you never get a second chance to make a first impression. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean a three piece suit and a Rolex. Let’s talk about how you want to be perceived by your interviewers.

Before a job interview, I advise my clients to write down three adjectives to describe how they want to be perceived. For example, one client listed “professional,” “experienced” and “energetic.”

Everything you say or do … Continue reading 7 Tips on How to Dress for Success During Your Job Interview →

Patrick Asks: I recently decided to look for a new job because I truly wasn’t finding my work fulfilling. My salary and benefits were fine, but I needed a change. I’m eager to make a transition but a little hesitant to accept a permanent position right off the bat. Would it make sense to pursue a temporary or contract position? Or would this make me look like I can’t hold or don’t want a “real” job—that I lack ambition?

Coach Joel Answers: That depends on your life situation and your personal motivations. For example, if you like the freedom to work when you want and pursue other interests at the same time, temporary contract positions can be ideal. From consulting to copywriting, many companies need people to step in on a temporary basis to fill in gaps. Sometimes they can give you a higher rate of pay, although they may … Continue reading How to Leverage Temporary Work to Expand Your Career →

Camden Asks: I’m going for my first set of interviews. I know I have the job skills to do the work I’m applying for, but what can I do to present myself well. How can I impress my potential employer?

Joel Answers: Great job for graduating and having valuable job skills. You ask a critical question. Many people with great skills get passed over because they make some serious gaffs in the interview process.

Your employer is going to be working with you for a while, so they want to make sure they can get along with you… and that you can get along well within the company culture. So the overarching message you need to send the potential employer is that, in addition to your work skill sets, you will be a good employee.

What are some ways you can impress this message on them? These ideas work whether … Continue reading Graduates – Learn How to Impress Your Potential Employer →