| Answers to Your Career Questions from Author Kathy Sanborn |
Kathy's Career Corner We receive many letters from individuals seeking career advice. Here is where you can find the answers to some of your questions. For specific advice for your own situation, contact us for help. Don't forget to check out my book, The Seasons of Your Career. If you want to discover your ideal career path and find out how to achieve your goals, The Seasons of Your Career is the book for you.
Discover Your Ideal Career 1. Examine the career that you wanted as a child. What career did you daydream about when you were young? Are there elements of that childhood dream that you still want to pursue today? Often, a childhood daydream can give you a clue to the career that calls your name. 2. Imagine your perfect job. If you could have any job in the world right now, what would it be? After you have an idea of your dream job, evaluate whether it's a realistic goal for you. Hint: most people shortchange themselves when it comes to going after their dreams, because they don't believe they're talented enough to achieve them. The odds are good your career dream is a reachable one. 3. Ask yourself one crucial question. Are you willing to put forth the effort to make that career dream come true? If you're ready to sacrifice in order to get what you want in a career, even though your career goal might take years to come to fruition, it could be the right career path for you. 4. Consult with a career coach for help in deciding what career to pursue. Career coaching can include a host of services, including fine-tuning your résumé, polishing your interviewing and salary negotiating skills, and providing general career management. Perhaps more importantly, your career coach can assist you in determining and achieving your authentic career dreams. 5. Pick up a career book for more ideas. In my own book, The Seasons of Your Career, you'll find some quizzes and questionnaires to help you discover the career path that's right for you. A career book can be just the thing you need to help you determine your true career calling. © 2007 Kathy Sanborn
I am in a great job as a VP Technology Officer. When I was hired six months ago, I was promised salary increases, but did not get the promise in writing. Because the organization and upper management have changed since I was hired, every time I ask for a salary increase, all I get are excuses as to why I can't have one. I need some advice on what to do next. I am easy going and I'm afraid my requests for a raise are not being taken seriously. I love my job and they know it - and my requests get pushed aside. Help! You raise a great point (no pun intended) about verbal assurances of a salary increase. In my opinion, a verbal promise should be as good as gold, but it looks like the individuals who promised you the raise when you were hired have moved on to other employment pastures. So now what to do? I'd like to know how many times you've requested a salary increase from the new management, and how you went about asking for it. It could be that you are like the boy who cried "wolf" - asking so many times, no one takes you seriously. When you ask for a raise, do you go in to a private meeting armed with comparative salary information based on research - or do you hinge your request solely on what was promised you by previous management? What reasons do the bosses give when they turn you down? Could it be the reasons they offer are legitimate ones, and not just excuses? A few points for you to ponder . . . If you are a real asset to your organization, you will get the raise you want - eventually. Why not wait a while to make your next raise request? And this time, bring in facts and figures to back up your case. Since you love your job, a bit more patience won't be too much to ask!
Several years ago I was convicted of two felonies: one for writing a bad check and another for burglary. I recently returned to college, and I'm borrowing huge sums of money through student loan programs. I'm worried that I'll never find a job worthy of paying these loans back, even though I am a top student. Do you honestly believe that somebody with my record can get a good job in today's highly competitive job market? You've never had to go through what I did, so I doubt you can help me. First of all, congratulations for turning your life around! Put the past to rest and focus on your new goals -- getting though school and finding the right job. Since you can't redo your past, put your energies into where you are right now. Make some good connections in college, because the fact is your network will be crucial in helping you reach your professional goals. As for your comment that because I haven't walked in your shoes, I can't help you, think of this: You don't have to be a drowning man to save one. Keep working towards your goals, and you'll make it. Best wishes!
I read with interest your advice to some interviewing questions. I am currently in the process of looking for a job and about to be interviewed. However, I am also in the position of having to explain being fired from my last job, so I would appreciate some advice on how to handle this. My former boss and I definitely had interpersonal conflicts. I believe it was totally personal and had nothing to do with my performance. She found every reason to find fault with me and generally made my life miserable while I worked there. How do I explain this to prospective employers without sounding bitter? Thank you. When asked why you left your last job, be honest but respond in the most positive way possible. Don't fall into the trap of complaining about your last employer's faults, or try to explain why the situation was all her fault. Instead, mention her good points or the things you learned while at that job. You might say, "Although we didn't always see eye to eye, my last boss was dedicated and knowledgeable, and I learned a lot from her. We both agreed that my position wasn't the best fit for me." Tip: Never say anything negative about a previous employer! If there is someone at your previous company who would be willing to give you a recommendation, be sure to tell that person you'll be using him or her as a reference. By finding someone else from your previous workplace who can vouch for you, you'll be able to soften the negative impression of being fired.
(For more ideas, read the letter on this page about dealing with a dismissal in a job interview.) Good luck in your next interview!
I'm at the point of giving up on finding a job - any job! I've tried everything I know how to get work, even applying for jobs that don't pay very well. Do you have any tips on how I can get past this period of discouragement? The good news is that this low period of yours eventually will pass, so don't give up just yet! There is a universal truth that says just when you feel you can't go on any longer, wait three days - and you'll see the sun break through the storm clouds. The key right now is to do two things: 1) Continue your job search, but get help from a career coach or visit your local career center. You may need to fine-tune your approach to finding a job. Maybe your interviewing skills need improvement or your resume needs revision. Whatever the case, change your job search methods a bit and you may see better results. 2) Focus on the mental aspect of your job search. Because you've hit a bump on the road to your next job, you could be feeling that you'll never work again. Instead of letting discouragement drag you down, post some positive sayings where you can see them frequently during the day. For example, "I have my ideal job," or "Job opportunities are on the way to me now." It is crucial that you believe your next job is right around the corner. Last, challenges can and do frequently convert to opportunities. Persistence is the answer to finding your next job. Best wishes to you!
I was terminated from my last job as Assistant Director of Admissions due to not meeting my enrollment quota. While I was not into the sales aspect of the position, I loved the counseling side of it. I am now trying to get into the field of counseling. My question is: How can I address "the reason for leaving" part of the application form? Should I also include my previous supervisor's information for employment verification? I have never been terminated before and I always have been given commendations for the quality of work that I do--until my last job. When potential employers ask if they could go ahead and contact my recent employer, should I say yes or no? I don't want to appear as if I am hiding something. Thanks. Contact your previous employer and ask if he or she would write you a letter of recommendation for the counseling portion of the job that you did. While you apparently didn't reach their enrollment goals, you may have done an excellent job with your other duties as Assistant Director of Admissions. If you left your last position on relatively good terms with the employer, he or she will not mind writing a letter for you. On the other hand, if you and your former supervisor ended the business relationship on a sour note, it may be harder for you to ask for a favor. If possible, ask your previous employer what he or she would say if a prospective employer were to call for verification. You may find that your old supervisor has better things to say about you than you thought. It's best to be upfront with prospective employers. A large time gap on an application certainly will be noticed, and you'll be asked how you spent your time during those months (or years). Remember that a job application is a legal document once you sign and date it, so honesty should prevail. On any job application, you'll want to explain your exit in the most positive light possible. When you get to the interview, you'll be able to explain your departure in more detail (see the letter in this section regarding being fired.) For your next interview, be sure to bring your letters of recommendation from previous jobs as well. Remember that most people have been terminated from employment at one time or another in their lives, and your termination is no measure of your value in the job market. Good luck in your job search!
I'm an older person and having a really difficult time finding a new job after being laid off last year. What's the fastest way I can go about getting a new job? My savings are running out fast. Thank you! Without more information, I'm assuming that you are seeking work by surfing the Internet for advertised positions and by scanning the employment section of your local paper for jobs. While people do find work with the above methods, it's far more rewarding to use your current network to find employment by informing them about your situation. In addition, you'll want to increase the size of your network by making phone calls to set up informational interviews at companies you're interested in. Once you get your foot in the door, there may be a hiring opportunity down the road. After every interview, send a brief thank-you note to the interviewer. You never know when a thank-you note will have an effect. You may not get immediate employment by sending a thank-you note, but a position at the company may open up later that could be right for you. One job seeker got a new job because of a thank-you note he'd sent to a company months before! Be sure to contact staffing agencies for temporary or temporary-to-permanent work. Often, these agencies have jobs that lead to full-time employment, and their services are free. At the very least, you'll be working while you're seeking another position in your preferred field. Never give up! Just when things are the toughest, circumstances usually turn around. Be persistent in your efforts, and keep your spirits high by focusing on positive sayings that have inspirational value for you. Good luck!
I have applied for positions that advertise for a part-time position. I know that part-time work can be flexible and can ultimately work into a rewarding full-time position. The interviewer always asks the same question, "Are you looking for part-time work and can you work more hours if needed?" I always tell them that I am very flexible and have no kids (letting them know that I don't have to worry about day care) and can work overtime when needed. How do I answer this question so they know that I am interested in the job? I need the money, but I would rather start with a few hours at a job I like than take something I would not be happy with in the long run. Thank You! As a general rule, it is best to be honest with an interviewer. It sounds like working fewer hours in an enjoyable job would suit you fine, especially if there's an opportunity for advancement and more hours down the road. While your statement that your schedule is flexible is good, I would avoid saying anything personal that they don't need to know, such as whether or not you have children. I might say something like this: "I know this is a part-time position, and I am applying for the job because it's something I'd really enjoy doing. I would be available to work more hours if needed, too. I've done some research on your company, and from what I've read, this would be an excellent place to work. " Good luck, and let us know how your next interview goes!
How can I make myself stand out from all the other people competing for the same jobs? It seems that my resume just gets lost in the pile, and I usually don't get called for an interview. Your question is the biggest one on job seekers' minds right now - how do you make a potential employer notice you? Even if you are fully prepared for an interview, complete with a thank-you card ready to send afterwards, just getting to that interview is the real challenge these days! First off, be sure your resume is without typos and suits the job you're seeking. Many HR people say that today's job seeker tends to submit a resume that doesn't match the job. Second, make certain that you do not have tall tales on your resume - don't lie to impress the employer! Eventually, any lie you present as fact will be discovered, so a word to the wise should be sufficient. Your best bet is to start the process ahead of time. Make phone calls to companies you're interested in, and set up informational interviews to find out whether you'd like to work there. Statistics show that 61% of job seekers find work through networking and word of mouth, while only 16% of individuals get work from a newspaper ad. Spread the word to friends, relatives, and organizations that you're looking for employment. You'd be surprised how fast you can get leads through your own network. Remember the six degrees of separation theory? You're only a person or two away from that individual who can point you in the right direction. The bottom line is employers tend to hire people they already know or those referred to them. Knowing that fact can help you to plan ahead. Get on that phone and start calling! Once you get your foot in the door and meet the right people, the rest will fall into place.
I heard you talking on the radio about how to do well in job interviews, but I have a personal question that stumps me. I was fired from my last job, and I'm not sure how to deal with that in a job interview. Thanks for any help you can give me. Although every situation is different, handling the touchy question of "Why did you leave your last job?" in an interview requires honesty and tact. Many potential employers will call your last boss in order to verify the information you give in the job interview. Lying about being fired will put you in a bad light, and demonstrate that you can't be trusted. Remember that many people have been fired from jobs, and have gone on to bigger and better things. Successful people are those who learn from their experiences and don't repeat their missteps. So what do you say? Be as brief and diplomatic as possible in your explanation. Here's an example of what you might say: "My boss and I decided that my last job was not the right fit for me. I was let go because I had a conflict with her about the company's work philosophy. I learned a lot from my boss, and I respect her for her point of view and job knowledge. Now I realize the career field that suits me, and that's why I'm applying for a position with your company." If you're not sure how to handle your own situation, contact us for some coaching assistance.
My background isn't the greatest, and I'm finding it really tough to get a new job. I'm skilled, and I'm trying hard to get work, but no one calls me for an interview. Is it the bad economy, or is it me? First of all, it may be very tempting to blame the economy for your lack of work. I have news for you: If you really want to find a job, you will! Looking for a new job is a full-time job in itself, complete with many time-consuming steps. Ask yourself if you are putting in enough time to make your new job happen. There are other things to consider, of course. Is your resume updated? Do you own suitable interview clothes? Have you practiced your answers to common interview questions until they roll off your tongue smoothly? You say your background isn't "the greatest." If you have a spotty work history or even a criminal record, you'll need to be able to address those concerns during an interview. Have you checked the employment resources in your community? In many cities, there are career centers that can assist you by sharing current job leads and helping you with your resume. How's your attitude? Is it positive and confident, or downcast and angry? I guarantee that if you continue to demonstrate a cheerful attitude when you are seeking work on the phone or in person, your job opportunities will increase. Speaking of the telephone: When was the last time you looked in your phone book for names of potential companies that could hire you? Pick up the phone and start dialing some of them -- you might be pleasantly surprised at what you find. Although there could be a million variables as to why you can't find work, don't give up -- you only need one job, so don't quit looking until you find it. |