The Exclusive Career Coach

Please check out my new podcast, The Exclusive Career!

I thought last week was my last episode of The Exclusive Career Coach as I move over to my new podcast, The Exclusive Career - but I missed a few steps and the first episode of the new podcast didn't get published. The first two episodes are up now on all the major platforms, so I hope you'll check it out! Want to reach out? Lesa@theexclusivecareer.com

I want to begin this episode by saying how very proud I am. Of myself, for producing more than 350 episodes of content for my audience. For learning and growing as I prepared these episodes, which in turn helped my clients tremendously. I'm also proud of you, listener, for choosing to consume my content rather than some other podcast (or in addition to). For choosing to improve your ability to interview, write a resume, get a promotion, manage your relationship with your boss. All the things. Those of you who are on my mailing list know that my business, Exclusive Career Coaching, is becoming The Exclusive Career. This is the last episode of The Exclusive Career Coach podcast. I'm moving from serving several clients at one time, with smaller engagements, to working with just a few clients every year in a 6-month coaching relationship. My new package is called The Exclusive Career Accelerator (TECA), and it is designed for high-achieving mid- to later-career professionals who want to go all in on their careers. They are currently employed but planning to make a move within the next 6-9 months. They need the usual things – resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, job search strategy, interview coaching, networking coaching, how to leverage LinkedIn, how to negotiate a salary. They also get 5 hours of research support from me and my team – to help them formulate their Target Employer List and research those companies, to find key contacts at companies…whatever they need. And I will make personal introductions to key networking contacts for each client. Beyond that, they want to work on whatever may be holding them back professionally. Perhaps their boss has given them some feedback they want to work on, or they have self-identified an area they want to improve, or they want to take one of their emerging strengths to the next level and see it become a signature strength. What kinds of things, you may ask?-Managing your relationship with your boss-Executive presence-Communication skills-Identifying, and leveraging, your personal brand-Shifting your mindset around your boss's or a colleague's behavior-Navigating corporate politics-Self-confidence-Setting yourself up for success-Issues around managing a team And so many more. Accelerator clients will meet with me 3X/month for a total of 18 sessions, which does not include the sessions we will schedule to work on their marketing documents. But I don't leave them hanging after the six months is up. If they still haven't landed their next role and are continuing to actively search, I will continue to support them for however long their search takes. I'm confident in offering that because I know my program works – and clients won't need those extra sessions. Why am I doing this? Because increasingly, I've felt frustrated with the limitations of my existing coaching packages. I was only able to give each client a small piece of my zone of genius – and I wanted to change that. To work with fewer clients using a model that allows me to give them absolutely everything I have to offer. There are other programs out there like this. Here's what is different about my program: 1) it is 100% 1:1 coaching, customized to exactly what you need, when you need it; 2) your documents will be written by one of fewer than 25 Master Resume Writers in the world. Other companies that provide these kinds of services either outsource the writing to subcontractors, often with little to no experience, or have in-house writers who are paid very little for their efforts. I'm going to be openly marketing the price tag for the Accelerator, so here it is: $12,000. If you paid upfront, I'm offering a $2K savings, bringing it to $10,000. I promise you, it's worth every penny and more. What about those of you who have worked with me in the past? As long as you've been a client of Exclusive Career Coaching at any time, you can continue to come to me for document refreshes and coaching. I will support you as long as I possibly can. If you have never worked with me before and would like that opportunity before my previous document and coaching programs go away, schedule a consult soon. At some point this year – I don't know exactly when – I will no long accept new clients for those services. Specifically, if you think you would be best served with new documents and possibly a few coaching sessions, or just 2 interview coaching sessions, or just three coaching sessions, now is the time to do that before it goes away. Let's come full circle to this podcast. While I will no longer be dropping new episodes, I intend to keep the podcast up for the foreseeable future. How will the new podcast be different? I will be speaking to a more senior audience. In the past, I've done episodes for recent college graduates, entrepreneurs, and other audiences; this podcast will strictly be focused on high-achieving mid-to-later career professionals who want to advance their career. If that sounds like you, I hope you will hop over to the new pod today and subscribe or follow. I'll also be asking you to rate and review! If that doesn't sound like you, there are more than 350 episodes of great content right – so keep listening! If you want to remain connected to what I'm doing – especially if the new podcast isn't for you – I recommend you visit exclusivecareercoaching.com and sign up for one of my Free Resources. That will get you on my mailing list so I can stay in touch with you. It's been an amazing, fantastic, awesome ride here on The Exclusive Career Coach podcast – and The Exclusive Career Coach will be just as great or even better! I couldn't be more excited for this new adventure I'm embarking on. And yes, I'm terrified. I have all the feels. And that's exactly how I know I'm doing it right. My new email address: lesa@theexclusivecareer.comMy new website: https://theexclusivecareer.com Here's the link to apply for a consultation to The Exclusive Career Accelerator:https://theexclusivecareer.com/application-teca

According to a Jobvite survey, employee referrals are 5X more likely to land you a role than just applying online like the rest of the universe.  Here's the thing: Networking is the key. But it doesn't have to be hard, or feel terrible. What if networking was just part of your professional life, like keeping your credentials current or meeting with your boss or direct reports?  AND…and this is a big AND…networking should be an ongoing part of your professional life, not just when you are job searching. After all, if only people who are job searching are networking, who are they networking with?  Here are 6 strategies for incorporating networking into what you're already doing.  Network where you're already going. Perhaps you are in a book club, or your kids are in school sports, or you attend regular fitness classes, or are a member of a church. Choose conversation over the quick exit. You never know when you'll be in the right place with the right person at the right time – whether it is for your benefit, theirs, or mutual.  Become active in your online communities.Leverage social media to connect with people you already share an interest with – parent groups, industry- or job function-relevant groups, or people who share a hobby. Engage with content, sharing, and commenting to build a network where you already participate.  Check in via email. Touch base via emails with your current contacts to keep your relationships active. As I like to say, LinkedIn shouldn't be the place where your contacts go to die. A simple, “Hi, what's new in your world?” or “Here's a resource I thought you would be interested in…” goes a long way.  Utilize your organization's social platforms. Leverage your company's internal platforms like Slack, Yammer, or Intranet forums to interact with colleagues throughout the organization.  Accept those invitations. From professional association webinars, a neighborhood get-together, a random lunch invitation, or Happy Hour with the gang – say yes to an invite and go with the goal of engaging in intentional conversation.  Connect with connectors. I call these people “Centers of Influence” – they seem to know everyone. When you speak with them, be sure to ask them “who else do you think I should speak with?” followed by “Would you be willing to make the introduction?”  How to make sure this actually happens.Here are five tips to make sure these ideas become part of your professional routine: -Schedule time. I like to think of networking as a low-level priority in my schedule. I am doing it on a regular basis, it isn't taking a ton of my time, but it's happening. To do this – it must be on my calendar. For example, set aside 15 minutes each week for email check-ins with your connections.  -Set goals. For example, decide to leverage your organization's internal networking platform to reach out to 2 colleagues each week. Then reward yourself for achieving your goal – it's the cumulative effect of these small wins that make the difference. -Follow-up and follow through. As you meet people, be sure to send thank you's as appropriate – this will also serve to remind them of what they said they would do for you. When you promise to do something for someone else, be sure to get it done – it's your reputation at stake. -Equal exchange of energy. As I like to say, don't be a barnacle in the networking process – aim to give at least as much value as you get. This will feel so much better.           -Regularly evaluate and make adjustments. Not all types of meetings will be fruitful for you. Some contacts you thought would be gold mines turn out not to be. Just make sure that, before you eliminate an avenue or person, you can honestly say you've done your part to make the relationship work.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2

In the first episode of the year - #350 – I talked about the job market and what to expect in 2025. In this episode, I want to dive into the unique challenges of looking for a remote position. The upside is that you aren't limited geographically in your search.The downside is that neither is anyone else. Your competition can be fierce. Remote jobs are becoming limited again—the percentage of fully remote jobs on LinkedIn fell from 18% in 2022 to 9% in 2023.  According to one website focusing on nonprofit jobs, remote postings receive 4.5 times as many applications as hybrid postings.  Let's start with some good resources for remote jobs. If you've listened to my podcast much, you know how ineffective job boards can be – especially at mid to higher levels. Having said that, unless you are at the executive level, I recommend about 25% of your job search efforts be spent on passive strategies, which includes job boards. Increasingly, job postings are stating whether the work is in office, remote, or hybrid. If it doesn't and this is a deal breaker for you, I recommend attempting to contact the company's HR department to get clarification before you waste time applying to a position where remote work isn't a possibility.   Here are some favorite boards for remote work:  General Job Boards: LinkedIn: Utilize advanced search filters to target remote positions. Indeed: A vast database, use keywords like "remote," "work from home," or "WFH." Glassdoor: Can provide insights into company culture and employee reviews. Remote-Specific Job Boards: Remote OK: A popular and well-regarded platform. AngelList: Known for tech and startup roles, with a strong remote focus. FlexJobs: Subscription-based, but often has highly vetted remote positions. Remote.co: Another comprehensive resource for finding remote jobs.  In an active (networking-based) job search, query “companies that promote remote work” or similar prompts to help with your list of target employers. Conversely, you could query “companies that don't allow any remote work” to see if any of your target employers are on that list. Again – Glassdoor can also help with this information.   Here are some important considerations when deciding to seek remote work: ·      Identifying Legitimate Opportunities: The rise of remote work has also seen an increase in scams. Be vigilant and only apply to positions from reputable sources. Never, ever send money or provide personal information upfront.  Legal & Tax Implications: Research employment laws and tax regulations in your location. Setting Up Your Workspace: Create a dedicated workspace that is comfortable, ergonomic, and free from distractions. Be prepared to discuss your setup in an interview and explain how you will minimize interruptions WITHOUT divulging personal information they can't ask about.  Maintaining Work-Life Balance: Set boundaries between work and personal time to avoid burnout. Tailor Your Approach: Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills needed for working remotely including time management, the ability to utilize collaboration tools, and the ability to work with remote teams.  Let Them Know: If the job states that it is remote, be sure any positions you've held that were remote or hybrid are indicated as such on your resume. LinkedIn also allows you to indicate remote jobs, so be sure to utilize this functionality.  Prepare Your Stories: Expect the interview process to include at least one behavioral question around your success in working remotely. If you have never worked remotely before, utilize the “next best thing” approach to answering their question.  Know What the Company Means: Some remote jobs can be performed from anywhere, at any time; others can't. Get clear on what your work hours are expected to be and whether you will be expected to only work from home.  Don't Neglect Your Other Non-Negotiables: Make sure you are looking at the company and the opportunity holistically, not just whether it provides a remote opportunity. What else have you identified as being essential to your job happiness and success? Does this company also possess those characteristics? Don't Get Caught in a Change of Location: We've all heard that Amazon required all employees to be in-office as of January 1, 2025; Walmart and JPMorgan are doing the same. While you can't be 100% sure your job will remain remote, do your homework and ask the question at the interview to increase your chances that the job will remain remote.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2  

I got an article some time ago on “Feedback Mistakes Managers Make” in the rainmakerthinking.com newsletter from Bruce Tulgan. Bruce was previously a guest on The Exclusive Career Coach on two occasions: #148 - How to Be Indispensable at Work: https://www.exclusivecareercoaching.com/posts/2020-10-07-148-how-to-be-indispensable-at-work-interview-with-bruce-tulgan And #157 – Managing – and Being Managed – Remotelyhttps://www.exclusivecareercoaching.com/posts/2020-12-02-156-managing-and-being-managed-remotely-interview-with-bruce-tulganToday's episode is a deep dive into the mistakes managers make around providing their direct reports with appropriate, time-sensitive feedback. Bruce gives seven mistakes that are based on his company's extensive research.  Bruce also talks about the number one thing employees can do to receive better feedback from their boss.  You can find Bruce at: Bruce@rainmakerthinking.com  I make reference to this podcast in the episode, so here's the link:How to Have a Successful 1:1 Meeting with Your Boss: https://exclusivecareercoaching.com/posts/2021-03-31-171-how-to-have-a-successful-11-with-your-boss  Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2 

We're talking about the job market and the job search for 2025 – a forecast, coupled with some how-to's.  These seem to be universally accepted as the expectations for the 2025 job market: Cooling Down: The job market is cooling down from the post-pandemic boom. Hiring has slowed, and competition for jobs is increasing. Low rate of voluntary quits continues, but there is the possibility that it will shift back to a job seeker's market in 2025.  Resilience: Despite the slowdown, unemployment remains low, and the economy is still relatively strong. Labor Shortages: Several industries continue to face labor shortages, particularly in low-wage and in-person roles. ·       Diverse Strategies to Address the Labor Shortage: -40% of managers plan to engage contract professionals to fill skills gaps -39% will work with a managed services provider for critical initiatives and functions. -Contract professionals -Project consultants - Managed services providers Skills Focus: The demand for skills like technology, data analysis, and healthcare will continue to grow. ·       Demand for Soft Skills: As the job market shifts, there has been a greater importance placed on soft skills. Soft skills are becoming more sought after, since 79% of leaders believe the longevity of technical skills is limited to five years or less.  ·      AI Impact: Artificial intelligence is increasingly impacting the job market, automating some tasks while creating new roles that require skills in AI and related fields. AI also changes the skills employers need, shifting demand from repetitive tasks to critical thinking and technical expertise. Focus on Upskilling and Reskilling: Workers will need to continually upgrade their skills to remain competitive in the changing job market. ·      Increased Salary Transparency: Pay transparency in job postings has more than doubled since 2020. According to Indeed Hiring Lab, more than 40% of US job postings now include employer-provided salary information. In 2025, even more job postings will list the salary range to attract qualified talent.  ·      Remote Work: Remote work options will likely continue to evolve, with many companies adopting hybrid models. According to HR Executive, 33% of U.S. employers required full-time in-office work in 2024. This number is expected to increase, but not exceed, 50% in 2025. Increased Focus on Employee Well-Being: Companies are increasingly prioritizing employee well-being, offering benefits like flexible work arrangements and mental health support. ·      Skills Over Degrees: Employers are increasingly shifting their focus from traditional credentials, like degrees, to skills-based hiring. This shift allows for a more diverse talent pool and gives candidates without degrees a chance to prove their capabilities through relevant skills.  The rise of certifications and nontraditional educational pathways has significantly influenced this shift.   What all of this means for your job search in 2025: Develop in-demand skills: Identify and develop skills that are highly sought after by employers. Invest in certifications and training from reputable organizations.  Network: Build and maintain strong professional relationships. Customize your resume and cover letter: Tailor your application materials to each specific job. Prepare for interviews: Practice your interviewing skills and research potential employers. ·      Stay Informed: Follow economic and industry updates. Staying informed enables you to anticipate changes rather than react to them. Focusing on trends in your specific industry can also help you identify skill gaps and align your expertise with future demands. This is especially important if you have been out of work for a while.  ·      Wage Expectations: Generally, wages haven't kept up with inflation. Do your homework and set reasonable expectations for compensation.  Expect a Poor Candidate Experience: -Ghosting: Companies often fail to communicate with applicants throughout the process, leaving them feeling undervalued and frustrated.  -Lengthy Processes: Time-consuming applications and multiple rounds of interviews can deter qualified candidates.  ·      Don't Take on Your Job Search in 2025 AloneMarketing Documents – Skills - Mindset My sources for this episode: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Meritamerica.com, insightglobal.com, roberthalf.com  Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2

This is my last episode of 2024. I'm a huge fan of evaluating what went right and what didn't – and what changes you want to make for 2025.  The point I want to make, loud and clear, is that change doesn't have to be massive. Incremental change can be highly effective – and more achievable.  I've used this framework on the podcast before, but it's still great so I'm using it again. I first learned it from my first coach, Denise Hedges. She recently made reference to this 4-step change model in a recent newsletter, which reminded me that I wanted to do this exercise during my planning retreat for next quarter.  Here it goes: STOP … START … CONTINUE … CHANGE. What do you need to STOP doing? Maybe it's something you can delegate. Maybe no one needs to do it anymore.  What do you need to START doing? What is a habit, practice, or activity you want to begin to do? Perhaps you want to commit to a walking program or go back to school for an advanced degree. It could be something simple like intentionally greeting everyone you see on your way into the office every morning.  What do you need to CONTINUE doing? Make sure that, in your efforts to make some changes, you don't throw the good out. Keep engaging in the activities and behaviors that have worked for you this year.  And what do you need to CHANGE about how you're operating? Maybe it is an activity you must do every day, every week, or every month…and you hate it. Is it possible that changing HOW you do the thing could make it less unbearable…or even enjoyable? OR is there a way you could do something more efficiently?  As Denise goes on to say, “Most people go at the change process piecemeal, addressing one or two things at a time in isolation vs. looking systematically at everything that's susceptible to improvement. “And that's not where the gold is. Especially since the things that likely garner most of your attention are problems … things that need fixing … vs. opportunities and enhancements you may be overlooking.” “Stop, start, and change are about doing things differently. It's easy to focus on what needs to be fixed. “Continue” is just as important. Make sure to give yourself credit and acknowledge what's working. Recognize and appreciate what's made you successful and valued by those you serve. Don't concentrate solely on how you can do better.  “You're undoubtedly doing a lot of “right” things and doing a lot of things well.” STOP … START … CONTINUE … CHANGE. Ask yourself these four simple questions and journal your answers. Then come up with a plan to achieve each.  As I wrap up the podcast for 2024, here are mine for you: STOP trying to make other people happy at your own expense. You can't control other people's thoughts or feelings, so focus on your own happiness.  START questioning your beliefs. A belief is a thought you keep thinking…and many of us choose to think thoughts that don't serve us. Even if the belief is true: Does it benefit you to think it?  CONTINUE self-improvement. Never stop learning, growing, and evolving. The opposite of this isn't stagnation, because if you aren't moving forward, you're moving backward.  CHANGE an activity or habit that no longer services you. Bored with your workouts? Take up pickleball. Change the way you go to work every day…or the first five things you do when you get there. Commit to changing your relationship with your boss or a co-worker.  You are brilliant! I know this because you are choosing to listen to my podcast instead of something that doesn't help you grow. I wish you for the happiest of holidays and a wonderful start to 2025.  I'll be here with you every step of the way!   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2  

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Roger Gerard, the owner of Sloan & Gerard Consulting, a private consulting practice serving executives and boards in strategic planning, operational planning, executive coaching, and management development. Roger talks about leadership's important role in employee engagement – and why hiring for cultural fit is so important. Roger walks us through three types of employees a leader may encounter – the cynic, the apathetic, and the naysayer – and how to lead each. Roger's 5 simple promises leaders need to make and keep sound so easy, and yet so few companies actually do this well. We also talk about what an employee can do when leadership isn't holding up their end of the bargain, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Dr. Gerard is the author of Owning the Room: Leading with Mind, Heart and Spirit to Make Extraordinary Choices in a Demanding World and the forthcoming title, Lead With Purpose: Reignite Passion and Engagement For Professionals in Crisis. He also co-authored On the Mend: Revolutionizing Healthcare to Save Lives and Transform the Industry. To connect with Dr. Gerard please visit his website www.rogergerard.com and www.linkedin.com/in/rogerg. Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2

From now until 12/20/2024, I am offering all my services at 50% off. To take advantage, be sure to mention either the "Gift a Better Career" special or just indicate 50% special. Schedule your consult to get the ball rolling at:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2 I receive a periodic newsletter from Suzie Price of pricelessprofessional.com. Suzie and I were in a mastermind together several years ago; Suzie is a consultant for companies who want to improve their hiring efforts. She sent out this “Quick Guide for Hiring” and I wanted to take a look at her steps from both the hiring and candidate side.   Phase 1 - Planning  Clarify Expectations – Be clear about what success looks like in the role.  Identify Key Skills & Behaviors – Know what traits drive high performance. Collaborate – Involve your team for diverse perspectives. Assign Roles – Give each interviewer areas to focus on for well-rounded assessments.  Takeaways for those involved in the hiring: This planning stage is often glossed over – or disjointed from those who will actually be doing the interviewing.  Start with the end in mind: What does this person need to know, do, and be for them to be successful in this role? Be sure you are taking your company's mission, vision, and goals into consideration – otherwise, you may end up with someone who can do the job but isn't a cultural fit for the organization.  Choosing the right people to be involved in this process is critical, as is giving each person a specific focus for the interviewing process. Who will this person interact with, both inside and outside their department?  If you are leading the process, make sure everyone involved knows what the process will be. How many candidates do you plan to interview, and what will that process look like? How and when will selection be made? Set expectations up front – and if you aren't the leader and this isn't being done – ask questions.  Takeaways for candidates: Your homework is to understand more than just the job description. You want to know the company's mission, vision, and goals, the company's history and plans for the future, who its competitors are and where this company fits in to that competition.  You also want to know who you'll be interviewing with, so you can look them up on LinkedIn and get a sense of where they fit into the organization and how you would interact with them on the job. Knowledge is power!   Phase 2 – Interviewing Ask the Right Questions – Behavioral-based questions to assess competencies.  Spot High Performers – Look for traits like accountability and time management.  Stay Neutral – Talk less, listen more. Let candidates reveal themselves. Take Notes – It's not just about what you hear. It's about what you remember. Dig Deeper – If answers are vague, press for specifics. Clarity is key. Sell the Job – Highlight why your company and the role are worth their time.  Takeaways for those involved in the hiring: If your company doesn't have a structured interview process – or if the structure in place isn't working as well as it could – do what you can to effect a more useful process.  Ask each candidate the same set of questions – otherwise, it's very difficult to evaluate them on equal footing. Of course, follow up questions will vary.  While often it is the candidate who navigates the interview process the best who gets the job, the more you can accommodate people's varying preparation levels and different personalities, the more likely you will get the best-fit candidate into the role.  -Try your best to make them comfortable-Ask probing questions when their answers are vague-Keep in mind that introverts aren't likely to interview as well as extraverts Finally – come up with a “commercial” for the company that is consistently delivered to every candidate. Your HR and/or PR department should be involved in this process – and, ideally, certain information should be presented to all candidates regardless of the department or function they are interviewing for.  Takeaways for candidates: I don't want to beat the dead horse of preparing for your interview – I've done that thoroughly in other episodes.  Here's what I do want to say: Look at the body language during your interview. Are you connecting with them – giving them the information they are looking for? If you aren't sure – ask. Offer to provide further details or go in another direction with your response.  Although it can be tricky to try to interpret anything from when are making notes – there may be some clues there, especially if their notes are seemingly very brief.  One more thing – try to connect with each interviewer. Make eye contact.    Phase 3 – Selecting Discuss as a Team – Debrief with your team and compare insights. Be Thorough – Don't rush. Address any red flags. Assess for Fit – It's not just about skills: attitude and culture fit matter too.  Takeaways for those involved in the hiring: It's so important in this phase to remain open to everyone's insights – otherwise, why have multiple people involved?  As for red flags: Determine what additional information you may need and assign someone to get it. Above all, don't ignore them.  Takeaways for candidates: At the end of your interview, thank the interviewers for their time and restate your interest in the position.  You also want to ask what the next steps in the hiring process will be – and offer to follow up at an appropriate time.  Also at the end of the interview, ask this question: “Is there any additional information I can provide to help you make the best possible hiring decision?”  You might have red flags too – don't ignore them! If they occur to you after the interview, follow up on them as appropriate. For example, you might want to follow up on some concerns immediately; others only if you get offered the job.  Send email thank you notes to everyone involved in the hiring process. Here's an example: Dear Jane, Thank you so much for the interview this afternoon. I really enjoyed meeting you and your team – and the tour of your manufacturing facility really helped me see how my role fits into [name of company's] growth goals.  I am confident my experience with [whatever they seemed most interested in during the interview] has prepared me well for the position of inside account manager.  As I understand it, the next step in the hiring process is meeting with the VP of Sales; I look forward to the opportunity to meet with him soon.   From now until 12/20/2024, I am offering all my services at 50% off. To take advantage, be sure to mention either the "Gift a Better Career" special or just indicate 50% special. Schedule your consult to get the ball rolling at:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2    

If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you know that I do an annual list of five unusual things to be thankful for each year during Thanksgiving week. In some cases they are my personal things – and in other cases, they are more observations of the world. In either case, I always bring the five things back around to what you can learn from them. Last year, I borrowed from what I was seeing my clients go through. This year, let's get personal. In no particular order, here we go: #1 – A lull in the action. Of course, we all need time to rest and recuperate – to rejuvenate ourselves. (I'll talk about this later.) What I found this year during a bit of a lull in my client load was the time to THINK.  I thought about the big stuff – the direction I wanted to take my business in, long-term goals, KPI's. I also thought about the small stuff – changes I wanted to make to programs, processes.  I came away from that time feeling more focused and determined. So much so, in fact, that I started building in 2 full days each quarter to work on items on my Action Plan. (aka Get Stuff Done days).  My message for you? Make sure you are allowing time in your schedule for what Stephen Covey calls Quadrant 2 activities – Important, But Not Urgent. Planning, organizing, creating the vision for your future. Whatever that looks like in your world.   #2 – Travel by myself. I did a pretty big thing this year – I took a full week of vacation, out of the country, by myself.  I had people who wanted to go with me…and people who were willing to go on their own terms. I said no to both.  As a single woman, I knew I needed to get over this fear of solo travel. What would people think? Would I be safe? Could I manage the literal heavy lifting by myself? I spent six days in a beautiful resort in the Dominican Republic. I did exactly what I wanted to do, when I wanted to do it. Ate when and where I wanted.  There were no other solo acts in sight. And guess what? I was perfectly okay with that. My message for you? What's your version of Solo Travel? Maybe it actually IS solo travel – or maybe it's saying yes to an activity that scares you, or saying no to something or someone that no longer serves you. Maybe it's seeking out a new position with a new company. Or starting your own business.  Calculate the risk, and if the math says to do it – jump.   #3 – Taking care of myself. I became a card-carrying member of Medicare this year, so I embarked on a massive journey to take care of some things I had put off when I had Obamacare.  Suffice it to say, there were tears of frustration throughout. I remember thinking “how do other people who perhaps aren't as intelligent as me, or have the mental faculties I have, navigate this? I spent hours upon hours following up with various medical specialists who had let my care slip through the cracks.  My message to you: Be your own best advocate. You can play the blame game – I admit to quite a bit of that this year – but you can also keep putting one foot in front of the other and get it done. Whatever it is for you – take care of yourself.   #4 – Doing the emotional dance. I'm not comfortable giving much detail here, other than to say that I learned some valuable lessons this year about how to process other people's opinions of me. How to sift through harsh feedback to determine what was valuable information for me to make changes in my life – and what was someone else's opinion of me and truly none of my business.  My message to you: Growth is rarely comfortable. It requires dissonance and discomfort – otherwise, we wouldn't see the need to grow. The real skill, as I see it, is the sifting part. Not making everything someone says to you mean something in you needs to change – and also not making everything they say mean NOTHING about you.   #5 – Saying it out loud. This one isn't really an unusual thing to be thankful for, but I wanted to include it anyway.  Somewhere along the way this year, I started telling my clients how much I appreciated them. Not in the generic sense, but in the very specific way in which they showed up in the world, in working with me, and in terms of their willingness to grow.  I've told a few clients about my three client tiers: Those I'm glad to see the back of (I'm thrilled to say I've had very, very few of these over the years), the meaty middle of clients I'm happy to work with, and the ones who make me light up when I get to interact with them (these are the only ones I tell about my tiers).  I tell them how proud I am of their willingness to change, how brave they were to reach out to someone like me in the first place, and how intentional they have been about making the changes they wanted to make.  And guess what? They open up and tell me how important I have been to them and how much they appreciate me. That they could not have done it without me.  My message to you: Tell the people in your personal and professional life how they have impacted you. Tell them about the growth you've seen in them. Let them know how you feel about them. Say it out loud. I bet you'll hear it right back. Everybody wins.   I hope you have some type of year-end review and planning for next year coming up. An opportunity for you to review what went well and not so well in 2024 – and the changes you want to make for 2025. Then map out the specific steps you'll take to get there, because a goal without a plan is just a wish.  Then go make 2025 full of unusual things to be thankful for!   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2  

Most organizations assume people leave jobs for better pay or benefits. But the reality is that 70% of employees quit for reasons far beyond money. (Source: Gallup) Here's where it gets interesting. When asked in exit interviews what would make employees STAY, this is what they found: 21% wanted more positive interaction with their manager 13% wanted organizational issues resolved 11% wanted a clear path for career advancement 8% wanted less negative interactions with their boss Employee retention is about much more than paychecks. It's about culture, communication, and career growth. With this data in mind, I want to offer specific steps you can take if you are a) an employee, or b) a manager, or c) a C-suite executive dealing with retention issues.  29% wanted more positive interaction with their managerI've combined the 21% who wanted more positive interaction with the 8% of people who wanted fewer negative interactions with their boss, as these are two sides of the same coin. As an employee: Many employees see themselves as innocent bystanders in this issue, thinking they have no say in how their boss interacts with them.  While there is truth to that – you can't control how your boss thinks or feels – you can facilitate more positive interactions by taking the following steps: -Think positive thoughts about your boss-Understand his or her preferences – for how to be approached, how to receive negative information, how to be kept updated -To the best of your ability, develop a personal relationship with your boss. Learn about his/her family, interests, personal goals.  I did an episode on how to improve your working relationship with your boss in episode #169: https://www.exclusivecareercoaching.com/posts/2021-03-17-169-questions-to-ask-your-manager-to-improve-your-relationship/ As a manager: It is so important that you get to know your direct reports as people with lives outside of work, and that you show understanding and flexibility to the best of your ability when life happens. Specifically: -Schedule regular 1:1s, and don't make them just about work. -Inquire regularly about things you know staff members are doing outside of work, such as building an addition on their home or planning a big vacation. -Celebrate successes – in a way that is inclusive. No, I'm not talking about participation prizes, but rather make sure you are celebrating the variety of ways in which your team members contribute to the team's success. As a C-suite executive: You are the culture-setter for the organization, so be sure you are walking the talk. Your direct reports will be much more likely to develop personal relationships with their direct reports if you model the same.  This is also something you can hire for – ask questions during the interview of senior leadership about their ability to develop mutually beneficial relationships with their direct reports. Avoid, at all costs, hiring people who see their team members as automatons who have no personal lives – or who shouldn't.  Do the same as the managers: 1:1s, inquire about your people's personal lives, and celebrate successes.   13% wanted organizational issues resolvedAs an employee: As a ground-level employee, you may be in the best position to bring such organizational issues to your boss' attention.  -Be specific – don't expect your boss to take your concerns seriously, or be able to do anything about them, if he or she doesn't really understand the problem. -Follow up – if nothing is done after an appropriate amount of time (which depends on how big the issue is and possibly other factors), follow up with your boss in a respectful and professional manner.  -Show gratitude – once change is made, let your boss know how grateful you are in a way that is appropriate for the amount of effort it required.  As a manager: The problems will likely be coming to you, and your willingness to hear them out and do something about them can make or break your reputation as a leader. -Actively see input. Don't just listen when they come to you – invite them to tell you what they would change if they could.  -Don't get defensive. The best way to shut your employees up is to argue with them about what they see as a problem. Listen, don't interrupt, ask questions, and keep the employee appraised of progress toward the solution.  -Reward. Whether the company supports this or you do it on your own, provide a gift card, ½ day off, or something else appropriate to the magnitude of the suggestion. As a C-suite executive: Again – you are the culture-setter and creating a culture where team members are encouraged and rewarded for solving problems is a huge benefit for employee retention, engagement, and productivity.  -Create a suggestion system. You don't have to do this yourself, but rather assign a key member of senior leadership to take the reigns on a suggestion system. Be sure they map out the end-to-end process – and do your best to shoot holes in it so they can make it better. -Along with the suggestion system, have a team member create a reward system that can be evaluated and measured objectively. Make sure you allocate the proper funds for this – it will be money well spent.  -As part of your recruitment process, be sure your recruiters and other key staff members are speaking about your rewards system to prospective employees. Ideally, the marketing team is involved and has branded this program and effectively communicated it throughout the organization.   11% wanted a clear path for career advancementAs an employee: If this is important to you, this should be a question you ask at the interview stage. Decide whether this is a deal breaker for you, and if it is, make sure you don't compromise on it. -Once you know what the logical next step in your career path with the organization should be, meet with your boss to inquire about the specific criteria he or she will use to determine whether you should be promoted.  -Communicate your progress towards that next role regularly with the appropriate person – and always ask if there is anything else you should be doing.  -Create CARL stories around your achievements in your current role that speak to your qualifications for the next role once you have the opportunity to interview for the role.  As a manager: It is your job to know what, if any, career path exists for the various roles you manage.  -Don't wait for your employees to ask – tell them what could be next for them, and what it will take to get there.  -Recognize them for achieving milestones along the path. -Get over yourself. A promotion might mean they leave your department – or even become your peer. Consider this a success story, rather than something to try to avoid.  As a C-suite executive: One of the key components of a successful retention program is clearly defined career paths, along with clearly defined competencies at each level and role. If your HR department hasn't done this – and, of course, regularly updated it – this should be a major initiative.  -This is retreat material – an offsite to look at the entire organization with an eye to how to improve the promotability of various roles. You're thinking about the big picture here – your HR team can then drill down with the specifics.  -Be alert to potential biases that will prohibit or hinder certain groups from achieving the next level. I am reminded of a grocery store years ago that required employees to have been a bagger before being promoted into a management role – and only males were allowed to be baggers.  -As with your rewards system, your career ladders should be communicated throughout your organization and promoted to potential employees, stakeholders, etc.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2  

I talked about the concept of Ikigai back in episode #243. This past week, a colleague posted a graphic about Ikigai and it got me thinking that it was time to re-visit and expand on this concept on the podcast.  Here's the purpose of Ikigai: It is the Japanese answer to a life of purpose. In practice, this concept of Ikigai is a lifestyle, which the Japanese live somewhat instinctively.  We here in America can learn from the Japanese in this regard. Here's a quote from the ikigailiving.com website: “Your Ikigai wakes you up in the morning and leads you away from a mundane, status-quo lifestyle. It empowers you and drives your actions and purpose.”  Ikigai is the intersection of -What you love -What the world needs -What you can be paid for And -What you are good at  What I liked about the graphic my colleague posted was that it shows what I'm going to call “partial Ikigai” – what you end up with when you have two or even three of these things, but not all four. This is where I want to go today. Here's my invitation to you as you listen: For those of you who are living your Ikigai – this is an opportunity for you to sink into gratitude about that. To think through – perhaps even journal on – the ways in which you are at the intersection of what you love, what the world needs, what you can be paid for, and what you are good at.  For those of you who know you AREN'T in Ikigai and those of you who realize it by listening to this episode, I will give some tangible steps you can take at the end. I promise, there is a way to at least move towards your Ikigai without changing everything about your life.   What You Love + What the World Needs = MissionAt this intersection, you are engaged in work you love AND contributing something the world is in need of. You're committed to the environment, let's say, so you find yourself volunteering for several climate groups, save the whales, saving the rain forest. Perhaps you are getting paid for your work, but not at the level your education and experience call for.  What you DON'T have at this intersection is consideration of what you are good at or what you can actually get a paycheck from.  You are committed to the cause, you are fully bought-in to making the world a better place. BUT you are either doing volunteer work or not getting paid enough to live a respectable lifestyle. You also are doing work that you aren't necessarily good at – perhaps loving the cause and your idealism so much that you are square-peg-in-round-holing it.  Result: Burnout and Poverty. You aren't playing to your strengths in this role, which will, eventually, lead to burnout. You will be constantly “picking up” odd jobs or one-off assignments to earn enough to make ends meet. You will likely be denying some desires, such as travel, a home of your own, etc.  Solution: Is it possible for you to get a full-time job with one of the organizations you've volunteered with, or been in a smaller role with? Can you keep the cause you are passionate about, while shifting your role within that organization to one that compensates you and utilizes what you are good at?  Possible Compromise: Start with figuring out what you actually need to earn for the lifestyle you desire (be reasonable). Then consider volunteering for your causes – or supporting them financially.   What the World Needs + What I Can Be Paid For = VocationAt this intersection, you have a very practical occupational decision – devoid of passion. You're being pragmatic, but not taking into consideration what will actually fill your soul.  You've looked at a need, let's say becoming a doctor. You know it pays well, so you go to med school. You have acquired a vocation.  The world needs doctors – but what the world REALLY needs is doctors who truly want to be doctors. Result: Burnout and Dissatisfaction. You aren't playing to what you love and what you are good at in this role. You're making good money, but don't have the time or energy to enjoy your earnings.  Solution: There's nothing wrong with making logical occupational decisions – as long as your passion and skillset are also taken into consideration. Maybe you realize you would much rather conduct cancer research than be in a clinical setting. Perhaps you move into medical device sales.  Possible Compromise: If we're actually talking about leaving the medical field, that can be tough because of the earnings potential. This example, in particular, is one where you really need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture – the quality and balance of your life. This one may require a bigger shift to get on the right path that the other combinations.   What I Can Be Paid For + What I am Good At = ProfessionHere we have included your Strengths, but they are likely your Burnout Skills if you don't also love utilizing them. This is another left-brained decision, because while practical, it won't feed your soul.  I think a good example here would be someone who enters law school because they've always excelled at debate and they think all lawyers make a lot of money. Perhaps they go into private practice afterwards, because their desire to become a public defender or work for a non-profit has taken a back seat to the enormous law school debt they've racked up.  Result: Burnout and Yearning. You long for the non-profit work you were passionate about before law school. You have the trappings of wealth, but become disenchanted with the materialism. You are golden-handcuffed to your occupation.  Solution: Find a way to minimize use of your Burnout Skills and maximizing use of the skills you love to use and are good at. How can you shift your occupation to bring in the passion? Perhaps you sit down with your significant other to see whether serving as an attorney in a non-profit is actually financially viable. What can you do outside of your job to fill your soul, at least in the short term?  Possible Compromise: If you leave the law field, you could still volunteer in some capacity if you still want to use your legal talents in a capacity that fills your soul.   What I am Good at + What I Love = PassionYou are doing the work you love and utilizing your strengths. This decision was 100% right-brained, without consideration of what will make money and what the world actually needs. Perhaps you've always loved working with animals, so you take on a role managing a local non-profit that rescues alpaca. You love the animals and seeing them rehabilitated and moving on to better situations.  Does the world need people doing this work? Yes. The bigger question is, does the world value people doing this work, and the answer may be no. Low pay, relying on grants or donations for basic necessities, and less-than-ideal working conditions are part of the job.  Result: Poverty and Yearning. You may find yourself yearning for more in your life – experiences such as travel or a nice home. You're also frustrated, knowing that, while you are doing the work you love, you can't seem to make a decent living.  Solution: Is there another animal the world values more than alpaca – that will pay better? Is there an organization with wider reach than your local non-profit, that may pay better and have more solid financial footing? Is there a role within the non-profit world that still uses your Motivated Skills but pays better?  Possible Compromise: Find a better-paying job with a cause and work you love – and then you can contribute financially or volunteer to help the alpacas.  Ikigai, then, is the intersection of all of these: -What you love -What the world needs -What you can be paid for -What you are good at  What if you need help in figuring these things out for yourself? Of course, I recommend working with a career coach like myself; I also want to give you some DIY tips. What you love: Journal the aspects of your current and previous jobs as to what you loved about that work. Look at the activities you enjoy outside of work – what do you love about them? Finally, talk to family members and close friends for their insight. What you are good at AND ENJOY DOING: I added that caveat because the things you are good at but DON'T ENJOY DOING are called burnout skills. We want to find your motivated skills. You can take my motivated skills activity as part of my Professional Purpose Course at: https://exclusivecareercoaching.com/free-resources What the world needs: There is no shortage of information in this area; in fact, you may suffer from overload. Ask AI, read books, attend webinars or courses.  What you can be paid for: The US Department of Labor puts out salary data; you can also check out sites like Glassdoor.com or utilize AI to ask about salary expectations. I always recommend looking at job postings from the perspective of the skills and qualifications they are asking for relative to the position you are targeting – how can you maximize your desirability as a candidate?   The bottom line: As I said at the beginning, many of you listening to this will identify as squarely in the Ikigai – doing what you love and are great at, contributing what the world needs in a way that compensates you handsomely.  For those of you who identified one or more missing elements to Ikigai, consider working with a career coach or doing the self-work I just mentioned.  For most of you, Ikigai can be reached with a modification or two – not with starting over in a completely different job function or industry. Even adding one of the missing elements can improve your career satisfaction and move you towards Ikigai. Others of you may be nearing retirement, but with no desire to put the car in park. Rather, this is your opportunity to achieve Ikigai in your second (or third or fourth) career, where perhaps high earnings doesn't have to be the primary driver to the exclusion of true happiness and fulfillment.  Here's that quote again from ikigailiving.com: “Your Ikigai wakes you up in the morning and leads you away from a mundane, status-quo lifestyle. It empowers you and drives your actions and purpose.”   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2   

I talked about this topic way back in episode #150, which aired in 2020. I thought it was time to bring it back. The framework I teach my clients for answering behavioral interview questions is CAR(L). C – Challenge A-     Action R – Result (L) – Lessons Learned The “L,” when used correctly, can be incredibly powerful in driving home exactly what you want the interviewer to learn about you from your answer. “L” can take two forms: Lessons Learned – “What I learned from this situation was…”OR“What I think the story demonstrates about me is…” I think the beauty is in examples, so here are three:  Example #1Interviewer: “Tell me about a time when your customer service skills were really put to the test.” C: In my current role as branch vice president, customer concerns are escalated to me. By the time the issue comes to me, the customer is often angry and frustrated. Just recently, I received an escalation at one of my branches concerning a customer who claimed the bank had stolen money out of her account – and she was understandably furious. A: I knew this was not a situation to be handled over the phone, so I set up a time to meet with her at a neutral location where we would have privacy. I felt this environment would be less stressful for her than to go into her branch. When we first met, I worked to establish a connection with her – not as an officer of the bank, but as a human who was concerned about her issue. I didn't want to dive right into the problem – I wanted to put her at ease. When I asked her about the situation, I asked her if I could make some notes. While she was talking, I didn't interrupt to ask questions – I wrote my questions down for later. When I asked questions, I made sure they didn't sound accusatory or defensive. I then promised her I would fully investigate the situation and get back to her in one week. R: After conducting my investigation, I found that a cosigner on her account had, without her knowledge, withdrawn the money in question, and I was able to tell the customer who that person was. I did this in a compassionate way, knowing that she would likely feel embarrassed about the situation. I think the best indicator of how this turned out was that the customer baked cookies for the branch staff and sent me a personal thank you note. (L): What I think this demonstrates about my customer service skills is my patience, how attuned I am to maintaining everyone's dignity and privacy, and ability to find a problem that others couldn't.   Example #2Interviewer: “This position requires extreme attention to detail. Describe a time when you had to exhibit exceptional levels of attention to detail.” C: Earlier this year, my boss asked me to conduct a final proof on our annual investors' report. This document had already been reviewed by 2 others, and I think my boss expected that I would give a quick review and rubber stamp it. A: Instead, I decided to fact-check everything. I clarified how much time I could have for the project – it wasn't much time. So I worked evenings and over a holiday weekend to complete my assignment. R: I was able to find four number errors that would have had significant impact if sent out. I also found a number of grammatical and spelling errors, which I also corrected. As a result, I received a personal note from my boss, commending me for my efforts – and I am now the designated final reviewer of our annual investors' reports. (L): What I learned from this assignment is that sometimes I need to go deeper than what is asked or expected of me. Had I just given the document a quick review, I would never have found all the errors I did – and the results would have been significant.   Example #3Interviewer: “Tell me about a time when you turned around an underperforming project.”  C: Last year, I was asked to take over leadership of a team that was evaluating the company's existing wellness program to make recommendations for improvement.The previous project manager had so much on her plate that this project wasn't prioritized and the team hadn't met in several months. A: Once I was assigned the project, I immediately got the old team together. My first priority was to determine if the existing team needed to be reconfigured moving forward – either because some members weren't committed to the project, or because their expertise didn't fit into the work we needed to do. Once I reconfigured the team, we set up regular meetings with specific agenda items – everyone knew what we would be doing at each meeting. This really helped with attendance. I reviewed the previous meeting notes and made decisions about the various facets of this project, and what order they should happen in. I ran this by the team for feedback and made the necessary changes. I also made sure to give assignments as appropriate – this was “our” project, not just mine. And I built in accountability for those assignments. R: As a result, we completed the project within the revised timeline and budget. I sent surveys to the team members, who expressed very high levels of satisfaction with me as the project manager and their contributions to the team. The team received formal commendations from our company president and CHRO. (L): What I think this project demonstrates about me is my ability to come into something mid-stream and evaluate, make correction, and leverage my leadership strengths to bring the team to cohesion, engagement, and ultimately project success.  Interested in interview coaching with me? Shoot me an email at lesa@exclusivecareercoaching.com. 

My guest this week is Cheryl Fields Tyler, CEO and Founder of Blue Beyond Consulting. We are talking about the challenges – and rewards – of having multiple generations in the workforce (Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z). Cheryl tells about the key takeaways from her research – both for younger workers and those who lead them – including the skills you need to work in a multi-generational work environment, the differences and commonalities in workers' needs and requirements, and how to leverage a range of strengths in a diverse workplace. Cheryl has worked for more than 30 years in helping organizations build cultures where both the business and the people thrive. She has been featured in media including CNBC, BBC, Fast Company, and Forbes. In 2020, Cheryl received the For All Leader Award from the Great Place to Work Institute, and under her leadership, Blue Beyond has been repeatedly recognized as one of the Best Small & Medium Workplaces by FORTUNE and as an Inc. 5000 company. You can find Cheryl Fields Tyler at:www.bluebeyondconsulting.comlinkedin.com/in/cherylfieldstyler Want a copy of Cheryl's research?https://www.bluebeyondconsulting.com/winning-on-the-people-side-of-business/ Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2

I could have subtitled this episode “Beating Yourself Up for What Didn't Get Done vs. Celebrating What Did Get Done.” In other words, when you don't do it all (and when do we), what do you make it mean? I want to address this topic relative to three issues: Your job search, your work performance, and your life outside work. Here's a typical scenario: You decide to look for a new job. You tell yourself you are going to consistently devote 10 hours a week towards your efforts. You're going to network, look on LinkedIn…all the things. The next thing you know, a month has gone by and you've made little progress. Work or home life got in the way. You're just too busy. Maybe you actually did quite a bit towards your job search – but have no results to show for it. You have two choices at this point: Give up or regroup. Your choice is largely determined by the story you tell yourself in this moment.If you tell yourself:“I don't know what I'm doing.”“No one wants to hire me.”“I don't deserve a new job anyway.”You are going to make a very different decision than if you tell yourself:“I am going to sit down today and map out a plan for my job search – and calendar it in.”“I have found jobs before and I can do it again.”“I let other things get in the way of my job search – but that is in the past.”Here's what I am recommending in that moment: Tell yourself the truth – but don't beat yourself up. Don't make excuses for what happened (or didn't happen) – be compassionate and understanding towards yourself. Next, I recommend that you write out what you HAVE done. Chances are, you have made some progress, so write it out and give yourself the credit due. The next thing I want you to do is fill up a page with positive things you believe about yourself relative to the situation. For example, if you planned to lose 10 pounds over a three-month period and only lost three pounds, what do you know to be true about you?-I have lost weight before, so I know I can do it again-I DID lose three pounds-I have started to kick my sugar addiction-I've learned how to prepare healthier meals-I've added a lot of plant-based foods in my diet-I've started a walking programYou get the idea. Now you're focusing on your progress rather than that seven-pound gap. I also want to address the doing side of this situation, with seven suggestions to increase your chances for success going forward. #1 – Map out a realistic plan#2 – Calendar it in#3 – Check in regularly on your progress (or lack of), and make any necessary changes#4 – When you encounter an obstacle, find a solution (it's only failure if you stop trying) #5 – Get help if/when you feel you need it#6 – Celebrate your success – and not just at the end#7 – Adopt IT's “Lessons Learned” approach To summarize: When you fail to meet a goal for yourself, it's important to be kind to yourself and objectively look at the goal and your progress toward it. -Does the goal need to be revised? Do you need this goal at all? Is the problem with the goal itself, or the timeline you've set for that goal? -What are you making this “failure” mean – and does that meaning support you?-What do you need to think to increase your chances for success going forward? -How else can you set yourself up for success going forward?Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2

So, full disclosure: I wanted to do an episode on networking, covering it from a perspective I haven't yet addressed. That's not always easy when you've done more than 300 episodes! I've done episodes on how to network throughout your career, but today I wanted to focus on networking as a major component of your job search strategy. I ended up deciding to pull pieces from some other episodes I've done on networking while also adding fresh, new content. So here goes. Why Should I Network? -As many as 85% of jobs are gotten through networking, with 70% or more of all jobs being in the Hidden Job Market. -Hiring managers like to hire people they know. In the absence of people the hiring managers personally know, they like to hire people who are known by people the hiring managers know, like, and trust. Many companies have a referral program for this very reason. -When you are just applying online to the company's website or via sites like LinkedIn, it is akin to being in a very crowded auditorium, trying to get the attention of the people on stage. It's very difficult.  -When you have a conversation with a decision maker in the absence of a posted job, you are in competition with no one. This is where the real magic happens. -Even when you have a world-class resume and superior LinkedIn profile like the ones I create for my clients, you are still not fully dimensional. That can only happen through personal interaction. -Once you've established a relationship with someone who is in a position to hire you or advocate for you, your shortcomings as they relate to the job qualifications may become less significant. Keep in mind that, as you network, you aren't asking people for a job. You are asking for leads, referrals, suggestions – and hopefully, for them to make an introduction on your behalf. Group NetworkingIf you are looking in your local area for an opportunity, an in-person networking event may be a great option for you. Keep in mind, however, that even if you are looking for positions in another city or state or a remote opportunity, the people you meet at a local networking event will have friends, colleagues, and family members in a wide range of roles as a wide range of companies – possibly even throughout the world. My recommendation is to identify 2-3 potential group networking opportunities, then give each at least two tries before crossing them off your list. Here are some suggestions: -Chamber of Commerce -Rotary, Kiwanis, and other service clubs -Your place of worship -Your university alumni association -Meetup/Facebook events -Events you attend on your own – if there are people there, you can network -Professional association meetings (your own and others') -Educational/training event -Causes you volunteer with/are on the board of In addition, there are online networking events, especially since Covid. I belong to a group called Ellevate Women's Network – do some googling and see what you can find that interests you. How to Work the EventThis depends, of course, on the setup of the event, but I want to give you some tips and considerations. -Set a goal. Depending on the overall size and composition of the group, decide ahead of time how many people you want to speak with. Alternatively, you may decide to network until you find someone who ____ (fill in the blank). -The all-important first impression. Smile, give a strong handshake, make eye contact as you introduce yourself. Repeat the other person's name as a way to help you remember it. -First be interested, then interesting. So many people get hung up on what they are going to say. Instead, focus on getting the other person to talk. Come up with a couple of questions you can ask everyone you meet. For example:            -What book that you've read has had the biggest impact on you?            -Are you a dog or a cat person – and why?            -What's one thing on your bucket list? The common thread here is that these aren't questions everyone else is asking, and the person you are asking them of won't have a canned answer for you. They will have to drop into the present and actually think about their answer! And you'll learn something interesting about them. -Position yourself strategically. If people are standing around, stay out of the corners of the room. A good place to stand is near the food or drink areas. If you are attending a seated event such as a luncheon, choose a table that is already about ½ full – and where the people already at the table don't seem to be in a private huddle. Don't sit with people you already know. Here are some lines you can try at the table to get the conversation going:            -Who has attended the event before? (Then ask those who say “yes” what they have found most beneficial about it)            -What is everyone reading right now?            -Who has seen a really good movie lately? One-on-One NetworkingMost people only think of networking with the people they already know – what I call “low-hanging fruit.” Their approach sounds something like this:            “I'm looking for a job. If you think of anything, let me know.” In one ear and out the other. It isn't that they don't WANT to help you, it's that you haven't really given them a WAY to help you. Identify 10-12 companies you want to work for – those that are an ideal fit with your skills, the culture you thrive in, your preferred geographic location, products/services you believe in, etc. Then used LinkedIn's Advanced Search function to find:           -Someone you know who works there, or has worked there recently            -Someone who is connected to the decision maker            -Centers of Influence How to Steer the ConversationNetworking, when done correctly, is an exchange among equals. You are giving as much value as you are receiving.  If the meeting is 30 minutes, spend the first 20-25 talking about the other person. What projects are they working on? What new challenges are they facing? What's keeping them up at night? At minimum, you are providing a listening ear. You might also be able to suggest strategies, tools, resources, vendors, or other things that will help them. Then they are likely to say something like, “We've talked about me this whole time! What's going on with you?” You will have an ask prepared, based on your research of them on LinkedIn. Here's an example: “I'm in the early stages of looking for my next opportunity, leveraging my success at COMPANY as YOUR ROLE. I saw on LinkedIn that you are connected to NAME and she's someone I would love to speak with. Would you be willing to introduce me?” Now you have given the other person a specific ask – something concrete they can do for you. They may not know that person well (or at all) and may suggest someone else they can introduce you to – and that's okay. How to Incorporate Networking into Your Job Search-Just starting out: 25% of your time should be spent in networking-based activities -Mid-career: 50% -Senior-level and executive: 75% - 100% -If you are a full-time job seeker: 30 hours per week on your job search -Part-time job seeker: 5 hours per week on your job search You can do the math.   If you are a high-achieving professional with the goal of landing in the C-suite, the Highly Promotable coaching program may be just the ticket! This 1:1 program is targeted to strategically leverage one of your strengths to become a signature strength — and move the needle on one of your developmental areas so it becomes a strength.  This is a four-figure investment in your professional future! If this sounds like just what you need, schedule a complimentary introductory call to determine if you are a fit for Highly Promotable:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/highly-promotable-introductory-call 

This week we are talking about hybrid work – specifically, what it is, why it's such a hot topic, and where it's heading.  My guest this week is Wayne Turmel, Master Trainer and Coach with The Kevin Eikenberry Group. Wayne Turmel has been writing about how to develop communication and leadership skills for almost 30 years. He has taught and consulted at Fortune 500 companies and startups around the world. For the last 18 years, he's focused on the growing need to communicate effectively in remote and virtual environments. Wayne defines hybrid work strategy for us – what it is and what it most definitely is not – and how that definition has evolved since Covid. We get a peek into the future of hybrid work, as well as the generational implications of onsite, fully remote, and hybrid work preferences.  You can find Wayne on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayneturmel/or at The Kevin Eikenberry Group.  You can grab a copy of 25 Tips for the Long-Distance Leader at kevineikenberrygroup.com/25tips.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2   

To purchase a Power Hour and schedule your coaching session:https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/power-hour  Some of my coaching friends and I call it “shoulding” all over yourself. Thinking that things “should” be a certain way. In other words, we argue with reality – and you can never win that argument.  How does “shoulding” apply to your job? You might believe: -My job SHOULD pay XXX. -I SHOULD have more ___ in my job. -I SHOULD have gotten a promotion and pay raise by now. -I SHOULD have a better boss/coworkers.  -I SHOULD be more recognized for my contributions.  You get the idea.  Here's the problem with “shoulding:” you are operating from a place that guarantees frustration, anger, helplessness…whatever the emotion, they are all negative.  Even “shoulds” that sound innocuous can bring about the wrong emotions: -I SHOULD do a better job. -I SHOULD like my job better. -I SHOULD be more like ___(coworker).  -I SHOULD know how to do X. Again – you get the idea.How does “shoulding” play into this week's topic of “It's Not Your Job's Job to Make You Happy?” For one thing, the title indicates that you might think your job SHOULD provide you with happiness. Let's talk about that. Where is it written that your job should make you happy? Of course, we can talk about what we would prefer in a job or work environment, but really – what SHOULD our job do? -Provide some form of compensation in return for some type and level of work.  -Provide you a safe work environment. (all that implies) -For most full-time employees in the U.S., provide you with health insurance.  And that's about it. And we all probably know of people that didn't even receive those things.  So, really what I am saying here is to manage your expectations about what your job is supposed to do for you. For one thing, this puts you in a passive position with little to no control over your own happiness. Here are seven specific suggestions for managing your expectations about your job, your employer, your boss, or your coworkers.  #1 – Manage your thoughts.What are you thinking about your job? Your boss? That co-worker?  We know that our thoughts lead to how we feel. If we are thinking negative thoughts, we might feel sad, frustrated, hopeless…none of which serves us.  Start with awareness of the thoughts when they come up, then gently replace them with something less negative.  For example, “I hate this job!” can become “I like that I get to work from home.” Find something better to focus on.   #2 – Avoid comparisons.If your friend or significant other loves, loves, loves their job…that has no bearing on your job and your experience. You may know of others at your company that love their jobs – no relevance to you. This kind of comparison does not serve you.   #3 – Stay proactive.When you find yourself lamenting about a project you've been put on, a co-worker you have to partner with, or feedback you've gotten from your boss…what can you do to improve the situation? How can you contribute to the project in a way that feels good to you, how can you have a more positive experience with that co-worker, how can you make improvements based on the feedback from your boss?  Take positive action – you'll feel better.   #4 – Deliver excellence regardless. I encourage you to have this goal: That you can look yourself in the mirror at the end of each day and know you did your absolute best. Not to make your boss or someone else happy, but because of how it makes YOU feel. Your absolute best isn't a constant either – so give yourself some grace when your absolute best isn't all that great.   #5 – Remain in your Sphere of Influence.Stephen Covey talks about your Circle of Concern – those things over which you have no control – versus your Sphere of Influence – where you can affect change. Living in your Circle of Concern produces helplessness, frustration, and negativity. Your Sphere of Influence allows you to get to work on the things that matter to you. That's where you want to live.   #6 – Remember – it could ALWAYS be worse. While I don't want you to compare yourself to others who say they have the perfect job, I DO want you to realize that there are those who: -Don't have a job at all-Have a job doing something you would hate to do You get the idea. I used this strategy in my life at the worst time of my life. I won't go into details, but at about the same time the crisis happened in my life, there was a much worse crisis that happened to a physician in Connecticut that wiped out his entire family.  He will never know what a touchstone he was for me – if he could handle his situation with the grace and positivity he did, then so could I.  #7 – Get your happiness elsewhere. Ultimately, your happiness is an inside job, so look inward. Also – get clear on what happiness means to YOU – what will it take for you to be more happy, more often? Do you need time in nature on the weekends? Time with friends? Alone time? Do you need a run with your four-legged best friend?  When we release our jobs from being a source of happiness, we might actually find more happiness at work.   So here's the bottom line: Quit “shoulding” all over yourself. Allow yourself not to expect things from your job, your boss, your coworkers — other than the basics of safely, compensation, and maybe some insurance — then be pleasantly surprised when something good happens.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2 

My guest this week is Hannah Tackett, software design manager turned burnout coach, and we are talking about the success traps that lead to burnout. Hannah describes her personal journey with burnout, what burnout actually IS (and isn't), and the signs you are on your way to burnout.  Having navigated her own career-halting burnout, she helps high-achieving women end the cycle of people-pleasing & perfectionism so they can experience success with energy, focus, and serenity. I found the success traps that lead to burnout fascinating – and completely understandable. But Hannah doesn't leave us hanging – she gives tips for heading off burnout and returning to balance.  You can find Hannah at: https://serenesuccess.net/ You can find Hannah's Burnout Score Quiz at: https://serenesuccess.net/score  If you are a high-achieving professional with the goal of landing in the C-suite, the Highly Promotable coaching program may be just the ticket! This 1:1 program is targeted to strategically leverage one of your strengths to become a signature strength — and move the needle on one of your developmental areas so it becomes a strength.  This is a four-figure investment in your professional future! If this sounds like just what you need, schedule a complimentary introductory call to determine if you are a fit for Highly Promotable:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/highly-promotable-introductory-call  

Want to schedule a Power Hour with me? Here's the link to sign up through September:https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/power-hourA buzz word I'm hearing and seeing a lot these days is “Growth Mindset.” I even mentioned in a recent episode.  Full disclosure: While I have an idea of what a Growth Mindset is, I didn't really know until I did the research for this episode.  As I've said before, sometimes my topics come from what clients and prospective clients are asking me, sometimes from what I'm reading and hearing in the zeitgeist, and sometimes from my own knowledge gap.  Here's a definition of a Growth Mindset:  “The belief that a person's abilities can be improved through effort, learning, and persistence. It's about how a person approaches challenges, processes failures, and adapts and evolves as a result. People with a growth mindset believe that their skills and intelligence can be developed, and that they can continue to learn and become more intelligent. They tend to be more willing to engage in deliberate practice and continuous learning and are more likely to seek out new opportunities for learning and skill acquisition.” Stanford professor Carol Dweck first discussed the concept of growth mindset in her 2006 book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, which was based on her study of students' and children's attitudes towards failure. Some key elements of a growth mindset include: Intelligence can be developedPeople with a growth mindset believe that intelligence is not static but can be developed.  Embrace challengesPeople with a growth mindset are willing to take on challenges and persist in the face of setbacks.  See effort as a path to masteryPeople with a growth mindset understand that skill development requires effort and believe that their success depends on time and effort.  Learn from criticismPeople with a growth mindset are open to learning from criticism and input from others.  Find inspiration in the success of othersPeople with a growth mindset can find inspiration in the success of others.   On Sunbright Education's website, I found this comparison of a Growth Mindset vs. a Fixed Mindset: Believes that intelligence and talent can be improved VSBelieves that intelligence and talent are fixed The Growth Mindset leads to embracing flaws and mistakes as opportunities for growth, accepting setbacks as part of the learning process, and feeling empowered to reach goals.  The Fixed Mindset leads to hiding flaws and mistakes, feeling ashamed about “failures,” giving up easily, and being unmotivated to strive for, or achieve, goals.  Here are some keyword comparisons:  Developed IQ vs. Innate IQMotivation vs. ResistanceEffort vs. InertiaAcceptance vs. GuiltInspiration vs. ComparisonsFeedback vs. Criticism There has been a lot of neuroscientific research into Growth Mindset, with studies showing differences in brain chemistry, improved academic performance, reduced burnout, fewer psychological issues, and others. What we're really talking about here is neuroplasticity – which has been directly correlated to things like Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders.  I'm pretty sure that most of my listeners have a Growth Mindset – after all, you're listening to this podcast to grow professionally, aren't you?  There may, however, be areas where you haven't developed your Growth Mindset as well as in other areas. Here are some tips for practicing some Growth Mindset self-talk: “This task is really hard because I'm still developing my problem-solving skills in this area” VS. “I'm finding this task hard because I'm stupid/I'm not naturally good at this sort of thing.” “I'm not a “math person” – yet! I just need to keep working at it!” VS. “I'm not a math person. I'd like to be, but it's just not one of my strengths.” “When I struggle with something, it means I'm learning.” VS. “When I struggle with something, it means I'm a failure.” “I didn't do great, but I don't have to get it perfect this time. I just need to grow my understanding step by step.” VS. “I didn't do great, but I tried my best. What's the point in trying again if I didn't get it perfect this time?”   Here's a mantra I say to myself whenever I'm tackling something new and difficult:“This is hard, and I can do hard things.” I have talked often on this podcast about Winning vs. Learning, rather than Winning vs. Losing. The only way you lose is if you stop trying.  How can we develop a Growth Mindset? Here are 10 strategies, according to the website futurelearn.com: #1 – Identify your own current mindset (awareness) #2 – Revisit areas in which you've already made improvements (self-efficacy) #3 – Review the success of others (self-efficacy) #4 – Seek feedback (openness) #5 – Harness the power of “yet” (weaknesses aren't fixed) #6 – Learn something new (get out of your comfort zone) #7 – Make mistakes (practice learning from them)  #8 – Be kind to yourself (self-talk) #9 – Look at examples (study others) #10 – Set realistic goals (challenge yourself, but don't set yourself up for failure)   I thought I would leave you with some Growth Mindset quotes I like: “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” Colin Powell “Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.” Roger Crawford “Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.” Samuel Johnson  Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2 

This week, I have a guest to talk about workplace health and wellbeing benefits. Heather Fuselier is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, author, trainer, and employee wellbeing consultant.  We talk about the evolution of workplace health-related benefits and where they are now (this is really interesting!), how to ask about these types of benefits during a job interview (and who to direct your questions to), and how to take advantage of the right benefits for you once you're on the job.  We have a lively discussion around what a comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits offering should look like – and what a company's offerings say about them as a caring, inclusive employer (or not).  Heather is the author of Happy Healthy You: Breaking the Rules for a Well-Balanced Life. She has led the award-winning employee wellbeing efforts for the City of Tallahassee's 3,000+ employees and has recently joined the team of virtual healthcare provider First Stop Health as a Senior Health Coach.  You can find Heather on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/heather-fuselier-board-certified-health-coach-1a40338/  Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2  

There are two basic types of leadership: Positional and Influential. The first is a leadership role where it is in your job description to lead others; the second is leading by influence rather than by any type of formal authority to do so.  What exactly is influence? Merriam-Webster defines it as “the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.” Note that the definition of influence is neutral: your influence could be positive or negative. You could influence like Martin Luther King, JR….or like Charles Manson.  To be clear: You can be a positional leader who leads by positive influence…I highly recommend it. This way, you are building trust, motivation, and the loyalty of your team. Yes, they have to do what you tell them to do because you are their boss, but how much better for them to do it because they are loyal to you, the team, and the company?  What's the definition of leadership? Cambridge Dictionary defines it like this: “The people in control of a group, country, or situation.” Notice how basic this definition is?  MUCH has been written about the qualities and characteristics of a great leader…the types of leaders…etc. But leadership, as defined by Cambridge Dictionary, simply means whoever's in charge of whatever.  Today, I want to talk about how to influence others when you don't have the authority to do so. Why is this important? Here are six reasons: #1 – You've been placed into a leadership role for a project where the other members of the team don't report directly to you. While you will likely be asked to give feedback to each team member's direct supervisor at some point, you aren't their boss.  #2 – You want to be considered for your first leadership role. Being able to give examples of when you led by influence will significantly help your candidacy. You'll also be sharpening your leadership skills along the way.  #3 – You've led before and want to do so on a larger scale. As with the previous example, being able to give an example of how you performed as an influential leader will help your chances for getting a positional leadership role.  #4 – You want to become a better version of yourself. Your efforts to inspire and motivate others will strengthen your best personality traits.  #5 – You want to get a better result. If you are part of a team that isn't performing to its capacity, your ability to lead by influence might very well enhance your project's outcome.  #6 – To build team cohesion. Building trust, gaining people's buy in, and feeling like the team has each other's backs is a great feeling – and a highly valued skill.  What are the characteristics of someone who is successful in leading by influence? -Confidence. If you project confidence, your team will gain confidence in you. If you are jittery, panicky, and indecisive…your team will not likely have confidence in you and your decisions.  -Expertise. If you have a reputation as a thoughtful, nuanced, and critical thinker, people will hear you out when you propose a new idea. -Emotional Intelligence. You listen to their needs, understand their point of view, and help them develop solutions to problems they bring up.   Here are nine strategies for leading with influence rather than authority. Some of these speak to actions you can take in your day-to-day work life, whereas others are specific to being on a group project or team where there is an opportunity to lead through influence.  #1 – Use your expertise. You don't want to sound like a know-it-all, of course, but using your knowledge of your work function or industry can help you make powerful recommendations and requests. We're not talking about bragging, but rather not being hesitant to mention an accomplishment, an award you recently received, or other skill or competency you possess. Learning how to self-promote without coming across as a know-it-all is a valuable skill. #2 – Build relationships throughout your organization. Build genuine relationships by practicing active listening, showing empathy, and being approachable. Ideally, some of those relationships should be with others who lead through influence, so you can learn from them.  #3 – Create an open environment. By creating a transparent and open environment with communication flow and collaboration, you will be in a much better position to lead by influence.  #4 - Understand your audience. Get to know your team members, their motivations, backgrounds, and goals. Frame your interactions with them accordingly.  #5 – Expect resistance. No matter how well you navigate this process, there will be those who resist your attempts to lead by influence. Allow them the opportunity to air their grievances without becoming defensive.  #6 – Be a team player. Deliver on your promises, suggest great ideas, and know when to take a back seat so others can shine. Help your colleagues out by taking on extra work or staying late when needed.  #7 – Recognize other people's work styles. Whenever possible, adapt to the work style of the group as a whole or certain individuals. You're not trying to be someone you aren't, you're simply showing flexibility and an ability to read the room.  If you are working with an individual or group that prefers to brainstorm for quite a while before deciding on a course of action – do your best to accommodate that. If the individual or group tends towards decisiveness – do your best to accommodate that.  #8 – Simplify things. Utilize your verbal and written communication skills to succinctly express your project proposal or idea; busy people don't have time to try to interpret a complex proposal.  #9 – Spread positivity. Regularly give recognition, maintain a positive outlook, and approach situations with a growth mindset. People will gravitate towards you – and want to work with you.  Here's my bottom line for you today: DO NOT wait until you're in a leadership position to exercise your leadership skills…you may never get the opportunity. Rather, look for strategic opportunities to lead by influence, and be sure to keep track of those situations as you update your resume and LI profile.  One more excellent tip: As you have these opportunities and experience success around leading by influence, ask those who had a front-row seat to write you a recommendation about that experience for your LI profile. This is so powerful: rather than just you saying you were a tremendous success, a third-party expert is extolling your strengths.   If you are a high-achieving professional with the goal of landing in the C-suite, the Highly Promotable coaching program may be just the ticket! This 1:1 program is targeted to strategically leverage one of your strengths to become a signature strength — and move the needle on one of your developmental areas so it becomes a strength.  This is a four-figure investment in your professional future! If this sounds like just what you need, schedule a complimentary introductory call to determine if you are a fit for Highly Promotable:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/highly-promotable-introductory-call

I touched on all aspects of the job interview as an internal candidate in episode #202:  https://exclusivecareercoaching.com/posts/2021-11-10-202-how-to-prepare-for-the-interview-as-an-internal-candidate In that episode, I spoke briefly about how to approach your questions for the interviewer – today I want to dive more deeply into this.   1.    You CANNOT be canned or generic. One of the things I work with my interview coaching clients on is how to develop well-thought-out, unique questions that are based on your research of the company. Taking your questioning to the next level by asking specific questions that are not plug and play – meaning you won't be asking these same questions in your next interview with a different company.  This is essential when you are an internal candidate. “Tell me about a typical day on the job” never really cuts it – but especially in this situation.  I have to say – I looked up what was online when I was preparing for this episode, and what I found was exclusively the generic, interchangeable stuff that is no different from the drivel being suggested for external candidates. I boldly say: Listen to ME on this one.   2.    Approach your questions from the perspective of “What do I ACTUALLY need to know to evaluate this opportunity?” Assuming you aren't in a desperate situation, such as your position is being eliminated and it's either this role or the highway, you should be interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you.  So many candidates develop questions they think will impress the interviewer – or they see this phase of the interview as a box to be checked, rather than a critical part of the process.  Of course, this point applies to external candidates, as well – but I felt it needed to be said.   3.    Start your questions with what you DO know.  Here's an example: “I'm very knowledgeable about our company's customer service expectations and how we adhere to them in my current department, which works with external clients. How have you operationalized those expectations with your customer base, which is entirely internal?”  Here's another example: “I understand from speaking with some of the members of your team that a priority for your department is X. I think I have a pretty good idea of what my role in X would be, but could you fill in some details for me?”  4.    Ask follow-up questions, when appropriate, that continue to show your knowledge of the organization.  The more you speak to the interviewer as the internal candidate you are, the more they see you in their role.  Not every question will warrant follow-up, so use good judgment here.  Here are follow-up questions based on my previous initial questions:  “That makes complete sense that you have adapted the company's policy of response time to make it even quicker for internal stakeholders to get a response from you! How do you measure success on this policy and how have you gotten your team onboard?” “As I understand it, my role with X initially will be [rephrase what they said]. Do you see me becoming more involved with X after my first 90 days on the job?”  5.    Leverage transferability whenever possible.  Another tremendous tool at your fingertips as an internal candidate is showing the relevance of what you have done, and are doing, in your current role to the role you're interviewing for.  This further positions you as an internal candidate who can get up to speed more quickly – and it will make you sound more intelligent.  Example: Let's say the interviewer asks, “Tell me about a situation when you had to help motivate a team you weren't the leader of.” Your answer: “As you know, every department in the company has had a role to play in Project Z – and in our department, I was part of a team that was developing an application to help employees do ___. Our team was really struggling with ___, but instead of powering through, I sensed that the team was getting discouraged.” Go on to tell the Actions, Results, and Lessons Learned for that behavioral answer.   In summary, the bar is higher when you are an internal candidate, in that your level of questioning HAS to be elevated – you don't have an option to phone it in with generic questions. Do your homework and bring your A game.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2 

Today, I want to talk about online job scams – as in, scammers that are posting fake jobs to get your personal information. I got a lot of the information for this episode from a LinkedIn article by Muhammed Imran Khan. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost $490M to job scams in 2023.  Types of Job Scams Phishing Scams – Scammers pose as legitimate recruiters or employers. They request personal information or redirect job seekers to a fake website, where they ask for sensitive data such as social security numbers, bank account details, or login credentials. The scammers then either steal your identity or access your accounts – or both.  Fake Job Offers – Scammers post jobs with attractive salaries and benefits but require applicants to pay an upfront fee – for training materials, certifications, or background checks.  Pyramid Schemes – Think Amway, but illegitimate. No one is selling anything; you are recruited to recruit others and make an initial investment.  Payment Scams – Scammers post fake jobs that require applicants to accept funds on behalf of the company or transfer money internationally – making the job seeker an accomplice in money laundering.  Resume Harvesting – Scammers use fake jobs to collect resumes to sell personal information to third partes. Keep your address and other personally identifiable information off your resume. Third-Party Job Application Services – You should never pay a service that purports to help improve your chances of getting a job – they often charge exorbitant fees with no actual guarantee of employment. A legitimate company of this type will be paid by employers – not candidates.  Overpayment Scams – This one is particularly prevalent in work-from-home schemes. The “employer” overpays the employee via check, then immediately asks to be reimbursed for the overpayment. The employer's check bounces, and the employee is out the reimbursement.  I also want to briefly mention some of the specific types of jobs that lure in scammers. Besides work-from-home and pyramid schemes I've already talked about, there are scams for nannies, caregivers, personal assistants, mystery shoppers, modeling, and government/postal service jobs. Follow my suggestions for verifying these jobs – and never pay upfront. In some cases, these jobs could actually be dangerous.   Spotting Job Scams Grammatical and Typographical Errors – Misspelled or misused words, sentence structure that isn't typical, and missing words are all red flags. Vague Job Descriptions – Think about it: a legitimate company will want to provide detailed information about the job responsibilities, requirements, and company so they attract the right candidates (and eliminate others). Scammers often provide limited or ambiguous details.  Promises of High Salaries with Minimal Effort – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This includes work-from-home schemes that require you to pay for lists or materials to perform the work.  Requests for Personal Information – Legitimate employers may request information like social security numbers, bank account details, or copies of official identification documents – be cautious if a recruiter or job posting requests this information upfront.  No Company Website or Contact Information – These jobs could be posted by a recruiter who wants to keep that information to himself, so it isn't automatically a scam. Be cautious when you can't look the company up beforehand.  Unprofessional Communication – If recruiters' messages are unprofessional, contain excessive grammatical errors, or use atypical language, it may be a scam. This can also include emails sent from a personal, rather than company, address. Also be aware of things moving too quickly. Atypical Hiring Process – Scammers will often use WhatsApp or other text platforms for interviews that avoid face-to-face interaction, or they may not have any interviews at all. The process often moves very quickly.   How to Avoid Job Scams -Report job scams to the website where you found it -Verify the company and job posting whenever possible -Check the recruiter's profile on LinkedIn -Protect your personal information -Seek recommendations for that employer  Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2    

The first thing I want to say about Imposter Syndrome, two things actually, are these: 1) Imposter Syndrome is not a one-and-done thing; it can crop up throughout your career as you take on new responsibilities and rise to new levels; and 2) Imposter Syndrome can be situational. You can be fully confident in one area of your work and feel like a complete fake in another.  Definition of Imposter Syndrome The Oxford English Dictionary defines Imposter Syndrome as follows:The persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills.Mirriam Webster defines Imposter Syndrome as: a psychological condition that is characterized by persistent doubt concerning one's abilities or accomplishments accompanied by the fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of one's ongoing success. Characteristics of Imposter SyndromeYou likely have feelings of self-doubt, a decrease in your self-confidence, you may isolate yourself from your colleagues, you may overwork yourself and experience burnout, and you likely have overall low self-esteem.  In her book, Ditching Imposter Syndrome, author Clare Josa writes that the four 'P's of imposter syndrome are: perfectionism, paralysis, people-pleasing, and procrastination.  In other words: Requiring yourself to be perfect in everything at all times, experiencing paralysis because of fear of not getting it right, people-pleasing as a way to manipulate the emotions of those around you at the expense of your own truth, and putting off doing something for fear of “getting it wrong.”   Strategies for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Here are 9 strategies to address imposter syndrome: #1 – Recognize that it is normal – and you are not alone. Particularly as you take on new roles or new job titles, you are “cashing in” your expertise and track record of success in one area for a bit of unknown in another area. It is natural to have doubts, especially in the beginning. Imposter Syndrome happens to most workers at least once in their careers, so you're in good company.  #2 – Reframe your mindset. Imposter Syndrome is a result of consistently telling yourself that you aren't good enough, you don't know what you are doing, others will soon learn of your deceit. You've likely created neural pathways in your brain that are running these thoughts in your unconscious mind.  Begin practicing new, more neutral or positive thoughts about your abilities, capabilities, how you've succeeded in similar situations in the past, etc.  #3 – Practice self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is one's belief in their ability to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. Here are a few ways to practice self-efficacy: -Think back to when you accomplished a similar task or achieved a similar goal. How were you successful then? How can you utilize that learning now? -Who else do you know who has been successful in a similar situation? In what ways are you similar to that person – in terms of education, experience level, motivation? If they can do it, you can too.  -Who can pump you up? We all need cheerleaders and doctors in our lives – and for self-efficacy, you need cheerleaders. This has to be someone who knows you well and respects you and your work.  #4 – Focus on the positive. Pay attention to the areas of your work that you feel extremely competent in. Sometimes, the antidote to Imposter Syndrome is stepping out of the area you feel like an imposter in and stepping into your Zone of Genius.  #5 – Celebrate your achievements. Keep a record of your accomplishments – big and small – and use them as evidence of your capabilities.  #6 – Practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. This can help you acknowledge your feelings, accept your imperfections, and forgive yourself for your mistakes. #7 – Get training. I want to be clear on this point: I don't want you to get training as a way to avoid doing the thing that is igniting Imposter Syndrome in you. Training, such as additional formal education, credentials, or stand-alone courses can help you have greater subject matter expertise in the area you have Imposter Syndrome in.  #8 – Seek support. Talk to a trusted mentor, friend, or close co-worker who can help you realign your thinking to the things you're doing well. You can also ask your manager for specific feedback on what you are doing well. Coaching can also be incredibly helpful in refocusing on the things you're good at; therapy would be useful if your imposter syndrome has deeper roots you want to explore.  #9 – Set attainable goals. Remember, goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Sensitive. If you're having difficulty believing in your abilities, set a small goal you can attain in a short amount of time – then celebrate the win!   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2   

In a perfect world, your boss is supportive, encouraging, wise, and has all the time in the world to mentor and coach you. He gives you full credit for your wins and shares the blame for your missteps. She spends time helping you plan your next career steps and advocates for you to get those opportunities.  If you related to that fairy tale – congratulations! I'm sure many, if not most, of the listeners can't relate.  Today, we're talking about ways for you to succeed as a manager despite having an awful boss. How to be effective when you're not getting the support, mentorship, or positive reinforcement you desire.  Perhaps most importantly, how not to let the crap that's landing on your head NOT flow to your direct reports.  There are three aspects I want to talk about today – how to know if you have a truly bad boss, how to manage your people despite having a bad boss, and how to manage your relationship with your bad boss.   How to Know if You Truly Have a Bad Boss Many people who think they have a bad boss actually have a boss they disagree with, don't understand, or who is very different from them. Here are 8 indicators your boss is actually a bad boss. Keep in mind that all bosses have off days; your boss is officially bad if any of these indicators is pervasive.  #1 – They are insecure. I find that, when I'm working with my clients, many of them present issues with their bosses that boil down to insecurity on the boss's part. The boss may be trying to protect his job, feel insecure about his ability to do his job, or both. This insecurity can show up as withholding information, micromanaging, taking credit for employee's work, and putting employees down.  #2 – They get easily frustrated. This is particularly evident when an employee questions their decisions or asks for more information. I also see it when things don't go according to plan. While any boss can and will get frustrated, the reaction of a bad boss is outsized to the situation. #3 – They lack professional boundaries. If you've ever seen Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant in “Two Weeks' Notice,” you know this concept. Not respecting time off, expecting employees to do things way beyond their job description, and overstepping the social aspect of the work environment are all indicators that your boss lacks professional boundaries.  #4 – They aren't discreet. They call you out on mistakes in front of coworkers or your direct reports and do so in a way that feels like an intentional “gotcha” moment. They don't seek to understand why something happened – just to punish you for it.  #5 – They pick favorites. While many in an office may THINK the boss is picking favorites, the bad boss is blatant. Giving the best assignments, letting that employee off the hook for things that other employees get raked over the coals for, and heaping outsized praise on the favorite are all indicators of favoritism. #6 – They are overly negative. Giving only - or mostly – negative feedback instead of catching employees doing good, spending more time talking about the problem than possible solutions, and generally being pessimistic are signs of an overly negative boss. #7 – Engage in office gossip. The boss should be the Switzerland of the office – neutral to the personal drama surrounding her. When issues need to be dealt with, a good boss does so in private, with the “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” attitude. Bosses who ignite or fan the flames of office gossip are bad bosses.  #8 – Harassment. While this one is usually pretty black and white, it does deserve a mention here. While the other six issues may have workarounds or can be tolerated for a period of time, this one may require immediate intervention or you exiting the company. Follow your company's HR processes for reporting this kind of behavior.   Managing Your Relationship with Your Boss Let's assume that, at least for the immediate future, you're stuck with your boss. I have 7 tips for you to help you improve your relationship with your boss for however long you must work together.  I want to begin this section by saying that your issues with your boss are just that – YOUR issues. You can't change his behavior or words, only yours. If you can learn to manage your mind around this boss, you will be better for it.  Remember: It's not your responsibility to make sure your boss is happy – your responsibility is to do your job well. Keep the focus where it should be.  #1 – Talk to your boss. Try to understand his communication style and expectations. Try active listening and repeating back what he says to ensure you're both clear. Avoid making him feel accused. You may also be able to learn about some of the pressures he's facing, constraints he's under, or personal issues he's dealing with – and understanding can help breed acceptance.  #2 – Take responsibility. Consider what part of the situation you are contributing – how can you show up differently to possibly neutralize your boss's effect on you? #3 – Take the high road. At all costs, don't gossip or badmouth your boss, either in your department or elsewhere in the organization. If you need to speak to someone else in the company about the situation, do so professionally – and choose wisely. #4 – Adapt your behavior. As you spend time with your boss, you'll learn more about her leadership style. Think of ways you can adapt to her preferences and style without sacrificing your personal brand. If your boss is a micromanager, trying being more proactive with the information she's most interested in. Also, practice thinking more neutral or positive thoughts about your boss so you can see her in a better light. #5 – Speak to HR. If you've already made your boss aware of the problem and they haven't addressed it, HR may be your next step. However, tread lightly – HR works for your employer, and if your boss is a favored employee, it may bounce back onto you. Your best approach is to tell HR exactly what has happened and what you've tried, without emotion or gossip. Just the facts.  #6 - Set boundaries. If your boss lacks boundaries, establish your own and communicate them clearly with your boss and coworkers. Be polite but unyielding.  #7 - Set your own goals. If your boss is unwilling or unable to help you set goals for your job performance, set your own and communicate them to her. Ask for her input – she might be able to make suggestions once you've laid the groundwork. Keep her apprised of your progress toward those goals.   Managing Your People When Your Boss is Terrible Spoiler alert: Being a good manager is being a good manager. There are, however, some nuances when your boss is terrible.  I want to come at this from a different angle – how you can neutralize the negative impact of your boss so it doesn't flow downstream to your team.  #1 - Engage your support system. Outside of work, be sure to have people that will support you and help you reduce stress. Above all else, don't let resentment, frustration, or anger build up without a release valve. #2 – Take care of yourself. Get exercise and enough sleep; you may want to take advantage of mental health services or even take a temporary break from work. Having a therapist who can help you neutralize the impact of your boss so you can be a more effective manager and leader is worth its weight in gold.  #3 – Manage your mind. I've done a number of podcasts on the importance of mindset in various situations. When you have a terrible boss, it's important to recognize – and try to neutralize – the impact of what your boss is saying or doing.  For example: Your boss has just raked you over the coals in front of your direct reports. When this has happened in the past, you began mentally cussing your boss out, perhaps gossiping with coworkers who are on your side, and letting it negatively impact your job performance.  You're probably thinking something like:“My boss is an a-hole.” Instead, catch that thought – be aware what you are thinking. Then, gently and gradually shift your thought to something more neutral: “I have a boss.”“Jane is my boss.” “Jane is the JOB TITLE of DEPARTMENT or FUNCTION.” I promise, that tiny shift will make a huge difference.  Another aspect of managing your mind is not owning your boss's opinion of you. Thoughts for this might include: “Jane thinks _____; she's mistaken.”“I am ____ (a belief that counters what Jane has said about you)“I am a valuable employee.”“I'm really good at _____” (something that moves you away from the area your boss criticized) #4 – Use your boss's behavior as a training ground. Some of my best learning about leadership has been from a series of less-than-stellar bosses I had when I worked in higher education and, before that, in corporate training. Decide how you want to show up for your people. I recommend letting your people know what you're working on – you don't have to throw your boss under the bus to do this. Just let them know you're actively working on, for example, providing positive feedback when you see your employees doing good, and ask them to hold you accountable.  #5 – Find a mentor in the organization. This is not someone to whom you can vent and gossip, but rather someone who truly supports you and wants the best for you. This will help in many ways, not the least of which is helping to neutralize the impact of your boss's negativity.  #6 – Get to know your team members. Ask them how they like to be rewarded, what motivates them, what aspects of their work they like best/least – and make sure to act on what you learn. Get to know them outside of work as well – learn about their family and hobbies. This familiarity will breed a sense of belonging and togetherness.  #7 – Finally, don't bash your boss. This should be obvious, but bashing your boss with your coworkers makes you a bad boss. See how that works?   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2 

There is A LOT of information out there about the benefits of AI in your job search – and not all of it is actually beneficial for you as a job seeker. In this episode, I want to dive into five ways to use AI in your job search, as well as a few ways I don't recommend using AI. I'm not diving into the AI that is being used by companies like LinkedIn, other job boards, etc. – rather, how YOU can leverage AI in your job search.  What are the AI options?  There are many, and giving too many specifics here will quickly date this episode. I use ChatGPT and I find that it is a good place to start – begin with the free version.   Use #1 – Researching companies I queried ChatGPT with this: “What is it like to work for Amazon?” I found it gave me a really balanced overview of the pros and cons of that company.  Of course, this is only going to be useful with larger companies.  I recommend taking the information ChatGPT provides about a company and using it as a springboard for further research on sites like Glassdoor.com and reaching out to former employees for their take.   Use #2 – Industry insights ChatGPT can give you insights into specific industries including trends, key skills, availability of jobs, etc.  Especially as you prepare for an interview, it is so important to not just know about the company you are interviewing with, but also their competition and where they fit into the landscape.   Use #3 – Identifying and maximizing job search tools ChatGPT can give you advice on effective job search strategies, help you utilize job boards more effectively, gain networking tools, and expand your use of social media for your job search.  As with any advice you find online, don't automatically take it as “truth” – while AI doesn't give “opinions,” they can contain errors.  This is another area where a job search coach comes in handy – to help you separate truth from fiction, and also to strategize on which of the pieces of advice you see make sense for you and how to implement the strategies you choose.   Use #4 – Matching your resume and cover letter with the requirements of the job This is how I use ChatGPT: When writing a client's resume and cover letter, I have them send me three job descriptions that are representative of the types of jobs they will be using that resume and cover letter to apply for.  I then ask ChatGPT two questions: “What are the most important job duties of these positions?” and “What are the primary requirements of these positions?” I then look for opportunities to incorporate the key job duties into the client's resume, and I verify if my client has any requirements the jobs are asking for that we haven't talked about.  I often write achievement bullets for my clients like this: Social Media Marketing: Increased impressions 75% and shares 115% by…. The words in bold and italics are an excellent place to incorporate key job duties – much better than a separate list of Strengths that is divorced from where that competency was acquired or utilized.   Use #5 – Interview Prep Let me begin this by saying there is no substitute for an interview coach in preparing for the job interview, but AI can be a powerful tool to assist in your preparation.  You can query it as to questions you might be asked, the best way to approach specific questions, and to evaluate how you respond to a question.  There are also AI-generated sites to practice interviewing – but again, there are limitations to this technology.   Limitations The biggest misstep I see people using AI for is asking it to write their resume and cover letter for them. If you do this, you will get generic documents that don't highlight your achievements – how could it? It's simply going to focus on the job duties typical for that job title.  Remember, a true marketing document should be focused on your achievements – this tells an employer how well you did the job, not just that you did the job. You want to include metrics whenever possible – again, something AI cannot do for you.  I recently wrote a newsletter about the things recruiters are most bothered by from candidates - #1 was AI-generated resumes, which are easy for them to spot.  Also – as stated throughout this episode, just because AI says something doesn't make it true – nor does it automatically make sense for you to adopt that approach or strategy.   If you are a high-achieving professional with the goal of landing in the C-suite, the Highly Promotable coaching program may be just the ticket! This 1:1 program is targeted to strategically leverage one of your strengths to become a signature strength — and move the needle on one of your developmental areas so it becomes a strength.  This is a four-figure investment in your professional future! If this sounds like just what you need, schedule a complimentary introductory call to determine if you are a fit for Highly Promotable:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/highly-promotable-introductory-call

Increasingly, I'm getting questions from my clients about whether they should apply to a position they see on LinkedIn – or go directly to the company's website.  I want to start by saying loud and clear: I DO NOT recommend putting your resume on your LI profile. When a recruiter accesses your LI resume, it has not been customized to a specific job. In fact, your “generic” resume may not speak to the position the recruiter is offering at all. While that may be because the job they are offering isn't in your area of interest, it could also be a job you would be interested in even though it's not in your primary focus area.  It's much better to have the recruiter reach out to you and for you to obtain a copy of the job description so you can tailor your resume and cover letter accordingly.  Now that I've stepped off my soap box, here are the pros to applying via LinkedIn.  LinkedIn – the Pros -The “Easy Apply” function is, as the name implies, easy. You can cut corners and submit stored information and materials.  Why I don't love it: The stance I take with my clients is the “+1” approach – which you've heard me talk about if you've listened to very many of my episodes. Doing one more thing in addition to just applying online like everyone else.  In other words, Quality over Quantity. Should speed really be your primary criterion for deciding how to apply to a job?  -You can connect with people at that company and/or people connected with the hiring manager/other decision makers. Love/don't love: I love LinkedIn – as you know – and connecting with people who can help facilitate your +1 approach is always a good idea. BUT – you can still do this if you apply directly to the company.  -The recruiter can easily click over to your LinkedIn profile to see who you're connected with. This gives them the potential of reaching out to a mutual connection to learn more about you.  Love/don't love: I love the ability to do this on LinkedIn – but again, a recruiter can do this via your resume if you apply directly. I put clients' LI URL on their resumes every time – and you should, too. MAKE SURE YOU'VE CUSTOMIZED IT.  -LinkedIn will direct you to similar job postings. LinkedIn's algorithm will suggest searches for you, and you have the ability to receive alerts when potentially interesting openings appear on LinkedIn. And you can save jobs you've applied to for future reference.  Love: This one's a clear benefit of utilizing LI.   LinkedIn – The Cons -Because it's easy to apply, it can be crowded – and LI shows you how many people have already applied, which can feel discouraging. You'll likely have a smaller pool when you directly apply.  -It's easy to take short cuts. It can be very easy to use a stored resume, forego a cover letter, or otherwise not make your application unique to this job opening.  -Applying via LinkedIn works best when you have a relevant and complete profile. If you are applying for a job outside of your current area of expertise or industry – in other words, you're pivoting or reinventing your career – your experiences may be largely irrelevant to that position. And because it is so easy to click over to your profile, recruiters are more likely to see that irrelevance up front than with a direct apply.   Applying Directly to the Company – Pro's  -There's no middleman when you apply directly – there's less chance for a tech error.  -The Company Website.  This is a Love/Don't Love for me, because applying on LI doesn't preclude you doing company and industry research. In fact, I don't find company websites particularly helpful for the research you need to do on a potential employer, because it's so propagandized. I find it most helpful for getting a sense of senior leadership, products/services, and how they present themselves to the world (and to whom they are presenting themselves).  -You can better tailor your materials. You will typically have more space to share more about yourself, including attachments and links.  -You can submit your materials in the company's preferred format. Simply put: you'll submit your resume in a way that is compatible with the company's ATS.  -As previously stated, there may be fewer submissions than on LinkedIn, giving you more of an opportunity to stand out.   You listeners like me to bottom-line it for you, and so here's my informed opinion -Find the jobs on LinkedIn but apply directly to the company via their website.  -Be sure to ALWAYS customize your resume and cover letter – and take the time to submit a cover letter.  -Decide that the +1 approach is going to be your guardrail against a) going for quantity over quality, and b) getting lost in the crowd.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2

I want to start this episode with a clarification: When I am talking about cultivating a relationship with recruiters, I am coming at this from the perspective of a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship – NOT trying to do so just because you are in a job search, only to forget about them afterwards.  That is not to say that these relationships don't start with a job search…many times, that's exactly how they will begin. The challenge then becomes cultivating that new relationship into something more meaningful and long-term – regardless of whether they help you find you a job the first time around or not.   Types of Recruiters I've talked about this on the podcast before, but it's important to understand three  primary types of recruiters: External recruiters known as Contingency Recruiters and Executive Recruiters, and internal or in-house recruiters.  Contingency recruiters are one of many: A company may send a job posting out to a dozen recruiters. The only recruiter who will make money off that job posting is the one who brings forth the winning candidate. Contingency recruiters work in volume and speed. They are interested in adding potential candidates to their database. Executive Recruiters have a sole contractual relationship with the employer and are paid regardless of the outcome of the search. They are extremely hands-on throughout the process, and consequently only work with a handful of clients in a year. Contingency recruiters work in high-touch and exclusivity.  Internal recruiters are employed by the company and are often filling roles throughout the organization. They will not be as likely as external recruiters to give you “insider info,” as they will be concerned about legally protecting the company.   How to Find the Right Recruiters for You Let's say you are starting from scratch. Here are four primary ways to identify recruiters who might be a good fit for you: 1.    Industry Specialization – Focus on recruiters who specialize in your industry or field. 2.    LinkedIn – Look for those who post relevant jobs and have connections with professionals in your industry and/or function. Even better if those recruiters are no further away from you than a 2nd -level connection. 3.    Networking events – Attend industry-specific and/or function-specific networking events, job fairs, and conferences.  4.    Referrals – Ask your former colleagues and friends about recruiters they've had a positive experience with. Then, check those referrals out on LI to see if they seem like a good fit for you.  Of course, if you have had a positive experience with a recruiter – whether you got a job from them or not – they likely should be included on your list.   Make a Good First Impression Of course, you need a great resume that is tailored to the type of job you are looking for. In addition: 1.    LinkedIn – Your profile is the primary source a recruiter will use in making an initial assessment of your fit for a particular role. In my experience, it's not what people have on their profile that gets them into trouble – it's what's missing. Make sure your profile is complete and robust – I've talked about how to do that in numerous other episodes.  2.    Initial contact – Whether you are reaching out for the first time, or reaching out again after a period of time, send a concise and professional introductory email or LinkedIn message. Tell them how you found them and why you're reaching out.   During a Job Search1.    To ensure you're building a productive relationship with that recruiter, ask these questions on the front end: ·     What's your process?    ·     How often do you think we should touch base?    ·     How do you prefer that I communicate with you?   ·         How do you think I stack up as a candidate for the types of clients that you represent?  2.    When you are in a job search, maintain regular communication – keeping them updated on your progress. Avoid sounding impatient or frustrated if you don't hear from them for a time.  3.       When a recruiter reaches out to you, respond promptly. Have conversations, even if you don't think the job is the right fit for you – you never know what other opportunities might arise from that conversation. 4.       Before an interview, you can ask the recruiter questions to make sure you're prepared as possible to make a positive first impression. Here are some questions: ·     Who will I be interviewing with, and what should I expect? What's the format for this interview?  ·     Do you have some tips to help me make the best possible impression?  ·     Is there anything specific that you would recommend that I bring or that I prepare for?  ·    What's the recommended dress code?  DON'T ask these questions: ·     Am I the top candidate?  ·     How many other people are interviewing for this job?  ·     How do I stack up against the competition?   Cultivate a Long-Term Connection that is Genuine, Professional, and Mutually Beneficial 1.    Stay in touch – I recommend 1-2 times per year. Keep them updated on your career achievements – new certifications, promotions, etc. Also, share relevant industry news or trends that will have an effect on recruiting. Like, comment, and share their posts on LinkedIn. Provide constructive feedback on job postings they are sharing.  2.    Referrals – if you know someone who might be a fit for a job they're filling, open that door with an introduction. If you know someone who could be a fit even if there's no job posted at the moment, make that introduction as well.  3.    Show appreciation – Send thank you notes after interviews or significant interactions. Acknowledge their help – ask them how you can best show appreciation for them.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2  

This week's episode features my guest, Bob Tiede. Bob is a 20-year of the U.S. Leadership Development Team of Cru (formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ). He has written six books including “Great Leaders Ask Questions” and “Now That's a Great Question.”  We talk about the importance of asking great questions as a leader. If you aren't yet in a leadership role, he also offers great questions to ask of your leader.  Bob gives you his favorite leadership questions and why they are so effective.  You can subscribe to Bob's blog, LeadingWithQuestions.com.  To check out Bob's free e-books: https://leadingwithquestions.com/books/  Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2 

A concept that I think about A LOT as a small business owner is that a person has to know, like, and trust me in order to buy from me.  How does this play out in my world? As the person selling a service to someone, people need to know who I am and what I'm about, they have to like what they know about me, and they have to trust that I will deliver exactly what I say I will.  As a person who is sold to on a daily basis by various vendors, I am infuriated by people who simultaneously try to connect with me on LinkedIn or via the first-ever email AND attempt to sell me something. This happens multiple times every day.  I build know, like, and trust in my business with my podcast, informative social media posts and newsletters, and through my consults. I'm personable, genuine, and knowledgeable without being a “know-it-all.”  Why am I telling you all this? I've been thinking about how know, like, and trust applies to the job seeker.  To be crystal clear: When you are in a job search, you are selling a product. It may have a price tag of $100K annually – or $500K annually. That product has features and benefits, which MUST be explained and demonstrated to a prospective buyer. That product is YOU.  I want to break down the know, like, and trust – each with strategies to help you build a sales model for product YOUR NAME HERE.  KnowOf course, a prospective employer will get to know you during the course of the interview, but how can you help them get to know you before that – so they are compelled to interview you?  1.    Make sure your resume is a marketing document, not just a data sheet or “career obituary.” They can get to know you much better if you share your achievements and personal brand with them – what differentiates you from your competition? How have you added value to each company you've worked for?  2.    Understand the difference between features and benefits – and be able to explain them to a prospective employer. Here are some examples of common products' features and benefits: Nike Running Shoes – features include the material the sole is made out of, the type of laces used, the arch support, and the padding. Benefits include how these shoes will help you run faster, in various terrains, while preserving your arches in comfort and wicking moisture away.  Sleep Number Bed – features include the adjustability of each side, the material the mattress is made out of, and the warranty. Benefits include how the adjustability will allow you and your partner to independently adjust your sides for maximum sleep comfort, how the bed keeps you both at an ideal sleep temperature, and how you can be assured that – should anything happen to your bed – you are protected.  What might a job seeker's features and benefits be?  Features: A certain degree or certification, extensive experience in a certain field, expertise in a certain skill.  Benefits: How those features will allow you to solve problems, improve efficiency, and increase revenue for that company.  It's not enough to answer an employer's question of “Why should I hire you?” with a least of your features – you want to spoon-feed them with how those features will help them.   3.    They WILL look at your LinkedIn profile before deciding whether to interview you. LinkedIn is the perfect place for you to not only help prospective employers get to know you, but also to help them begin to LIKE you.  LinkedIn should be written in first person, in a conversational style as if you were talking over a cup of coffee with the reader. This is your opportunity – specifically in the About section – to tell your story. You can inject humor (if that's who you are), talk about challenges you've overcome, and even give a glimpse into your life outside of work.   LikeAs I just mentioned, LinkedIn is a great place to help prospective employers begin to like you. Here are some additional thoughts: 1.    They will feel more connected to you if you have some connections in common. This is an angle no one really talks about: If I look at someone I DON'T know on LinkedIn, I look to see how we're connected. Who are our common connections? If they are connected to someone I know, like, and trust – guilt by association. I feel a little bit of “like” for that person, too.  This makes a compelling case for strategically connecting to certain people – and it can be your opening line for connecting with them. “I see we are both connected to NAME, one of my favorite people – let's connect!”  2.    They need to get to know you as a total person during the interview. Throughout my career, I've interviewed so many candidates who I didn't feel as though I knew any better AFTER interviewing them than I did before. They were stilted, gave obviously rehearsed answers, and didn't let me into their life outside of work at all.  If you have a sense of humor, let it out – in small doses – during the interview. If you are an avid horse rider – let them know. Just keep the personal information neutral or positive.  Also – if you are interviewing in person or via technology from their office, look for clues as to what the interviewer is interested in and make a comment or ask a question. Show interest in them – they'll like that.   TRUSTHow do you get someone to trust you before they've worked with you? I had to really think on this one.  1.    Make sure your resume, online presence, and the in-person version of you are in alignment. Not much will throw the interviewer off the “trust train” more than feeling like there are multiple versions of you. There should be consistency in what you present as your strengths (and weaknesses), your passions, what you are looking for in an employer, and your moral code.   2.    Show trustworthiness in how you speak about former employers, bosses, and coworkers.To be clear, I am NOT suggesting that you paint everything as roses and rainbows. I spoke about how to bring up negative things in episode #323. The challenge is to say what needs to be said without throwing anyone or anything under the bus (although it is okay to “mea culpa” yourself).  Think of it this way: a prospective employer will figure that anything you say about a former employer or boss is an indication of what you might say about that company or that boss down the road.  Speak factually AND with grace.   3.    Follow through.A great way to build trust is to do what you say you will do throughout the interview process. Send them whatever they ask for, call when you say you will, show up promptly for all interviews, and send thank you notes.   4.    Seed your references.You will likely be required to give a list of professional references. Is there one or more people on your reference list who can specifically speak to your trustworthiness? It's perfectly acceptable to ask a reference to say a specific thing about you, as long as it's truthful.    Of course, there are a lot of other components to a sales model for job seekers, but I wanted to focus today on Know, Like, and Trust. Maybe in another episode I'll have a sales expert on the podcast to talk about things like buying signals and closing the sale.   If you are a high-achieving professional with the goal of landing in the C-suite, the Highly Promotable coaching program may be just the ticket! This 1:1 program is targeted to strategically leverage one of your strengths to become a signature strength — and move the needle on one of your developmental areas so it becomes a strength.  This is a four-figure investment in your professional future! If this sounds like just what you need, schedule a complimentary introductory call to determine if you are a fit for Highly Promotable:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/highly-promotable-introductory-call

A listener reached out to me about this topic and it resonated with me. At the beginning of the year, I started casually looking for a part-time job in Tallahassee – not so much for the money as for the human interaction. As a solopreneur working from home, I feel pretty isolated. I thought a few hours a week would help me meet some new people, possibly make some new friends, and have more human contact.  I set up a search on Indeed.com – and what I've received since then has been pretty pathetic. Granted, I didn't do much to refine my search because I was open to any number of things. Mostly what I knew was what I DIDN'T want – full-time, inflexibility with my schedule, being a front-line contact for people.  I got custodial jobs, server jobs, and delivery driver jobs. Of course, these are important roles and someone needs to do them – just not me.  So when the listener suggested this title, I put it on my list of topics I wanted to explore for an upcoming episode. So here goes.  What exactly are you looking for? Some definitions are in order. There are professional part-time jobs for people who want to pursue an opportunity within their career field – just not on a full-time basis. They could be downshifting into retirement, raising children, or helping with an elderly parent.  Then there are part-time jobs for professionals – perhaps to make a bit more money, to (like me) fulfill an unmet need in their regular job, or to pursue a passion.  It is important for you to assess why you want a part-time job and what your non-negotiables are for that job – just as you should do for a full-time position.   Where should you look? Most job boards have a filter for part-time positions, so you'll want to utilize that. When I tried LinkedIn, I was able to filter for part-time, mid-senior level, and in-person; I could have also filtered for a salary range.  I tried this out on Indeed as well, but wasn't able to simultaneously filter for as many criteria as with LI. With part-time, I couldn't find a way to also search for a type of job – and when I did, it reverted to full-time positions. Perhaps Indeed isn't the best place to look for a professional part-time job, but could work if you are looking for a part-time job as a professional.  I didn't try other mainstream online sites, but most if not all of them should have the part-time filter – the question is what other filters you can engage at the same time.  There are also sites that cater to part-time work, like flexjobs.com. Many sites have cropped up since Covid specifically for remote work, so if that's what you are looking for, here are a few good ones: -remote.co-ratracerebellion.com-weworkremotely.com There is also the gig economy with sites like Upwork if you have a skill set that lends itself to this type of work.  I want to briefly mention turning a hobby or passion into something you get compensated for. When I was in higher education, I started a jewelry business – I had no background in it but started beading and fell in love. I quickly realized I could either have a very expensive hobby or start selling my work and so I did. It was time-consuming and in no way easy, but very flexible and it provided a creative outlook my job just didn't.  I would be remiss if I didn't mention the option of multilevel marketing – now often referred to as network marketing or direct selling. While this industry is often painted with the broad-brush stroke of pyramid schemes, many are legitimate and it can be a very flexible source of additional income. Because it is commission-based, this might be a better option for someone who doesn't have to rely on a certain amount of steady income.  The question then becomes: How do you find the non-scammy opportunities? I found a good article on this topic on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-choose-network-marketing-company-ion-ivanciu/ This article talks about how to determine the type of MLM you might want to choose. I took it a step further and Googled “best MLM Companies in 2023.” I won't mention any results because those will quickly be dated and should not be your primary driver, but a little research will show you the possibilities. You could also try a search like “Best MLM companies in ___.”   How else can you find opportunities? -Look for small, local employers – particularly if you want an in-person job, although remote work might also be an option. Companies that have a wide range of work to be done, but not necessarily enough of any one skill set to require a full-time employee, would be ideal. I have a friend who works Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., doing administrative tasks for a glass company. She's 79 years old and loves it! Network for these opportunities.  -Are there solopreneurs you can provide services to in your area of expertise? The field of Virtual Assistants – known as VAs – has grown exponentially since Covid, so that's a pretty crowded field these days. However, perhaps all you want is a couple of solopreneurs who each need a few hours a month of bookkeeping work or website support. Network for these opportunities.  -Look into cultural, religious, or community organizations – again, these may be leanly staffed and would welcome part-time help. Museums, theaters, arts-agencies, churches, temples, and libraries all tend to rely heavily on part-time staff. Network for these opportunities.  -Other areas that hire part-time workers are education, healthcare, and sales. Could you be an adjunct college professor or teach online courses? What about part-time clerical work at your child's school? Could you get a second part-time nursing job? What about part-time sales? Network for these opportunities. As I began working on this topic, I realized just how vast it is and how much information is out there. I covered the what – what you are looking for; the where – where to look online for these jobs; and the how – how to look for these opportunities. I didn't touch on the networking process, how to apply, how to follow-up; I've covered these topics in other episodes.  I realize now how much I missed the boat in my initial search – a lesson that no matter how experienced we are in an area, we still have more to learn. Humbling, but an important lesson.  

I want to start this episode by debunking a myth out there that you can NEVER, EVER say anything negative about your current/former employer or boss in a job interview. Under no circumstances. Full stop. I've coached hundreds of clients on how to improve their interviewing skills. In my career in higher education, I interviewed dozens of job candidates and helped hundreds of college students prepare for their first-ever job interviews. Early in my career as an Area Training Coordinator for the now-defunct Eckerd Drug Company, I represented the company on college campuses, interviewing seniors for positions as Assistant Managers.  All of that is to say I have a great deal of experience in this arena, and what I've come to understand is EXACTLY where that line – what negative information you should/shouldn't say – is.  Why would you even bring up something negative? Because it's the truth – and because you can't fully tell your story without that truth. This will become clearer in my examples.  Facts, not gossipHere's exactly where that line between facts and gossip is: State the facts of the situation, with absolutely no negative emotion or unfavorable characterizations.  Where we get into trouble in job interviews is when we start placing value judgments, criticism, and negative energy around something negative that happened.  And while I want you to tell the truth – I DON'T necessarily want you to tell the WHOLE truth. What you say should be correct, but you can and should leave out parts that don't present you or your former employer in a positive light.   Example #1 – You are asked “Why did you leave your most recent role?” Here's the truth: You left because you found out some things about the boss that were, at best, unflattering, and at worst, illegal. Your boss confronted you about what you knew and wanted to fire you. You convinced him to let you quit in exchange for not pursuing legal action against the company for wrongful termination. He told you the company would give you a neutral reference if called.  Here's an option: “I quit because I found out some things that were happening at the company that were against my professional morals, and I could not in good conscious remain there.” Why this response works: Because you are showing evidence of high moral character. You are not giving any specifics about what you found out – nor will you if probed with further questions. This answer also works because it is a concrete reason to leave a position, as opposed to a vague response such as “I wanted to pursue other opportunities.”  This answer gives them a satisfactory response and a reason to move on, whereas something vague like pursuing other opportunities might very well raise their BS antennae.  Where you get into trouble: “My boss was cheating on his wife AND stealing from the company – and I found out! He was furious and tried to fire me. I convinced him to let me quit instead, or else I told him I would sick my lawyer on him.”   Example #2 – Your application indicates you were terminated from your most recent role and the interviewer asks you about this.  Here's the truth: Your former employer fired you to make way for a younger, less expensive version. You decided not to pursue legal action.  Here's an option: “In a cost-cutting measure, the company chose to replace me with a more entry-level candidate.” I would absolutely follow this answer up with “I am looking for a company that values my experience and skills.”  Why this response works: They can read between the lines – they went with the cheaper product; you don't have to say it. Further, you are essentially telling them that you want to be paid for your experience and skills – and you want to work for a company that values those things.  They know you were fired, so any vague response will only send those antennae up. You've given them enough to satisfy their curiosity.  Where you get into trouble: “I'm 56 years old, and they fired me to hire a 24-year-old they could pay half as much. I should have seen it coming – they did the same thing with at least 4 other employees before me.”   Example #3 – You are asked why you left your last employer after only six months. Here's the truth: The job wasn't the right fit from day 1, but your former employer doesn't like to fire anyone – especially someone in a protected class. Consequently, they restructured your role and the department you work in just so they could make it uncomfortable enough for you to quit. So you did. Here's an option: “Soon after I came on board, there was a significant restructuring of my department that included a complete shift in my responsibilities. The new role wasn't a good fit for my skills and strengths, so rather than experience a decline in my job performance, I decided it was best for all concerned if I left.”  You might expect further questioning about what the initial job requirements were versus what they became.  Why this response works: You aren't getting into the weeds with the initial mismatch with the job, just what happened after the restructuring. You are demonstrating integrity by the fact that you didn't want your job performance to decline.  Where you get into trouble: “That company doesn't fire anyone, but they wanted me gone from day 1 so they made my life miserable. They went to all that trouble of restructuring just to get me to quit – so I did.”   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2   

If you listen to this podcast on a regular basis, you know that many of my topics come from clients – what they are struggling with, the questions they are asking me. Today's topic is one such example.  Two of the things I hear most frequently relative to networking is:  #1 – I don't know very many people #2 – I only know people in my job function/industry, and that's no help to me because I want to pivot As a reminder, here are my definitions: A career pivot is like a pivot in basketball – you keep one foot on the floor when you aren't dribbling the ball. A career pivot means you are either keeping a foot in your job function or your industry – and pivoting out of the other.  An example of pivoting out of your industry might be changing from a human resources director at a hospital to HR director at an automobile manufacturing plant.  A pivot out of your job function might be moving from IT at a tech company into a sales role at a different tech company.  A career reinvention means you are moving both feet – to a new career function AND a new industry. An example would be changing from a marketing executive at a CPG company to do Foundation work at a university.  So back to “I don't know anyone” and “I only know people in my job function/industry.” Here are my strategies:  You DO Know People…More Than You ThinkA good way to begin to grasp your true network is to jump on LinkedIn and a) review your existing connections for growth possibilities there, and b) connect with people you haven't yet connected with. Keep in mind that you don't have to already know these people – your invitation to connect is you saying that you WANT to get to know them.  To review your existing connections, use the Advanced Search function. Rather than giving the steps here, which will likely change in the not-too-distant future, reach out to me if you don't know how to use this resource.  One you've opened the filters, select “2nd connections” and put in the name of your connection you want to review. This will open up all of this connection's connections, which you can then mine for possibilities.  I recommend a message something like this: “I see we're both connected to Jim Smith, one of my former colleagues. Let's connect!”  This previous method works from who you are already connected with. Let's say you also want to connect strategically with people who work in a certain company, hold a certain job title, or have worked there or held that title. The Advanced Search function comes into play here, as well.  If you want to find the Director of Operations for ABC Company, used the Advanced Search function with the filters of Current Company and Job Title.  You message for this situation might be: “I see we both used to work at XYZ company – let's connect!” OR “I am impressed by the level of engagement you have on LI – let's connect!”  If you are going to use the approach of commenting on some aspect of their profile, you MUST customize this so they know you've actually looked at their profile. Nothing as generic as “Great profile – let's connect!”  Notice that with all of these messages, I am not revealing my true intentions. Any sales person will tell you that someone has to know, like, and trust you to buy from you – and the people you are connecting with don't know you and therefore can't like or trust you yet.  Come up with a 3-to-4 step approach with these connections, starting with your invitation to connect. Then perhaps your next communication, which should be once they accept your invitation, is to ask them a soft-pitch questions they are uniquely qualified to answer, such as “I see you've worked at ABC for three years now. I have some friends who have worked there and they had a great experience – they particularly commented on the company's strong executive leadership. What has your experience been?” Now note that this person isn't likely to say anything negative about their current employer – that would be career suicide. But that's not the point – the point is to get them engaged with you.  If you get a response, then your next question could either be another soft pitch, such as “What is the biggest thing you are focused on right now at work?” or a more direct “I am interested in getting my foot in the door with your marketing department. Can you recommend someone I should reach out to?” You could also try something like this: “I am conducting a job search focused on pivoting from HR to marketing, staying within healthcare. Is there any piece of advice you could give me for making this pivot?” Now that I've given you the messaging strategy, WHO specifically should you be reaching out to for a career pivot or reinvention? That depends entirely on your new career goal.  I DON'T recommend using LI as a fishing expedition for what your next career step should be – that's what career coaches and mentors are for. Rather, you are leveraging LI to help put you in contact with people who work in your new chosen job function and/or industry.  Going back to the Advanced Search function, you might put in a certain job title, say Vice President of Sales, and an industry, such as Tech. You'll want to play around with your search parameters to get a manageable number of results back (I consider this to be about 200).  So far, everything I've talked about is using LI. Let's talk a bit about in-person networking. This is really the same as if you were networking for a job in your same job function and industry; here's a refresher: #1 – First be interested, then interesting (let them do most of the talking) #2 – Make it a goal to give at least as much value as you get #3 – You are asking for leads, ideas, and referrals – not, in most cases, a job #4 – Vague requests lead to vague results. Be specific and succinct #5 – Follow up and follow through  Finally – and this is very important – stop telling yourself that you don't know anyone in your new job function or industry. Science has proven that our brains take what we tell them and then scan our environments to find evidence. If we are telling our brains that we don't anyone, that's what our brains will see. It's called confirmation bias.  Instead, try a more useful thought, such as “I am making new connections every day” or “I am meeting people in my new job function/industry.” There is no room that people with strong networks go into, where the “at capacity” lights come on and no one else can go in. You can go in that room at any time – just get to networking!   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2   

Let me start today's episode by saying loud and clear: EVERYONE has setbacks and obstacles in their career. NO ONE has a perfectly linear journey, where they leave each job at the height of achievement, only to land in an even better job – no gaps in employment, no difficult bosses or coworkers, no layoffs or RIFs, no personal or family issues requiring extended time off work.  For me, it started early. I completed my undergraduate degree in December and started working as the director of the Sims Baldwin Family Music Center right away. I trained in Tampa, then started working in Tallahassee.  Only a few months later, the doctors gave my mom three weeks to live. I took leave of my new job to be at her side in St. Petersburg, during which time my boss gave my job to someone else without notifying me.  After I buried my mom in June of that year, I returned to no job. Fortunately, one of the parents of my music students knew about an opening at a church in Tallahassee for a camp music director – which turned out to be one of the most fun jobs I've ever had.  I got a public-school music teaching position that fall, which I held for three years. I left to get married and move for my husband's work. I ended up selling Amway makeup and hostessing at an airport hotel restaurant.  Then there was my three years with the now defunct Eckerd Drug Company as an Area Training Coordinator – they realigned the district and I would have had to move to Macon, Georgia to keep my job. My husband and I looked into the possibilities for him, but ultimately decided to stay in Columbus, Georgia and I would look for another job.  I could go on with a few more, but hopefully you can see that my career path has been anything but simple and straightforward.  The question becomes: What do you do when the inevitable happens? I want to break this down into actions you can take, and the mindset you'll need to navigate.  MindsetMindset is everything when you are dealing with a career setback or obstacle. Think of it this way: The thing that happens to you is just a thing that happens – it's neutral until you have a thought about it.  Here's an example from clients I've worked with who have been laid off: With the exact same set of circumstances, one client will think: “This is terrible. I'll never get another job. I'm going to go broke and lose my home.” Another client will think: “I've been thinking about leaving for so long – I'm actually glad this happened. I have a severance package so I can take my time to find just the right position.”  You can probably imagine the difference in how these two people would move forward from their job loss – and the results they would get.  Here then are my recommendations for minding your mind during this period: #1 – Give yourself a day or two to grieve and process.Acknowledge the setback and reflect on what happened. Accept responsibility for any role you played in what happened and let go of that which was out of your control. Spend time thinking about what you can learn from this experience.  #2 – Think about what you want next.If you have lost your job, give some serious thought to what you want your next move to be. Many people take a knee-jerk approach to this – jumping back into the job market without thinking about what they really want and need. This often leads to more of the same.  Let's say the setback was a promotion you didn't get, or a project you weren't asked to lead. Is this a sign that the handwriting is on the wall at your current employer – do you need to start looking elsewhere? Or is this an opportunity for you to gain additional skills or experience so you'll be more competitive next time around?  This is also an opportunity to reassess your goals – just make sure your work in this area is coming from a positive, forward-focused mindset, rather than a reactive, hurt mindset.  #3 – Cultivate a strong positive belief in yourself and your future. You don't have to become a delusional hyper-optimist, but neither do you have to be Eeyore. Here are a couple of tools for this: -Focus on what you KNOW you do exceptionally well. This might mean directing your focus away from the huge mistake you just made to how good your sales numbers were last quarter – or focusing on your outstanding job performance rather than how you lost your job.  -Be a realist. If you just lost your job, but have never lost a job before, tell yourself that truth. If you blew a presentation for the first time ever, tell yourself that truth. Don't turn this into an indictment on your entire career.  -Ladder your thoughts. If you just had a terrible performance review, rather than telling yourself you're a terrible employee/person/human, tell yourself you can improve on the area your boss was most concerned about. Instead of “I'm really bad at managing my employees,” you might tell yourself “I can learn how to be a better manager.”  Action StepsNext, let's talk about steps you can take to overcome the setback or obstacle you've just faced. Of course, this is very dependent on exactly what you've just been through, but here are some general steps: #1 – Stay persistent. This is not the time to wallflower it or phone it in – keep pushing forward in your career goals. If, after some self-assessment you've decided to revise your goals, then get busy achieving them.  #2 – Stay adaptable. If circumstances at your work are in a state of constant change and turmoil, the ability to adapt is crucial for moving forward. The challenge is in knowing when it is time to cut bait – this is something only you can decide for yourself.  #3 – Seek support.Lean on your mentor(s), significant others, and a career coach if possible. Keep in mind that continuing to talk about the problem will only further solidify the problem. Maintain a focus on finding solutions. Most importantly – don't isolate yourself at this time. You need to be around people who believe in you and will support you – and help you through.  #4 – Up your self-care game. This is a time for you to take extra good care of yourself. If you are out of work, do you have the resources for a vacation – perhaps an extended one you've never had time for before? Is there a hobby you'd like to cultivate during this time?  If the setback is of the smaller variety, let's say your boss just raked you over the coals for your performance on a recent project, can you schedule a day at the spa or a day hiking in the woods? What does restoration and renewal mean to you? DO IT.  #5 – Decide what your story will be. You have a choice: You can be a victim in your story, or you can be the hero. Decide what you will tell people – including future employers. There could very well be a great behavioral interview answer in how you navigated this situation and what you learned from it.  I love what one of my previous coaches used to say: “We're all delusional. We might as well be delusional in our own favor.”  #6 – Celebrate progress. This is always important – and never more so than when there's been a setback. No matter how small, celebrate your wins – it will help boost your confidence and motivation.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2

I'm going to cover a lot of ground on today's podcast, starting with a definition of career development: According to Wikipedia:Career development refers to the process an individual may undergo to evolve their occupational status. It is the process of making decisions for long-term learning, to align personal needs of physical or psychological fulfillment with career advancement opportunities. Career Development can also refer to the total encompassment of an individual's work-related experiences, leading up to the occupational role they may hold within an organization. "A well-rounded application of career development tools establishes a robust framework that facilitates a growth mindset, encourages wholesome employee development, and drives organizational success." What does all that mean? Career development is a lifelong process of growth and advancement – not only in terms of advancing to higher job levels, but advancement in the sense of ongoing learning and personal growth as a result of professional development and experience. When I was the director of university career centers, my focus was on the career development of matriculating college students – helping them figure out what they wanted to be when they grew up and helping them land their first-destination job. In working with those college students, we focused on: #1: Self-knowledge – identifying interests, skills, and values #2: Knowledge of the World of Work – gaining critical information about various occupations #3: Career Decision-Making – Narrowing the options down through internships, shadowing, part-time jobs, study abroad experiences, and mentorships #4: Taking Action – The process of finding a job in the chosen field  In this episode, I really want to focus on those of you already in your career, particularly in a career path you love. If you don't love the path you are on, there are plenty of resources available for you, and I've done podcast episodes to help you as well. Some companies do an excellent job of providing career development paths and opportunities for their employees; other companies financially support their employees seeking career development through outside organizations. Still others don't consider this a priority AT ALL. For those of you fortunate enough to have an excellent in-house program, you probably don't need my words of wisdom on this topic. But for those of you who are own your own – whether financially supported by your company or not – I have some strategies. Here's a breakdown of the process of career development for those of you on your chosen career path: #1: Self-assessment – For you, this might look like conducting a self-SWOT – what are your strengths? Areas for growth? What are the emerging areas of opportunity in your field? What are possible threats to your career field, such as AI or offshoring? #2: Goal-setting – Once you've assessed yourself, set a SMART goal for career development. This could include additional formal education, a certification, or working with a coach to address a weakness in your professional development. #3: Action planning – Once you've set at least one SMART goal, establish a plan to make it happen. This might include calendaring in time for each step of your goal, looking into resources/options, or asking a mentor to help hold you accountable. #4: Implementation – Now it is time to DO. Attend the course or program, study for the certification exam, or start the job shadowing your boss approved. #5: Refinement – As you implement the steps to your goal, you'll likely want to make a few mid-course adjustments. Have you realized you need to take one more class? Do you need to ask your boss for additional support? Do you need to ask for help at home so you have time to study? Here are my suggestions for getting the career development assistance you need: Get out of your office. There are two main points I want to make here: workshops, seminars, and conferences are excellent opportunities to learn from experts, expand your professional knowledge, and meet potential mentors. Also, building and nurturing professional relationships through networking can provide you with valuable insights and opportunities for career development. Platforms like LinkedIn are great for connecting with professionals in your field, joining industry groups, and staying updated on trends. Why this helps: These opportunities can help you identify areas you want to work on (#1) and may lead you to your SMART goal (#2). You may also be implementing your goal, such as a learning objective, which satisfies #4.  Seek professional help. Here we are talking about working with a career counselor, career coach, or life coach to help you with all five steps. It is important to know what you want help with, then ask friends and colleagues for referrals and schedule complimentary consults/ discovery calls. You also have the option of 1:1 work versus group programs. Why this helps: As I said, a professional can help you with all five steps – identifying the areas you want to work on, goal-setting, action planning, implementation, and refinement.  Access what you need. Online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer all kinds of courses and tutorials on topics to strengthen your technical skills, leadership, communication, professional etiquette, and interpersonal skills. There are also books, publications, and podcasts available, ranging from general career advice to industry-specific or career-specific information. Platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster provide resources for researching companies, finding job opportunities, reading reviews from current and former employees, and accessing career-related articles and advice. Continuing education programs, certificate programs, and degree-seeking programs can help you advance in your current career. Many universities and online platforms offer flexible options for working professionals. Finally, there are government and nonprofit resources that offer career development resources and services like job training programs, resume assistance, and job placement services. Why this helps: These resources can help you plan, implement, and refine your career development plan.  Get a mentor(s). Your employer may have a formalized mentorship program or you may have to find one on your own. Depending on your goals, an external mentor may work for you. Be specific about why you want that person to be your mentor and clearly define what you want that person to do for you. Why this helps: Depending on your goals and the mentor(s) you choose, they may be able to assist with self-assessment (#1), goal setting (#2), action planning (#3), implementation (#4) and refinement (#5).  Seek to stretch. Depending on your situation, your boss, mentor, or another professional in your organization can help you get stretch assignments that will help you grow professionally. These might include leading a project, managing people (or more people), cross-training in another department or function, or being a member of a high-level/high-visibility committee or team. Be sure to pay attention to what you are learning, new skills you are developing – and how your energy is during this time. Are you energized by the new activities or feeling drained? This is key information. Why this helps: Stretch assignments may be key to success in your Implementation phase (#4). You may also find these assignments provide you with more self-information, which may impact your career development goals.  The bottom line: If your company doesn't provide a structured career development program, or if the program they offer doesn't fully meet your needs, it is YOUR responsibility to fill in the gaps. Don't moan about what isn't being offered to you – go out and get it. Be proactive, goal-oriented, and assertive in getting what you want and need for your career success.  Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2  

The first thing I want to say about building a professional network is this is NOT just for when you are looking for a new job. In fact, if you spend regular time cultivating your professional network, you may not need to ever look for a new job – opportunities will come to you.  The problem most people run into relative to cultivating a professional network is TIME. Specifically, they don't prioritize networking, so it gets shoved to the back burner (or behind the stove altogether).  #1 – Have a Goal for Your Networking. You may be looking for career opportunities, looking for a mentor, wanting to get clients, or seeking out collaborators. Determine your WHY – this will inform the types of networking you choose to engage in.  #2 – Investigate the Possibilities. As for networking events, look to your local Chamber of Commerce, professional associations, service clubs, industry conferences, workshops, and seminars. Be willing to give a group at least two tries before deciding if it will be a viable networking venue for you.  There are also events where networking is possible – as I define it, places where the music's not too loud and the people aren't too drunk. Think broadly here – I like sites like Facebook's Events tab, Meetup, and events at your place of worship.  There's also 1:1 networking, so identify individuals that could support your goals. These could include colleagues or former colleagues, alumni from your university, industry professionals, or thought leaders in your field.  Be sure to follow up with contacts afterwards, utilizing LinkedIn.  #3 – Join Professional Organizations. Some of the events you attend from idea #2 may turn out to be great fits for you, so join and get involved. Seek out committees or roles that speak to your passions and strengths.  #4 – Make Sure Your Networking is an Equal Exchange of Energy. Networking should be a two-way street. Be willing to offer assistance, advice, or support to your contacts – this builds goodwill and strengthens your relationships. Above all, follow through on what you say you will do for someone – gain that all-important reputation as someone who does what they say they will do.  #5 – Keep Your Online Presence Professional. Regularly update your LinkedIn profile, engage in meaningful discussions, and showcase your achievements and projects. You don't ever want to be embarrassed by your online presence.  #6 – Don't Let LinkedIn Be the Place Your Connections Go to Die. After meeting someone new, follow up with a personalized message. After someone has accepted your invitation to connect, begin cultivating a relationship. Try periodically sharing updates, articles, or just checking in with them to see how they're doing.   I recommend setting aside time each week specifically for LinkedIn networking – for me, it's 15 minutes twice each week.  What do I do during this time? -Respond to messages-Accept invitations to connect-Say “hello” to new connections-Send wishes for birthdays, promotions, new jobs, work anniversaries-5-word responses to people's posts Here are some additional things you might use this time for: -Seeking out people to connect with-Periodically checking in with existing connections – have a strategy for this, as this is definitely a long game This time should NOT be spent looking for jobs or applying to jobs – that isn't networking.  Based on my first suggestion, once you have a goal for WHY you are networking, next decide how much time you can consistently give to networking. Key word here is CONSISTENCY.  For example:1 group networking event per month1, 1:1 networking meeting per month30 minutes per week networking on LinkedIn This is going to equal about 5.5-6 hours per month.  Another example: 1 event where I can network each week15 minutes a day networking on LinkedIn This is going to equal about 7.5 hours per month.  As you can see, this can be done effectively without taking too much of your time. This is Quadrant Two activity – Important/Not Urgent.  Quadrant Two activities, according to Steven Covey, result in better balance, more control, fewer crises, greater vision and perspective, and more discipline. Sounds good, right?   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2  

Today, we're talking about how to increase your chance of choosing an employer who is a good fit for you. I'm dividing this discussion into two parts: How to determine what qualities or characteristics are most important to you and what you can do to assess an employer.  What are you looking for?There are no right or wrong answers here – what IS important is that you separate out your “non-negotiables” from your “gee – wouldn't it be nice's.” What am I talking about? When I was applying for positions all over the U.S. back in 1999, I had spent the previous decade working in a literal fallout shelter. We were in the bottom level of the student union in a cement block structure with no windows. So – one of my “gee – wouldn't it be nice” things was an office with windows.  In other words, not essential, like ice cream for an ice cream sundae. More like the whipped cream or the cherry. What WAS a non-negotiable was campus support for the Career Center. I had worked too long with very little budget and practically no staff – coupled with a campus environment that didn't appreciate or utilize the career center.  Here are some things that might be important to you: -A particular industry -A product or service you like, have utilized, respect -A certain aspect in their mission statement/vision statement -Whether it is a for-profit or nonprofit organization -Revenues -Number of employees -Some aspect of the organization's culture -Geographic location of the company/where you would work -Commute distance -If hybrid, the % of each -Amount of travel required -The company's reputation -The company's position in their industry -The company's phase – startup, etc.  -A certain quality of your direct supervisor -The number – and possibly level – of the people you would supervise -Your budget and staffing relative to what you are expected to accomplish -Salary / bonus potential -Benefits -PTO -The expectation for the actual workday/work week – what about weekends, evenings, etc.? How many hours every week?  -4-day workweek -Opportunity for advancement -Access/opportunity for training and professional development  This is not intended to be an exhaustive list.  Next, identify no more than 4-5 non-negotiables. You may even want to weigh them if one or two are far more important to you than the others.  The idea here is to avoid “shiny object syndrome.” You are swayed by things that aren't on your list while forgetting about one or more of your non-negotiables.  How do you assess these things? The answer, of course, depends on WHICH things you've selected as your non-negotiables.  To research something qualitative about the company, you can't depend on the company's website. Rather, try Glassdoor.com, news releases about the company, and talking to current/former employees. To research something quantitative about the company, I recommend accessing Data Axle at your local library, Wikipedia, or the company's website. If they are publicly traded, you can get information from Standard & Poor's, Dun & Bradstreet, and the EDGAR database from sec.gov.  Some of the information most important to you may not be available until you apply for a specific position (such as a quality in your direct supervisor) but knowing that it is a non-negotiable keeps it on your radar screen as you go through the interview process.   Next, let's talk about touchpoints throughout the hiring process where you can gather the information you need. -Pay attention to how you are treated, and the attitude of those you come in contact with, throughout the process. Are they upbeat and friendly? Do you receive prompt responses to your questions/requests? Do they stay in regular contact and keep you apprised of what's going on with the search? -How are your interactions with the team you would be working with? Do they include you or are they standoffish – and how does that feel? (Trust your gut on this one.)  -Ask questions during the interview process about opportunities for advancement, training and professional development, compensation and benefits, and expectations for the role. Pay attention to whether you receive direct and honest answers or feel they may be hedging. You can also ask about company culture – you want to hear pretty much the same thing from everyone you ask.  -Consider any red flags that come up throughout the process and do your due diligence on those areas. This is especially important if you aren't unhappy where you are – you certainly don't want to leave that situation for a difficult one.  Ultimately, finding the right employer involves a combination of self-knowledge, research, self-reflection, and your intuition. Trust your instincts and carefully consider how well the employer aligns with your values, goals, and preferences so you can make an informed decision.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2  

Gaps in employment. I want to start with the big picture, then drill down to some specifics. If it was several years ago, or more recently for only a few months, it probably isn't the problem you think it is.  You can eliminate or minimize the appearance of an employment gap on your resume and LinkedIn, but you can't do this on an application. You CAN cover the employment gap with consulting work or other self-employment – but only if it is legitimate.  Be prepared to answer questions about how you spent that gap and what you learned during that time.  On Your ResumeI had a client who took an intentional sabbatical to travel the world – and she had measurable achievements from her travels. We included that on her resume. I've got a client right now who spent 1 year building an Amazon business. This wasn't on-brand for him — but does show his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to build a business from the ground up by himself. We included this on his resume.  Other clients have left their employer months before their actual end date due to accrued PTO or other reasons – we use the latest end date on the resume and LI profile. After all, they are still an employee of that company all that time, even though they no long show up every day.  You can take months of employment off your resume, but keep in mind that you will need to include them when you upload your resume to an ATS. I've started including months of employment on all resumes so my clients don't have to have a separate “dates of employment” document they must refer to.  Sometimes, a gap in employment makes for a natural cut-off with older jobs. Why include a position from 17 years ago when it will show a two-year gap while you were having children?  Clients often ask me about consulting work or other gap entrepreneurial ventures – my question to them is, did you do something that was substantive during that time? I don't ask them about whether they were paid or not, because that's not what is important.   LinkedInLinkedIn has a feature where you can “add a career break” as if you were adding a new job. If you choose to use this feature, it's important that you provide some narrative – what did you do? Learn? Experience? How did you grow? If appropriate, why did you have a career break, e.g. was it intentional or were you part of a layoff that affected 75% of your company's workforce?  I personally wouldn't use this feature if I was simply job searching, although there may be situations where this makes sense.   In the InterviewHere are some ways to address your gap in employment: -In your answer to the “tell me about yourself” question: You may choose to include something like this:            “As you can see from my resume, I took an intentional sabbatical for six months last year to fulfill a lifelong goal of writing a book. It's called BLANK and was published in February of this year by PUBLISHING COMPANY. “            “In 2020, I was part of a massive layoff at ABC that affected more than half the total workforce. Rather than immediately attempting to find my next role, I opted to lean on my savings so I could improve my physical health after working 100-hour weeks for months at a time as we were trying to save the company. I did SOME SPECIFICS, and I'm proud to say I improved my health based on all available metrics.”  -If you are directly asked about a gap in employment, be prepared with an answer similar to the one above.  Here are some things to consider as you prepare your answer: -Don't sound defensive -Don't embellish -No need to tell them you weren't paid for consulting work unless they ask -Be sure to tell them how the experience helped you grow professionally or personally  When it becomes a problemAs the saying goes, “Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern.”  If you've had multiple gaps in employment, I strongly recommend working with someone like me on a) how to position this in your marketing materials (one size DOES NOT fit all), and b) how to talk about this in the interview.   The bottom lineEveryone has something they believe makes them a less-than-ideal candidate. If that something for you is a gap in employment, it isn't a bigger deal than someone else's something, which could be age, lack of education, or multiple terminations.  The important thing is to come up with a strategy to address, both on paper and in the interview, in a way that neutralizes it – or if possible – turns it into a positive.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2             

SO…you've landed a new position at a new company. How can you make your transition as smooth as possible? Here are 15 strategies:  Exit GracefullyYou don't want your reputation to be tarnished in the final weeks with your old employer. Finish up any projects you need to, create whatever you need to help your successor in the role, say your goodbyes, and leave gracefully.  Announce on Social MediaBe cognizant of your previous and new employer when you decide the best timing to announce your new job on LinkedIn and elsewhere. Be kind and gracious to your former employer NO MATTER WHAT, and express your excitement about your new position. Nothing even remotely negative is appropriate here.  Take Care of BusinessYou may have paperwork to fill out for your new employer, questions you need answers to, and logistical information around start date and location.  Do Your HomeworkLearn as much as you can about the company and its culture, the department you'll be working in, the people you'll be working with, and the role you'll be stepping into. Review the company's website, LI profiles of key individuals, and any materials the company has provided you. Get Clear on ExpectationsMeet 1:1 with your manager so you can get on the same page as to expectations for your role, goals, responsibilities, and performance metrics. You should have access to your manager for frequent meetings during your first 90 days or so to ensure you're staying on track.  Build RelationshipsBe intentional about getting to know your coworkers and others within the organization. If there are company events, by all means attend and get to know people. (It would be a good idea to find a mentor who can help you navigate so-called “optional” social events…are they REALLY optional?)  Limit “This is How We Did it…”You have a grace period of no more than a month to use the phrase “At my old company, we did it this way..” or any of its cousins. You can still introduce new ways of doing things – just don't attribute your ideas to your previous employer.  Listen and LearnEven if you are highly experienced in your role, you'll have much to learn in THIS role. Listen and observe, paying close attention to how things are done. Ask lots of questions and seek guidance from experienced colleagues.  Keep Lines of Communication OpenUpdate your manager and team members on your progress, as for feedback, and seek clarification when needed. This is particularly important if you are working remotely. Seek FeedbackActively solicit feedback from your supervisor and colleagues to help you identify areas for improvement. Don't wait for formal performance reviews to seek feedback. Be Kind to YourselfDuring this introductory period, you'll be learning a lot of new information – and likely making a few mistakes or missteps. Don't beat yourself up – understand that mistakes are bound to happen in a new role and show yourself some grace and kindness. Manage Your TimeAs you adjust to your new role, be sure to prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and establish a work routine that works for you.  Stay Positive and FlexibleMaintain a positive attitude and stay flexible as you navigate the challenges of your new role. Approach each day with a willingness to learn and grow. Seek SupportThere are resources to help you succeed no matter what your role is or what challenge you are facing. Reach out to your manager, HR, or a mentor within the organization for help.  Take Care of YourselfIt is really important to prioritize self-care during this transition period. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy, exercise regularly, and make time for activities that help you relax and recharge. Don't forget your friends and family during this time period – remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Act accordingly.   If you are a high-achieving professional with the goal of landing in the C-suite, the Highly Promotable coaching program may be just the ticket! This 1:1 program is targeted to strategically leverage one of your strengths to become a signature strength — and move the needle on one of your developmental areas so it becomes a strength.  This is a four-figure investment in your professional future! If this sounds like just what you need, schedule a complimentary introductory call to determine if you are a fit for Highly Promotable:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/highly-promotable-introductory-call

I want to talk with you today about what SHOULD and SHOULDN'T be on your resume in 2024. Like many of the topics I bring to the podcast, this one comes from resumes I've seen lately with very old-school information.  What Should Be Included-Branding statement & Summary (which I covered in episode #314 last week). -Professional Experience section, written in reverse chronological order and going back 15-20 years. -You can include internships in this section if you are a recent college graduate, but will generally be removed once you have full-time, post-graduate experience. -Remember: a 2-3-line paragraph for your job duties, followed by up to six bulleted achievements that each start with an action verb and lead with results. -Education section, also written in reverse chronological order but generally without dates -GPA is good for recent college graduates but should be removed as your college education gets further in your past. -Include relevant coursework only if you are a recent graduate. -Certifications and Credentials that are relevant and current (non-relevant certifications can confuse the reader as to your true career goal). They should be spelled out and abbreviated, preferably with the granting body listed. -Volunteer experience, provided it is recent or current and relevant, without any controversial element to it. -Foreign languages, with your level of proficiency in each – where this should go will depend on how important it is to your candidacy.  Let's Talk About the Order of These Sections Think of this as an inverted pyramid – the most important, relevant, and weighty information goes first.  -Branding and Summary always goes at the top above the fold. -For experienced candidates, Experience will be next. If you are right out of college, you may think your Education carries more weight – and it might.  -From there, it's your decision as to whether your Education, Credentials, and Volunteer Experience is more important for your candidacy – and this may change depending on the requirements of the job you are applying for.   What Should NOT Be Included -An objective, which tells the reader what YOU want rather than what you can do for them. -“References provided upon request” or the actual reference list. -Hobbies, unless they are DIRECTLY related.  -A picture. -Other personal information, such as marital status or children info. -You have the option of leaving off any position on your resume, so long as you include that position on a job application. You may leave yourself with a gap in employment, so weigh that against your reason for not wanting to include the position. Especially if it was very short-term, the gap in employment may hardly be noticeable.   A Note About a Separate Skills SectionApplicant tracking systems (ATS) score resumes higher when skills are integrated into positions where you demonstrated that skill. While you can have a Skills section – I sometimes find this necessary – you can also try to incorporate as many of them as possible into your Experience section.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2 

I want to talk with you today about how to approach your resume summary. I will also be talking a lot about personal branding in this section.  If you are new to this concept, the resume summary goes “above the fold” on page 1 of your resume – after your name and contact information, before your Experience section.  Here's what DOESN'T go in this space: an old-school objective, which tells a prospective employer what YOU want, rather than how you are uniquely qualified to provide them with what THEY need.  An objective sounds something like this: High-achieving communications professional seeking a mid-level position in public relations that utilizes skills in BLANK, BLANK, and BLANK.  I hate to break it to you, but a prospective employer does not care what YOU want.  Rather, this space should be utilized to lay out your brand differentiators – what you bring to the table that no other candidate likely will.  These brand differentiators are then followed by concrete examples that support your brand.  I see two primary problems with the resumes I look at that aren't written by me:Either there is no branding at all, or the attempt at branding merely tells the reader that the candidate has the minimum qualifications expected of everyone they would even consider for the role.  If there is no summary or branding, the job seeker hasn't set the stage for what is to follow in the Experience section – there's no context for what the prospective employer is reading.  If the attempt isn't differentiating, the job seeker has wasted valuable space above the fold when they could have provided compelling evidence that the employer MUST continue reading.  How do you know if your branding is differentiating? By looking at what you have with an objective eye. As you read each component, are you merely stating what EVERY candidate should have – or what is unique to you?  The mistake many people make in attempting to brand themselves is to try to appeal to everyone – this is not the purpose. Rather, an effective branding statement will have an immediate polarizing effect – a prospective employer will either know this is not the person for them - or they will be highly interested in speaking with this candidate.   Three Great Examples Remember: The goal here is differentiating and attention-grabbing. Here are three examples from my clients: Transformational Leader, Creative Operations Change Management | Integrated Team Leadership | Content Champion Bringing best practices in content creation and creative production from a wide range of B2B, B2C, and D2C experience spanning financial services, food & beverage, CPG, retail, luxury automotive, OTC pharma, and online media. Global leadership experience includes onshore and offshore teams spanning U.S., Canada, China, and Italy. This is then followed by:  Leadership Highlights: ¨   Increased production capacity by as much as 52% ¨   Generated savings by as much as 50% on contracts  ¨   Reduced expenses by as much as 49% Proven Record of Success in:  ¨   Restructuring creative departments and workflows, achieving greater productivity and efficiency ¨   Negotiating contracts and developing vendor relationships that slash costs and minimize financial, operational, and legal risk  ¨   Optimizing in-house utilization and external resources by creating transparency around demand  From 2021: Chief Human Resource Officer Delivering an executive presence, coupled with a data-driven decision process and willingness to engage in tough conversations Senior HR professional with an exceptional record of improving employee engagement and retention in the high-turnover field of healthcare through a combination of building strategic relationships, gathering data directly from front-line workers, and restructuring hiring, on-boarding, and compensation processes.  Representative Achievements:  »       Transformed perception of HR into a true business partner in support of organizational leadership with an optimal blend of training, change management, coaching, and a full branding shift.  »       Served in key leadership capacity during COVID-19 including massive furlough and establishing remote work structure for 5,000 employees.  »       Reduced turnover by as much as 4% for front-line healthcare workers and 3.3% for corporate areas.   Enterprise Risk ExecutiveStrategically tackling mission-critical problems, increasing efficiency, and improving processesHighly adept at collaborating across enterprises to solve complex challenges Known for thriving in ambiguity and bringing structure through processes, cross-functional engagement and communication, and high-level strategic focus — coupled with an eye on risk / reward balance and achievement of organizational goals.  Experience includes: Credit risk, operational risk, compliance risk, reputation risk, and strategic risk expertise, coupled with exposure to liquidity risk, price risk, and interest rate risk A foundation in commercial banking underwriting and relationship management, with 7+ years' experience in sales and sales management Enterprise-level strategic planning and risk oversight Building operational risk and AML programs from the ground up M&A due diligence and integrations of banks and fintechs including developing governance frameworks  Two points about the bullets:  -I don't ever duplicate a bullet from the client's experience section in the Summary section. Rather, I think of it as “reconstituting” an achievement or experience from elsewhere in their resume. For example, if a client is in sales and has a strong record of increasing market share in each role he's held, I might pull that information together in a bullet like this: -Consistently catapulted market share by as much as 34% with a strategic combination of BLANK, BLANK, and BLANK The second point is this: What you include in your Summary MUST be anchored somewhere else in your resume – otherwise, there's no context for it. You'll just confuse the reader.  Now that I've given you three great examples, let's look at what isn't so great:  Objective: Self-motivated and energetic Healthcare Administrator looking for a full-time position in a company where there is always an opportunity to grow, gain experience, and improve skills. Experience in medical operations, excellent interpersonal communication skills, and the organizational savvy to run a facility smoothly, also proudly maintain a highly productive, efficient and quality-driven environment always.  Sales LeaderA results-oriented sales professional with a proven track record in business development and sales management. Over 20 years of consultative sales experience, adept at building relationships, developing tailored solutions, and closing deals with multiple decision makers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Consistent top revenue producer with exceptional track record for exceeding sales objectives. Knowledgeable in technology, with experience in working with start-ups and SaaS solutions.  A determined self-starter who is intrinsically motivated with demonstrated ability to deliver results. With a graduate education in social work and field-based clinical experience, I apply my training and skills in critical thinking, creative problem solving, adaptability, and cultural competence throughout the work I do daily.  Android Developer / Web Developer WORK EXPERIENCE - Self-taught Android developer who designed, developed, deployed and maintained various different apps for a diverse user base.  At the risk of beating a dead horse, make sure your branding statement and summary are a) differentiating, b) not just the minimum requirements of the position, c) compelling.  Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2 

Over the years, a number of people have reached out to me with concerns about their resume – in some cases, resumes I wrote for them.  They went to a website that offered a free resume critique and got back harsh criticism that worried them.  Here's what's going on: Larger, so-called “resume mills” have software they run your resume through. That software is set up for the express purpose of telling you things are terribly wrong with your resume, after which they do a hard sell to get you to buy a resume package from them.  I promise you, I could send my own resume to them and they would give it a terrible score – their system is set up to make sure everyone does.  They hook you in with the “free” part – after all, what's the harm in having them take a look at your resume at no cost? There's plenty of harm, as it turns out.   A second scenario you will find is where an actual human looks at and evaluates your resume.  The most common setup for this scenario is a charge for the resume critique, which can then be applied to the purchase of a resume package should you choose to move forward with that company.  In this scenario, your question SHOULD be: Who's doing this critique? What are his/her qualifications/credentials? And would this person also be the one writing a resume for me should I purchase a package?   A third and final scenario is how I have my business structured: I take a cursory look at your resume prior to your consult with me (no charge), and let you know during the consult 3-4 issues I see with your existing resume.  And here's the thing: The issues I find are almost always the same, which I'm going to cover next.  In other words, you may not need to spend money on a resume critique, or subject yourself to a “free” review that ends up with a hard sell.  You know whether your resume is pretty good…really great…terrible, don't you? Either because it's not getting the job done – interviews – or because someone who knows has told you (such as a recruiter or hiring manager).  If you want to have a professional rewrite your resume, choose wisely. Obviously, I want you to come to me – the link to my calendar to schedule a complimentary consult is in the show notes.  If you want some guidelines around what to look for and what questions to ask, pick up a copy of my “How to Assess Resume Writers,” Here's the link:  https://bit.ly/assessresumewriter  So, what are those common problems I see with virtually every resume I am asked to take a look at? Branding: Either there is no attempt to position you as a unique product employers will be excited to purchase, or the attempt at branding is non-differentiating. In other words, what you've told the employer in your branding statement is essentially a list of the minimum qualifications EVERY candidate should have to even apply for the role.  Death By Bullets: You've created a laundry list of job duties, each of which is bulleted, rather than a 2-3-line paragraph that succinctly tells a prospective employer what you did in each job.  Achievements: I see one of two scenarios here. Either there isn't an achievement anywhere in sight, or there are weakly written achievements mixed in with death-by-bullets job duties that dilute the impact of those achievements.  ATS Repellent: Many resumes I see are incapable of getting the applicant a high enough score to be seen, or seriously considered, by the humans. Specific issues might include:           -Using headings that are non-traditional           -Submitting as a pdf           -Not customizing for each application           -Columns, charts, and graphs that can't be read by the ATS           -Stacking jobs  You guys like it when I bottom-line things for you, so here it is:  -If you know you need a new resume, find the most-qualified resume writer you can afford – expect it to cost about 1% of your anticipated annual salary for the resume alone.  -If you really don't know whether your resume is any good, it's a safe bet it isn't. Find a reputable resume writer like me.  -If you think your resume is fantastic and want someone to confirm that for you, DON'T use a “free” resume evaluation service. Ask me, preferably – or someone you know in the business, such as a recruiter or HR professional.   A couple of final thoughts: One of the things I frequently talk with prospective clients about is this: How high is the bar? Not everyone needs a top-of-the-line resume like the ones I create for my clients.  Also: It may not be your resume. Or at least not JUST your resume. In my consultations, I ask you questions about your entire job search including conversion rates of applications to interviews, interviews to job offers. I want to get the full picture of where your problem(s) might be – it isn't always the resume.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2 

Today's topic is how to become a thought leader on LinkedIn. This is something I work with many of my mid- and upper-level clients on and I wanted to share some of that work with you in this episode.  Let's start with the obvious: If you want to become a thought leader on LinkedIn, you need a complete, professional, and optimized profile. If this is something you want help with, reach out for a consult and I can give you the specifics of what I can do for you and the associated investment.   Why do I want to become a thought leader on LinkedIn?If you want to become a thought leader, LI is the place to do it. There are numerous reasons to make this a goal, including: -Increased visibility for your personal brand-To move up within your current organization-To increase awareness for potential employers -Increased visibility for your company and/or industry -Increased visibility for your profession -To showcase your side business   What should I be doing? Let's start with some basics. These are the things I do every time I sit down at my computer for LI:  -Respond to your messages -Respond to connection requests -Begin cultivating relationships with those you've already connected with -Engage with posts/birthdays/anniversaries/new jobs in the Notifications section (5-word minimum)  Now that we've covered the bare minimum, let's take things to the next level: -Original content (think of LI as your blog) -Sharing others' content, with a question that will elicit engagement -Content in the Featured section of your profile – these can be videos, posts, newsletters, articles, links) -Join groups appropriate for your job function and/or industry and participate -If you are also trying to grow your audience, set a weekly goal for how many connection requests you will send out and who you want to connect with. Then CULTIVATE – don't try to sell right away.  -Once you begin contributing, you may be asked to be a contributor to collaborative articles on LinkedIn. A lot of people have found me through these contributions. Here's how it happens: “LinkedIn identifies members who are likely to be experts in a certain topic based on their work experience, skills proficiency, and prior engagement on the platform. They must also meet high trust and quality standards by adhering to LinkedIn's User Agreement and Professional Community Policies, and their contributions must remain relevant, original, and additive.”  How much time will this take? The biggest pushback I get from clients is “this will take too much time.” I'm going to break this down into bite-sized chunks, all of which can be managed much like a buffet – take what you want and leave the rest. It's not all-or-nothing here.  -Make this a priority, or it won't happen-Calendar in time, along with the specific deliverables you want to achieve -I spend 15 minutes, twice a week, on the basics:           -Messages           -Requests           -Initial greetings           -Notifications -It was recently recommended to me that I might try spending 1 hour a day commenting on posts – this would be on LI as well as my other platforms. I don't have that much time, but I plan to expand what I'm currently doing now.  -Original content will take additional time, of course – but you may have “recyclable” content you can use, at least to start with. Is there an article you've written that could be broken up into several posts? -You'll need some artwork to help attract eyes to your posts. If you haven't learned Canva yet, I recommend either doing so or soliciting help from someone who knows how to use it. You may be able to create a template for your posts that would then require a minimum of changes each time you use it – this would also help with branding.  -If you want more eyes on your thought leadership, you may also want to add to your connections/followers. My goal is 50 new connections per week – people who are in jobs and at the seniority level of my ideal client. This takes me about 1 hour/week.  -Look for podcasters who speak on topics that intersect with your SME and schedule a virtual coffee date with them. Rather than asking to be on their podcast, focus on building the relationship and let them ask you. This is part of my 50 new connections each week.  So the amount of time you need each week depends on which of these suggestions you want to take on. Start with a manageable goal and get that under your belt before trying to expand – I recommend 15 minutes/day. Again – calendar it in and set specific deliverables for each day.  For example, you might do the basics – check messages, respond to connection requests, check and respond to Notifications – every day, while you may do original content on Mondays, share something on Wednesdays…you get the idea. MAKE IT MANAGEABLE. I was thinking…this is episode #312. Episode #1 aired on October 25th, 2017, so this is my seventh year of putting out weekly content FOR FREE. So here's all I ask of you: if you haven't subscribed or followed the podcast, please do so. And I would greatly appreciate it if you could do me a solid and write a review if you love what I'm putting out for you.  One more thing: if there is a career-related topic you'd like me to cover on the podcast, shoot me an email at lesa@exclusivecareercoaching.com. If I've covered it, I'll send you links to what's already out there; if I haven't, I'll put it in the queue and mention your first name when I cover it.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2   

Here's the scenario: You've been promoted in your current unit. You are now managing people who used to be your peers – at least one of whom may have also applied for the promotion.  How do you transition from a colleague to a manager? This can happen as you move from an individual contributor to a first-time manager, or from a manager to a director or senior manager. You could also become a VP and start managing your former director colleagues. In short, this scenario can happen at any level.  As I researched this topic, many of the resources I looked at gave rather generic advice – in other words, here are the things any manager should do in a new role. I wanted to give you advice specific to leading those you used to work alongside, so here are my nine suggestions. I used mindtools.com and mondostaffing.com to help me with this episode.   Let's start off with why it is important to start this new role off on the right foot. You want to avoid, as much as possible, negative feelings (“why did SHE get the role and not me?” or “HE didn't deserve this promotion as much as XXX did”) You want to maintain what has, hopefully, been a positive professional relationship and earn their trust and respect. You may not immediately be afforded trust and respect – it's yours to EARN.  #1. Be humble. This can work both ways – you can choose to brag about the promotion or you can choose to beat yourself up when you make a rookie mistake. Neither of these approaches will serve you. Acknowledge the promotion when someone else brings it up, but don't boast. Also, recognize that you WILL make mistakes – and that those mistakes are a necessary ingredient in your success.  Unfortunately, some people may revel in your mistakes – even sabotage you. Address these situations appropriately as soon as possible – they are workplace cancers.   #2. Acknowledge the shift – and the awkwardness.It's up to you to acknowledge the change between yourself and your former peers – bring it out in the open and acknowledge that it may feel awkward at first.  Your professional relationships WILL change now – pretending anything else won't serve you or your team.  Bring the shift out into the open and allow time for the transition.   #3. Be transparent. Setting clear expectations for each team member, and for the team as a whole, is important. Lay out your goals and the changes you want to implement and be open to hearing their feedback.   #4. Set clear boundaries.Friendships previously formed may need to change. After-hours activities may no longer include you. You'll need to set clear boundaries and recognize that your team may need to do the same.   #5. Don't pick favorites. It can be tempting to show favoritism towards a team member who was your friend. Remember: Now you are making decisions based on what is best for the team and your unit – not who you like the most.  Your goal should be to make sure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their relationships with you prior to the promotion.   #6. Recognize the change in dynamic. If you previously vented work frustrations or joked about company or department policies with your peers, you now want to set a professional tone with your team. You'll be under more scrutiny as a manager and you don't want to get a reputation as not being a loyal member of management. Lead by example – with a high level of integrity.   #7. Set clear expectations. One of your primary goals as a manager is to ensure your team members know what is expected of them and they have the tools to be successful.  Make sure you set clear expectations around what is and isn't acceptable in terms of work quality, adhering to deadlines, and other important issues.  And piggy-backing on #4 – Don't Pick Favorites – make sure the expectations you set apply equally to everyone, as do the consequences of not meeting those expectations.   #8. Schedule regular 1:1s. Regular 1:1s with each member of your team will help ensure you are on top of each person's progress and development, allow you to address any concerns or issues quickly, and help keep everyone on the same page relative to goals and objectives.   #9. Ask for help. At whatever level you are rising to, there are a multitude of trainings out there – from online courses to in-person seminars and even certifications. If you feel you need training to help you succeed in this transition – ask for it.  Along those lines, ask for a mentor(s).  Here's a quote from the Mindtools.com website: “A new boss who tries to remain "one of the team" can end up frustrating everyone. When you're more concerned about friendships than results, poor decisions are usually inevitable. If you're afraid of being called "bossy," you may not hold people accountable, or you may avoid making unpopular decisions.” The bottom line can be summed up as follows: -It's not going to be the same – don't try to make it be the same. -Don't expect automatic trust and respect – you'll have to earn it.  -Set clear expectations – and make them consistent for all team members.  -Lead by example – your professionalism will help earn the trust and respect you want. -Ask for help – whether training, a mentor, or other assistance to set yourself up for success.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2   

I want to start by being clear: This is a topic I've covered before. I'm covering it again because, based on the resumes that come to me for consults, ya'll haven't gotten the message yet.  In addition to touching on this topic in several episodes, I specifically covered job duties and achievements in episode #174. I'm going to expand on the content from that episode in this one.  What I seeLet's start with what I see on almost every resume that comes my way: either there isn't an achievement in sight, or the few achievements that are there are mixed in with bulleted job duties – and they are poorly written.  This creates what we resume writers call “death by bullets.” A looooong laundry list of job duties and maybe a few achievements that don't impress the reader and causes them to lose interest fast.  Job duties are important, because this is your opportunity to tell the reader what you did on a day-to-day basis. This is particularly helpful when you have had job duties outside what someone with that job title would normally have.  Job duties tell the employer WHAT you did. There is an assumption that everyone with XXX job title does approximately the same thing on a daily basis.  Achievements, on the other hand, tell an employer HOW WELL you did your job. This is your opportunity to show how much money you made or saved, how you improved efficiency, increased retention…whatever is appropriate for your job function.  Think of it this way. If you were a Nike athletic shoe, your job description might read:Made of rubber. Come in a variety of color combinations. Includes shoelaces and an insert. Can be spot-washed by hand. Can be worn for athletic or casual wear – by men and women.  Here are your achievement bullets: Shaved 7.8 seconds off Sue Smith's running performance in the mile. Received prime placement in athletic shoe stores including… Played key role in Jonathan Jones' 15th-place finish in the Boston Marathon.  Generated $1.2 gazillion dollars top-line revenue.   Now, let's break down the specifics of job descriptions and achievements.  Job descriptionsThis should be a 2-to-3-line paragraph of the daily job duties you performed – either most frequently, those that are most applicable to the specific position you are applying for, or those not normally performed by someone with your job function (but only if you want to continue to perform those duties).   There's no room for fluffy words or extra verbiage in this paragraph. Stick with the most important, most relevant, and/or most differentiating tasks.  Here's an example: Aligned marketing plans and GTM tactics to drive audience awareness and growth for $12M international entertainment product. Drove branding, design, website, video production, customer journey, social media, billboards, subway ads, taxi tops, paid ads, customer experience improvements, celebrity and influencer partnerships, and content creation.  Here's another example: Drove all management and operational components including reporting functions, scheduling, hiring, onboarding, training, policies / procedures, compliance, and strategic planning. Collaborated with marketing director to promote and grow all offices. Managed P&L including net profitability, net revenue per visit, and net cost per visit.  Note that these are paragraphs – not bullets. Bullets should be reserved for achievements ONLY.   AchievementsYour achievements are what market you on your resume. When you mix your job duties with your achievements, you dilute the effectiveness of your achievements.  Ideally, you will have progressively more achievements with more recent jobs. At most, 5 achievements per role.  What makes an achievement impactful? -Is specific-Starts with an action verb (parallel structure)-Leads with results-Leaves the reader wanting more (2 lines max)  Example #1: Instead of  Grew customer base This high-impact achievement bullet:  Catapulted customer base 400% and revenue 700% by launching a comprehensive social media campaign.   Example #2:  Instead of  Managed new-hire in-processing This high-impact achievement bullet:  Processed 140 new employees in just 30 days including all paperwork, orientation, security clearances, and computer access.   Example #3:  Instead of  Managed IT installation project This high-impact achievement bullet:  Spearheaded 1200-unit IT installation project including beta testing, identifying and training superusers, and troubleshooting. How do you know what to include as an achievement? Here are some guidelines: -Choose achievements that, in combination, present you as well-rounded and competent for the role you are applying for.  -Focus on achievements that demonstrate the skills you want to use moving forward. If, for example, you're really good at managing budgets but hate them, and they aren't an essential part of the job you're applying for, don't focus an achievement on your budgeting magic.  Two more things: With some clients, I will separate out a 1-to-2- line statement about the scope of their work. Doing this makes it easy for the reader to see things such as size of budgets managed, number of direct reports, reporting structure, size of sales territory, etc.  Here's an example:  Directly supervised 5; total team of 14 | Hired, developed, and managed marketers, vendors, and agencies | $3.8M Marketing budget Finally, I am increasingly beginning each of my clients' bullets with an introductory phrase. This serves two purposes: It allows the reader to quickly scan the resume and determine the “buckets” of achievements this candidate has had, and it further packs the resume with keywords that will increase its score in the ATS.  I determine what phrases to use based on two things: The content of the achievement (what is it really about) and the keywords I find in the job descriptions the client gives me.  Examples: Stakeholder Advocacy & Education: Developed and managed Regional Advocate Program, which delivered grassroots, legislative, political, and investor development support and resources to Florida Chamber, local chambers of commerce, legislators, candidates, and business advocacy partners across 6 regions of Florida.  Efficiency Enhancements: Achieved annual cost reduction of 30%, enhanced financial reporting processes, and increased productivity through strategic technology implementations including dashboarding and cloud solutions.  Latinx Community Leadership: Recognized with Hispanic Heritage Foundation Award — for courage and commitment to elevating Latinx culture in all its expressions.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2        

As most of you know, the first 90 days in a new job are critical for your long-term success – not only in that role, but for your future with the organization.  Today, I want to give you key steps you can take in those first 90 days to set yourself up for success.  Let's start with an Individual Contributor role. A primary focus from week 1 should be getting clear success metrics and priorities from your boss. This typically goes beyond the job description, although that's a good starting point if you don't already have one. If your boss doesn't have success metrics and priorities prepared for you and can't / won't communicate them verbally, write your own and get your boss to sign off on them.  Another focus in the first 90 days is learning how your department works and interacts with other departments within the organization. How does work flow? Who does what? How does the work your department generates fit into the larger organization?  As part of this process, learn how to communicate with others in your department, especially your boss. Get a good understanding of the culture of your department and of the larger organization. Remember: there's what is in writing and there's what is actually happening – learn when people come to work and leave, how lunches and breaks work, and other day-to-day practicalities.  Your boss or a mentor within your department should be able to direct you to key stakeholders and peers outside your department that you need to get to know. Schedule 1:1s with them to introduce yourself and learn how you can work together most effectively.  Key words for this level: ALIGNMENT, ORIENTATION, COMMUNICATION  For a New Manager.As with an Individual Contributor, it is important that you get a clear understanding of what you will be responsible for delivering and how your success will be measured. Get this in writing.  Schedule 1:1s with your direct reports and get to know their strengths, growth areas, communication and work styles, how they like to be rewarded, how best to deliver feedback, and their professional goals. This is THE major shift for you from an Individual Contributor role – the adjustment that the work you produce will now largely be through others. Their development is of paramount importance.  Learning about leadership is another critical component – read and learn about different leadership styles and determine what will work best for you. Remember to be authentically you as you adapt to this new role – if you try to be someone you aren't, you will not be successful in the long run. Develop your plan for the year and get alignment from your boss as to priorities, goals, and measures of success. Key words for this level: ALIGNMENT, MANAGEMENT, LEADERSHIP  As a new Director or Senior Manager. Once again, step one should be alignment of success measures and KPIs with your VP. Make sure you understand how these fit into your VP's broader goals.  A key difference at this level is that your direct reports may also have direct reports. If they don't, it is likely that one of your key goals is to mentor and coach them to become managers. Meet with your direct reports about goals, working styles, and key cultural norms for your area and make sure there is alignment with what they are saying and doing with their direct reports. Establish clear expectations and make sure they are doing the same.  You will be meeting regularly with others across the organization, so quickly begin to set up those meetings and establish those relationships.  You will be expected to regularly evaluate what is and isn't working in your area, so make sure you are seeing and hearing what is going on. Get on top of issues quickly before they have a chance to fester and become cancerous.  You'll likely be expected to create a long-term plan – possibly a 1-3-5-year plan. Create this, get insight and buy-in from your VP, and disseminate this information to your team and other key stakeholders.  Key words for this level: ALIGNMENT, INFLUENCE, STRATEGIC PLANNING   For a VP or C-Suite Executive. Developing a vision and aligning your leadership team with that vision is a critical component at this level. You will be expected to do so with executive presence and compelling communication that elicits buy-in and engagement.  Once you have established your strategic initiatives, select 1-2 for quick wins. It is important for you and your team to have early victories. Pulling the lens out a bit further, communicate your 90 or 120 day and 1-year goals. Be sure to celebrate these wins! Listening to employees at all levels is another critical element for you. Conduct a listening tour to not only listen, but to show your team their voices are important and will be heard. Gather information as to where gaps exist and develop a plan to address. Develop a communication plan for your unit that is open and transparent, both internally and externally.  Key words for this level: ALIGNMENT, LEADERSHIP, COMMUNICATION  You may have noticed that a consistent element at each level is ALIGNMENT. What that looks like will differ at each level, but it is so important that you make sure your goals and priorities are in alignment with your boss and the larger organization.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2

First, a confession: When I started seeing articles and comments about “dry promotions,” I didn't know what that was. In case some of you are in that same boat, here's a definition: “A promotion without a salary increase.” As American businesses seek innovative ways to cut costs in a tightening economy, employers may be enticed to promote employees but withhold a salary increase.   There are two primary benefits to an employee who accepts a dry promotion: 1.    An opportunity to gain new skills and take on new challenges. 2.    Added recognition and appreciation.(Most people in the organization won't know that you didn't get a raise.)  What about the benefits to employers? 1.    They can advance their goals for succession planning and professional development without a hit to their wallet. 2.    Dry promotions can improve employee engagement.   What about the downsides to a dry promotion? 1.    For an employee, the downside is pretty obvious – you are doing more work – and work with more consequence – with no additional pay.  2.    A dry promotion could work against you if you look for work elsewhere – the future employer may have concerns about the disparity between your job title and your compensation.  3.    Conversely, an employer may find that it has positioned the dry employee for a new job at a new organization, with commensurate pay.  4.    An employer with a dry promotion practice may find a decrease in overall productivity, since extra effort is not rewarded.  5.    An employer may find they aren't attracting the best talent.   What options do you, as an employee, have for negotiating a dry promotion? 1.    Get in writing that a raise will happen – or at least be discussed – at a specific later date, possibly with some retroactive pay. 2.    Ask for an increase in variable compensation, such as bonus targets. 3.    Ask for an increase in other fringe benefits like PTO or flexibility.  Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2  

Today, we're talking about how to develop your elevator pitch. This is your 15-to-30 second “commercial” about yourself, which you will need for use in a variety of settings, including: -Introducing yourself at a networking meeting -Selling yourself to a potential employer -Selling yourself, your company, or your product/service to a potential customer If you're not familiar with the concept, the idea is that you could say your elevator pitch while going from one floor to the next on an elevator. Elevator pitches come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on how you're using them. I gave some excellent examples of elevator pitches in episode #209; I've included a link to that episode in the show notes. https://exclusivecareercoaching.com/posts/2022-01-13-209-developing-your-elevator-pitch  First, I want to give you some big picture do's and don'ts for elevator pitches, then we'll drill down to specific frameworks. -Keep it short and succinct -Don't be predictable -Leave them wanting more -Engage them with a question  Now, let's build a few elevator pitches for different situations. Situation #1: Networking for Your Next JobYou're at a networking event, where you want to meet several people. You want to keep it short – remember, in most cases, these people aren't in a position to actually hire you, but rather connect you with others who are. “Hi, my name is Sue Smith, and I help mid-tier healthcare organizations optimize technology so they can increase profitability and streamline processes. Most recently, I did this as Director of IT at Zulu Healthcare System – and now I'm looking for my next role with an organization that wants to make sure they are making the most of their tech spend and are fully utilizing what they already have.” (23 seconds)  Situation #2: Introducing Yourself to a Potential EmployerNow, you are in front of someone who IS in a position to hire you – say, at a chance meeting. You've found yourself in line for coffee with the CIO of ABC Hospital, one of your target employers. “Hi, my name is Sue Smith, and I'm the former IT Director at Zulu Healthcare System. I've been speaking with Joe Jones in your IT department because ABC Hospital is one of my dream employers. One of my greatest strengths is making sure my employer is maximizing the impact of their tech spend – they are only buying what they really need and they are fully utilizing what they buy. I would love the opportunity to sit down with you and describe some of the results I've gotten for my previous employers – would this be possible?” (30 seconds)  Situation #3: You've Just Randomly Met SomeoneHere's the deal with this situation: You aren't in “networking mode,” but at the same time you don't want to pass up an opportunity, because…you never know. Let's say you are randomly chatting with someone a friend has introduced you to at a house party. Keep in mind that this elevator pitch might occur after you've been on the elevator for a few floors – it would likely come across as too aggressive if you started right in. “My name is Sue Smith, and until recently, I was the IT Director at Zulu Healthcare System. I'm looking for my next role in healthcare IT, so if you know of anyone in a leadership role in healthcare in Tallahassee, I would love an introduction!” Note that I didn't get into the weeds with my qualifications or brand attributes – there is no need to.  Situation #4: You are at a Networking Event, and Your Goal is to Sell Your Product or Service. Let's say this is a Chamber of Commerce networking event, and you are looking for people who are unhappy with their current cleaning service – and are in a position to influence a change in this regard at their organization. “Hi, my name is Jack Graham, and I am the Sales Director for Service Excellence Cleaning. How satisfied are you with your current cleaning service?” “We are relatively satisfied, I guess. They charge a fair price and are pretty dependable.” (NOTE: Not a glowing recommendation, but they aren't completely unhappy either.) “What would you say if I offered to bring a crew in FOR FREE to clean your office one day next week? I guarantee we will outperform your current service and our recommendations on Yelp and Google are outstanding – take a look! All I ask is that we have a chance to speak afterwards to discuss options for working together going forward.” Notice how conversational this was, rather than a monologue by someone determined to sell you cleaning services whether you needed them or not.  Situation #5: You are a solopreneur at a networking event, selling a service. “My name is Lesa Edwards, and I help high-achieving, mid-career professionals land their dream job and get promoted.” Notice how short this one is – there is no reason for me to go into detail unless the person I'm speaking with is interested in knowing more. Notice also that I didn't tell them HOW I do what I do…I didn't get specific about the services I provide. I want to pique their curiosity – if they have any curiosity about me. Let's say they respond with:            “Are you a recruiter?” “No, recruiters work for employers to staff their organizations. I work exclusively with prospective employees – preparing them for the job search. I'm one of fewer than 25 Master Resume Writers in the world and I'm a Certified Job Search Strategist, so I give my clients exceptional marketing materials and a job search strategy that gets great results FAST.”   As a review, here are the big-picture considerations for your elevator pitches: -Keep it short and succinct -Don't be predictable -Leave them wanting more -Engage them with a question Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you're worth.  If you're ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2

Last week, I focused on Verbal Communication Skills to Enhance Promotability; today I'm covering Written Communication Skills. Once again, I want to start with an assessment – these are great questions to ask yourself. From there, I recommend you pick the area that you felt the least confident about and set a 90-day goal for improvement. 1.    How well can I anticipate and predict possible causes for written confusion and miscommunication, and how good am I at dealing with them upfront? 2.    How often do recipients fully understand my messages, emails, or other documents? Do I give enough information and detail? 3.    Can I use communication platforms such as email to quickly and efficiently communicate complex issues? 4.    Do people often misunderstand my messages? Am I often surprised that they don't understand what I have written? Let's review the four steps to the communication process as they apply to written communication: -The words you write (correct word usage, punctuation, context) -What you meant by those words (which is more challenging without visual cues – remember that only 7% of communication is the actual words you use) -The words the receiver reads (the reader's facility with the language, eyesight, communication device i.e. phone, tablet) -What the receiver makes those words mean (experience, cultural differences, their thoughts about you/the subject matter) There are four types of written communication: -Informational – You are conveying information to someone who needs to know that information. No response is required, except perhaps acknowledgment of receipt or any questions.  -Instructional – You are educating someone on something they need to know. Again - no response is required, except perhaps acknowledgment of receipt or any questions.  -Transactional – You are conveying something to someone else, with the expectation of a response. The mistake many people make with this type of communication is not clearly conveying that a response is expected and the nature of that response.  -Persuasive – You are communicating the benefits of a product, service, person, or idea to elicit a specific response, such as buying the product or service or voting for the candidate. This type of communication requires a clear call to action.   Next, let's dig into specific written communication issues you may have and ways to improve. 1.    If you struggle with grammar, spelling, and punctuation: -You may want to take a short course to help you with this.  -Read a lot – it doesn't matter what, as long as it's well written. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation.  -Do NOT depend on Spell Check. -Take advantage of a tool like Grammarly. -Practice writing. -Read your writing out loud.   2.    If you struggle with clarity and structure in your writing:  -If the message is complex, outline it. -Get to the point. -Determine the best method for conveying this message – should it even be in writing? If so, is it an email, a memorandum, a white sheet?  -Anticipate your reader's questions. -Read out loud. -Ask someone else to read your writing and tell you what they think you're trying to communicate. -Don't over-explain. -Eliminate filler words and phrases in the editing phase.  -Eliminate redundancy (State of Florida, previous experience, final conclusion)  -Go easy on the prepositional phrases (“reflected” instead of “was a reflection of,” “of the results of the quarter” can be changed to “this quarter's results” – which also puts it in active rather than passive voice) -Avoid padding weak words with adverbs (instead of “mostly right” you could write “had excellent points,” instead of “please respond quickly,” try being more specific with a date).  -Take a business writing course – I did in graduate school, and it was one of the best courses in my Master's degree. You can also take a shorter-term course through LinkedIn Learning, for example.  -Get a business writing “mentor” – someone with exceptional written communication skills AND the time and patience to help you develop your skills in this area.   As with last week's episode, let's bring this back around to how to leverage your improvements to increase your promotability.  -Clearly communicate you goal with your boss and ask him/her for any support you need (pay for a course and possible release time, for example) -Regularly communicate your progress with your boss. -Make certain your boss knows you WANT to be promoted – and want to be considered for a promotion at the appropriate time.   If you are a high-achieving professional with the goal of landing in the C-suite, the Highly Promotable coaching program may be just the ticket! This 1:1 program is targeted to strategically leverage one of your strengths to become a signature strength — and move the needle on one of your developmental areas so it becomes a strength.  This is a four-figure investment in your professional future! If this sounds like just what you need, schedule a complimentary introductory call to determine if you are a fit for Highly Promotable:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/highly-promotable-introductory-call