Put Your Blinders On.
In a horse race, the horses wear blinders to keep their attention focussed on what's in front of them.
Changes in your career (and circumstances) can take place when you are aware of what needs to be changed. When you understand what is preventing you from getting what you want, a shift will take place.
This newsletter covers tips on how to use blinders effectively in your career.
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Stop the Insanity!
Canadian
career opportunities are opening up in unprecedented numbers. So, if
there are so many good jobs available, why is it so difficult to find
the opportunities and get great offers?
Albert Einstein
is attributed to have said "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over
again and expecting different results.". If your current job search is
not working, change something! Here are some things you might be able to do differently in order to position yourself for opportunities:
- Create connections with targeted recruiters.
Most recruiters have specific openings and will work on your behalf if they see you as a good fit. Ensure you find the recruiters that
specialize in your area of interest and establish a connection.
- Focus on your target market.
Don't just apply haphazardly to all jobs. Target the organizations
where you strongly feel you will succeed and then do your market
research.
- Tap into the hidden job market.
Avoid competing with the multitudes applying to job postings. Create
your own openings by connecting directly with organizations and meeting
with the decision-makers.
- Present a career 'brand' that screams value.
Every impression you make counts. From the moment you present yourself
to the public, you make a statement about who you are and what you
offer potential employers. Consider your brand in your
selection of business attire, your written and verbal communication, and your
manners.
- Watch your online persona.
More and more decision-makers are using the Internet to research
applicants. With the availability of Facebook, MySpace, and other online networking
sites, there is a tremendous opportunity to market your career. Make sure these profiles are
professional and don't contain anything that would negatively affect your 'brand'. Without thinking you (or your friends) can let loose, have fun, and represent
you in an unfavourable manner which could have negative career consequences.
- Put forth a portfolio that sets you apart.
Trash your template resume and create a unique portfolio that is an
advertisement of your brand. Use your branded resume as the central
document and create a dynamic, creative, strategic, and thoughtful portfolio that distingushes you from the other applicants. Ensure your recruiters have copies of this portfolio and that you keep them current.
- Close the opportunity before anyone else can.
Don't sit back and wait for the infamous call. Make yourself known as
a take-charge professional who is very interested in the opportunity. Followup with the
decision-makers/recruiters after your interview in a proactive and
professional way - you will create a positive and memorable impression.
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Career Tip
An 'unconventional' email address can be negative for you when it comes to applying for a job. A great candidate could be dismissed because their email address causes questions regarding their career brand.
Even in unconventional careers, an oddball email address may raise red flags with people who could help you get to the top. For example, if your dream is to become a celebrity photographer, and your email address is celebstalker@...., you likely will not be as successful as someone whose email address is photographer@quality.com.
Not sure the message your email conveys? Get feedback from your friends and employer contacts, if you can.
Often, candidates don't want to use their daily email address. If that's the case, consider getting another, professional sounding, address through a reputable email service. A basic email address using your name would be more favourable than an address like: ihatework@emailaddress.com.
Until the employer gets to know the real you and your quirky personality or offbeat sense of humour, consider playing it safe if you want to get the job.
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Ensure blinders are used effectively in your career,
partner with SmartHire
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This link will currently take you to the Grasslands Group website. It will be updated once the new site is online.
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Monday Getting You Down?
These are classic signs indicating a change in your working environment may be needed to revitalize your life:
- Are Sunday evenings a time of dread?
- Do you worry about the approaching work-week?
- Do you linger in bed a bit longer than necessary, delaying the inevitable?
- Do you think of calling in sick; when you're not?
- Does the thought of going to work make you physically sick?
If this sounds like you, what is holding you back? Is it:
- Compensation/perks are too good to walk away from?
- Retirement proximity too close to bother?
- Resigning gives you an ulcer.
Options include:
- Do nothing.
- Ask for more challenge. You've progressed sufficiently in your position to take on bigger responsibilities.
- Consider moving down to a less stressful job.
- Ask for a raise or some additional benefits.
- Add SmartHire.ca to your Winning Career Team!
Assuming you work an average of 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year, for 50 years, you will spend 100,000 hours of your life in the workplace.
You deserve to spend that time doing something rewarding and meaningful!
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"The most intense competition between firms is in
the marketplace: the marketplace for customers and the marketplace for
talent."
Jo Owens,
Management Stripped Bare
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Dona Plewis, RPRdona@smarthire.caSmartHire1-888-778-0570Currently, links will still take you to the Grasslands Group website. This link will be updated once the new site is online.
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