Who do you want to be when you grow up?
We often ask children, “Who do you want to be when you grow up?” Their answers include firefighter, police officer, and these days, social media influencer. But, is there something deeper that may matter more than the job title? Over one lifetime, a person may transition from a waiter to a financial analyst to an executive leader. What remains consistent is the core of that person: their character.
So often in business, we lose ourselves. We are so set on achieving a goal that we forget about the person we wanted to be when we were that child. Some people even show up as one person at home, and a completely different person at work.
We may go through our day at work as if we are playing a video game. We look for rules and social norms. We look for the way to move from one level to the next. We look to maximize our prize, or our salary and title. But, at what cost?
When I was considering business schools, I stumbled upon Pepperdine University. At the time, one of the things that stood out to me was that they offered a concentration in entrepreneurial management. But, the other thing I found to be unique about their program was that they had a focus on business ethics.
Over the years, I had heard about disasters like the one at Enron. I had seen leaders in my own workplace making decisions that seemed dishonest. I was drawn to the idea of a program that incorporated the importance of ethics into business, and I wasn’t wrong. In many of our courses, we not only discussed how to maximize revenue and productivity, but how to do it in a way that is meaningful and ethical.
C.S. Lewis famously said, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” I could not agree more. Whether it’s respecting a patent in the world of manufacturing – or doing the right thing by your customers and colleagues, these decisions often happen when no one is watching.
You’ve probably read articles on what wise older people say was most important in their lives. They talk about relationships and experiences. They talk about living life authentically. Rarely do they ever talk about their achievements at work. Or, if they do speak about work, they remind us that work is not the most important thing in life. When you get to the end, you will rarely regret not spending more time at work.
If you’re a numbers oriented person, I’d ask, what is the incremental gain of operating in a way that’s anything less than ethical in the workplace? You may get your next promotion a little faster, but you will hurt yourself in the long run. You’ll forfeit future connections and trust that you need over the lifetime of your career. In the end, who do you want to be?
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
Scary interviews aren’t just for dreams
Happy Halloween! In celebration, I want to share one of my frightening job interview stories.
Years ago, I interviewed for a job in Pittsburgh. I flew in late at night, with the interview scheduled first thing the next morning. As I unpacked, I realized I had forgotten the pants to my suit. My mind was racing as I went through the options of what to do.
Could I wear the pants I’d flown there in? No, they were sweatpants. Could I call a cab to take me to a mall? No, it was late and everything was closed. Could I have a pair of pants shipped to me from home? No, all the shippers were closed for the day.
This brainstorming went on for an hour. I wracked my brain as I tried to think of a creative solution to this big problem.
It turned out, packages could be dropped off directly at the airport until around midnight for FedEx, and could be delivered by six the next morning. The only catch was getting the pants to the airport.
My apartment manager was the only one with a key to my apartment, but I didn’t have her phone number. So, I called a neighbor who was friends with another neighbor who had a dog that the building manager walked every day. I knew he would have the building manager’s phone, and I knew my other neighbor had the dog owner’s phone number.
After a few calls, I found the building manager’s phone number. I called and asked her to give my key to a friend who was willing to drive the pants to the airport. My friend entered my apartment and called to locate the correct pair of pants. Then, he drove them to FedEx, and mailed them.
Afterward, I alerted the hotel desk to contact me the moment the pants arrived—which they did. The interview went smoothly and nobody noticed anything unusual.
One of the questions they asked was, “Tell us about a time you encountered a problem and were able to find a creative way to solve it.” It was the perfect opportunity to share my story. The interviewers were both surprised and impressed. What started as a nightmare turned out to be a big win!
I don’t remember if I got that job, but I do remember that the interview went well.
The lesson: When it comes to job interviews, don’t expect everything to go perfectly. There’s often something that will go wrong. If you can plan on that thing, it’s much easier to roll with the punches and have a positive experience.
Interviewing is not about answering every question correctly. The hiring manager is more likely to remember how they felt about you than how you answered each question. It’s like going to a live comedy show. You don’t remember each joke, but you remember whether you had a good time.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
The Power of Inclusivity
Why do you think that most job seekers are looking for a new job? Many managers would confidently report that their employees leave because they are looking for more pay. And, to some degree, this theory makes sense. Employees are often not honest with their previous employer about why they’re leaving. Employees often take a “it’s not you, it’s me” approach to breaking up the work relationship. In exit interviews, employees will often avoid sharing the real reason they are moving on to another job.
As you can imagine, the truth about why they are leaving is typically very different. Most employees are uncomfortable with change. Change is one of the last things that they want to sign up for. An employee looks for a new job as a last resort. Many employees won’t fully commit to a job search until they are crying in the bathroom stall at work, and are unable to sleep at night. And, those tears have very little to do with pay.
Jessica Hardeman from Indeed.com recently interviewed ibelong CEO Rajkumari Neogy on the topic of how leaders can reclaim diversity, equity, and inclusion during a divisive time. Rajkumari shared a personal story about feeling excluded at work, and the unnecessarily difficult experience it can cause for employees. Exclusion is a tool that can be used to make an employee feel like an outsider, and that they aren’t welcome to bring their whole self to work. Neogy shared that after moving on to a new role, it became apparent how much exclusion had made an impact.
Neogy also stressed the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. Walking on eggshells each day can be emotionally taxing, and can create a difficult dynamic both for impacted employees and those around them. It’s hard to share your ideas when you don’t feel they will be accepted or even considered. It’s hard to let your guard down enough to share.
When workers feel more accepted and understood, they are able to perform at a higher level. And, ultimately the company benefits from reduced turnover and increased productivity. In other words, companies where employees feel included and accepted make more money.
In terms of inclusivity and psychological safety, there is one group that stands out as doing a great job. I was initially surprised to see Gen Z employees being so supportive of one another. Gen Z employees seem less competitive with one another, and more supportive of the success of their colleagues. They are not out to try to tear one another down. On the whole, they try to support and build each other up. In addition, Gen Z is far more accepting and inclusive of other people who are different than they are. This creates a more collaborative and effective team.
There is something that we can all learn from Neogy and our Gen Z colleagues. There’s an incredibly positive power in inclusivity.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
Making Management Easier
Managers are often drained by the people part of their jobs. After working for years as an individual contributor, they are finally rewarded with a management role. But, management is not as fun as they had hoped. In addition to their old tasks, the manager is now saddled with a job that feels like a combination of a therapist and a babysitter. But, instead of watching over children, they are tending to middle-aged adults.
The interesting thing about this challenge is that the manager often creates it themselves. You heard that right. There is an easier way to manage that’s less taxing and takes up less time.
There are basics, such as treating your team with respect. Then comes trust and empowerment. Beyond these however, is something not often thought about. Many managers serve as the person who works out the problems of their employees.
On paper, this sounds great. Who doesn’t want a manager that helps them to move boulders? But, many work problems are not boulders. Most problems are comprised of a mix of misunderstandings and feelings.
Early in my own management career, I began to test a strategy that I employ to this day. I’m happy to be a sounding board for employees if something frustrating is happening. Often, an employee will share an upsetting interaction they had in a meeting or on a project. Then, they may ask me to intervene.
This is where managers can waste emotional cycles and degrade their work culture. If they take the problem and run with it, they are hearing only one side. When they approach the other person, it becomes clear that people are talking about one another. And, it doesn’t allow the employees to grow closer.
It can be draining for the manager. And, can create a cycle that is not sustainable in a busy work culture. So, what is a manager to do?
Be a good listener. Most people simply want to be heard. If an employee is venting, they may need a listening ear more than an answer. Keep the conversation confidential, if possible. Employees want to know they can count on their boss to be trustworthy.
Ask the employee what they believe is the best solution. They may already have an idea. If not, this will put them into the practice of their own conflict resolution.
If the employee asks you to step in, consider another path. Encourage the frustrated employee to have one conversation with the other person. Discuss the goals of the conversation. Then, ask that the employee report back afterward.
Assure them that if the entire thing goes off the rails, you are the backup plan. Having this can help the employee to feel more comfortable to try something new.
Surprisingly, most employee conflicts are able to be resolved by having a single conversation. It also builds a closer, more trustworthy relationship between employees. And, it makes management easier.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
Your Ideas Are Not That Original
Most job seekers have very strong feelings on one particular topic: job interview assessments. It is not uncommon in today’s job market for an employer to ask you to take an assessment. Yes, they may ask you to take a test.
An employer may ask you to “do a case study.” An employer may ask you to take an IQ test or to write a paper. Or, an employer may ask you to write a sample marketing plan.
Very often, I hear from job seekers that they feel that these assessment are ridiculous. Job seekers believe they are a waste of time. The company is asking the job seeker to do free work. And, many job seekers feel that companies do assessments such as these in order to steal their ideas. Job seekers often feel that their resume should speak for itself.
But, what if we think about the other side of this issue? Yes, assessments do take more time. And, when it comes to test taking, it could be debated that they are not always perfectly fair.
Assessments do however give a company a bird’s eye view into how you think. For example, what if the manager who hires you doesn’t like your ideas, or your working style? Doing an assessment may give you the opportunity to avoid a company that’s not for you.
Plus, it is not uncommon to compete against Ivy League graduates in a job interview. If you only needed a resume, the Harvard graduate might win every interview. An assessment can allow an underdog candidate to be taken more seriously. It can show a hiring manager that you understand their business, and are willing to work hard.
I once used an assessment when interviewing candidates for a graphic artist role. Each person was asked to create an image. In fairness, I provided each person with a small payment for their work. But, this small project allowed me to clearly see who the most talented designers were. It allowed all bias to be set aside, and to focus on results.
Think of it this way. An assessment can help to set you apart from the competition.
And, on the topic of stealing ideas, I hate to break it to you. Your ideas are not that original. Neither are mine. It is not uncommon for two people to come up with the same idea. Not only that, a company cannot sustain on a few ideas that may have been shared in a job interview assessment. The likelihood that a company is interviewing you in order to take ideas from you is low.
Rather than be upset about an assessment, look at it as an opportunity. It’s your chance to shine, and it’s your chance to get a new job offer. Many candidates drop out on the assessment step. Be the candidate who takes a risk, and wins big. You might get the opportunity to implement the ideas you created.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
The Emotional Impact of Layoffs
Do you remember when layoffs were unusual? They were a last resort that companies would only take if they had no other choice. Layoffs were shocking. They were a mark of shame on employers who couldn’t seem to find any other option.
Today, layoffs are commonplace. In fact, they can be a badge of honor for a company. A company’s stock price may go up following a layoff. Layoffs have evolved from a last resort to a first stop on the list of ways to save money.
Layoffs have become so normal that at times executive leadership may fail to mention to anyone that a layoff has occurred. And, the annual reviews that were once used to help improve someone’s career are now the first place an employer may look for the best candidates to lay off.
All in all, this is inhumane. What is going on for the employee who was walked out the door? Have layoffs been so normalized that these employees are not personally impacted?
The answer is: no. Employees who are laid off for any reason can face career-long ramifications that we often don’t think about. It’s such a painful topic that those who were laid off often don’t talk about it. Or, they may pretend that it’s normal.
According to Kyra Bobinet’s book, Unstoppable Brain, layoffs bring “long-term negative consequences, including health issues, significant mental and financial stress, and a 1.3 to 3 times risk of suicide.” A Harvard Business Review article also noted that, “displaced workers have twice the risk of developing depression, and four times the risk of substance abuse.” It also notes the cumulative effect of unemployment. Displaced workers often experience long-term income loss that stick around for their entire career. “For example, workers laid off during the 1980s recession saw a 30 percent earnings decline, and twenty years later, most of them still earned 20 percent less than peers who retained their jobs.”
These are startling statistics. Job loss might be compared to the deal of a spouse. It’s losing a big part of your identity that is shocking and hard to recover from. In our achievement-based culture, it can feel like a reflection on who you are as a person. It can feel like a reflection of failed performance.
If you have gone through a layoff, I empathize with your experience. But, do not take too much time off between opportunities. Start looking as fast as you can. The quicker you find something new, the more you will minimize the financial and emotional impact of the experience. And, the less likely the layoff will follow you through your career and your finances.
Reach out to your loved ones for support. Many people have had similar tough experiences. But, sadly, we often don’t talk about it enough. Understanding that you are not alone in this experience can also help to move you forward to your next chapter.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
The Salary Divide
Do you ever wonder what your life would have been like if you had taken a different path? For example, what if you had studied something different in college? Or, if you had worked in a different industry? Or, if you had a different role at work?
When I was in graduate school, a professor casually mentioned that I should go into consulting at a big firm. I had no idea what that meant. I never asked, and he never explained. I have wondered what my path would have been like if we had just one conversation.
In the past, I would have said career differences don’t matter much. You simply needed to end up in a job that would pay the bills. But, a disturbing trend is becoming more apparent. There are larger and larger gaps in pay between workers.
This trend can also be seen in our economy as a whole. Many indicators say the economy is doing well. But, someone making less than $50,000 per year most likely doesn’t feel that way. They are probably struggling to make ends meet. On the flip side, those who are doing well seem largely untouched by our current economic challenges. But, they are also often making $200,000 or more.
What are these different groups doing differently? It can be more random than you might think. It’s not necessarily that the higher paid person is working harder or longer hours. And, it’s not necessarily that they are any smarter than anyone else. Often, it’s the particular educational and career path that they happened to end up on pays more.
If you are a parent of a teenager or young adult, this column is for you. If you want to help your child pick the best career, do research. Look at sites like Glassdoor.com to see how much various jobs pay. If your child is looking at certain colleges, look up what is called a “post-graduation report.” It will tell you which fields their graduates are working in, and how much money they are making.
Two different degrees may cost the same amount of money to earn. However, the careers they lead to may be very different. And, one career may pay $50,000 pear year, while the other pays $200,000.
Don’t get me wrong. Money isn’t everything. But, if there are two jobs that would be a good fit for a person, and one pays four times what the other pays, wouldn’t you want to select the higher paying option?
If you are already in your career path, and you’re feeling financially strained, do some research. First, learn if you are underpaid for the work you do today. If you aren’t underpaid, but are still not making enough money, look at other options. Consider what transferrable skills you have that you can take to another field that will pay more. This can help you to close the salary divide.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
The Salary Divide
Do you ever wonder what your life would have been like if you had taken a different path? For example, what if you had studied something different in college? Or, if you had worked in a different industry? Or, if you had a different role at work?
When I was in graduate school, a professor casually mentioned that I should go into consulting at a big firm. I had no idea what that meant. I never asked, and he never explained. I have wondered what my path would have been like if we had just one conversation.
In the past, I would have said career differences don’t matter much. You simply needed to end up in a job that would pay the bills. But, a disturbing trend is becoming more apparent. There are larger and larger gaps in pay between workers.
This trend can also be seen in our economy as a whole. Many indicators say the economy is doing well. But, someone making less than $50,000 per year most likely doesn’t feel that way. They are probably struggling to make ends meet. On the flip side, those who are doing well seem largely untouched by our current economic challenges. But, they are also often making $200,000 or more.
What are these different groups doing differently? It can be more random than you might think. It’s not necessarily that the higher paid person is working harder or longer hours. And, it’s not necessarily that they are any smarter than anyone else. Often, it’s the particular educational and career path that they happened to end up on pays more.
If you are a parent of a teenager or young adult, this column is for you. If you want to help your child pick the best career, do research. Look at sites like Glassdoor.com to see how much various jobs pay. If your child is looking at certain colleges, look up what is called a “post-graduation report.” It will tell you which fields their graduates are working in, and how much money they are making.
Two different degrees may cost the same amount of money to earn. However, the careers they lead to may be very different. And, one career may pay $50,000 pear year, while the other pays $200,000.
Don’t get me wrong. Money isn’t everything. But, if there are two jobs that would be a good fit for a person, and one pays four times what the other pays, wouldn’t you want to select the higher paying option?
If you are already in your career path, and you’re feeling financially strained, do some research. First, learn if you are underpaid for the work you do today. If you aren’t underpaid, but are still not making enough money, look at other options. Consider what transferrable skills you have that you can take to another field that will pay more. This can help you to close the salary divide.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
This Is Temporary
Do you remember the dot com crash in 2000? And, do you remember the mortgage crisis in 2008? When those devastating events occurred, it felt like things might never turn around. Finding a job felt impossible. And, if you had one, you may have felt stuck. There weren’t many options. I remember friends who both could not find a job, but who could not sell their home. The stress was high all the way around.
When you’re in the middle of a difficult time, it’s hard to picture a different reality. It can feel hopeless. Hard times can bring up feelings of fear and desperation. We may feel paralyzed. Job searching can feel like an impossible task.
But, after events such as the dot com crash passed, we don’t think about it too much anymore. It’s so far in the past that at times, we may forget that it ever happened. Additionally, if you were lucky enough to be in a good situation during tough times, you may not have felt their economic impact.
One hopeful statistic to remember is that economic downturns have historically lasted anywhere from six months to eighteen months. Although this length of time is certainly not nothing, it is not as long as it feels in the moment. And, there is an end to the pain. In addition, companies can sometimes be slow to change just before a presidential election – another event with an endpoint.
In other words, if you are going through a difficult time, just remember that it’s not permanent. It’s not a reflection of who you are, or what you are capable of. It’s not the sign of the end of your career, or of what’s to come in the future. Many very talented people are going through tough times at this moment. Often, these tough times are a reflection of things outside of your control, despite how they feel in the moment.
In fact, the reverse is also true. Many of the billionaires we admire are not only talented, but they also had good timing. For example, imagine if Bill Gates hadn’t started using computers until the 90s. Or, imagine if Mark Zuckerberg were just finishing college today. They likely would have missed their window of success, despite how smart they might be.
During this tough time, give yourself a break. It’s natural to feel discouraged, and it makes sense to feel upset.
Do your best to influence what you can control. Prepare for the future, when things will be more calm and fruitful. This may mean updating your resume. It may mean getting involved in community organizations. It might even mean taking the time to work with a therapist or a career coach.
Take care of yourself, so that when things naturally turn around, you’ll be ready. And, remember, things will turn around. The economy will get better. The job market will improve. You will be okay.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
It’s Not You
One thing that is notable about the job search process is just how easy it is sometimes, and just how hard it is other times. If getting a job has always been easy for you, and you’re finding it to be hard now, you may feel like you’re doing something wrong. Or, that perhaps you’ve changed. Although that could be the case, sometimes, it’s really not you. There are many external factors beyond your ability that impact whether or not you get the job.
First, the economy plays a bit part of your job search experience. When the economy is strong, and when it’s a job seekers’ market, interviews move faster and smoother. Companies don’t have the luxury of stringing along candidates, or of finding the perfect unicorn. When the economy is down, companies receive many more applications for each job. Companies are able to pick and choose which candidates to move forward. And, at times, they may even intentionally slow their hiring process in order to save money.
Similarly, where you live can have a big impact on your job search. If you live in a big city with many corporations, it can often be much easier to find something new. There are simply more options than in smaller towns where you may have to wait for something to come open. Although some companies will relocate the right person, they always prefer a local candidate if they can find one.
It can also matter if you have connections within the company where you’re applying. If you are applying online, along with hundreds of other applicants, the chances that someone will see your resume are slim. But, if a friend offers to hand deliver your resume to the hiring manager, you are much more likely to get a job interview.
The story that your resume tells also makes a big difference. In other words, companies often look at small, potentially irrelevant details, when they are sorting candidates. Think of this similar to filtering profiles on a dating app. The company is starting with so many options that they are narrowing them down using random criteria. If you have switched jobs too frequently, they may judge you. If you currently work in a different industry, they may assume your skills don’t translate. This can happen even if you previously worked in the industry in which you are applying.
If your work history is varied, you need an open-minded hiring manager. You need someone who understands transferrable skills, and who can see you as the whole and talented person you are. But, this doesn’t happen every time. It takes many applications to find a boss who understands the value that you bring.
Let me leave you with this. All of the things described above can impact your job search. None of the things described above are about your potential or your performance. Keep looking, and you will find your fit.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
Copeland Coaching Podcast
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