Copeland Coaching 2016 Recap
2016 has been a big year for Copeland Coaching. If you blinked, you might have missed something. Below is a recap of my favorite things from 2016. I hope you enjoy!
Press Highlights:
- Recruiter.com picked Angela’s book Breaking The Rules & Getting The Job as the #1 book to drive your professional success. “If you’re tired of being at the mercy of job boards and unresponsive hiring managers, start here.”
- Personal Income.org selected Copeland Coaching as one of the top 25 Resume Building & Career Blogs.
- Forbes quoted Angela in their piece 5 Ways to Pull Off a Successful Career Switch. “If you’re looking to switch because you want a quick fix to a problem at work — for example, you have a boss you’re desperate to escape from — you might want to rethink making an entire career switch.”
- MarketWatch quoted Angela in their piece Half of the high-paying jobs in America now require this skill.
- Monster quoted Angela in their piece 9 qualities recruiters want to see in every single candidate. “Reliability is important because it shows your future boss what they can expect of you going forward. Show you are reliable by [being on time] for interviews or meetings, and sending your resume, and any other piece of documentation requested, when you promised.”
Top Downloaded Podcast Episodes:
- Gayle Laakmann McDowell – Gayle shared her insight on how to crack the coding interview. She also shares tips on how to move from one functional area to another, and how to avoid common career mistakes. If you’re in tech, this one’s for you!
- Sharon Hill – Sharon shared her advice on generational differences in the workplace, how to handle office gossip, and what you can do to avoid irritating your coworkers. If you can’t seem to figure out your younger or older colleagues, listen to this episode!
- Landon Holder – Landon advised us on what you should wear to an interview, what you need to know about accessories, and how to buy your first suit. Struggling for what to wear? Start here!
- Zachary Croteau – Zac gave great tips on networking (including cold calling) and landing a job offline. He also gave us suggestions for using LinkedIn, and LinkedIn endorsements. If you listen to no other episode, listen to this one. Zac shares insights about networking that can be used across every industry, at every point in your career.
- Mac Prichard – Mac shared his secrets to hacking the hidden job market, to mastering informational interviews, and how long your job search should really take. If you’re tired of the online application process, check out this interview!
Most Read Newsletters:
- Want to find a new job? Stop paying so much attention to the minimum requirements. I’m certain I’m going to get negative feedback for saying this, but I just have to. Every day (and I really mean every day) I spend at least an hour trying to convince job seekers to do something that seems completely crazy — apply for a job.
- Technology is a tool, not a key. All the time, I see job seekers who are working really, really hard. They’re at home, perfecting their resume and cover letter. And, they’re spending countless hours applying for jobs online. And, I mean HOURS. It could literally be their full time job.
- Are you ready to get serious about your job search? Finding a job is a process. And, in many cases, it’s not a quick one. If you wait until you can’t bear to go in to work one more day, you’ve waited too long.
- How long should your job search really take? One of the number one (if not THE number one) complaints job seekers have is how long it really takes to find a new job. So, what’s a reasonable expectation?
- Is it possible to double your salary? I saw an article last week that really got me thinking. It was all about this concept of doubling your salary. One of the top complaints of unhappy employees is money. They want to make more. They want to be paid fairly. And, who can blame them? With the two to three percent annual raises out there today, it’s impossible to keep up!
Thank you for coming along this journey with me in 2016! I’m thankful for each and every one of you! If you’ve missed any of these most read newsletters, or most downloaded podcasts, please be sure to check them out. And, watch for more big things to come in 2017!
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
New Year, New You
No matter what your personal religious, political, or social views are, it seems fair to say, we can all agree on one thing. 2016 has been a tough year for everyone. Friends and families were pulled apart by different political leanings. Workers went through difficult corporate layoffs and restructurings. Violence and death were reported on daily in the news. It’s been rough – very rough.
In fact, after rounds of Facebook frustrations, many people are opting to take a break from social media just to regroup. Others are refocusing on eating healthy, and taking care of themselves. They’re using the holidays to prepare for a better, more positive 2017.
This is one of those times I feel extra thankful for fresh starts. And, what a better way to begin again than to start with a few New Year’s resolutions. Rather than focus on things outside of your control, it’s time to reflect on what is inside of your sphere of influence. As you can guess, I recommend your career be placed at the very top of your list.
It’s one thing that has a very direct, very immediate impact on your daily life. It can impact your financial wellbeing, your personal stress, and the general fulfillment you feel.
Take inventory on what’s working in your career, and what you’d like to change. Do you want to land a promotion? Would you like to make more money, work in a different industry, or living in a different city? Are you looking for a workplace with a better work-life balance? Would you prefer to use your strengths in a different way?
There’s no right answer when it comes to deciding what’s important in your career, and in your life. The most important thing is to be in touch with what’s important to you. From there, you can set goals.
But, don’t fool yourself. Career transformation is a process. It rarely happens overnight, and it’s certainly not easy. First, prioritize your goals by selecting which are the most important. Then, break down the goals you have identified into steps. Perhaps one goal is to update your LinkedIn profile. One step might be to take a new photo. Another might be to add your latest job title, and accomplishments.
Breaking your goals down into bite size pieces make them more attainable. Attaching those goals to dates will help to hold you accountable.
But, whatever path you choose to pursue, start strong. Companies really do begin hiring again in January, so don’t put off the change you want to make. Put failure out of your mind. Acknowledge that the effort is the most important part of the entire process.
And, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Moving up in your career is a rarely an effort achieved alone. It takes a great company, managers, mentors, friends, confidants, coaches, and family members.
I’m certain that with a little effort, and a little teamwork, together, we can work to make 2017 a brighter all the way around.
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com or on Twitter at @CopelandCoach.
How ready are you for 2016 to wrap up?
Can we all agree on one thing? 2016 has been the longest year we’ve had in ages.
From the controversial political season we all experienced, to mass shootings and violence, to the Zika virus outbreak to devastating weather… Even many of our favorite celebrities died, include Prince, David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Natalie Cole, and Harper Lee. I could go on, but you get the idea.
I’m sure you’d agree — this year has just been too long. If you’re like me, there’s a good chance this year has left you with some stress you’d be happy to leave behind as we enter 2017. With that in mind, let’s take a short departure from our typical career-only-focused newsletter.
There are a few things you can do between now and January 1st to reduce stress, and prepare you for a successful New Year. As you know, I don’t typically talk about these topics in my newsletter, but these are a few of my personal tips for reducing my stress and increasing my performance. Not only do they help in my every day life, but they help in my career. And, I hope they’ll help you too!
Eat Right & Eat Breakfast – One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to eat nutritious food. Try to reduce processed foods, sweets, and anything fried. Reach for vegetables when you can, and include enough protein. And especially, don’t miss breakfast! I prefer to eat something high in protein, but even cereal will work. Don’t neglect yourself first thing in the morning.
Drink Enough Water – Having enough water (and staying hydrated) directly impacts how you feel. Take the time to get your eight cups a day in. Try to keep things like soda, beer, and wine in moderation when you’re feeling stressed.
Sleep – Get more! It’s amazing how much better I feel after sleeping eight hours, and I bet you do too. If there’s any way you can cut back on other activities to make room for rest, you will thank yourself.
Yoga – If you’ve never tried it, this may sound a little strange. But, yoga really can help to reduce your feelings of stress. It’s a combination of stretching, thoughtful breathing, and a core workout (to name just a few components). Although yoga is often thought to be a women’s activity, it can be just as beneficial if not more so for men.
Workout – Get moving! Whether you prefer to run, lift weights, or do Pilates — do your thing! The winter months are not the time to put your workout routine on the back burner. Working out will help you to eliminate stress, and reduce the chances you will get sick.
There are so many ways to reduce stress. In addition to the suggestions above, you may like spending time with friends, writing, going to the driving range, or cooking. Whatever makes you feel less stressed is where you should spend your time.
Reducing stress (especially during a high stress time like the holidays) can be crucial to staying focused at work, and in your career. To start 2017 off on a better foot, take a little time now to take care of yourself. Together, we can leave this year behind and start fresh!
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
You’re Invited! Please join me for the signing of my book “Breaking The Rules & Getting The Job”
You’re invited to my book signing of
Breaking The Rules & Getting The Job
Let’s start 2017 off right! I’m excited to announce that you can now get your PRINT copy of Breaking The Rules & Getting The Job! Please join me for my book signing on Thursday, January 12th at the Booksellers at Laurelwood.
Thank you to everyone for all your help and support along the way! I can’t wait to see you in person at the book signing. Please RSVP on Facebook below.
Sincerely,
Angela Copeland
- What: Book signing for Breaking The Rules & Getting The Job
- When: Thursday, January 12th, 2017 at 6:30 PM CST
- Where: The Booksellers at Laurelwood (previously known as Davis Kidd Booksellers)
- Address: 387 Perkins Ext, Memphis, Tennessee 38117
Small Town, Big Perks
One of the first things every job seeker considers is what city to live in next. A list of questions come up when evaluating options. “Are there many jobs available in my current city? Am I near my family and friends? Would I rather be on the coast, or near the mountains?”
Very often, I hear from job seekers who have always dreamed of living in a large city, such as Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco. These are all beautiful locations. They’re full of jobs in hot industries. They have no shortage of culture, food, or interesting people. In many ways, they can be a dream come true.
But, I’d like to argue that there’s also quite a lot to be said for a small to mid-sized city. Originally from Oklahoma City, my career has given me the opportunity to live in a number of cities, including Albany, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Memphis, and Los Angeles. All of this moving has given me a unique perspective on where to live.
First, there’s a rumor that companies in larger cities pay higher salaries. While this may be true to some degree, consider this. In a market like Los Angeles, there may be hundreds or thousands of people who are qualified for a particular specialized job. Those candidates are competing against one another for that job. And, because of this, the company may be able to pay a bit less. However, in a smaller city, specialized workers are harder to find. The company is forced to pay a competitive wage in order to lure in a unique skillset. In fact, they may even pay more than the typical market rate.
In addition to the financial benefits, smaller cities have other career perks. It’s not uncommon to be promoted to a higher position of management within a company at a younger age. For example, I’ve observed people work their way up to a director title five to ten years faster in a smaller market. It’s often easier to be a big fish when you’re in a small pond.
And, in small cities, it’s also easier to network. There are fewer layers between you and the top business executives. This is helpful when it comes to expanding your network, getting an interview, and landing a job. You’re less constrained by the online application process when you have a list of in person connections at your fingertips. You may even know the hiring manager.
Don’t get me wrong – I really do love big cities. But, I’ve never felt more at home than I do in a small one. Career wise, I’ve have had my crack at more opportunities than I would have, and have climbed the corporate ladder faster. I’ve been able to maintain a low cost of living, and in turn, a higher quality of life. So, as much as I enjoy the bustle of a big place, I’d much rather visit on vacation (using a little of the money I’ve saved on rent).
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com or on Twitter at @CopelandCoach.
Making the Most of Your Performance Review
Do you wish you were making more money? Do you feel frustrated that you haven’t received the promotion you’ve been waiting for? Well, now’s the time to make a case for yourself. It’s almost time for your annual employee performance evaluation.
One of the biggest mistakes we all make at work is that we don’t take our performance reviews seriously enough. They’re just another item to check off the list by a certain due date. With everything else we have to do, we rush through the online review process. We feel that we have too much going on to waste time on this silly annual administrative task.
But, it’s this same silly task that is used to guide your future salary. It helps your manager to decide whether or not to give you the promotion you’ve been dreaming of. So, it is worth saying that a performance evaluation deserves as much time, if not more, than any other project on your desk.
Once you’ve decided to prioritize your review, what should you know?
The first thing is, start early. When you put time into your review, the amount of detail required is heavy. You want to be sure you have time to put everything together.
When you complete your online self-review, don’t give yourself lower ratings that you deserve in an effort to be humble. Your scores should accurately reflect your work. If you’ve done an outstanding job, say so. Don’t expect your boss to convince you that your work was better than your own rating.
On each area where you rate yourself, provide more than just a rating. Write a justification that includes specific examples of your work. Ideally, these examples should tie back to your goals for the year. They should be specific and if possible, quantifiable. Show without a doubt that you have met and exceeded each goal.
Once you’ve completed the online self-review, try putting the same information into another format. Online self-reviews are often text heavy and not a great way to represent yourself. A PowerPoint presentation can be a great solution. Create different sections that are tied to your online review, but add in pictures, graphs, and other screen shots to better demonstrate your accomplishments.
When it’s time to review your performance evaluation with your boss, be on time, and be prepared. Dress in what you might wear if you were giving an important presentation on behalf of someone else. But, this time, that someone is you.
Doing a self-review can be difficult. It’s tedious. It’s detail oriented. It requires you to remember everything you’ve done in the past year. Despite all of these things, a solid performance review is worth it. If you follow the steps recommend, there’s a good chance you’ll be the only person on your team who put in this much work. And, that hard work will be in your boss’ mind when they decide who to promote and give a bigger raise to in the New Year.
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com or on Twitter at @CopelandCoach.
Here are a few jobs you should checkout!
I don’t know about you, but the past few weeks have been a whirlwind for me! Thanksgiving travel, gift shopping, and annual holiday parties have been taking center stage.
But, the weeks between Thanksgiving and the New Year isn’t the time to give up on your job search yet. Employers are still hiring. Here’s proof. In just the past week, a number of different hiring managers have reached out to me about specific job openings they are looking to fill.
And, because I received a number at the very same time, I wanted to send a few of them to you. If you’re interested in these jobs, be sure to apply. If you know someone who might be a good fit, please forward my email.
And, you should note — for a few of these positions, there is more than one job available (this is true of the FedEx role and the Orlando Utilities Commission role). There are also a few where there’s more than one job available at the organization. So, be sure to look at their other jobs online too.
Check out these jobs, and apply online! And remember, just because you may not meet every single criteria for a job, you can still apply. If you think you can do the work, don’t count yourself out because you have less experience or a different degree. Put your name in the hat and apply!
Senior Business Applications Analyst
FedEx, Memphis, TN
Under limited supervision, interacts with business partners and/or it staff to gather and document information related to requirements and/or software testing. Gathers information from multiple sources and independently sorts medium to high complexity business issues to recommend appropriate direction. Leads project activities through meeting facilitation, managing, project scope and communicating progress. Analyzes business processed and associates them to software deliverables. Develops and/or executes test scripts against requirements. Drafts and reviews documentation in compliance with the FedEx global development process. Develops and/or maintains a business model that reflects current processes and business rules. Provides and/or consolidate input to scoping and impact analysis for future deliverables. Mentors less sr. positions.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE.
eCommerce Manager
Paladin Staffing, Sunrise, FL
Paladin is actively searching an eCommerce Manager to join an entertainment and event product company, with a portfolio of products that are featured on global tours, events and theatres, internationally! You will be building and managing the digital ecosystem for all products and 3rd party sellers (think Amazon), including digital merchandising, data analytics and integrating eCommerce strategy into the digital marketing initiative! This is a great opportunity to take that next step in your career!
CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE.
Senior Account Representative
Orlando Utilities Commission, Orlando, FL
Serve as liaison to OUC’s key major commercial accounts and large commercial accounts, providing recommendations of service options, addressing and coordinating all energy-related services offerings. Establish and maintain personalized customer-focused relationships to support account issues and needs, provide technical assistance, and facilitate account project and business opportunities related to OUC services and programs.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE.
Senior Account Manager
Digital Marketing, Oden, Memphis, TN
The Senior Account Manager is comfortable with web technologies and has a solid understanding of digital marketing with a focus on delivering optimal user experiences. In this role, you will be an active contributor to our team’s strategic recommendations to best achieve our clients’ business objectives. You’ll also structure and prioritize our clients’ ongoing needs, and organize the internal team to meet those needs. You will work directly with information architects, designers, and developers to create and implement strategies for enhancing and extending clients’ web platforms and properties, and will be responsible for communicating technical work clearly with team members and client stakeholders.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE.
Account Manager
Brooks Bell Interactive, Raleigh, NC
Account Managers are responsible for managing the relationship and success for high profile corporate clients and supporting the Director, Account Management and Clients teams in all program initiatives. They work with the client team, executive team, creative teams, developers, analysts and project managers to ensure that all program deliverables are completed accurately, on-time and with an overall quality that exceeds client expectations.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE.
Media Planner
Elite SEM, Atlanta, GA
The Digital Media Planner builds and present media recommendations and are responsible for managing all day to day digital media strategy, planning/buying activity for assigned account(s). The Digital Media Planner collaborates with the Display/Media team and other digital channels (SEM, SEO, Mobile, and Social) in a fast-paced, results oriented environment. This role will report into the Director of Performance Display.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE.
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
Preparing for 2017
The holidays can be a difficult time in the life of a job seeker. Very often, things at work slow down a bit. We begin to consider what we would like to find in a new job, whether it’s more money, a new position, or a better work-life balance. Unfortunately, the time between Thanksgiving and the New Year is also a slower time of year for hiring. Managers may go on vacation, and hiring may be put on hold for budgetary reasons.
But, the holidays can also be the perfect time to prepare for next year. Don’t wait until January to begin your 2017 job search. And, if you’ve already started your search, don’t slow down. Companies will put hiring back into high gear after the first of the year, and you want to be ready.
There are many areas where you can spend your time when searching. But, these specific activities will add the most value: your resume, your LinkedIn profile, and professional networking.
First, be sure your resume is up to date. It should include all of your recent and relevant work experience. Have a friend proofread it for both errors and readability. Once you are happy with it, save it as a PDF and email yourself a copy. This will allow you to always have a resume on hand to send to friends or professional contacts who offer to help you look for a job.
Then, update your LinkedIn profile to match your resume. Be sure that you are representing yourself in a way you’re comfortable with, and that communicates your current career interests. Ensure you’re using a current photo and include a short bio about yourself in the “summary” section. Connect to as many old friends and colleagues as possible. The more people you’re connected to, the larger your reach will span on this professional social network.
Last, spend time during the holiday season building your in-person professional network. You can do this in a number of ways. First, take advantage of holiday parties and events. They will allow you to reconnect with those you haven’t seen in a while. You might also want to send holiday cards or emails to your contacts. Take the time to learn about what’s going on with each person, and to share what’s new in your life. These personal connections are important not only to your immediate job search, but also in your career over your lifetime.
As you can see, there are a number of advantages to using the holiday season to prepare for your upcoming job search. You are often less pressured at work during this time of year. There’s more time to work on personal goals, including your resume and LinkedIn profile. Plus, you have an opportunity to reconnect with so many of the special people in your life.
Using this time of renewal to focus on your future job will prepare you to be at the top of your game and the competition in the New Year.
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com or on Twitter at @CopelandCoach.
Don’t let your job search get cold over the holidays
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is to stop looking for work over the holidays. Once Thanksgiving rolls around, our priorities shift. We decide companies aren’t hiring anyway, and we move on to other things. We begin to focus on putting up decorations and buying gifts.
Unfortunately, this routine can put you at a disadvantage when January comes. Although the hiring process over the holidays may be slower, it doesn’t stop. New jobs are posted every day. When you stop looking, you have no idea what new jobs are available. You’ll be missing out and won’t even know it.
Besides, the hiring process is just that – a process. At many organizations, you’ll find that the time between you first apply for a job and are presented with an offer can been weeks or months. It’s not uncommon for a non-profit to take three months or more to make a decision.
By exiting your job search during the holidays, you’re losing sight of your goal to find a job. When the New Year arrives, you’ll be at least a month or more behind your competitors.
The good news is that keeping up your search over the holidays doesn’t take a lot of time. Set a few simple goals and you’ll be on your way. It shouldn’t take more than a few hours a week. This isn’t a lot of time, especially if getting a job is a priority for you. Spend a few minutes each night or few hours on the weekends.
First, ensure your resume is up to date. Ask a few friends to review it. You want to be sure they understand it, and that there are no typos. I often recommend asking someone to review your resume who works in a different career field than you do. That way, if you’re using confusing language, such as industry specific abbreviations, they’ll let you know.
Once your resume passes the test, move on to updating your LinkedIn profile. Use your resume as the foundation for your LinkedIn profile, and then build on it. Add your photo. Pick one that’s recent, clearly you, and doesn’t contain other people. Add your volunteer experience and any awards and publications. Ask previous bosses and coworkers to write recommendations of your work. These are a great way to showcase the positive things others have to say about you.
Then, when you’re at holiday parties over the next month, if someone wants to connect on LinkedIn or asks for a copy of your resume, you’ll be prepared. And, be sure to always bring your business cards. If you don’t have any, getting them is simple. There are many websites like Moo.com that allow you to design and order online.
Finding your dream job during the December holidays isn’t a sure bet. But, being prepared ensures that if something does arise, you’re ready to defeat the competition at a moment’s notice. You’ll also be prepared to interview in 2017 when job postings and interviews heat up.
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 It Official
Can we agree that the interview process can be stressful? It can be exhausting. You spend weeks, sometimes months, going through many rounds of interviews, tests, and background checks. You do all this in secret, slipping out of work and trying not to spill the beans to coworkers and friends. Your current job stress may be growing, and you cannot wait for the process to be over.
Most often, when a job offer comes, it’s delivered by a human resources representative or the hiring manager. They call you on the phone and offer a few quick stats, including starting salary and vacation days. Then, they ask if you accept, and what date you can start.
Often, your first instinct is to accept right away. You want to keep the hiring manager happy, and to ensure your future at the company. You definitely don’t want to rock the boat.
Unfortunately, this approach can have pitfalls. For example, your hiring manager may not end up being your actual manager. This sounds unlikely, but I once had my own hiring manager announce his departure on my second day. If we had not agreed to our terms in writing, there’s a chance I might have had to renegotiate with the new manager.
When you receive a job offer, the best approach is to thank the company and express your gratitude and excitement. Then, you should thoughtfully ask if they are able to send you the details of the offer in an email or official letter. Tell the recruiter you have a personal policy that you must sleep on the decision overnight.
When you receive the offer in email, review it closely. First, ensure that all the details explained on the phone are outlined as expected. If something is left out, or is different than your understanding, ask clarifying questions.
Sleeping on an offer also gives you a chance to discuss it with your family. And, it can give you an opportunity to decide if you want to negotiate the offer up. There are two key things that candidates are concerned with: salary and vacation. To ask for more of either, follow up with the company. Express your gratitude and excitement again. Then, ask if they would be willing to adjust their offer.
Select your requests carefully. A good negotiation is one where both parties walk away feeling as if they have won. Neither should feel like they were taken advantage of. But, don’t avoid asking for what you need. As long as you communicate in a professional manner, the company should respect your request. The worst case scenario is that the company will not increase the offer – not that they will resend it.
And, note – if a company cannot increase your salary, many corporations have flexibility around vacation (even if they have a standard vacation policy).
But, again, get everything in writing – no matter what you agree to. It will ensure there are no misunderstandings and help to solidify your future success within the organization.
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com or on Twitter at @CopelandCoach.
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