by Angela Copeland | Sep 7, 2016 | Advice, Career Corner Column, Confidence, Media
When I meet with job seekers, there’s one quality that quickly separates those who are successful in their search from those who flounder. It’s not the college they went to, whether or not they have a MBA, or how smart they are. It’s not if they have a particular certification, or a certain number of years of experience.
Surprisingly, the thing that can make all the difference is confidence in our own abilities. I’m not talking about being completely unrealistic and assuming we can become an accountant with no background in math (for example). What I’m talking about is when you see a requirement on a job description that you know you can do, despite not having done it before at work. Even with no professional experience, it’s in your wheelhouse.
For many people, putting themselves in the running for a job when they don’t meet every single qualification seems like a terrible idea. We assume it’s a waste of time, and we’re certain we’ll be embarrassed when we’re turned down. But, in reality, by not submitting ourselves for a job, we’re saying we’re not good enough – and then company never even saw our resume. They don’t even know our name.
This is an area where youth can beat experience. It’s much more common for a young person to feel comfortable applying for a job they aren’t a perfect fit for. And, it makes sense. They’re just starting out. What do they have to lose?
But, think of this problem from another perspective. When a job is created, a job description must be written. In many cases, the hiring manager enjoys writing a job description as little as you enjoy updating your own resume. The hiring manager may pull it together from old descriptions or random jobs they find on the internet. Ultimately, their list of required skills may or may not really reflect what they have to have. It’s a wish list.
And, consider this – If you were a hiring manager, would you prefer to hire someone who met one hundred percent of your qualifications, but had a bad attitude? Or, would you prefer to hire someone who met eighty percent of your qualifications, and had a great attitude? There are many times that fit outweighs specific qualifications.
Frankly, it’s rare you’ll meet every requirement within a job description. If you do, it’s possible you’re not shooting high enough and the move may be lateral. Perhaps this job won’t be challenging enough for you.
At the end of the day, don’t let a few requirements on a job description slow you down, or make you feel bad about yourself. Focus on the strengths you do bring to the table and go from there. Submit your resume and give the company the opportunity to decide whether or not they would like to work with you. If you don’t, another candidate (who may be much less qualified than you) will.
As J.J. Rowling once said, “Anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.”
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com or on Twitter at @CopelandCoach.
by Angela Copeland | Aug 31, 2016 | Career Corner Column, Media, Personal Brand
Recent events have brought this very basic idea back to the surface. Honesty should be a critical part of each of our professional and personal brands. Building and maintaining trusting relationships is such an important piece of a successful career.
News coverage from the Olympics was dominated by the actions of a few swimmers. And, those actions have nothing to do with the years they’ve each spent training in the swimming pool. Many of the news reports are conflicting. What really happened or how bad things were is unclear. But, what is clear is that the swimmers were not completely honest when they spoke to officials, their families, and the media. Regardless of how bad their actions were, their characters are now being scrutinized in detail. Their lives will be forever changed, both personally and financially, by something that may have seemed inconsequential in the moment.
In a similar regard, we can often be on autopilot at work. We’re trying to make it through the day. We have more on our plates than we can possibly manage and we’re working to check everything off the list. At times, honesty, ethics, and doing the right thing can take a back seat to getting things done quickly.
In fact, a 2002 University of Massachusetts study performed by Robert Feldman found that sixty percent of people lie at least once during a ten minute conversation. It said that “most people lie in everyday conversation when they are trying to appear likable and competent.”
Although the number seems high, this reasoning makes sense. Someone may initially tell a small lie to make themselves look better. But, if caught, a lie can truly impact how we see that person going forward. We may question everything that person has told us before, and whether or not they will tell the truth in the future.
In an interview, telling a lie can cost you the job. If there’s something inaccurate on your resume or in other information you’ve shared along the way and it’s discovered, you won’t receive a job offer. If you’re fortunate enough to make it through the hiring process and then the lie is discovered, it could be grounds for termination.
With this said, accidents do happen. There are times when we’re trying our best to be honest and something we’ve communicated is inaccurate. When this happens, the best answer is to be straightforward with the truth. Dancing around the issue only sets you up to look like you were being dishonest all along. Apologize to anyone who may have been hurt, take corrective steps, and try to move on quickly.
It’s better to build a reputation as someone who’s a little too honest than someone who isn’t quite honest enough. Honesty will allow you to grow professional relationships that will last for years to come.
Warren Buffet said it best. “It takes twenty years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com or on Twitter at @CopelandCoach.
by Angela Copeland | Aug 24, 2016 | Career Corner Column, Media, Networking
Have you ever wondered where you can make the biggest investment into your career? At first glance, another advanced degree might make sense. Or, perhaps an online certification course would be beneficial. Although these things will help to beef up your resume, there’s a cheaper alternative that very well may be more impactful: networking.
Unfortunately, networking can be a foreign (and potentially scary) concept. People often say, “I don’t want to be a bother” or “Why would that person want to talk to me?” It can be hard to know where to begin.
When I was a child, I thought of networking as a grown up way of making new friends. In a certain regard, that’s exactly what it is. When you are in high school or college, you often make friends with your classmates, your scout group, or your sports team. Friends are readily available in a way we rarely experience as adults.
Although networking contacts don’t fill the gap of long term friendships, thinking of networking as making new friends can often help to get started and to stay committed. Similar to friendships, networking is a long term commitment that requires nurturing. It’s an investment in the future. It’s not a one-time event.
Many people try to network only when they’re looking for a job. And, it makes sense. We’re all busy with work and our personal lives. Networking is just another chore to do. But, think of it from another perspective. Should a networking contact recommend someone for a job that they don’t know? It’s hard for a networking contact to speak about your character if they don’t really know you or have never worked with you.
When you’re ready to begin networking, start by looking for local professional events. There are many groups designed for certain ages or industries that can be found on websites such as Meetup.com. These events are often open to guests and are an easy way to get started. An even better way to grow your network is through existing friends and family. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, try introducing yourself to someone you don’t know on LinkedIn.
If you start to have self-doubt, and wonder if you’re going to bother other people, just remember this. The most senior executives at a company rarely got there on smarts alone. They’ve honed their own people skills, and spent years networking over coffees and lunches. In the same way that you’re looking to have networking meetings now, they have in the past.
Not everyone will have time to network, but it’s rarely a reflection on you. The person may be going through a difficult time at home, or may be extra busy at work. If someone declines your invitation, or doesn’t respond at all, move on to the next person.
Even a handful of high quality contacts can make all the difference when you’re growing your career. And, like anything else, it takes practice. With enough time and experience, you’ll be networking with no fear.
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com or on Twitter at @CopelandCoach.
by Angela Copeland | Aug 17, 2016 | Age, Career Corner Column
Our age can be a big concern, especially if we’re looking for a job. Of the job seekers I speak to, approximately twenty-five percent of them have real concerns about their growing age. Questions include, “Is it too late to change career paths? Is it too risky to look for another job? Will a hiring manager take me seriously? What about all of the younger job seekers out there?”
Candidates are smart to at least consider this issue. The interview process is certainly one full of judgements. A job industry where ageism is an issue is professional sports. However, as I’ve watched the summer Olympics, one theme has resurfaced multiple times. Age is just a number.
The first time I noticed this trend was when the news reported that Michael Phelps was coming out of retirement to swim again. If you’re like me, you were surprised to know Michael Phelps would have been old enough to consider retirement. Then, I started to hear stories of Oksana Chusovitina, the 41-year-old gymnast from Uzbekistan. On Team USA, a few of the most senior athletes are Phillip Dutton, Bezzie Madden, and Steffen Peters. They’re all equestrian riders over the age of 50.
Competing at the top of your physical game late in your career would seem highly unusual. But, in reality, these athletes have been there and done that. Chances are good that they are wiser than they once were. They may be more disciplined and more dedicated to their sport.
The same thing goes for work. In the way that young people may bring fresh ideas to the office, older workers bring experience and leadership. Each individual has value to contribute, no matter their age. Their contribution simply evolves as they grow and change.
If you’re considering a change and age is on your mind, I encourage you to give the idea a chance. There are hiring managers and companies struggling to find employees with the right amount of experience. You might be just what they’re looking for.
However, to avoid the negative judgement that can be associated with age, work to become an up to date candidate. Ensure that your interview suit and haircut are a current style. Be sure you’re using an e-mail address from a modern website, such as Gmail. Sign up for LinkedIn and use a current photograph of yourself on your profile. If your computer skills are behind, consider taking a refresher course. Update your resume, so it includes your latest skills and is laid out in a modern format.
At the end of the day, age really is just a number. But, like the Olympic athletes mentioned above, you have to put in an effort to be at the top of your game. Looking for a job takes practice, time, and persistence. It takes resilience and a willingness to keep going back, even when the search seems difficult.
As Michael Phelps said, “Don’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the further you get.”
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com or on Twitter at @CopelandCoach.
by Angela Copeland | Aug 10, 2016 | Career Corner Column, Money, Negotiating, Pay
How often have you talked to a friend who hasn’t received a real raise in years and is feeling frustrated? Perhaps you are that person. You’ve been at your company for years, receiving two to three percent raises each time you have a performance review. You know you’re falling behind financially as compared to your peers, but you’re not sure what to do.
Often, employees in this situation will recommit themselves to their work. They decide that if they work hard enough and show their boss how great they are, they’ll be rewarded in a few more years. It feels very personal and somewhat emotional. Hard work means more money.
Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Unless you are in sales, the issue of money has far less to do with your own performance than you might imagine. Once you’re hired at a company, you become part of a system. The system typically only offers pay raises during review time. And, managers are restricted on how much they’re able to give.
So, what can you do? Some employees threaten to leave. Others argue their value. And, a few present competitive job offers. Threatening to leave or presenting competitive offers is rarely the answer and companies know this. Even if they agree to your demands, there’s still a good chance you’ll leave later – and you may damage the relationship with your company in the process.
If you want to stay at your current organization, your best bet is to make a case for your value during your annual performance review. Even then, you’re unlikely to get the huge raise you’re dreaming of.
In order to truly impact your salary, you have to consider switching companies completely. Big salary increases not only impact how much you make now, but also how much you will make over the lifetime of your career. In fact, Forbes makes the case that employees who stay at a job more than two years make fifty percent less over the lifetime of their career than those who don’t.
Once you’ve decided to change jobs, do your homework. Find out what the going rate is for the work you do. It’s important to know your worth before you begin.
When you interview, you’ll quickly find that one of the first questions a company will ask is, “How much do you make?” If you answer this question, you can bet that your new salary will be based upon how much you’re currently making. To maximize your salary bump, try to avoid answering this as long as possible. One technique is to ask the recruiter if they would be willing to share the salary range with you. This can give you a sense of the pay without disclosing your own number.
And, start your search before you’re so unhappy at your job that you’re ready to run out of the building. The longer your timetable is, the more choices you’ll have and the longer you can wait for the highest paying offer.
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com or on Twitter at @CopelandCoach
by Angela Copeland | Jul 27, 2016 | Advice, Career Corner Column, Personal Brand, Religion
A reader contacted me today with an important question for consideration. She asked when it was appropriate to wear clothing, jewelry, or other items associated with her religion to an interview or to work. Her concern was about being judged in the office for her religious affiliation.
As you can imagine, this is a very tricky and personal question. I will share my thoughts with you, but at the end of the day, it’s a very individual choice.
I often think of a job interview much like a dinner party. At a dinner party, you meet many new people who may have different viewpoints than you. Conversations tend to be high level, centered on pleasant topics, such as the weather. Etiquette experts say that the potentially taboo topics to avoid include politics, religion, and money. These hold true in an interview as well.
Unfortunately, when it comes to getting hired, studies show that managers aren’t free of biases. Those biases can influence who’s landing the job offer. Details as minor as hair and makeup can influence the interviewer’s impression of a candidate. Even a candidate’s height can make a difference.
Religion however is more personal, and much more important, than hair, makeup, or height. It can be a large part of one’s identity. In today’s climate, sharing your religious viewpoints with others can cause them to judge you, either positively or negatively. When they judge you negatively, it can potentially hurt your chances of getting hired.
A great organization to share your religious views with is one whose perspective aligns well to yours. For example, some private universities, non-profits, and corporations have a foundation that is based on specific beliefs.
A vast majority of organizations however are not based upon these views. Their employees are made up of people from around the U.S. and the world, who have a host of different affiliations. When interviewing at an organization like this, it’s important to be aware of the choice you decide to make.
If you want to minimize the likelihood that someone may unfairly judge you, think of all of the places you may send out cues to others about your views. Check the volunteer opportunities on your resume. Look at the organizations you follow on LinkedIn. Check your Facebook privacy settings. And, consider the pieces of your interview outfit that may signal an interviewer.
As I mentioned in the beginning of the column, this is a personal choice. I’m not here to influence you in one direction or another, or to discourage you from holding true to your beliefs. But, it is wise to consider the positive and negative implications of your decision – and to make it consciously based upon what you feel most comfortable with.
After you’ve landed a job, you have a new choice to make – whether or not you want to share your views with your new coworkers. While it’s important to be yourself, remember that your story is one to be earned over time through trust.
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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