by Angela Copeland | Jan 29, 2016 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Are you an expert?”
How many things have you truly mastered? For example, you must know how to cook to survive day to day. But, is your food the quality of a professional chef? Similarly, you might like to travel – domestically, and maybe even internationally. But, how good are you at booking travel?
In both examples, chances are good you would much prefer to be the customer. You probably aren’t a professional chef, or so skilled with travel you could take it on as a full time job.
Where does your expertise lie? For example, project managers should be organized, able to write business requirements, and good at lead meetings. Let’s contrast this with what makes someone good at looking for a job: being well spoken, good at self-promotion, and a strong networker.
This is a short list of just a few things, but, they’re different skills. The skills needed to be a good project manager are different than those required to be a great job seeker. To become a true expert at something, you must do it every day. This is what happens with your day job.
To find out how you can become an expert job seeker, read the rest of my column here.
by Angela Copeland | Jan 22, 2016 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Money Matters.”
There’s an issue that keeps popping up over and over again. I’ve got to be honest. It’s one of my biggest pet peeves. And, I’ve heard it from so many people lately, I’m fired up about it.
What is the single fastest way for a great, hardworking employee to lose faith in their current company? You got it. Mess with their money. As much as an employee may love their job, the number one reason they get up and go to the office day after day is financial. They have bills to pay. Yet somehow, these fishy financial matters seem to happen regularly and come in many forms.
To find out why money is key to attracting – and retaining – top talent, read the rest of my column here.
by Angela Copeland | Jan 15, 2016 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “8 Career Trends in 2016.”
With the New Year here in full force, employees are setting their sights on new goals, new jobs, and new careers. One question I keep hearing is “What’s new in 2016?” Here’s the rundown.
Multiple Careers: It’s becoming more and more common (and acceptable) for employees to switch jobs every three to five years. In fact, it’s almost expected. In the past, this was frowned upon by many, but in 2016, it will be more the norm than ever before.
Boomerang Workers: With the number of people switching jobs more frequently, this was bound to happen. It’s more and more typical to see an employee leave a company and be rehired a few years later. And why not? The employee gains valuable experience and can negotiate a higher salary upon return. It’s a win-win as the organization gets someone who already has knowledge and experience with the company.
Work Life Balance: As companies are filled with more millennials, the focus on work-life balance is increasing. Millennials want to do meaningful work – and they want to have a personal life. They aren’t lured in by big paychecks that take over their personal time.
For more 2016 career trends, read the rest of my Memphis Daily News column here.
by Angela Copeland | Jan 8, 2016 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Letting Go of Fear.”
As we enter into a new year, there’s quite a bit of talk about setting new goals. They may be related to career, family, fitness, or other personal pursuits. As these goals began to be shared, it’s interesting to think about which will be achieved and which will eventually be shelved.
But, is the success always related to the particular goal – or to the person achieving it? And what sets the achievers apart from the strugglers?
My belief is that almost always, the achievers possess something a little different than everyone else. It’s not a MBA, money, or good looks (although those don’t hurt). In fact, it’s cheaper and easier to come by.
The characteristic that sets them apart is they are able to live their lives without fear. In fairness, it’s not that they don’t have concerns, or even fear. It’s not that failure doesn’t cross their minds, or they don’t worry. But, they’re able to try new things without letting their fears stop them.
To find out the one question I ask myself to move past fear, read the rest of my Memphis Daily News column here.
by Angela Copeland | Jan 1, 2016 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, New Year, New You.
Happy New Year! With the holiday season coming to a close, 2016 is upon us. It’s such an exciting time, full of hopes and dreams for the future. One of the first things we often do is create resolutions for the upcoming year. Whether they are related to our health, personal life, or career, these goals help to guide our choices based upon our current priorities.
And, it’s the perfect time. Each year, our priorities evolve based upon where we are in our lives. There are some years when making money and getting a promotion can rise to the top of our list. Other years, we are searching for meaning and balance.
Whatever your priorities are this New Year, one thing’s for sure. A big change requires a big transformation. However, the idea of such a large shift can be overwhelming and cause us not to act. It can feel paralyzing.
I recently heard from a reader who has been unemployed for an extended period of time. Despite setbacks, the person has continued to get up each day and look for new opportunities. I admire this kind of strength and endurance.
Finding your path is not something that comes overnight. It’s not a switch that can be flipped. Creating a new you requires courage and persistence. It requires continuing to try, even if you aren’t always sure about how things will turn out.
To find out how to make your career resolutions stick in the new year, read the rest of my Memphis Daily News column here.
by Angela Copeland | Dec 25, 2015 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, All I Want for Christmas Is a New Job.
I hope this holiday season has been a great one. If you’re like many people, a new job may be on your Christmas list. Whether you’re looking for a better work environment, more money, or something else, December brings up thoughts of something new.
It would be great if a new career would come in a package wrapped up with a beautiful bow under the Christmas tree. Unfortunately, when it comes to landing a job, Santa is probably not going to come through.
Typically, a new job is a gift you must give yourself. Don’t get me wrong, recruiters and family friends can make things happen from time to time. But, it’s just not a guarantee. Don’t rely on this method alone, or you may find yourself in a job you don’t really care for – or without a job at all.
What you can count on is your own hard work. As they say, getting a job is a job.
To find out how you can ramp up your job search after the holidays, read the rest of my Memphis Daily News column here.
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