Copeland Coaching 2016 Recap

by Angela Copeland | Dec 26, 2016 | Advice, Newsletter

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:

1. 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.”
2. Personal Income.org selected Copeland Coaching as one of the top 25 Resume Building & Career Blogs.
3. 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.”
4. MarketWatch quoted Angela in their piece Half of the high-paying jobs in America now require this skill.
5. 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:

1. 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!
2. 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!
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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?
5. 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

Don’t let your job search get cold over the holidays

by Angela Copeland | Nov 28, 2016 | Advice, Newsletter

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

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving-week?

by Angela Copeland | Nov 21, 2016 | Advice, Newsletter

This week, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. It’s an opportunity to gather together with loved ones, eat way too much good food, and watch a little football. It’s also an opportunity to express gratitude for our good fortune.

While you have a few days off this week, I encourage you to allow Thanksgiving to inspire your job search.

• Be Grateful – Focus on the positive things about your current job. Perhaps you like your boss, your team, or even the location of your office. Even in negative work environment, there are usually a few things to be thankful for. Move your attention to those items.
• Reconnect – Thanksgiving is the kickoff to an entire holiday season. Take the opportunity to reconnect with friends, coworkers, and loved ones you haven’t seen in a while. Not only is it good for your soul, it’s good for your network. When you’re looking for a job, it’s critical that you keep your network up to date.
• Networking Events – In addition to connecting with those who are truly close to you, keep an eye out for networking events. Many workplaces put on pot luck Thanksgiving lunches – and groups host “Friends-giving” events. These are other great opportunities to keep your networking moving forward during the holidays.
• Reflect – Holidays are a great time to think back about the past year, and start to make plans for the future. What went well in the last year? What would you do differently? Write these things down, along with goals for next year. When would you like to find a new job? What are the attributes you’d prefer in your next job?
• Help Others – Networking is a huge part of finding a job. Sometimes, when we’re in the middle of our own search, we forget about those around us. Remember to take the time to help those in your life who are also looking. In return, they will help you.
• Relax – Looking for a job can be a long, and at times, stressful, process. Don’t forget to take a little time for yourself. It will help you to keep moving forward in your search when you return to work.
• Thank Others – Take the time to thank those in your life who help you every day. Whether it’s a friend, coworker, or supervisor, take the time to wish them a happy Thanksgiving — and thank them for the impact they make on your life. You might even consider giving thanks in the form of a written recommendation on LinkedIn.

Try to stay upbeat. The holiday season can be a tough one if you’re looking for a job. It is a time of increased financial responsibilities and decreased opportunities.

But, staying positive will help to draw good people to you. It will help to lay the foundation for your job search, so they will think of you when they’re hiring or hear of a job.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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