by Angela Copeland | Dec 8, 2014 | Advice, Newsletter
The holidays are a time of joy and happiness. They remind us of all the good things in life, like pumpkin pie and spiced wine, and spending time with our loved ones. They’re a time of travel and gift giving, of holiday lights and snow. They’re a time of making positive memories.
But, the other thing that often comes up during the holidays is related to struggles. We sometimes forget about the tough things those around us are going through. It may be a friend who’s spending their first holiday without a parent. It may be a neighbor who’s going through a difficult divorce. Or someone who’s having a hard time paying for their medical treatment. Or, maybe you’re the one struggling.
Whatever obstacles you’re facing, it’s important to acknowledge them and to consider the impact they may be having on your career. If you’re going through a tough time, and you have a goal of finding a new job, it may be time to ask for help.
Reach out to those around you, such as friends and loved ones. If you need help to stay on track with your search, consider reaching out to a coach. If you’re looking for more assistance on the emotional pieces, consider reaching out to a therapist.
Whatever you do, try not to allow the difficulties you’re facing today completely derail your plans for the future. Remember that what you’re going through is temporary, and things will eventually get better with time.
If you’re not sure where you’ll be spending the holidays in the next few weeks, begin to reach out to friends now to make a plan. You’d be surprised just how many people will open their homes and hearts to you.
And, if you notice someone in your life is struggling, make time for them. The holidays are a busy time, but it’s important.
I don’t typically write about the topic of personal struggles. But, I was inspired to do so as I think just how much our personal struggles play out in our professional lives.
When things are going wrong at home, it can often cascade into issues at work. And, issues at work can make things worse at home.
Try not to ignore issues, but instead, address them. As you clear away the personal struggles, you’ll find more time to work on your professional goals.
And, the thing that’s often surprising when we’re the one struggling is this — those around us are struggling too. Many people just don’t talk about it. So, if you’re having a tough time, often the person next to you may be able to help out much more than you’d think.
The holidays are a tough time for many people. Just remember that you’re not alone, and reach out to those around you for help. Last, but not least, keep your eyes on the future and keep working toward your dream.
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.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Thanks.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
by Angela Copeland | Dec 1, 2014 | Advice, Newsletter
It’s hard to imagine that today’s the first day of December! It feels like the summer festivals were just yesterday.
The best part about this time of year for job seekers is networking.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is putting their job search on hold during December. We decide that companies aren’t hiring anyway and we shift 100% of our focus toward enjoying the holidays with family and loved ones.
Don’t get me wrong. Enjoying the holidays is a big priority! But, you can continue your search while you have fun.
This time of year, there are many holiday parties to attend. These events are a fantastic time to network. You’ll reconnect with old contacts and make new ones.
Before jumping onto the party circuit, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- RSVP: If a party requests an RSVP, be sure to put yours in. It shows respect to the host, and can help with planning. If you are nervous to go alone, request to bring a plus one. Most hosts don’t mind and it’s not hard to find a friend who would love to join you.
- Dress: Do your best to find out the dress code in advance. Jeans are appropriate at some events while others require fancy cocktail attire. If you aren’t sure what to wear, try selecting something that could be considered dressy or casual – like black pants and a simple shirt.
- Business Cards: Your networking efforts will be totally ineffective if you have no way to seal the deal. Bring your business cards, so you’re sure to get the contact information for those you meet. When you get home, follow up in e-mail and connect on LinkedIn.
- Don’t Be Shy: Networking is hard for most people. It’s not just you. If you feel nervous at events, set little goals for yourself, such as talking to 3 new people. Arrive on time and come prepared with simple questions to use as conversation starters like, “Do you have any fun plans this weekend?” The more you practice you have going to events, the easier it becomes.
- Drinking: Having a cocktail or two at a holiday party can be fun. But, be sure to keep the amount you’re drinking in check. You want to be able to put your best foot forward. And, you want to be able to drive home safely. Having a fresh DUI on your driving record could make landing your dream job much harder. If you do find yourself having a bit too much to drink, call a cab, Uber, or Lyft. It’s easy. And, the $50 for a ride home will save you many thousands in the legal fees you’d face for being arrested.
If you aren’t sure where to find the holiday parties this season, start by checking with the clubs or organizations you’re a member of. For those in Memphis, you can check with leadership organizations such as Leadership Memphis or New Memphis Institute.
Other good places to look are Eventbrite.com, Meetup.com. and Facebook.com. You can also check local community calendars, such as RSVP Magazine’s online calendar.
No matter which parties you choose, I hope you have a wonderful time! Make lots of new connections and stay safe this holiday season.
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.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Thanks.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
by Angela Copeland | Nov 24, 2014 | 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 “Friendsgiving” 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.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Thanks.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
by Angela Copeland | Nov 17, 2014 | Advice, Newsletter
There are days when you’ve had it up to here at work. You hate everything and everyone.
You go home and do your finances and you realize, you’ve got a little financial cushion. After talking it over with your spouse, you agree that there’s nothing worth this kind of stress in your life.
It’s decided. You’re quitting!
You feel so much better. This decision gives you a sense of relief. You won’t have to put up with your crappy boss anymore. You’ll leave your nagging coworkers behind. You’ll take some time off to find yourself, get refreshed, and jump back onto the horse.
What could be better?
Well, there are a few things you probably haven’t thought about. Let me share them with you here.
- You know you quit, but who else knows that? When you leave a company for an unexplained reason, it’s often assumed you were fired. This is a situation you will have to explain for many years into the future. Worse yet, your explanation sounds like complaining. Even if you’re completely justified, you’re leaving yourself open for a lot of public interpretation, and hallway gossip, that could impact your career long-term.
- Finding yourself is a process. If you leave your job because it’s not what you want to do, realize that it may take you a while to learn what you DO want to do! When you finally select your new career, you may find out you need more experience or you need to take a class. Why not wait to leave until your new career path is underway? In the meantime, take classes and do soul searching while you’re still at your current job. Let your old job fund your new one.
- The job market is tough. Let’s face it, even the most talented people are having a hard time finding a job these days. It may take you longer to find a job than you think. Even if you’re the best at what you do, if there are no jobs available, you’ll be waiting a while.
- Time off only feels like a vacation if you know what’s next. Person after person has told me this. When you quit your job, even though you have time off, you can’t relax. Your time is spent worrying about getting your next job and where your next paycheck will come from.
- Things could be worse. When you’re not working, you lose some of your negotiation power. You’re more likely to accept a job that pays less. And, you’re more likely to take a job working for someone you dislike. In fact, your new job could end up being worse than your old one. Wouldn’t that be awful? You’d be trying to endure another year or two of your new boss, so you don’t look like a job hopper on your resume.
- Things could get better. I know this sounds crazy, but it could happen. I recently spoke to someone who wasn’t enjoying their job and out of the blue, they were offered a promotion. Suddenly, they’re being appreciated and given a new opportunity at advancement.
Don’t get me wrong. If you are in an abusive situation that is negatively impacting your health or putting you at risk in any way, this advice does not apply to you. Taking care of yourself is the most important priority.
But, if you’re not in danger or putting yourself at risk by going to work everyday, do your best to hang in there. Don’t walk away. Put together a plan of action and begin to change your life one day at a time.
Reach out to friends and loved ones for support. And, if you’re in need of a coach, feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to help you with your own journey.
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.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Thanks.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
by Angela Copeland | Nov 10, 2014 | Advice, Newsletter, Working Abroad
I speak with people every week who want to move to another country.
Their reasons are often similar. They’re looking for something different. Maybe they’ve never lived anywhere else. Or, they want an adventure while they still can.
I’m going to start with a few tips here, and I will follow up with more information in future newsletters.
Identify why you want to move abroad: Are you looking to grow your professional experience? Or, are you just looking for a little adventure? Could you expand your formal education while you’re gone?
Make a list of where you’d like to live: Do you want to live in a specific city? Or, is there a certain country that strikes your interest? Or a particular region? Create a list of your top five choices.
Learn about your options – specifically work visas: Countries offer different types of visas depending on why you’re entering the country. You can visit as a tourist, a student, or a worker. Learn about the differences to avoid heartache later. Some countries are more difficult to get a work visa in than others. For example, from what I’ve observed, it’s more difficult for an American to work in Europe than in Australia. These details may help you to narrow down which countries to add to your wish list.
Decide how long you’d like to work abroad: If you plan to work abroad for a year or less, there may be more options for you. Longer term commitments are sometimes harder to find, but are definitely possible.
Find out about the lifestyles that exist in each place you choose: In some countries, it’s very normal to take all of your clothes to the cleaner rather than have a washing machine at home. In other countries, air conditioning and dishwashers aren’t the norm. In many places, public transportation is used over having a car. These differences are influenced by the cost of living in various areas. In highly populated cities, you will find many tiny, high priced apartments. If moving abroad is your dream, just remember that you’ll adjust — but you should be aware of these issues in advance, so you’ll know what you’re signing up for.
Consider logistics: Will you move anything with you? When will you come home to visit? How will taxes work? Where will your healthcare come from? How will you continue to save for your retirement? Be sure you’ve considered the little details that can make living abroad challenging.
Save up: Moving (anywhere) is expensive! Be sure you have a cushion saved to help you when you get there. You never know – you may need to purchase new furniture, put down a deposit on an apartment, or stay in a hotel for a few weeks. Prepare yourself, so the experience remains a positive one.
Find like minded people: Do you have a friend who’s living abroad? If so, reach out and ask them what it was like to move, and how they landed a job. Find out what challenges they had, and what they’d do differently if they did it again. Often, you don’t learn the tiny details of moving oversees until you’ve actually done it. So, ask!
Living abroad is an incredible experience. I’ve never met anyone who has moved from their home country that isn’t happy they tried it – at least for a little while.
Don’t let the intensity of the process discourage your pursuits. This is just something you’ll need to research and plan for. It’s certainly more complicated to move abroad, but still possible. If it’s your dream, create a plan so you can make it happen!
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.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. Thanks.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
by Angela Copeland | Nov 3, 2014 | Advice, Newsletter
It’s a smart idea to keep your job search private. Very private. After all, what would happen if word got back to your company, or even worse, your boss?
Because we keep our efforts a secret, we rarely have the opportunity to talk about our frustrations. And often, those frustrations feel incredibly personal.
Below are common job search frustrations and what you can do to cope-
- You submit your resume online and never hear back: In today’s modern age, there’s an expectation that you should apply online. And, if you listen to a company’s HR department, they’ll tell you that’s all you need to do. Not so. In addition to applying online, look for ways to get your resume directly in front of the hiring manager. The “applicant tracking system” used online often weeds out so many resumes, the hiring manager may never even see yours.
- You show your resume to friends and everyone has conflicting advice: Resume writing is tricky because there’s no one way to write a resume. So like many things in life, everyone has an opinion. If you notice a trend in the feedback you receive, listen. But, if one person is giving feedback that doesn’t align to any other comments, take it for what it’s worth.
- You have an interview and then never hear back: Most companies won’t tell you if you weren’t selected until they have found their hire and the person has accepted. In many cases, they won’t tell you at all. Keep in mind that this is the norm. It’s not you. Companies are sorting through hundreds of applications, so the thought of providing feedback to everyone can be difficult. In addition, they don’t want to turn you off from their company until they’re 100% sure they have someone.
- Job searching takes so much time: One of the most frustrating things job seekers face is the amount of time they must devote to the process. After all, finding a job is a job. This can be especially difficult when you’re interviewing with a company that forces you to come in for many rounds of interviews over multiple days. Just know that this is part of their process, and it’s not specific to you. Do your best to ride the interviews out as long as you can.
- During the interview, the interviewer asks you about all your flaws: When this happens, you may feel that the company dislikes you. You wonder why they even brought you in for an interview in the first place. Keep in mind – the company would not interview you if they thought you weren’t capable of the work. They ask you tough questions to get to know you. And, sometimes they want to push your buttons to see how you react under pressure. Just because you have this experience does not mean you won’t get the job.
- The company is super slow in getting back to you with an offer or next steps: On more than one occasion, a job seeker has said to me, “They keep asking me back for interviews. But, they’re so slow! What’s the deal? Do they not really want me?” In a lot of ways, job seeking is like dating. But, in terms of timing, this is less true. Often, organizations have internal rules and steps they are required to follow that draw out the process. This is especially true of non-profits and government organizations. So, if your interview is stretching out – judge your success based on the fact that it’s still going on rather than the exact timing.
Whatever happens, just know you’re not alone in this experience. All your friends and colleagues are secretly dealing with the same frustrations too. Hang in there and remember to keep your frustrations and your job search to yourself.
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.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. Thanks.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
