If you made a resolution to find a new job in the New Year, you’re not alone. According to CareerBuilder.com, more than 22% of employees plan to find a new job in 2017. And, if you’re under 35 years old, that number grows to 35%.
So what can you do to improve your job search results in 2017?
WREG News Channel 3 had the same question. This week, I sat down with Marybeth Conley and Alex Coleman to answer this question. Watch the video here, and check out my 3 tips below.
Do more than apply online. Sadly, companies have us conditioned to only apply online. They say, “Apply online. If you’re a fit, we will contact you.” But, the problem is, this rarely works. First, their online systems are flawed and very often, a human person never actually sees your resume. Apply online first, and then look for how you can apply offline. Look for the hiring manager on LinkedIn. Attend networking events where you might meet employees. Reach out to friends who work at the company you’re interested to work for. Applying online feels comfortable, but it rarely produces good results.
Apply even if you don’t meet the minimum requirements. There’s a total gap here between employees and job seekers. Employers will lay out a laundry list of things they want in a candidate. They put the entire list out there because it’s ALL of the things they might like. But, rarely do they expect to find all of those qualities in one person. But, job seekers won’t apply because they can’t fulfill on every single desire. Stop worrying about meeting 100% of the qualifications. If you did, you might be overqualified. If you meet 70-80% and think you can do the job, apply! Let the company decide whether or not to bring you in for an interview.
Look at your job search like a two way street. We’d never go on a first date wondering if the person would marry us right out of the gate. Why do we do that in job interviews? To improve the outcome of your interviews, take the time to also evaluate the company. Ask yourself what questions you have. Not only will it help you make a better decision, it will help you be more calm along the way.
Good luck with your job search in 2017! Start early to win the race!
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 or 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.
You may wonder, “What’s the worst thing that could possibly happen during my job search?” Is it making a fool of yourself in an interview? Is it saying the wrong thing? Is it wearing the wrong outfit?
It’s none of these things. Hands down, the worst thing that could possibly happen during your job search is – you don’t listen to your intuition.
When it comes to looking for and interviewing for a job, you’re really on your own. Nobody else is in the interview room with you. Your spouse, parents, or friends can only judge from the outside based on what you share with them – or what they may know about the company.
So often, what makes you happy and keeps you happy in a job isn’t the name of the company you work for. It’s not the amount of money you make. And, it’s not the title you have. This is clear when you think about why you’ve left jobs in the past.
The thing that will make or break you at work is the people. It’s how well you get along with your boss. It’s how well you click with your coworkers. It’s how healthy the work environment at the company is in your department.
None of those things can be figured out by reading a job description or by looking at an online application. You probably won’t even be able to know these things just by reading company reviews online. Reviews are often general, or are about a different department than the one you’re applying for.
Unfortunately, the only way to truly know whether a particular company is for you is by visiting the company in person – and by paying attention to your gut. Very often, we are so interested in being “picked” for a job that we stop listening to our own instincts. And, sadly – it almost always turns out that our instincts were right.
Have you ever interviewed for a job and noticed something wasn’t quite right? Perhaps the boss was a little strange, or you heard rumors of interpersonal problems within the team. But, then you got the job offer and it was just too good to be true. Besides, you had no real proof there were any issues. Everything you knew for sure said things were fine.
And, they seemed fine until you started working. Then, you learned that your boss had problems and there were lots of internal issues at the company. If only you had listened to yourself, you might not be looking for a new job again, right?
The point is this – even though you want to get out of your current job, don’t be in such a rush that you find yourself back in the same bad situation. It will only prolong your pain, and your search. Try to listen to your intuition, and wait until it says good things rather than bad. In the long run, you’ll find yourself much happier, and you’ll stay at your job longer.
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com or on Twitter at @CopelandCoach.
Now that the holidays are officially over, I’ve just got to say this: Stop listening to your loud mouth relatives. Just stop.
Have you ever had a relative pull you aside at a family event (maybe even this holiday season)? Or, perhaps they write you a long letter. They have something they just have share with you. You’re doing your career ALL WRONG.
And, how did they get this valuable information? Is it because they also had a similar career path? Is it because they also made good choices? Is it because they talk to you often and understand your hopes and desires?
NO! It’s none of those things.
I’m going to talk a little out of school here. I can because I’m not related to you. The reason your uncle / brother / cousin / grandma is offering you this invaluable advice about your career isn’t because they know what they’re talking about. It’s because they have big mouths paired with small personal boundaries, and frankly, they’re probably bored.
These are the kinds of family advice I typically hear about:
“You’re working at the wrong company. You should work for this company.”
“You’re in the wrong career field. You should quit your job and go back to school for this field.”
“You live in the wrong city. You should find a job here, near me.”
“Don’t take a job somewhere else. I know that you hate your job, but it’s stable. Just stay there.”
“Don’t leave your job to go back to graduate school. Who cares if you want to change your career path. This is the worst decision ever! Do you know how much school costs?”
“I know that you enjoy your career and all, but seriously – you should be making more money. This isn’t really an adult career anymore.”
“I know that you enjoy your career and all, but seriously – your job is too high stress. You should quit and take something that would allow you to focus more on what’s really important in life.”
The list could go on, and on, and on…
Now, don’t get me wrong. I understand that their advice is probably coming from a place of love and concern (probably). But, just because advice comes from love doesn’t mean it’s good advice. Let’s be real.
As a respectable working adult, you are the only one who truly, truly knows what’s right for you, not your mom / dad / grandma / grandpa / brother / sister / cousin / aunt / uncle. You know when it’s time to quit. You know when it’s time to stay. And, you know how much stress you and your spouse can take.
Without going too far overboard, there are a few times when it makes sense to listen to a relative. For example, perhaps the relative is a successful business person who has worked in the field you are interested in. Or, maybe the relative has inside knowledge of a particular company you’re interested in.
But, the most important thing – if you’re going to listen to a relative – is that the relative RESPECTS YOUR OWN OPINION and is OKAY with the idea of you rejecting their advice if it doesn’t work for you.
Does that make sense? If the relative only wants to give advice if you’ll take it (whether or not you think it makes sense for YOU), then you shouldn’t be listening to them – no matter how smart or well-connected they might be. Their advice is biased, and it’s not coming from the best place.
At the end of the day, YOU are the only one who truly knows what works for you: not your dad, not your sister, not your grandmother, not your cousin. YOU.
So, with all that said, listen to the advice that works for you, and pay attention when advice doesn’t work for you. Pay attention so you can be sure not to use the advice that doesn’t work for you. Listen to yourself, not your loud mouth relative. Have confidence that you know what’s right, and that you are going to figure things out, in your own way.
Let me end this passionate email with a personal story. While still in college for engineering, I decided that I wanted to earn a MBA. I wasn’t sure whether I should go straight to graduate school from college, or whether I should work first. So, I talked to MBA schools and other MBA graduates about their experiences. After gathering enough information, I decided that for me, it would be best to work for three years in industry before quitting my job to go to graduate school full time. This allowed me to bring more to the classroom, and to get more out.
So, I took a corporate job out of college, and each month, I put $1,000 per month in a bank account to help pay for my graduate school. MBA school rarely has scholarships, and I knew the price tag would be big for what I wanted to do. And, since I planned to study for my MBA full time, I knew I’d need money to survive.
At the end of the three years, I had enough money ($36,000 – not bad for a 21 year old) to get started. I applied to school, was accepted, quit my job, and moved cross-country to Los Angeles. I was able to complete my MBA in 15-months. And, guess what happened? I received job offers that were twice what I was making before getting that MBA. You heard me right. I was able to double my salary in 15 months by these choices.
But, do you know what I heard before all of this happened? Multiple people pulled me aside. They told me how crazy I was, and how I’d lost my mind. They said, “You have a good corporate job. What’s your problem? Why do you need to do this? You’re going to ruin your life.” They also said, “Why do you need to quit and move to LA? There’s a perfectly good school where you are. Why are you doing this?”
I’m pretty sure that all of these people who attempted to stop me from my goals would stand up today and say that they knew I was going to succeed. They could just see it in my eyes (or some other similar B.S.).
So again, please – listen to yourself. Only you can truly know what’s right for you.
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 or 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.
Have you ever wondered if you might have picked the wrong career path? If so, you’re not alone.
Ask a friend, “How did you end up in your career?” There’s a good chance they’ll say that they just happened to fall into whatever it is that they do. Perhaps they happened to get a particular internship during college that happened to lead to a job. Or, maybe their parents were connected to a certain company. Or, they had a friend who contacted them about a job.
You may have started your own career out in a similar way. And, once you were on the path, you learned more about the field, were promoted, and never looked back – until now.
Typically, you begin to question your career path because of a life event. For example, maybe you’re getting a little older and you’d like to do something more meaningful. Perhaps you’ve been doing something meaningful that doesn’t pay well and you need to make more money because you’ve started a family. Or, you may not like your job – plain and simple.
Whatever the reason, the idea of career reinvention can be daunting. We often hear that it’s virtually impossible, or that we’ll have to start from the very bottom. Sometimes, a big career shift does require us to take a pay cut, but it’s not a guarantee. Neither is starting at the bottom.
The first key to reinventing your career is to take the reins yourself. This isn’t the time to fall into another career path, or to try to get your foot in the door just to test something out. It’s time to identify possible alternative careers. Evaluate your transferable skills. What are the things that make you great at your current job that you could take with you to another type of career? For example, perhaps you’re a good public speaker or maybe you know how to organize groups of people. These skills can help in all sorts of roles.
Also, think about the other skills you have that may not be spelled out on your resume. For example, you may work at a nonprofit, but on the side, you’ve been investing in real estate. Make a list of the knowledge you have that’s not outlined on your resume. Find ways to incorporate this information into your existing resume. You might add a section for volunteering, consulting, skills or leadership.
Then, make a list of what else you’d like to learn to do in the future and figure out how to get there. Do you wish you knew more about computers? If so, look for classes you can take. Look for a nonprofit, or small company where you might volunteer your services to learn “on the job.” Don’t wait for your future boss to see something in you. Find it yourself, and look for ways to nurture this new skill.
The best news is, your timing is perfect for change. What would you like to do differently in 2017?
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com or on Twitter at @CopelandCoach.
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.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or 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.
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.
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.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or 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.
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)
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.
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.
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