Career Guidance Archives - Page 7 of 7

Career Planning: The Value of Self-Knowledge on Your Career Path

By Angelica RainsCareer Guidance

For young professionals, self-knowledge makes career planning much easier. Yet even for the experienced self-knowledge can also help prepare for future career steps and make the transition significantly less painful. The key is to know who you are and what you want so that you can identify the type of work and environment that will be fulfilling.

Course of Education

One way self-knowledge helps is that it makes it easier to decide on an educational course. Education can be expensive and time consuming, so it is best to know what you want before committing to a program. Knowing more about your natural strengths, as well as areas where you want to expand and grow, will help clarify a track more quickly. That way you can avoid going down a path that is not a reflection of your authentic self only to have to switch gears further down the road.

Online Presence

Self-knowledge also helps guide you on what to do (or not do) online. Awareness can help you establish healthy boundaries online. It is surprising how many people lose out on job opportunities due to over sharing on social media. People forget that potential employers often check social media for red flags before making hiring decisions. Without a clear sense of self, your resume and professional profiles can also suffer. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses can help you craft a custom resume that is unique and attractive. Hiring managers see so many resumes and LinkedIn profiles that setting yourself apart can give you an advantage.

Authentic Relationships

People who have self-awareness think before they speak and are honest about their feelings. You can build more meaningful relationships with coworkers if you present yourself authentically. Being authentic and vulnerable helps to build a network of professionals with true connections. In time, you will be able to help each other grow and succeed through mutually beneficial engagement.

Whether you are just starting out in your career or you’re looking for a change, self-knowledge can make career planning much smoother. If you know who you are, it becomes easier to determine what you want and how to achieve that.

September 18, 2019

Professional Attention Deficit Disorder

By Angelica RainsCareer Guidance, Leadership

foIn the manufacturing economy, time was the currency. Systems were designed for maximum efficiency, and effectiveness was simply how much time could be dedicated to the process. The assembly line is a perfect example! In today’s information environment, directing our attention in the right places for the right amount of time and focus is the key to effectiveness.

Curious if you suffer from Professional ADD? If you have already been distracted at some point during the first paragraph, no assessment is necessary!

You are frequently distracted from your current activity, by others, or by your own lack of focus
You finish your day and are surprised how little you actually accomplished despite the fact that you felt “busy” all day
You have a to-do list of important items but always seem to be distracted with more “urgent” activities
You find it difficult to fully focus on another person without thinking of other matters
You check and respond to your email, text messages, instant messages, etc. constantly
You feel a sense of “information overload” frequently
You think you are a great multi-tasker
You are addicted to urgency and pride yourself on being the best “fire fighter”
You love being in the “zone” but are frustrated by how infrequently you truly find yourself in that place of maximum effectiveness

If you checked the box to most of these then you may be suffering from Corporate Attention Deficit Disorder. The good news is that it is curable, and you can fill your own prescription.

Create Golden Hours

Establish certain times each day when no one can distract you or each other. The only distractions or interruptions should be emergencies; educate your environment when it is best to get with you by phone or in person for activities that are not both urgent and critical.

Loosen your Electronic Leash

At least four times per day, set 45-minute time blocks where email, instant messages, and any other electronic distractions are turned off. Each time block should be dedicated to fully focusing on a specific activity that you have predetermined for that time. Very rarely is anything so urgent and critical that it cannot wait for a reply within an hour; you may even find that issues solve themselves without you having to.

Prioritize Long-Term Projects

Make a list of all your current important projects that are not urgent. Now, assign at least two one-hour slots a week to do them. Keep these appointments with yourself the same way that you would with a client; do not allow yourself to book anything during those times unless it is a true emergency. If you don’t begin to do some of the strategic work now, when will you? An attic is easier cleaned a few boxes a week rather than the entire attic in a weekend.

Minimize Multi-tasking

There are some times when multi-tasking and bouncing from one activity to the next is both unavoidable and necessary. However, the majority of periods you find yourself busy, multi-tasking, and rushed are self-created and counter-productive in the long run. Practice being fully present and engage in one activity at a time. If someone stops by your office while you are typing an email, ask them to send you an email to schedule a meeting so that you can truly focus on their needs when it is mutually convenient.

Create Blocks of Similar Activities

A doctor does not check emails in the middle of surgery, and a lawyer is not accepting incoming calls while the opposing counsel is grilling his client. What makes the critical responsibilities of your role less deserving of your own concentration? We all like diversity and variety but do your best to plan activities in such a way that complementary activities can be done in groups for maximum effectiveness.

Find the Right Work/Life Balance

Just as your time at work should have focus and intensity in each activity, so should your time away from work. Being fully present in all your interactions includes those outside of work. When you find your mind drifting to work related activities while with friends or family, remind yourself to focus back on the people or activity at hand.

August 28, 2019

How to Work with a Search Consultant Effectively

By Angelica RainsCareer Guidance

When considering a job in C-level support, it is beneficial to know how to work with a search consultant effectively. Partnering with a placement firm can open the door to sought-after opportunities, but only if the partnership is approached strategically. Below are tips for working with a search consultant to maximize chances of landing a key support position.

Share as Much Information as Possible

The quality and frequency of communication largely determines how effective the relationship between job seeker and placement professional will be. Sharing likes and dislikes about past and present jobs, career growth goals, current function and compensation, and preferred change in those areas are all important for a search consultant to know. This information will guide the search for a career that’s the ideal fit for both company and employee.

Direct and Clear Communication

For a partnership to run smoothly, it’s essential to have clear and timely communication. Prompt responses within 24 hours and immediate feedback following an interview allow a search consultant to adjust the strategy for a more tailored fit. The more a recruiter knows about the perceived benefits and drawbacks of a company, the easier it will be to find an opportunity that meets all needs.

Be Smart about Online Presence

When working with a placement professional, social media accounts should be set to private. Employers look closely at candidates’ posts. Anything that could possibly be considered oversharing, inappropriate, or rude could cost someone a job opportunity. In general, avoid anything that could potentially harm the first impression of a potential employer.

Ask for Constructive Feedback

Search consultants have seen countless resumes and applications during their careers. They also have a deep understanding of effective interview preparation and follow through. Job seekers should ask for feedback in any area they want clarification or improvement. The recruiter can review a resume for ways to improve the content and format, practice interviewing skills, and assess ways to improve.

Working with a search consultant is an excellent way to land an executive support position in line with personal career goals. To make the most of this partnership, candidates should take advantage of their experience, communicate objectives clearly, and share as much information possible about current roles and responsibilities.

August 21, 2019

Career Advancement: Why Should You Take a Recruiter’s Call?

By Angelica RainsCareer Guidance

Many people reject calls from recruiters because they are unaware of the many advantages of working with them rather than job hunting alone. Even for those not seeking a new job, search consultants can open the door to exclusive opportunities that others don’t have access to. Taking the time to speak with a recruiter could result in an unexpected career advancement. Below are some of the excellent reasons to work with a search consultant.

Recruiters Have an Expansive Network

Niche recruiters are extremely well connected. They have exclusive, confidential access to some of the most desirable jobs in the field of executive support. High profile executives frequently work with search consultants, which means that the jobs are not advertised or accessible to the average person looking for employment. In addition, working with a recruiter is particularly important in high profile executive support because of the specialized skills and experience required.

You’ll Learn Valuable Insights about Your Marketability

Well-connected recruiters have worked with hundreds of candidates, so they can help job seekers assess their skills, compare to the competition, and have an informed idea of appropriate compensation. For those who are already employed, recruiters can introduce them to opportunities for career growth, gauge salary based on current rates, or find a better fit. Regardless of employment status, search consultants can give a better view of their function and market value.

Everyone Benefits from Career Consultation

It’s beneficial to get advice from an expert, whether happily employed or looking for a job. Niche recruiters have more data about that career than anyone else. They understand what function those in executive support provide to an organization, their value in terms of compensation, professional potential, and the marketplace as a whole. They can help negotiate a raise or a promotion or find a company that’s the ideal fit. Whether someone is happily employed or not, speaking with a recruiter is a wise choice.

August 7, 2019