February 27, 2008
 
    

Assessing Corporate Culture

 

Occasionally, a client will come back to me for career coaching after several months on the job. The all "too-perfect" role turns sour because of the corporate culture and/or internal politics.

 

How you can assess these factors ahead of time, they ask me? Although this is difficult as culture is intangible, I do think there are things that a potential candidate can do to get a "read" on the environment before they say "yes."

Before I enumerate the various things to look for and ask to assess culture, let's just step back for a minute and discuss what culture is and why is it important.

 

What is corporate culture? A very basic, corporate culture can be described as an organization's "personality" and "how things are done around here." Corporate culture is a broad term and guides how employees, think, act, feel, and behave. It is used to describe the unique personality and behavior of a company or organization and can include such elements as core values, mission, beliefs, ethics, and rules of behavior.

So why then is this important? Culture is important because it can affect you in many ways, such as the hours you work, the availability of options such as flextime and telecommuting, how people interact (or don't) with each other, how people dress, benefits offered to employees, office layout, training, and professional development. As you can see from this list, culture affects just about everything that relates to your work.

 

So, since culture is so important and pervasive, how do you assess it and uncover the truths of a potential employer?

 

The first step toward determining whether you will be a good match for a company is to know yourself well and to know what matters most to you (your values). You have to be crystal clear about what you are seeking from this next role and/or company. Are you seeking intellectual stimulation, a family-friendly environment, a social outlet, or work-life balance?

 

The next step is to use the job interview (and your networking interviews) to determine if the particular employer's culture and work environment is aligned with your core values. Working at a company whose value system does not match your own (understaffed, unethical, nonphilanthropic) can leave you feeling unfulfilled. During your networking or interviewing, be sure to ask questions of the prospective employer to see if you can get the company to reveal its corporate culture.

 

Here are some sample questions:

 

What three words or phrases would you use to describe the company/department culture?

• Pay attention to the adjectives that are used to see if they fit with your values.

 

Does the company have a stated set of cultural values?

• Often, a mission statement is a good place to start to gather insights in this area.

 

Can you describe the environment here?

• Pay attention to the words used and the aspects of the work environment the employer mentions, such as camaraderie, career-development opportunities, and work-life initiatives.

 

What is the company's attitude toward educational and professional development?

• Does the company place a value on lifelong learning and advancement?

 

What type of employee achievements are recognized by the employer?

• Pay attention to what the company values, and whether any special awards are given for outstanding customer service, sales, etc.

 

What type of sponsorships or philanthropic activities does the company participate in?

• Does the company partner with United Way, or support programs such as Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day? Do company employees volunteer for local charities?

 

Another great way to assess corporate culture is to pay attention to details as you are walking around the office during your interviews. A few ideas might be:

• How were you treated during the interviews? Were people on time?
• Were there key phrases the interviewers used frequently that would give you a clue as to what the company values/does not value?
• How prepared were the interviewers? Had they seen your resume?
• Do people look happy and appear that they are having fun?
• Do senior management members sit in cubes like everyone else or do they have fancy lush offices?
• Does the office layout promote collaboration between departments?
• Are people eating lunch at their desk alone, or in groups in a cafeteria?

 

Finding the right culture is key to your career success. Think about your impressions of the corporate culture during your networking/interviewing and capture your thoughts after the interview. Pay attention to your intuition and if you have a bad feeling, it might be best to decline further interviews and/or an offer.

 

 

Books:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Culture-Survival-Guide/dp/0787946990/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202753396&sr=8-3

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1933102373/ref=sib_dp_pt/102-2838071-2820909#reader-link

 

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January 26, 2008
 

Now that the New Year has come and gone, many professionals are thinking about changing careers or re-orienting their direction. Career change can be a tricky, even for the most talented of job seekers and career professionals. I hope this article will shed light on some different alternatives to make your career move.

Five Different Ways to Change Careers

 

When thinking about changing your career, there is no perfect approach for everyone. There are many different avenues to take, and more than one may work for you.

 

The prospect of a career change can appear to be a daunting, overwhelming process that can be difficult to experience and one that can take much effort and time. However, because there are several ways to accomplish this, you can reach your goal without an ample dose of stress.

 

Once you have completed the self-exploration phase (analyzing your motivated skills, interests, values, motivators, and personality), you’ll be ready to move forward toward your goal. Here are several different options for changing careers:

1. Volunteer. One way to try out a new career or field is to engage in volunteer work in the new arena. This method will place you in a position or organization that intrigues you. It will provide you with an unlimited view into how this type of work fits your interests, passions, and goals. And it will provide you with insight as to whether your skills match up to this type of position. At the same time, volunteering can open up new networking avenues for you, which may be useful later if you decide to pursue this field on a more permanent basis.

 

2. Work Part-Time. A similar approach would be to keep your current job (or a reduced-hours version of your current job), and then start working part-time for a company you are interested in or in a job that you desire. So much work is contracted out that you can get experience working in a prospective career through freelance and/or temp work. It may make your schedule busier, but it also will bring in some money and give you experience to add to your resume.

 

3. Transfer. If you like your company but just don’t like your job (i.e. the skills you are using on a daily basis), how about looking at the possibility of transferring within your company? You could first take on additional duties to show your boss and other supervisors in your company that you are capable to doing more, willing to assume more responsibilities, and ready to move up or laterally to a new position. Letting supervisors know that you would be interested in a certain type of job builds an avenue of communication that could help lead to an effective job transfer or promotion.

 

4. Start Studying. Another method of changing career involves formal education and/or additional professional development. If you know your future direction and can afford it, you can go back to college full-time, pick up your new graduate degree, and move on to your new career. If, like the rest of us, you can’t afford that option, you can enroll in a part-time graduate program, and begin networking toward your new career. Also, taking extra individual professional courses, classes, and seminars, or working toward the completion of short-term certification programs will help you advance your efforts to change your career.

 

5. Rebrand Yourself. If you have identified your future career goals and know how you want to change your career, then you might be able to repackage and rebrand yourself to better meet the required skills and competencies for the new position. In addition to the basic functional skills that you possess to do your job well, you also may have communications, collaboration, leadership, and team-building capabilities that are transferable to almost any profession. Rebrand yourself by highlighting these skills in your resume, networking resume, and in your verbal marketing pitch.

For additional articles and tips on career change and career management, please visit our blog, which is updated on a weekly basis:

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December 15, 2007
 

For those of you who are still looking for the right job, reaching the end of the year with your mission unfulfilled can make you feel frustrated and like a failure. The holidays are here and you might not want to celebrate too much.

Yet, the reality is just the opposite. The holiday season is a great time to continue your job search and to make great inroads into acquiring the job that's just right for you. Because many job applicants think the holidays are a dormant period, they tend to close up shop on their job quest between Thanksgiving and early January.

What this does, however, is drastically reduce the competition for any job you are seeking. And, it increases the odds that you will gain access to hiring managers and human resources personnel.

So, now that things are looking up a little bit for you, what should you do to take advantage of the marketplace this holiday season? Well, getting to work right away is a good start. Here are eight things that you can do to use the holidays wisely for your job search.

Enjoy the rest of the holidays and best wishes for a prosperous, healthy and joyful New Year.

 

Best,
Randi

 

1. Check Your List. Not your list of presents, but your list of Web sites, job boards/sites that regularly detail positions in which you are interested. Don't give up on these sites as companies often will post in December new positions to fill after the first of the year, and efficient hiring managers will want to get a jump start on filling them.

2. Pick Up the Phone. This is a great time to call (or e-mail) all of the hiring managers and human resources people that you know or with whom you have come in contact during your job search. It's a great opportunity to see if anything new has opened up at their company and what their hiring plans are for the new year. It also will allow you the chance to briefly discuss your goals and qualifications, and to wish them a happy holiday season and happy new year.

3. Keep Your Network Active. The holiday season also is a great time to continue your networking. Call, e-mail, or write to your friends, former co-workers, and professional acquaintances, or reconnect with them through professional sites such as LinkedIn. Let them know how you're doing, the status of your job search, and wish them well for the holidays and the upcoming year. They are very likely to keep you in mind if they hear of a job opening that would fit your needs.

4. Send Out the Cards. Pick out some nondenominational holiday cards, and send them out to the hiring managers, human resources personnel, friends, and professional associates whom you know. This is a great follow-up or precede to your call or e-mail. Keeping in touch with this group will strengthen your professional network, and help keep all the lines of communication open for your job search.

5. Don't Avoid Your Company's Events. Even if you're not happy with your present work arrangement, don't be an old stick in the mud. Attend your company's holiday events with a smile on your face. Some of your co-workers might know about your job search, many others are likely not to know. But, by keeping the lines of communication open with your co-workers, you might pick up a valuable tip for your job search, and you never who could be your most influential reference.

6. Attend Other Holiday Functions. When invited to other holiday parties and events, be certain to attend. These are great opportunities to meet new people, make new contacts, and extend your network. Bring your business cards. But, don't be pushy. When asked what you do, you can briefly explain your current circumstances, your career goals, and how you plan to achieve them. And, that's the right time to give out your business card.

7. Be a Volunteer. If you don't think you're likely to be invited to many holiday functions, try volunteering. Check out some charitable organizations that you might be interested in, and see what holiday parties, fundraisers, and benefits they might have scheduled during the holiday season. These organizations are always looking for volunteers to help staff their events, and it would be a great way to meet new people and make new contacts, possibly even in a professional area in which you might be interested.

8. Be Positive. Stay in the holiday mood, spread good cheer, be active, and think positively. A positive attitude goes a long way in helping you reach your goals. And, it's contagious. Your contacts will want to help you, they'll be eager to recommend you, and any positive interaction you have with professional associates, hiring managers, and human resources personnel greatly increases your chances of landing the job you want.

If you follow these eight tips and stay active during the holiday season, you can take advantage of a time of reduced competition when many others are too busy or too discouraged to work on their job search. In the end, you might give yourself the best present possible--a new job that's just right for you.

 

About Aspire!

Aspirations! is written and compiled by Randi Bussin, a career coach and entrepreneurial consultant with 25 years of experience of corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her extensive background to help mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs clarify their aspirations, develop the "big-picture," and set realistic goals in designing a career that reflects their personal values and passions. Through focused coaching, she helps clients make steady progress and achieve their career goals.

If you would like more information on our services, please feel free to e-mail us at rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com.

 

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November 30, 2007
 

Last month, we explored the seven common traps that can hinder, delay, or even sink your integration into a new workplace.

This month, we'll focus on how you can meet the challenge of a new job, and lay out the solutions that will help you adjust to a new position, new company, and/or a new career.

Starting any of these can be challenging as you can become quickly inundated with new names, terms, processes, and projects. Here are seven tips to help you get acclimated quickly with a minimum of transition adjustments:

1. Get Connected. This theme will flow through most of these tips-because it is so important. Your adjustment, your productivity, your confidence level all are dependent on you getting connected and staying connected with your new co-workers.

Whether you are the new entry-level employee, the new manager, or the new executive, everyone will be curious about who you are and what you're like. Getting connected might not be as difficult as you might expect.

Your co-workers will want to connect with you-so be active, responsive, engaging, open to suggestion, and keep circulating. If you do this, you will quickly learn about your new co-workers and their roles and how your new company operates.

 

2. Learn the Ground Rules. Every company has its own particular structure, work flow, and employee hierarchy. It's essential that you get on board fast by learning how, when, where, and why things are done.

If you want to be an effective worker as soon as possible, learning the ropes is a must. It will keep you from making regrettable mistakes that could damage your effectiveness, and allow your co-workers to wonder whether you'll ever get it.

So, if you don't know what you're doing, ask someone who does. And don't forget that process and structure are important to your co-workers...learn them quickly and get in step.

 

3. Don't Overanalyze. It's easy to have concerns early on in your new job about your work, your status, and how you are being perceived. Whatever you do, don't overanalyze yourself, and don't be overly critical of yourself.

You are bound to make some mistakes, call someone by the wrong name, or arrive at an incorrect conclusion. Don't beat yourself up about it. However, it is important that you learn from your mistakes, and make certain that you don't repeat them.

Your co-workers might accept some initial mistakes. But, repeatedly making the same mistake will hasten their criticism of you and increase their doubts about you-something you don't need starting out.

 

4. Learn People's Roles. This goes back to #1-Getting Connected. It's very important to learn who does what, who is responsible for what, and how you should interact with them.

Finding out everyone's role is important, as is determining who plays the unwritten roles of team leader, adviser, mentor, go-to person, etc. The best way to do this is by asking questions and staying connected. Once you've learned people's roles, you will be able to operate smoothly within the company's structure.

 

5. Ask Questions. The importance of this is obvious (see above). Asking questions is how you will get connected, learn the ground rules, learn people's roles, and educate yourself about how your new company operates, and the role you will play in it.

Asking questions can be an art form, but you don't have to ask the perfect question. Just be yourself, ask your question, and listen carefully. And remember what you are told. Nothing can aggravate a co-worker more than if you keep asking the same question, and they have to keep giving you the same explanation.

 

6. Collaborate. If you have the opportunity to do so, collaborating on a project with a co-worker or several peers is the best possible avenue to finding your place quickly in your new company.

Collaboration will allow you to get to know your co-workers better, and allow them to improve their comfort level with you. Collaborating on a project will also show you just how the process works, and how your co-workers work together within the structure of the workplace.

 

7. Get Organized. This just doesn't mean that you should keep a neat desk, although that's probably not a bad idea starting out.

Instead, getting organized means that you should stay on top of everything, such as: keeping a list of co-workers' names (especially if you work in a big office), their duties, your projects, your deadlines, your responsibilities, and your meetings.

Staying organized will show your co-workers that you will be a responsible employee who will make their workplace a more efficient and better place to work. And it will show them that you will be able to hold your own in your new environment.

 

If you follow these seven tips, you should make a smooth transition to your new office and position, and will quickly develop into an important component of a workplace that is hopefully rewarding and fulfilling.

 

Randi's Recommended Reads

The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels (Hardcover) by Michael Watkins

 

About Aspire!

Aspirations! is written and compiled by Randi Bussin, a career coach and entrepreneurial consultant with 25 years of experience of corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her extensive background to help mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs clarify their aspirations, develop the "big-picture," and set realistic goals in designing a career that reflects their personal values and passions. Through focused coaching, she helps clients make steady progress and achieve their career goals.

If you would like more information on our services, please feel free to e-mail us at rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com.

 

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E-mail: rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com

Phone: 617-489-7738

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October 31, 2007
 

You have completed your self-assessment work, you have landed a new job with the company at the top of your list and found the job of your dreams. It's the position you always wanted, at the salary you hoped to receive, with the responsibility and upward mobility you desired.

So, what's your next big challenge? Well, it's you! Now, it's up to you to properly integrate yourself into your new job with your new co-workers and your new responsibilities, regardless of your level in the organization. If you don't, failure could come quickly no matter how talented you are.

This month and next, our newsletter will focus on how to get up to speed quickly while avoiding the common traps that can doom even the most qualified person to a short and unsuccessful tenure.

Best,
Randi

 

How to Avoid Dangerous New Job Traps

 

Here are seven common traps that you must avoid to be successful in your new position:

1. Isolating Yourself. This trap might be the most important one to avoid. Every new position, whether it's at the executive, middle, or entry level is challenging. And it is often your first response to dive head-first into your job, and ignore everything and everyone else.

It's important not to do that. In fact, it's important to do something that might have helped you acquire the position in the first place: networking. Just as networking can help you identify and attain your new status, so, too, can networking help you gain solid footing and advance in your new workplace.

Use networking with your new co-workers to learn more about the office and corporate environments, such as: how work is accomplished, what priorities are important, how work is distributed, who is reliable, and what people expect of you.

 

2. Doing Too Much, Too Fast. This ties in with #1--isolating yourself. Everyone wants to hit a new job running. But, doing too much, too fast can create some problems for you.

First, this will isolate you as you bury yourself in work and miss out on a prime opportunity to smoothly mix into your new office environment. Second, by doing too much, too fast, you also might be missing the nuances of what is expected of you and your work.

And, third, you could be doing everything wrong, but you're doing things too fast to pick up on the signals. It's better to take your time, make sure you are working in the right direction, and that your projects are properly researched and targeted.

 

3. Being a Know-It-All. Arrogance never goes over well when you're the new kid on the block. You haven't proven anything yet, and being a know-it-all will just turn off many productive sources for you, and tag you with a label that might be difficult to peel off.

So, even if you think that you know everything, even if you know that you know everything, even if you are certain that you are the smartest person in your new office, just keep it to yourself. If any of the above is true, it will be evident to your staff or co-workers soon enough.

Instead, be an eager listener and learner, and your new company will be impressed by how quickly you learn, how easily you have adapted, and how smoothly you have improved the operation.

 

4. Linking Up With the Wrong People. Every company has its leaders (both obvious and subtle), its followers, its malingerers, and its troublemakers. When you are a new hire, at first glance, some of these people appear to be obvious.

Yet, here is where you want to avoid the trap of identifying these people, and linking up with them, too quickly. It's easy to dismiss someone because they are quiet or reserved, only to find out later that this person is an essential cog in the operation.

So, too, it is easy to give much credit to someone who often talks about all the important work they do, only to discover that their work is insufficient and ineffective. So don't leap to judgment.

 

5. Improperly Assessing Situations. As it is easy to improperly assess the importance of people in your new company, improperly assessing any situation can be a dangerous trap in which to get ensnared.

It's much better to take your time assessing how your new company operates before coming to any conclusions. Knowing how things are done, and who the key players are, will keep you from taking too many false steps.

 

6. Lack of Clarity, Direction. This is an important factor, especially for executives and senior managers who are expected to lead others from the get-go. Being vague, uncertain, or wishy-washy can immediately doom your effectiveness.

It's important to be clear in your objectives, mission, and direction, and not leave those you supervise guessing at what you want from them and wondering if you know what you are doing.

 

7. Preconceived Notions. Everyone has preconceived ideas about their new job. You likely have interviewed at your new company several times and have met some of your new co-workers.

Already, you have ideas about how your new office works and with whom you may or may not be a good fit. Keep these thoughts to yourself, keep your eyes open, and keep an open mind. All will be revealed in time, and, if you have avoided these common traps that can sink your start, you are likely to have a rewarding and prosperous career.

(Next Month: We'll help you meet the challenges inherent in any new job, and lay out the solutions for avoiding the pitfalls that can quickly turn a promising opportunity into a failed venture.)

 

Randi's Recommended Reads

The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels

(Hardcover) by Michael Watkins

 

About Aspire!

Aspirations! is written and compiled by Randi Bussin, a career coach and entrepreneurial consultant with 25 years of experience of corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her extensive background to help mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs clarify their aspirations, develop the "big-picture," and set realistic goals in designing a career that reflects their personal values and passions. Through focused coaching, she helps clients make steady progress and achieve their career goals.

If you would like more information on our services, please feel free to e-mail us at rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com.

 

Sign up for our newsletter.

 

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September 27, 2007
 

Greetings!

As summer transitions into fall, and the memory of your vacation to the shore or the mountains is fading fast, it might be time for a new career transition for you.

While summer is great fun, if you're returning to a job this fall that is sheer drudgery, you might want to consider a career change. One way to start your transition is to focus on a passion of yours.

Here are eight important career tips that will help you discover more about yourself, allow your passions to guide you down a new career path, and help you take those first steps on your way to a new and more rewarding career.

Best,
Randi

 

Figure Out What You Want to Do

 

How do you support yourself during a career change? More importantly, how do you decide to embark on a new career? Perhaps your current career no longer reflects your skills and achievements, or maybe you just don't find your work fulfilling or interesting anymore.

 

Figure out what you want to do before you start doing it.
All too often individuals seek out change before they know what they really want to do with their lives. Here are some suggestions to help you figure out what you want to do and how you can make it happen.

 

1. Start With Free Association: Take a piece of blank paper or open a blank Word document and write out everything you enjoy in life. Don't leave anything out. Even things like walking the dog or cooking dinner should go on the list, if you enjoy them. Then (you guessed it) take another piece of paper or start a new document, and write out everything you don't enjoy doing. Do you see a pattern or cluster on each of these lists? Ultimately, your ideal job will incorporate some version of the activities you enjoy while minimizing the activities you dislike. Hang onto these sheets, as they will help you along the way.

 

2. Be Your Own Detective: Research careers that incorporate activities you enjoy in life, even if they seem like a stretch at first. Read up on these careers, talk to people who are working in the field, and, if possible, tag along for a day with someone who successfully pursues the career path you're interested in learning about.

 

3. Build a Vision of Your Life: Based on your detective work, start to think about how your values and goals might line up with a particular career. For example, if your vision includes a more balanced lifestyle, you might have a goal of transitioning into a career that supports a healthy lifestyle while incorporating the activities you enjoy most in life. Write your vision and goals down and keep them with your free association lists. Think of these as your planning documents-they will sustain you during your journey.

 

Start Walking the Talk

You have your map; now it's time to start walking the talk.
After you've developed a vision for your life and researched the type of career you're interested in pursuing, it's time to look at your next steps:

 

4. Focus on Skills and Education: If you look carefully at your professional history, you'll find skills that are transferable to your new career. As you review your skills, take stock of what you need to learn in order to excel in your new career. Consider taking classes or attending conferences in your new field to refresh and build on these skills.

 

5. Join Professional Associations: This is a great way to stay current about the trends in your potential new industry, and network with your future colleagues. In fact, professional associations quite often sponsor conferences, networking sessions, and educational opportunities for their members. In many cases, online services also will accompany your membership privileges. Take advantage of these services, as they will help keep you on track.

 

6. Build a Relationship With a Mentor: Mentors play a unique role in your career development well beyond the transition leg of your journey. In fact, as you network you can begin to develop several mentoring relationships. Spread yourself around, because each mentor will bring a unique perspective to your new career.

 

7. Try Coaching to Your Potential: Working with a professional career transition coach provides a structure to your journey as well as ongoing feedback about the choices and decisions you'll make along the way.

 

8. Get Your Foot in the Door: If possible, get involved in volunteer or part-time employment in your new field. Small opportunities build experience and provide networking and mentoring opportunities.

 

Patience and realistic expectations are the keys to successfully embarking on your career change. You undoubtedly will encounter obstacles and challenges along the way. Everybody does. However, if you're committed to making the career change and continue to seek out help, your persistence will pay off.

 

Your Thoughts on New Services

This is the first in a series of planned articles on career transition and career exploration. We're also in the planning stages of developing new services aimed at career self-exploration and career transition. If you have any suggestions or thoughts on new services that could help you smooth out your own transition, please feel free to drop us a note (rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com).

 

Aspirations! is written and compiled by Randi Bussin, a career counselor and entrepreneurial consultant with 25 years of experience of corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her extensive background to help mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs clarify their aspirations, develop the "big-picture," and set realistic goals in designing a career that reflects their personal values and passions. Through focused coaching, she helps clients make steady progress and achieve their career goals.

 

If you would like more information on our services, please feel free to e-mail us at rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com.

 

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E-mail: rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com

Phone: 617-489-7738

 

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June 26, 2007
 

As I am working with my clients, I am finding that age discrimination doesn't begin at 60. Many workers in their 50s and even in their 40s are being confronted with age discrimination in their job search.

To cut costs, many companies are dropping workers in these age groups through a series of layoffs, buyouts, and reorgs. These companies also are looking for replacement workers who are younger, less experienced, and thus, come more cheaply.

These actions are damaging for the more experienced workers in two ways: It means more workers in your age group will be in the job market at the same time as you are; and, you're not exactly what these companies think they're looking for anyway.

It would be easy to get frustrated about this situation, but there are plenty of ways to combat age discrimination and make companies look at you as the solution for their job opening. This article highlights five easy steps for you to use to avoid being tagged as an older worker.

We hope you find this helpful and be sure to check out the Web sites below for additional articles on this topic.

Best,
Randi

 

 

1. Don't Act Your Age

Now "Don't act your age" isn't what it sounds like. We're not telling you to wear baggy shorts down to your calves and a baseball cap turned askew. We're saying you should be yourself, but don't concede anything to a younger job applicant just because you are 42, 49, or 57.

In all of your dealings in the job market--whether it is in your networking, cover letter, resume, or job interview--stress what you can do for this company at this time. Don't focus on the fact that you've been in the business for 35 years, that you have 20+ years of management experience, or that you won the Employee of the Year Award in 1985.

None of this will be as important as the ability to convince a potential employer that you can do the job for them today, and that you can jump right into the job and immediately perform well.

 

2. Age-Proof Your Resume

The first place to start is with your cover letter and resume. Leave out dates, especially ones that will date you, and put the focus on your recent job experience.

Try to keep your professional experience to the last 10-15 years, and to the jobs that are pertinent to the position you are seeking. Don't put in what you did 25 years ago, and please leave out old dates for your degrees, awards, and certifications.

Also be sure to closely monitor the job descriptions and the words companies use in them. These key words are the concepts and qualities that companies want to see in their new employees. And, in order to get your foot in the door, you'll need to use them in your cover letter, resume, and interview.

 

3. Update Your Skills

While you're looking for a new job can be a great time to update your skills. It will be important to show your potential employer that you are computer literate. If you need to, take a course or class or two on using the Internet, on mastering Word, on how to use Excel or PowerPoint.

This would also be a wonderful time to take a seminar, class, or course in your field. Brushing up with something like an accounting course, human resources seminar, drafting class, or whatever is available in your professional area, will show your potential employer that you are dedicated to staying on top of your field, constantly updating your expertise, and willing to go the extra mile to remain on the cutting edge of your profession.

 

4. Seek Out Sympathetic Companies

You won't be able to change the thinking about older workers at every company. Be sure to do your homework and find the companies that are age-friendly.

There are many ways to do this. Some companies aggressively advertise that they are looking for a diverse work force, and are family-friendly, diversity-friendly, and age-friendly. You also can find many of these companies listed in magazine and newspaper articles about the best places to work.

And, there are monitoring organizations that can help here, too. AARP, the National Council on Aging, and the U.S. Administration on Aging are good places to start, as are these Web sites: www.aarp.org/careers and www.retirementjobs.com.

 

5. Get Your Act Together

This is probably the first thing you should do, but it's listed last because it's gut-check time. None of the above actions will work for you if you have the wrong attitude. In this age of downsizing, you must remember that you're not the only one looking for a job in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It will happen or has happened to all of us.

It's very important to think positively...about yourself, your job prospects, and your future. A positive attitude is the first thing that comes across in a job interview; and a positive attitude will keep you going even when you come down to the final two out of 275 candidates, and still don't get the job.

Along with making sure your attitude is positive comes the image you project. It's essential that you look bright, alert, trim, active, and strong in your interview. So, if you need to work out, sleep better, eat well, and buy some new trim-fitting clothes, then just do it.

And don't fear change. Be adaptable in your approach, and be willing to extend yourself, and convey this positive, forward-looking attitude to your potential employer. If you can do this, your new employer will be delighted to hire someone like you--a worker who will fit in well; grow with the job; and be reliable, responsible, and a fabulous addition to their staff.

 

Web Sites to Check Out for Further Reading on This Topic

www.retirementjobs.com

www.2young2retire.com

www.careerjournal.com

 

About Aspire!

Aspirations! is written and compiled by Randi Bussin, a career counselor and entrepreneurial consultant with 25 years of experience of corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her extensive background to help mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs clarify their aspirations, develop the "big-picture," and set realistic goals in designing a career that reflects their personal values and passions. Through focused coaching, she helps clients make steady progress and achieve their career goals.

If you would like more information on our services, please feel free to e-mail us at rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com.

 

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E-mail: rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com

Phone: 617-489-7738

 

Career Coach Articles > Newsletters

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/44

May 03, 2007
 

With spring in the air and the job market in bloom, I thought I would focus this article on an often-forgotten part of the job search-prepping for job interviews. Most of you are familiar with traditional interview questions, such as "Tell me about yourself," or "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" What I have discovered in my work with clients is they are often ill- prepared for behavioral-type interviews, which is a more recent type of interviewing.

Behavioral interviewing focuses on storytelling as a way in which you convince the employers that your past successes will be an indicator of your ability to add value and do a great job for them. Behavioral interviewing requires preparation, practice, and adherence to a methodology. I am hoping this article will provide you with some insights that you can use in upcoming interviews.

Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.

Best,
Randi

 

Behavioral Interviewing: Telling Your Story

by Angela Epshtein

Your stellar resume got you in the door, and now it's time to reveal your strengths through personal stories. While you may not know specifically how you'll be interviewed, you can follow a few simple steps to bolster your interviewing skills and help you achieve your career goals.

Behavioral-Based Interviewing
In past interviews you may have been asked, "What would you do if...?" or "Tell me about yourself." These types of questions don't necessarily give you, the job candidate, the best chance to shine. The pat answers that sound good may not necessarily reflect your true strengths. These days, it's much more common to experience behavioral-based interviewing. This interview style recognizes that past behaviors are generally strong predictors of future behaviors.

The Interviewer
Managers and human resource professionals trained in behavioral-based interviewing techniques start off by asking a question that prompts a story. For example, the interviewer may ask something like, "Can you tell me about a situation where things didn't go quite the way you expected them to go?" Your answer will prompt more specific questions about the way you handled the situation, such as, "Can you tell me more about the way you communicated with your supervisor regarding...?"

The interviewer listens for skills and competencies that he or she considers important for job success. The most common competencies include: leadership, communication (oral and written), strategic thinking, creativity, and teamwork.

For example, if the interviewer has identified teamwork and flexibility to be two key competencies of the successful candidate, he or she will listen for those qualities in your stories. Based on your stories, the interviewer can develop a picture of who you are and how you might behave in specific situations.

Preparing for the Interview
The Internet has made it much easier for job seekers to research potential employers. Most companies post their missions and values on their Web sites, providing you with clues to the skills and characteristics necessary to thrive in each organization. Additionally, many organizations post their job descriptions on the Web. Use the job description to get clues as to the competencies on which the organization is focusing.

In addition to doing your homework about potential employers, you will need to prepare six to eight stories about yourself that are based on the competencies you've identified. These stories can be a mix of successes and challenges that you've faced in your life. Each story should define a situation, describe your action, and end with a result.

 

1) Know your stories-Practice your stories until you can tell them with confidence. Choose stories that help you stay positive about your job search and boost your self-esteem.

2) Be positive, but real-Given that half of your stories will be about challenges you've faced, be sure to emphasize the positive steps you took to reach the outcome. The goal of the stories is to highlight your skills and perseverance in the face of a "surprise" or less-than-ideal ending.

3) Variety is the spice of life-Make sure that your stories are drawn from different aspects of your life including paid professional employment, volunteer activities, and even college or graduate school activities (if you're a recent graduate). This will make your interview memorable and fun for the interviewer.

4) Timing is everything-Try to tell stories that are fairly recent (less than two years old). This will help the interviewer get to know you as you are now, not as you were ten years ago.

5) Tell a juicy story-Good stories always have a beginning, middle, and end. Make sure your stories begin with a situation, highlight an action that you've taken, and end with a result that is either positive or the best it can be, given the circumstances (Situation, Action, Result (SAR).

Preparing for these interviews takes a little more work, but it's bound to help you rediscover your strengths. You got your foot in the door; now it's time to land the job.

 

Randi's Recommended Reads

Behavioral Interviewing Guide: A Practical, Structured Approach For Conducting Effective Selection Interviews

High-Impact Interview Questions: 701 Behavior-based Questions to Find the Right Person for Every Job

 

About Aspire!

Aspirations! is written and compiled by Randi Bussin, a career counselor and entrepreneurial consultant with 25 years of experience of corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her extensive background to help mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs clarify their aspirations, develop the "big-picture," and set realistic goals in designing a career that reflects their personal values and passions. Through focused coaching, she helps clients make steady progress and achieve their career goals.

If you would like more information on our services, please feel free to e-mail us at rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com.

 

Sign up for our newsletter.

Click here to register

 

E-mail: rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com

Phone: 617-489-7738

 

Career Coach Articles > Newsletters

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/40

March 25, 2007
 

This month, I decided to focus our newsletter on the importance of storytelling. In coaching my clients, I have noticed that although they have fantastic degrees and backgrounds, their ability to tell impactful stories is fairly limited. For me, storytelling is extremely important, whether you are looking for a new job or are interested in switching careers.

For example, if you are switching jobs, storytelling will allow you to talk about your background and how you got to where you are now. Or, it will allow you to highlight accomplishments and the value add you delivered to your company and/or client.

If you are a career changer, storytelling is key. It allows you to talk about that important event, phase in your life, or “ah ha moment” when you began to see a different side of yourself and how that different self could be transformed into a new career option (by using new skills and experiences and by emphasizing different values).

I hope you enjoy this article. If you have a great story to tell about looking for a job, a career change, or how you made a difference, we would love to hear about it. Feel free to e-mail me directly at rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com.

Best,
Randi

 

How Storytelling Can Open the Next Chapter in Your Life

One might think that storytelling is a lost art form. For centuries, storytelling was the only way history was transferred from one generation to the next. And, many of us remember our parents and grandparents telling us stories about what life was like when they were young. Their stories offered us a glimpse into their characteristics, their motivations, their passions, and their character.

So, some of us might not realize that this lost art form can play a significant role in your job search. Incorporating storytelling in your job-search process will give you the opportunity to provide your interviewer with a unique glimpse into your life and the qualities, passions, and character that you possess.

Here, we’ll describe how you can include storytelling in your job-search kit, and how to best use it.

 

What Do I Talk About?

Now that you know why storytelling is important, we’ll tell you how to tell a good story that is informative, revealing, and valuable.

The first question many of you might ask is, “How am I going to come up with a story that’s memorable? I haven’t rescued anyone from a burning building. I haven’t removed a thorn from a lion’s paw.”

Well, you’re right, but very few of us have either. What an interviewer would find enlightening is a simple story about how you made a difference. A story about how you volunteered to stay late to finish an important project when a co-worker was out sick is an important message to convey. Or how about the time you worked until 6 p.m., drove to your daughter’s soccer game, and then returned to the office and worked until 10 p.m. to complete a project that had to go out that night.

These are simple stories, but they speak to your commitment, your responsibility, your integrity. And, they tell your interviewer that you are an employee who can make a difference.

Your story doesn’t have to take a page out of the hit TV show Heroes; it just needs to reflect how your character and qualities can affect a work environment, and how you can make an impact on your prospective employer’s company.

When deciding on which stories to use, there are three factors to keep in mind:

• Make it personal.
• Stress your skills.
• Be a communicator.

In almost every job interview, your interviewer will say, “Tell me something about yourself.” This is your opportunity to tell a story that will be memorable—not one that should be on the front page of your local newspaper, but one that sets you apart from the rest of the candidates.

The best way to do this is to make your story personal. Your resume and cover letter will tell an interviewer a lot about you, but it won’t tell them how passionate you are about your career, goals, and commitment, or how dedicated you are to your co-workers, to your company’s vision, and to be the best at what you do.

This opportunity to tell your story will allow you to reveal your true personality in a way that your resume and cover letter could never do. It also gives you the chance to communicate your skills in a completely different manner. And, by doing so, you will show your interviewer your communications skills. If you tell a story about yourself and communicate the type of person and employee that you are, you also will be communicating why you would be a good hire.

 

What Are the Benefits?

The value you will receive in developing, rehearsing, and delivering your personal stories increases each time you tell your story. Obviously your goal is to advance your career and get that new job you’ve been seeking. But there are many other benefits.

Here are five valuable takeaways that you will receive by using storytelling in your job-search process:

• Build Confidence. Using storytelling will reaffirm your skills, values, and abilities to the most important person in your job search: yourself.

• Establish an Emotional Connection. Your story can be the emotional link between you and your interviewer through which you will be able to convey why you would be the right person for the job.

• Know Yourself Better. If you believe in yourself, and believe in your stories, you will come across as a secure, knowledgeable, compassionate, and sound job candidate.

• Establish Trust. Through your story, your interviewer will be able to better see the type of person you are, and why recommending you for the job would be beneficial to the company.

• Make Yourself Memorable. After the interviews are all over, and the candidates are being discussed internally, you want to be the one who stands out. You want to be the one who is remembered. You want to be the person of whom someone says, “He’s the one who volunteered to work several weekends to test the program so it would work for everyone else.” Or “He’s the one who filled in for a sick co-worker so the project wouldn’t miss its deadline.” Or “He’s the one who told us the story about...”

You want to be remembered, and telling a story about how you made a difference might make the difference for you, too.

 

Randi's Recommended Reads

The Story Factor by Annette Simmons
http://www.amazon.com/Story- Factor-Annette-Simmons/dp/0465078079/sr=1- 1/qid=1161989819/ref=sr_1_1/102-7540306- 6856946?ie=UTF8&s=books

 

About Aspire!

Career Coach Articles > Newsletters

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/39

February 24, 2007
 

I have always been fascinated by career transition and the various stages clients go through as they navigate new territory, learn new skills, and create new networks/professional associations. I also am amazed at how resourceful, flexible, and brilliant clients can really be once they are clear in their own mind about where they are going.

This month’s article is written by one of Aspire’s clients who is not only going through her own career transition, but is clever enough to use this opportunity to write and speak about the topic to others.

Angela has been an inspiration to me and I wish her the best success in her new writing career.

Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.

Best,
Randi

 

Career Transitions and Career Changes: Are They the Same Thing? by Angela Epshtein

Most people use the terms transition and change interchangeably—they are synonyms, right? From William Bridges’ perspective, it’s important to make a distinction between the two terms because in fact they are profoundly different phenomena.

Change is any external variation in your life such as a new job, new home, or new relationship.

Transition is an internal shift within you. Transitions begin with an ending, develop into a neutral phase, and end with a new beginning.

From a career transition standpoint, the “neutral zone” is the most difficult because you don’t yet know where you are going, your path lacks definition, and your next steps may not be clear.

In order to build a new you need to dismantle and provide space in yourself for the creative act of constructing a new career.

A New Beginning

So, how do you know when you’ve reached the point of a new beginning? Beginnings are often inauspicious and quiet. Perhaps you’ve met a former colleague who is beginning a new business and invites you to join his or her new endeavor. You will notice that both your thoughts and actions have become purposeful.

I have found it helpful to think about my own career shift in terms of change and transition. After many years of wanting to write for a living, I decided that I very much wanted to start my own writing and editing business. I felt a strong urge to set my own hours, be home when my kids are home, and be creative. Interestingly, my 15+ years of management experience were challenging and successful, it just didn’t feel like “me” anymore. Since June 2006, I’ve been working with Randi Bussin and a number of mentors and would-be colleagues toward my ultimate goal: To have a fully functioning writing and editing business by summer 2007.

True to form, my own career transition began long before June 2006 with an ending. Namely, I began to gradually shift away from my current career. I felt that I enjoyed the writing assignments I took on at work, and was less engaged with other components of my managerial role. Also, I found myself researching writing-related job postings. When I hit the “neutral zone,” I was troubled by my inability to focus and set goals, but remained patient and sought guidance from my career coach, Randi. Together, we worked out a plan where I focused on getting my writing published while also meeting successful writers with whom I could network and develop potential mentoring/working relationships.

I knew I was “beginning” my new career when I voluntarily took on the production of a newsletter for my current employer. The satisfaction and pride that came from knowing I had provided copy for an official publication was huge. I had indeed started my new career!

 

Tips for Managing Career Transitions

1. Patience and Fortitude—Allow yourself to explore your feelings about your current career. Perhaps you need a slight shift in focus, or you could be in the beginning stages of transitioning to a new career. Share these thoughts with family, friends, and trusted colleagues.

2. Seek professional help—Career counselors can offer assistance during any phase of your career transition. Think of this as an investment in your future.

3. Network—Join networking groups, including online services that provide career development opportunities and job postings.

4. Cultivate mentoring relationships—Begin networking with professionals who are successful in the field you wish to enter. These individuals will become your cheering section and potential colleagues.

5. Take care of yourself—Make sure you build in time to exercise, see friends and family, and relax. This will help you maintain energy and focus during your career transition.

6. Training and education—You may need to update your skills and/or broaden your knowledge to ease your transition. Take a course or two or engage in professional development to round out your skills.

7. Gain experience—Try to gain as much experience as possible in the new field; consider part- time or volunteer work.

 

Randi's Recommended Reads

 

 

Web Sites

William Bridges & Associates

www.wmbridges.com

WorkingIdentity.com

www.workingidentity.com/

 

About Aspire!

Aspirations! is written and compiled by Randi Bussin, a career counselor and entrepreneurial consultant with 25 years of experience of corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her extensive background to help mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs clarify their aspirations, develop the "big-picture," and set realistic goals in designing a career that reflects their personal values and passions. Through focused coaching, she helps clients make steady progress and achieve their career goals.

 

If you would like more information on our services, please feel free to e-mail us at rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com

 

 

Sign up for our newsletter.

• Click here to register

 

 

 

 

Career Coach Articles > Newsletters

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/35

February 15, 2007
 

Happy New Year, and I hope this announcement finds you all thriving in your careers. Aspire! is pleased to let you know that we are officially launching a new blog section on our Web site: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog.php

The goal of this blog is to provide you with more timely information on employment trends, tips for choosing the right career, marketing yourself, how to attract the right employers, and how to be successful once you have landed your dream job.

I invite you to search our existing blog posts, download our free content, and sign up for our monthly newsletter. You also can register for a complimentary consultation to review your current career goals and explore any changes that would make your work and life more meaningful.

If you like our blog entries and would like to sign up for our RSS feed, please click on the link below. Use your favorite RSS reader, or upgrade to FireFox 2.0 or Internet Explorer 7.0 which have built-in RSS-feed capabilities:
http ://www.aspireforsuccess.com/rss.php

Please find below five blog topics we have recently posted that may be of interest to you.

1. Check Out Companies through LinkedIn
http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog .php?article=30

2. Why Not Link Up on LinkedIn?
http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog .php?article=29

3. Ace An Interview: How to Stand Out in a Crowd
http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog .php?article=28

4. Learn About a Unique Way to Use Your Strengths... and Weaknesses...to Your Advantage!
http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/27

5. Why Writing Up Accomplishments is Important
http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog .php?article=26

Please forward our URL to family members, friends, and colleagues who might find our content helpful and/or might benefit from our services.

Many thanks for your continued support! I hope you enjoy the site.

With warmest regards,

Randi Bussin

---

Career Coach Articles > Newsletters

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/32

January 29, 2007
 

Clients and friends often ask me, “What is your favorite part of career coaching?” The answer is always easy for me. Since I entered this field, I have been passionate about getting to know my clients and understanding the various facets of their personality, behavior, and motivations and how these affect their career decisions.

Last year, I participated in an intensive training on DISC, an assessment who looks at “observable behavior.” A whole new world opened up before my eyes; I have been amazed not only at the accuracy of this assessment, but at the ways in which it helps me “read” and better understand a client.

This month’s article is written by my colleague, Ann Marie Kavey, who took the training with me and who has been collaborating with me on how to incorporate this assessment into my practice.

Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.

Best,
Randi

 

Guest Article by Ann Marie Kavey

 

Have you ever wondered if there was a way to create a stronger connection with your boss, a member of your team, or even the person interviewing you?

Understanding yourself is the first step to understanding others. One unique way to do this is by taking a DISC assessment profile. The letters in the acronym DISC characterize four distinct behavioral styles. Each style has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Once you are aware of your style, you will become more cognizant of your behavior and more inclined to adapt your behavioral style to those around you.

In a nutshell, the letters D, I, S, and C will reveal two key attributes. First, whether you prefer to deal with “tasks or people”; and second, whether you become “extroverted (active) or introverted (passive)” in a confrontational situation. Believe it or not, these identifiers can put you on the path to improving your communication skills, accessing job/industry preferences, and determining how to best use your strengths while managing your weaknesses. Below is a quick overview of the four style types.

D = Dominance (assertive, control) Task/Extroverted “I am what I achieve”
I = Influence (social, communication) People/Extroverted “I am what people see”
S = Steadiness (patience, thoughfulness) People/Introverted “I am what I contribute”
C = Compliance (caution, conscientious) Task/Introverted “I am what I perfect”

Typically people are a combination of styles, but most likely one style will still prevail. Although the DISC assessment only takes a few minutes to complete, the report provides an abundance of tailored information about your behavioral style, your ideal work environment, and how you may be perceived by those around you. Once you have some essential descriptors to work with, it will be much easier for you to identify another person’s style and flex your behaviors accordingly, to make the best connection and interaction possible.

Here are a few benefits that can come from taking a DISC assessment.

• Self-Awareness—DISC is a great tool that offers an objective perspective on how others may view your behavior (based on your answers!). You can identify and give a “name” to why you may be conflicting with those around you.

• Communication—Learn how to give information to help strengthen your relationships. The way YOU receive information may not be the best way for OTHERS to receive it. DISC offers a clear description on how each style best digests information.

• Stress Management—Understanding the various styles, in comparison to your own style, will allow you to demonstrate tolerance and impulse control. Knowing when to adapt your behavior can help to smooth over a tough situation.

• Self-Motivation—By identifying your own style, you can become active in finding the best solutions for you. For instance, if you are dissatisfied with your current profession, the DISC assessment may shed some light on a more appealing and appropriate career path.

• Career Management—Once you know your style and the work environment in which you thrive, you will be able to make better career decisions about the ideal environment for you—for example, which job function is the best for you, the pace of the industry and company, and ideal company culture.

Remember, one style is not better than another—they are just different. Try not to label people and make sure you analyze each situation based on its own merits.

DISC reports are most helpful when they are interpreted by a career professional. If you have never done a DISC assessment, it is a worthwhile investment to improving your communication skills and to managing your career in the right direction. You never know what doors it will open until you give it a shot!

Randi Bussin of Aspire! offers DISC consultations as part of her career coaching practice. If you are interested in learning more about DISC or taking the assessment, please contact Randi at rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com for more information.

 

Randi's Recommended Reads

I'm Stuck, You're Stuck : Break Through to Better Work Relationships and Results by Discovering Your DiSC Behavioral Style by Tom Ritchey and Alan Axelrod

 

Web Sites

DISC overview on history and in-depth style descriptions

www.answers.com/topic/disc-assessment

http://www.discusonline.com/UDISC/

 

About Aspire!

 

Career Coach Articles > Newsletters

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/27

December 17, 2006
 

As you read this newsletter, you are in the midst of holiday frenzy. Thinking about your career goals might be the furthest thing from your mind. But, it shouldn’t be. January is traditionally a VERY busy hiring month as companies have new recruiting budgets with which to work.

Visit our new blog on our home page and read the recent post about local firms and their hiring plans for the coming year.

www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog.php

You might want to consider spending some quiet time during the next few weeks thinking about your career goals for the medium term. Here are some questions to help guide you with this process. Remember, “we are all self-employed” and personal career planning is your responsibility, not
that of your employer.

Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.

Best,
Randi

Career Goal Exercise:

Imagine what your career would look like when you make your next career move (6-18 months):

• What would your new role look like and where would you be doing it?

• With whom would you be working?

• What skills would you be using?

• What are the rewards you would get out of this role?

• What one change could you make now that would help you reach your career goals?

• What kind of support/help do you need to move forward?

• Do you have the connections and contacts you need to help you reach your goals?

Helpful Tips for Setting Goals

Once you have written down some of your answers, here are some helpful tips to setting your goals and achieving them quickly:

• Decide what you want. Identify a clear and specific career goal, with an identified time line. For example, "I want to be in a new senior marketing role in the bio tech industry within the next 12 months."

 

• Put your goal(s) in writing. Write down your goals, put them in a visible place, and set your intentions.

 

• Build and nurture a support structure. This might include putting together a personal board of advisors, including your coach, a mentor, family, and friends.

 

• Take action every day. Once you have outlined the steps to reach your goals, take baby steps every day/week and keep moving forward.

 

• Celebrate your successes. If you landed an informational meeting with a difficult-to-reach and influential contact, go treat yourself. Looking for a job and especially networking are very hard!

If you have any questions on goal setting or would like a coaching session to develop your career plan for the coming year, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Happy holidays, and best wishes for career success in the New Year!

Randi's Recommended Reads

Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want—Faster than You Ever Thought Possible by Brian Tracey

About Aspire!

Aspirations! is written and compiled by Randi Bussin, a career counselor and entrepreneurial consultant with 25 years of experience of corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her extensive background to help mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs clarify their aspirations, develop the "big-picture," and set realistic goals in designing a career that reflects their personal values and passions. Through focused coaching, she helps clients make steady progress and achieve their career goals.

If you would like more information on our services, please feel free to e-mail us at rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com.

 

Sign up for our newsletter.

· Click here to register

 

E-mail: rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com

Phone: 617-489-7738

Career Coach Articles > Newsletters

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/19

November 30, 2006
 
In my work as a career and transition coach, I help clients clarify and successfully execute their most effective strategy for transitioning between sectors (Corporate, Entrepreneurial, or Non-Profit). In the course of my work, a client often expresses the desire to apply his/her functional, transferable, or entrepreneurial skills in an environment that gives back to the community and that is more "fulfilling and rewarding."

The social entrepreneurial movement is offering increasing opportunities for these career changers. This month, we are featuring a guest article by Commongood Careers, a local organization that supports nonprofits and social enterprises with their recruiting and hiring needs. Feel free to visit their Web site for additional information:

www.cgcareers.org

Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.

 

Best,
Randi

 

Guest Article: Socially Entrepreneurial Venture

There are over 1.5 million organizations that make up the social sector in the United States. Increasingly within that sector, a trend of fast-growing, high- impact organizations is emerging: a movement of Socially Entrepreneurial Ventures (SEVs). Bringing opportunistic mindsets and innovative approaches to address social issues, these organizations aim to create deep and sustainable change on the widest scale possible.

This article takes a closer look at SEVs, and what is takes to pursue a career in this sector.

 

What Is a Socially Entrepreneurial Venture?

In the business world, an entrepreneur is someone with the vision and leadership to identify a market need and respond with a new product or service, ultimately intending to make a profit from the venture. Similar principles are true of social entrepreneurs, with the key differences that SEVs: (1) address a societal need, such as illiteracy; and (2) primarily measure results in social impact value, such as increased literacy rates, as opposed to profitability.

In general, SEVs:

• Deliver a powerful model for change in a field related to social development,
• Grow and develop at an ambitious pace that is driven by a moral imperative,
• Leverage best practices of management, often from the corporate sector, and
• Value knowledge highly and take a creative approach to human capital.

While SEVs are predominantly incorporated as not- for-profits, there are also many LLC's, S-Corps and C-Corps that are completely socially driven. SEVs are ultimately defined by their commitment to a social problem, not by their tax status.

 

The Social Entrepreneur's Movement

The increasing prevalence of social entrepreneurs is part of an exciting movement that is being driven by a number of factors, including, among others:

• Government privatizing social services over the past 50 years
• Baby Boomers returning to socially-focused work in early retirement
• Boomers raising their children (Gen-X/Y) with a greater sense of social responsibility
• Computers and the Internet broadening global awareness and connectivity
• Venture philanthropy creating a funding stream to cultivate SEVs
• Corporate scandals increasing cynicism and scrutiny of business practices
• World events like 9/11 and the Indian Ocean tsunami leading many to question "purpose" and "fulfillment" at work

As a result of these factors, the concept of "social responsibility" is spreading and broadening. Both people and practices from the corporate sector are crossing over to nonprofits, leading to higher salaries and new management systems. Universities now offer more programs around citizenship and nonprofit management. These systemic changes illustrate the emergence of socially entrepreneurial careers and create the paths to pursue them.

 

SEVs: Challenges and Benefits

There are unique challenges and benefits to working at an SEV. Fast-paced, dynamic cultures can result in difficulties around "work/life balance" and higher "burn-out" rates. In an entrepreneurial culture, business models can sometimes be hastily implemented without the required expertise or resources. On the compensation front, salaries are becoming more and more competitive with the corporate sector; however, there is still generally a lower ceiling on total earning potential.

For individuals motivated to work in this sector, however, such organizations provide stimulating and rewarding environments for young professionals. Collaborative work cultures comprised of like-minded, mission-driven colleagues can inspire personal fulfillment and satisfy a drive to positively impact society. Another benefit is accelerated career paths- flatter hierarchies and small senior teams result in faster career trajectories and earlier access to strategic roles.

 

Four Aspects of Successfully Seeking a Job at an SEV

(1) PLANNING: Know What You Want and What's Out There

• Describe your ideal organization (geography, mission, culture, size).
• Define your ideal position (function, department, responsibilities, compensation).
• Familiarize yourself with the field by looking at online resources (Idealist , Guidestar, Foundation Center), publications (Stanford Social Innovation Review, NonProfit Times, Nonprofit Quarterly), foundations (New Profit Inc., Venture Philanthropy Partners, Social Venture Partners, Edna McConnell Clark, Ashoka), and award programs (Fast Company, Root Cause Institute, Manhattan Institute).

(2) NETWORKING: Build Relationships and Knowledge

• Request e-mail introductions from personal contacts to organizations of interest.
• Conduct informational interviews first-look for knowledge, not a job!
• Attend career fairs, volunteer, join boards, start consulting, initiate internships.
• Work with a search firm like Commongood Careers or Bridgestar.

(3) APPLYING: Find and Apply for the Best Jobs

• Start networking ASAP, but do not start applying more than 1-2 months before you will be available-SEVs look to hire immediately, not months in advance.
• Stay organized and motivated, and be patient. Finding the perfect job takes time.

(4) MARKETING: Know Your Audience and Position Yourself

• In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about the mission, focus on the transferable skills you bring, and address how your experience fits with the requirements.
• With your resume, stick to relevant experience, stay under 2 pages, and prevent typos.
• For the interview, research the organization; prepare intelligent questions; dress professionally; reiterate why you are passionate about the mission; and interview with high energy, confidence, and a positive attitude (SEVs want passionate self- starters).

For more information about pursuing socially entrepreneurial careers, visit Commongood Careers at www.cgcareers.org.

This article was written by Commongood Careers and is published under a Creative Commons Attribution- NonCommerical-NoDerivs 2.5 License.

Commongood Careers supports nonprofits and social enterprises with their recruitment and hiring needs in order to increase the capacity, effectiveness, and social impact of the sector. Founded by nonprofit professionals, Commongood Careers offers personalized, engaged services to jobseekers and organizations throughout the hiring process, as well as access to a wealth of knowledge about nonprofit careers. To learn more, visit www.cgcareers.org .

 

About Aspire!

Aspirations! is written and compiled by Randi Bussin, a career counselor and entrepreneurial consultant with 25 years of experience of corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her extensive background to help mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs clarify their aspirations, develop the "big-picture," and set realistic goals in designing a career that reflects their personal values and passions. Through focused coaching, she helps clients make steady progress and achieve their career goals.

If you would like more information on our services, please feel free to e-mail us at rbussin@aspireforsuccess.com.

 

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October 26, 2006
 

When it comes to applying and interviewing for a new job, the times certainly are a-changin’. Most, if not all, of your job applications will be done online. And that’s where the process starts for human resources departments.

The first step in their hiring process is to develop to a pool of candidates by reviewing their online applications and resumes. Once their pool is established, they will seek to weed out candidates through telephone interviews.

This is where you come in. A telephone interview is a crucial step in reaching your goal of getting a face- to-face interview and acquiring that new position. So, even though a telephone interview can be short and is only a first step in the process, there are plenty of things you can do to enhance your chances. Here are our top 10 tips for making your telephone interview a ringing success.

Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.

Best,
Randi

 

10 Tips for a Successful Telephone Interview

 

1. Be Prepared. Just as you would in a face- to-face interview, prepare yourself for a phone interview. Anticipate questions, practice answers, memorize your qualifications, and be ready to explain why you would be a great match for this position/company.

 

2. Create a Proper Setting. Whether you’re at home or at work, set up a quiet, professional setting for your telephone interview. This will help you concentrate and be more relaxed. If you work in a cubicle and need more privacy, predetermine a place at work (conference room, unused office, even your car) where you can take a break for your telephone interview.

 

3. Answering Machine Message. If you are working from home, and this is where you expect to receive your calls from a potential employer, then by all means make the atmosphere professional. This begins with your answering machine. Don’t use songs, jokes, or lengthy diatribes for your answering machine message. Use a professional, concise message and tone of voice. First impressions are important!

 

4. Resume at Arm’s Length. At home, keep your resume right next to the phone. At work, keep it in a drawer close to the phone or someplace easily accessible. Having your resume nearby will give you the chance to quickly glance at your experience and qualifications, and keep you and the interviewer on the same page.

 

5. Keep a Jobs List. If you have applied for dozens of jobs, and it is easy to do just that in this age of online applications and downloading resumes, create a list of companies and the jobs for which you have applied handy by your phone. The last thing you want is to be scrambling to remember the details of the job when you already have an interviewer on the line.

 

6. Practice With a Friend. The old adage “Practice Makes Perfect” really does work here. Ask a professional or personal friend to conduct a telephone interview with you. Provide them with a list a questions you think you might be asked, and then see how you respond. Ask your friend to be honest; their evaluation can be very helpful when your phone rings for a real telephone interview.

 

7. Take the Call. If it is at all possible, do the telephone interview when your interviewer calls. If you have followed these first six steps, you will be prepared for your telephone interview. Spontaneity is important, and your interviewer will appreciate it if you can talk right away. If the time is truly inconvenient for you, explain why and set up a time to call back as soon as possible.

 

8. Be Yourself. When you are on your telephone interview, try to relax, be professional, and be yourself. Show enthusiasm for the job, and speak slowly and clearly in short, concise replies that directly answer the questions.

 

9. Ask Questions. At the end of your interview, it is likely your interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. Be prepared to ask some questions about the company and the job. Do not ask about salary, benefits, or hours. You’ll have plenty of time to discuss these areas later in the interview process.

 

10. Write a Thank-You Note. Immediately! Make sure you have your interviewer’s proper name and title. Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to spell his or her name. There is no substitute for accuracy. And briefly reiterate your interest in the job, and your desire to continue this process with a face-to-face interview.

 

Randi's Recommended Reads

Perfect Phrases for the Perfect Interview: Hundreds of Ready-to-Use Phrases That Succinctly Demonstrate Your Skills, Your Experience and Your Value in Any Interview Situation (Perfect Phrases) (Paperback)
by Carole Martin

Interview Fitness Training: A Workout With Carole Martin, the Interview Coach (Paperback)
by Carole Martin

 

Calls to Action

1. What steps have you taken to organize a list of jobs for which you have applied?

2. What preparation have you done to be ready for a telephone call from HR?

3. What can you do to create an environment for success?

• a. Have you set up a quiet place where you can take these calls?

 

About Aspire!

Aspirations! is written and compiled by Randi Bussin, a career counselor and entrepreneurial consultant with 25 years of experience of corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her extensive background to help mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs clarify their aspirations, develop the "big-picture," and set realistic goals in designing a career that reflects their personal values and passions. Through focused coaching, she helps clients make steady progress and achieve their career goals.

If you would information on our services, please feel free to e-mail us at rbussin@verizon.net.

 

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October 15, 2006
 

How to Find a Job When You’re Already Working

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June 13, 2006
 
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May 29, 2006
 

Job seekers are relying more and more on the Internet for their job search; the days of reading the want ads over a cup of coffee on Sunday morning are over. Job seekers rely on job boards like Monster.com and will set up job agents that send e-mail alerts notifying them of jobs that match their criteria. In addition, they'll post their resumes directly on company Web sites.

With this change in job search tactics, a simple paper resume no longer suffices. Today's job seeker should consider having several electronic formats of their resume and career accomplishments:

1. A resume in MS-Word format, which can be printed and brought to an interview. It can also be attached to an e-mail when applying for a position.

2. An ASCII version of the resume that is used mainly for sending over the web, for cutting and pasting into a company's Web site and for pasting into e-mail messages.

3. An e-portfolio or multimedia presentation, especially if you have more information about your career than could be included in a resume. This might include samples of your work, letters of recommendation, or writing samples.

This quarter's quest article by Louise Kursmark, highlights the keys to preparing an electronic resume for the online job search.

Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.

Best,
Randi

The Electronic Resume: What it is, why you need one, and how to use it

By Louise Kursmark, MRW, CPRW, JCTC, CEIP, CCM Author of 15 resume and career books, including Sales and Marketing Resumes for $100,000 Careers, Cover Letter Magic, Executive Job Search for $100,000 to $1 Million + Jobs, and the Expert Resume series from JIST Publishing

An electronic resume is nothing more than your traditional resume converted for your online job search. It's easy to prepare one, and once you do you'll find many opportunities to use it.

Here's how to create an electronic resume, in five easy steps.

1. WRITE AND FORMAT YOUR RÉSUMÉ. It all starts with a well-written, accomplishment-rich resume that clearly identifies who you are and what you have done that will be of interest to employers. Even if you plan to conduct most of your search online, at some point your resume will be read by a "live" person, and it's essential that it contain the right information and create a strong and positive impact.

Your format, too, should appeal to human eyes. Make your document readable, and be sure that key information can be captured in a quick 30-second review.

 

2. NOW, CONVERT TO TEXT. Use the "save as" feature of your word processing program to create a text-only file. After choosing "save as" (in the "Edit" menu), use the pull-down menu to select "text only" format. Microsoft Word will place a ".txt" file extension after the document name.

 

3. CLOSE THE FILE. Let your computer do most of the work for you! When you close the file, be sure to say "yes" to all the prompts so that the file saves in text-only format.

 

4. RE-OPEN THE FILE. You'll see that all of your fancy formatting has been stripped out, fonts have been converted to Courier, and symbols and bullets have been replaced by "typewriter" symbols such as *, #, ?, and others. Don't be alarmed; this is exactly what should happen.

 

5. REVIEW AND MAKE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS. It's a good idea to add in extra blank lines between paragraphs, replace question marks with asterisks or other symbols, and in general add white space to improve readability.

Now, with your new text file, you're ready to use it in ways like this:

• Paste it into online applications. If you use the traditional formatted file and just "cut and paste," you'll find that many formatting glitches mar the appearance and perhaps the readability of your resume. Your text-only version solves this problem.
• Send by email when you can't or don't want to send an attachment. Again, to avoid glitches, it's better to cut-and-paste the text version into your e-mail window rather than the formatted Word version. Keep in mind that what you see on your screen might not be the same as what others see. The text version, on the other hand, is a universal format that will not change according to the software or operating system used by your recipient.
• Print and use when and if a "scannable resume" is requested. The need for this format is diminishing as electronic resumes become commonplace, but you might run into such a request from time to time. Your text resume is 100 percent scannable.

Note, it's not necessary to create a separate "keyword" section for your electronic resume. The important keywords should be embedded in the text as you discuss your experience, education, and accomplishments. Resume-scanning software will pick up these words wherever they appear in the document.

And finally, no matter how quick and easy it is to apply for jobs online, be sure you spend most of your time reaching out to people you know (and can get to know); it's a proven fact that most people find their jobs through network contacts, not through ads, postings, or online applications.

 

Online Advice and Tools

http:// www.patcriscito.com/index.html

htt p://susanireland.com/eresumework.htm

http://www.quintcareers.com/e- resumes.html

 

Randi's Recommended Reads

e-Resumes by Pat Criscito

This is an excellent comprehensive overview of the online job search and includes details and specifics on how to format different electronic versions of your resume.

e-Resumes: Everything You Need to Know About Using Electronic Resumes to Tap into Today's Hot Job Market (Paperback) by Susan Britton Whitcomb, Pat Kendall

 

About Aspire!

Aspirations! is written and compiled by Randi Bussin, a career counselor and entrepreneurial consultant with 25 years of experience of corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her extensive background to help mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs clarify their aspirations, develop the "big-picture," and set realistic goals in designing a career that reflects their personal values and passions. Through focused coaching, she helps clients make steady progress and achieve their career goals.

If you would information on our services, please feel free to e-mail us at rbussin@verizon.net.

 

Have You Ever Tried to Negotiate a Different Work-Life Arrangement with Your Employer?

If you answered "Yes," we are interested in learning from your experience.

A research team from Babson College (Profs. Elaine Landry and Danna Greenberg and Research Fellow Alex Gasik) is conducting a study of the issues women face when they try to change their work-life arrangement-be it to better balance family demands, respond to personal/family illness, or to have more time to pursue other life interests, etc. We are interested in hearing from women who have had both successful and unsuccessful experiences negotiating such changes as a flexible work week, working from home, working part-time, etc.

If you, or a colleague, would like to participate in this study, please contact us via e-mail at worklifestudy@babson.edu. We will then send you a link to our confidential Web-based survey.

As a thank-you for participating in our study, we will have a research report available for all research participants. Please contact either Danna (781-239- 5557) or Elaine (781-239-5131) if you have any questions about this research.

 

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March 20, 2006
 

Welcome to the first Aspire! Tip of the Month. In launching this new monthly tip, my goal is to provide you with insights and ideas that will help improve your productivity during your job search. I already have selected several topics, but I would be interested in getting your feedback on which areas you would like me to address. Please e-mail your thoughts to rbussin@verizon.net.

If you know anyone who would benefit from the information in this tip, feel free to forward this to them and encourage them to sign up for our newsletter. If you would like to be removed from this list, click on the link at the bottom of the page.

Yours,
Randi

 

Writing Thank-You Notes

You just completed a great round of interviews with a prospective employer. Should you write a thank-you note? Absolutely! Sending a customized thank-you note is a critical piece in your job search toolkit. It is an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and company and to sell your qualifications. Here are a few tips to help you write a thank-you note:

 

1. Don't exclude anyone. Write thank-you notes to the HR contact, your prospective manager, and any other employee who interviewed you. Personalize your thank-you note to the discussion you had with each individual; you don't know whose assessment carries the most weight.

 

2. Choose a method. Be prompt. You can either e-mail or snail mail your thank-you notes. Use your judgment as to the preferred communication method of the person with whom you interviewed. Both methods are effective; in either case, send the note within a few days of the interview.

 

3. Demonstrate your listening skills. When you write the note, refer to the discussion you had with the interviewer and demonstrate that you understand what needs to be done in the role.

 

4. Sell yourself. Use your thank-you note to pitch your strengths and unique qualifications. Use your accomplishments (in bullet or paragraph format) to drive the points home.

 

Calls to Action/Discussion Points

 

1. Do your thank-you notes reinforce your best qualifications and skills? If not, how could you improve them so your notes will increase your odds of moving to the next step?

 

2. Do you consistently send follow-up thank-you notes to every person you met?

 

3. Are you customizing your thank-you notes and demonstrating that you understand the company's goals and challenges?

 

4. Do you proofread your notes to make sure there are no typographical and grammatical mistakes?

 

5. Do you have nice stationery on which to write your notes?

 

Online Advice and Tools

If you are interested in learning more about this subject, follow this link to an excellent article by CareerJournal on writing thank-you notes.

Write a Thank-You Letter That Helps Clinch an Offer

 

About Aspire!

Each Tip is written and compiled by Randi Bussin, a career and business coach with 25 years of corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her extensive background to help midcareer professionals and entrepreneurs clarify their aspirations, develop the "big-picture," and set realistic goals in designing a career that reflects their personal values and passions. Through focused coaching, she helps clients make steady progress and achieve their career goals. If you would like information on our services, please feel free to e-mail us at rbussin@verizon.net.

 

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February 06, 2006
 

During the holiday season, we have the opportunity to spend time with our families, be away from our jobs, and reflect on our lives. The new year brings resolutions, and for many people a new job and/or career are at the top of their list. Many Aspire! clients have approached me in the new year and expressed the desire to have more meaning in their lives, to give back to the community and to try on or expand upon new skills they have been using in other arenas of their lives. Many express the desire to leave the corporate world and try out the nonprofit sector.

In this issue of Aspirations, we will provide in-depth information on how to transition to the nonprofit sector, with a guest article from Bridgestar, an initiative of the Bridgespan Group. We also will provide tips on (1) how to start thinking about your move to the nonprofit sector, and (2) which skills are necessary to be successful in this sector.

As usual, if you would like to be removed from this list, you can click on the link at the bottom of the page. Do you know anyone who would benefit from the information in this issue? Feel free to forward this newsletter to them.

It is a new year with the promise of new things to come . . . What better time to think about putting additional meaning into your life and giving back to the community.

Yours,
Randi

Practical Advice for Switching Into the Nonprofit Sector

by The Bridgespan Group

The following pieces of advice have been drawn from 48 in-depth interviews Bridgestar has conducted with senior leaders who have transitioned from the for-profit and government sectors to the nonprofit sector.

 

1. Get some experience and exposure in the nonprofit sector before diving into a full-time position.

If you are truly interested in seeking full-time employment in the nonprofit sector, first seek out relevant nonprofit Board or volunteering experience. This will give you further insight into a few critical questions such as: is the nonprofit sector the right career path for you? What sort of work do you want to do in the sector? Furthermore, this experience will grant you a budding network of peers and colleagues in the sector and credibility in your nonprofit job search, demonstrating your commitment to the sector.

 

2. Have realistic expectations about what the nonprofit world will offer you.

Be realistic about what you are getting yourself into and be honest with yourself as to why you want to make the transition. Do not expect that a position in the nonprofit sector will necessarily bring an easier lifestyle or less stress. Similar to positions within the for-profit sector, there is a range of jobs and a range of experiences. Some have found that their positions in the nonprofit sector are more stressful and time-intensive than their previous for-profit position.

 

3. Bring your business skills but be thoughtful about their transition into the nonprofit sector.

There are many important things you can bring to bear from your for-profit experience and training. However, you must realize that some of these skills and experiences may necessitate translation into nonprofit applications and a certain degree of thoughtfulness in order to create impact. Be thoughtful about the changes in your work environment and what it will mean for your working and leadership style. Be conscious of even the minor changes you may experience in making this transition-even the language can be different. Invest the time to learn and use the lingo.

 

4. Overinvest early in listening and communications.

Be conscious and aware of any possible fears or misperceptions those in your new organization may have regarding your for-profit background. Ensure that in your language and your actions you address these fears, and be thoughtful as to how you convey your previous experience. Listen to your staff, your Board, and others in the sector. Take the time early to learn and ask thoughtful questions.

 

5. Seek peers and allies, especially in the beginning.

Find an ally or an outlet to voice concerns to in your first few months. Find someone (or several people) who can be a sounding board, an outlet, and a supporter; this person can be within or outside of the organization.

From www.bridgestar.org. Copyright 2003, The Bridgespan Group

Bridgestar (www.bridgestar.org), an initiative of the Bridgespan Group, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building leadership for the nonprofit sector through a member-driven community of individuals and organizations working together. Established in 2003, Bridgestar's goal is to attract, connect and support senior leaders and board talent - established and aspiring - for greater effectiveness and social impact. Visit their web site for membership details.

If you found this advice useful and would like to read profiles of nonprofit practioners and hear how they switched from the for- profit sector to the nonprofit sector, go to:

http://bridgestar.org/Learning/Library/Explore /Practitioners.aspx

Be sure to sign up as a Bridgestar member first.

Are You Ready to Think About a Move to This Sector?

If you are interested in making a move into the nonprofit sector, ask yourself the following questions and do a little homework before you begin to investigate different opportunities:

 

• What is motivating your desire to change? (Giving back to society, finding meaningful work, more work-life balance, or trying out new skills?)
• Is there some aspect of the nonprofit sector that piques your interest? (The arts, foundations, the environment, education, etc.)
• Is there a particular organization whose mission is a match for your values and interests?
• Are you currently doing volunteer work for a nonprofit? If not, how might your current network of contacts help you locate a suitable volunteer position? If you are, how can you deepen this experience and broaden your skill sets and knowledge?

Online Advice and Tools

www.guidestar.org

Guidestar is a database of nonprofit organizations. This is a great tool for researching different nonprofits either by geography and/or type of organization. Guidestar also provides financial information on many nonprofits.

 

www.idealist.org

This site includes an extensive listing of nonprofit jobs, internships and organizations. Those who sign up for "My Idealist" will get daily or weekly e-mails of newly posted jobs that fit their requirements.

 

www.bridgestar.org

Bridgestar, an initiative of the Bridgespan Group, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building leadership for the nonprofit sector through a member-driven community of individuals and organizations working together. Established in 2003, Bridgestar's goal is to attract, connect and support senior leaders and board talent -- established and aspiring -- for greater effectiveness and social impact. Visit their web site for membership details, to view jobs and to read articles from their extensive library.

 

www.NewEnglandJobs.org

This web site is a nonprofit job center that includes the opportunity to receive a weekly list of jobs across many subsectors of the nonprofit arena.

 

www.execsearches.com/exec/default.asp

ExecSearches.com is a job board helping nonprofit, education, health care, and public organizations recruit fundraising, midlevel, and executive professionals.

 

www.philanthropy.com/jobs

This web site includes job listings and employer profiles in the field of philanthropy.

 

www.opportunityknocks.org

A job search by state with separate categories for featured jobs and employees is available at this web site.

Quotes of Note

"If every American donated five hours a week, it would equal the labor of 20 million full-time volunteers.
-- Whoopi Goldberg

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."
-- Albert Schweitzer

"To desire and strive to be of some service to the world, to aim at doing something which shall really increase the happiness and welfare and virtue of mankind -- this is a choice which is possible for all of us; and surely it is a good haven to sail for."
-- Henry Van Dyke

Randi's Recommended Reads

Careers in the nonprofit sector

From Making a Profit to Making a Difference: How to Launch Your New Career in Nonprofits by Richard M. King (Planning/Communications, 2000)

This my preferred book and resource for people who wish to transition to the nonprofit sector. Richard King does a great job of (1) highlighting the keys to success in "bridging" (read his chapter on strategic volunteerism) and (2) how to prepare a resume for the nonprofit job search, which highlights transferable skills.

If you are not clear which subsector of the nonprofit arena will spark your interest, there is a nice nonprofit assessment tool in this book which will help you narrow down your choices.

Search: Winning Strategies to Get Your Next Job in the Nonprofit World by Larry Slesinger (Piemonte Press, 2004)

Careers in Nonprofits and Government Agencies, 2005 Edition (Wetfeet Insider Guide, 2005)

Transitions (Perseus Books Group, 1980), Managing Transitions (2003), and The Way of Transition (2001) by William Bridges

Transitions helped people understand and work with life changes, and all of Bridges' books are respected for their practical, easy to understand approach to transition.

The Harvard Business School Guide to Careers in the Nonprofit Sector (A Harvard Business School Career Guide) by Stephanie Lowell (Harvard Business School Press, 2000)

 

Marketing yourself to transition to the nonprofit sector:

Real Resumes for Jobs in Nonprofit Organizations: including real resumes used to change careers and gain federal employment (Real-Resumes Series) by Anne McKinney (Prep Publishing, 2004)

About Aspire!

Aspirations! is written and compiled by Randi Bussin, a career counselor and entrepreneurial consultant with 25 years of experience of corporate, nonprofit and entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her extensive background to help mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs clarify their aspirations, develop the "big-picture" and set realistic goals in designing a career that reflects their personal values and passions. Through focused coaching, she helps clients make steady progress and achieve their career goals.

If you would information on our services, please feel free to email us at rbussin@verizon.net.

 

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email: rbussin@verizon.net

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August 18, 2005
 

Welcome to the premiere issue of Aspirations! a publication of Aspire! I have launched this newsletter as a way to share career advice and information with you and to also highlight career success stories.

Aspirations! will deliver relevant timely career information and advice to your email account every few months. "Resume Writing Strategies," "Techniques for Work-Life Balance" and "How to Transition to a Nonprofit Career" are a few topics I will address. I am also interested in hearing about topics you would like covered. Just drop me a note at aspirenews@verizon.net with your ideas.

Do you know someone who would benefit from Aspirations!? Please send me names and email addresses of colleagues/family members who would enjoy receiving my communications. The first five people to email me five friends/colleagues who would enjoy receiving our newsletter, will win a free copy of Best Resumes for $100,000+ Jobs by Wendy Enelow, an award-winning author on resume writing, cover letters and general job search marketing techniques. Just send your friends/colleagues names to aspirenews@verizon.net.

This issue of the newsletter focuses on resume writing -- that often-dreaded marketing tool that is so important in the job search process. Learn how to write powerful accomplishment statements by reading this month's guest article, "Does Your Resume Tell It Or Sell It?" by five-time Best Resume award winner Louise Kursmark. Get my recommended list of best websites and books on resume writing.

If you are interested in receiving my FREE tip sheet on Writing Effective Resumes and Creating Accomplishment Statements, send me an email at aspirenews@verizon.net and I will send you the tip sheet ASAP.

Good luck crafting your own resume and marketing materials,

Best regards,

Randi Bussin

Aspire! Fulfilling career ambitions

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Does Your Resume "Tell It" or "Sell It"?

by Louise Kursmark

Resume writers look at a LOT of resumes, and viewing dozens a week, hundreds or even thousands a year, makes it easy to spot common flaws that can make or break your job search.

One of these flaws is the over-reliance on "telling it" - over-detailing job duties and position descriptions - and not enough on "selling it" - communicating the value you offer by highlighting the benefits and results of your activities.

In most cases, a brief job description is enough to "set the stage" for your achievements. Employers understand the common job duties of most positions, so there's no need to list the details of your day-to-day routine. Instead of using space on the page to tell readers what they already know, use the "sell-it" strategy to convey the importance of what you did.

Compare the relative impact of these two descriptions:

TELL-IT STRATEGY

Sales Engineer
Directly responsible for Chicago territory sales. Expanded and maintained customer account base, as well as promoted new hardware and software to accommodate all upgrade and service needs. Communicated problems and application queries to technical support group, and also acted as the liaison between customer and home office. Communicated interfacing and inter-networking needs for development and integration. Wrote product introductory presentations and maintained a mutually beneficial relationship with customers. Exceeded sales quotas consistently.

 

SELL-IT STRATEGY

Sales Engineer
Transformed underperforming Chicago sales territory into a revenue powerhouse, achieving 250% sales growth in first year and remaining in top 5% of all company Sales Engineers every year thereafter. Maximized territory potential through aggressive and persistent performance of sales and prospecting functions. Developed strong customer relationships built on problem identification and solution selling. Created new product-information presentations that were so effective, they became company standards and were used to train all new sales employees.

To use the "sell-it" strategy, dig deep into your experience to find numbers and results that prove your abilities. Downplay the details of WHAT you did and instead communicate WHY you were hired, WHY you were successful, HOW MUCH you benefited the company, and a hint of HOW you achieved results.

 

USE NUMBERS TO ADD CREDIBILITY

Which of these statements sounds more credible?

• Significantly reduced handling costs.
• Slashed handling costs $450K annually and prolonged warehouse life by establishing a direct order/ship program with major supplier.

When you add details - specific numbers, percentages, increases, and reductions - your readers can assign even more value to your achievements because they have a precise picture of the benefits you attained. Never falsify or exaggerate your achievements, but do look at various areas of your background to find the true success stories and context that will be powerful in your resume and interviews. For instance, if your sales growth was only 2%, sharing this bald number may not be effective. But if the industry as a whole was down 10%, or if one of your key accounts shut its doors and you had to replace 40% of your prior year's sales with new business, your 2% will look much more impressive.

To be certain you can confidently back up every number in your resume, prepare for interviews by practicing brief stories that tell what you did, why you did it, and how results were measured.

In your resume, cover letters, interviews, follow-up letters - in fact, at every stage and in every manner of communicating during your job search - concentrate on "selling" what you did, based on its relevance to business performance.

Did you enjoy this article? Then I will send you one of my favorite titles for FREE! Aspire! will send a free copy of Wendy Enelow's book Best Resumes for $100,000+ Jobs to the first five people to recommend five friends/colleagues to join our e-newsletter list! Send email addresses and contact information to aspirenews@verizon.net.

Online Advice and Tools – Resumes

Career Journal

http://www.careerjournal/jobhunting/resumes

This is one of my favorite sites for advice on the job search in general and more specifically on resume writing and cover letters.

 

The Riley Guide

http://www.rileyguide.com/letters.html

Provides up-to-date employment opportunities and job resources on the Internet. This is a well-known site recommended by CEOTRAK and other executive career information sites, as well as by college career centers.

 

About.com Job Searching Pages

http://www.jobsearch.about.com/od/sampleresumes

A good source for free sample resumes and job search advice. The site is comprehensive and easy to navigate. See the "Most Popular" links for more useful tools.

 

Jobstar

http://www.jobstar.org/tools/resume/index.cfm

In addition to general resume information, it includes links to other sites and to major online resume databanks.

 

JobWeb

http://www.jobweb.com/Resumes_ Interviews

Contains useful articles on resume writing written by top career coaches. Also includes a detailed list of action verbs useful in writing bullets.

 

Dictionary Sites

The importance of proofreading and editing cannot be stressed enough. When writing resumes and cover letters, refer to these sites to check spelling, word meanings or to find just the right word!

http://www.m-w.com

Merriam- WebsterOnLine

http://www.dictionary.com

Type the word you want to check in the box at the top of the page. You can also use the Thesaurus feature to come up with different action verbs for accomplishment statements.

Quotes of Note

"What IS a resume anyway? A Resume is a MARKETING PIECE -- not a "career obituary!"
-- Yana Parker, author THE DAMN GOOD RESUME GUIDE

"A human being must have occupation if he or she is not to become a nuisance to the world."
-- Dorothy L. Sayers
from www.quotationspage.com

"Work while you have the light. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you."
-- Henri-Frederic Amiel
from www.quotationspage.com

Randi's Recommended Reads

Expert Resumes for Career Changers by Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark (JIST Works, 2004)

Part of the popular "Expert Resumes" series. A useful tool for career changers. Includes 180 pages of sample resumes, step-by-step advice on writing your own resume and information on electronic resources.

 

Get the Interview Every Time: Fortune 500 Hiring Professionals' Tips for Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters, by Brenda Greene (Dearborn Trade, 2004)

Easy to read, clear and concise. Recommended for those individuals who do not know where to begin. Includes advice from people who screen resumes every day, and has over sixty pages of sample resumes.

 

Best Resumes for $100,000+ Jobs, by Wendy Enelow (Impact Publications, 2002)

100 samples of resumes for high-level positions. Information on the best ways to highlight your achievements.

 

Winning Resumes, by Robin Ryan (Wiley, 2002)

Good for individuals beginning their career. Learn how to stand out from the crowd and market accomplishments. Provides detailed information on using the Internet.

About Aspire!

Aspirations! is written and compiled by Randi Bussin, a career counselor and entrepreneurial consultant with 25 years of experience of corporate, nonprofit and entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her extensive background to help mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs clarify their aspirations, develop the "big-picture" and set realistic goals in designing a career that reflects their personal values and passions. Through focused coaching, she helps clients make steady progress and achieve their career goals.

If you would information on our services, please feel free to email us at rbussin@verizon.net.

Send us an email to get a free tip sheet! Write to aspirenews@verizon.net for FREE tips on Writing Effective Resumes and Creating Accomplishment Statements.

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