Wednesday, January 19, 2011
What online job board is best? Should your resumé be anonymous or not?
Dear Career Coach Lisa, Is it detrimental to my job search to publicly post my resumé on the job boards? If I do post on any of the job boards, is it better to have my information "confidential" so that if a potential employer is interested in me, they have to go through the process to send me a message? — CM, Short Hills This is a personal choice. I have clients who believe it is the best way to get noticed, and others who believe they would never expose themselves. There is no right answer here except the one with which you feel most comfortable. Think about the information out there on yourself. Google your name and see what comes up. This may give you a sense of how public or private you actually are. Some clients believe posting to …
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
You've been offered a new opportunity outside your daily commute area. Now what?
Dear Career Coach Lisa, I have just received a job offer from a firm that I would love to join. The issue is the company is located in Philadelphia, making the commute on a daily basis challenging to near impossible. When I first accepted the interview, my wife agreed to consider a potential relocation if I was offered the position. Now, she is outright refusing to move as she tells me she doesn't want to change the children's schools. What do I do? ED, Short Hills Congratulations on receiving the offer! This is an issue many couples are facing. With the economy the way it is, many individuals are seeking opportunities beyond their typical acceptable daily commute. Another issue that many people face is dual career relocations. If your …
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
You've lost your job. How do you deal with it?
Dear Career Coach Lisa, I was just laid off and feel so overwhelmed. I knew my company was downsizing, but I kept hoping my position would remain. What do I do now? Overwhelmed, Short Hills Being laid off can be emotional even when you may be expecting it. There will likely be a sense of loss—in this case, your job, your routine and sometimes your confidence. Even though you were anticipating potential change, you may not be emotionally prepared for it. Some companies offer outplacement services and the use of their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support during this transition period. I am not clear if you received either of these services or if there was any transition package—severance payment and information shared with you …
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
How can you help the business so you can keep your job during the tough economic times?
Dear Career Coach Lisa: I have been working for my company for the past three years. The economy is tough and impacting the business, which is a small, family-owned business. How can I make myself more valuable during this time so they retain me? ME, Short Hills This is an excellent question for all employees in this current marketplace. As a human resources professional engaging hiring managers and business owners, the first thing asked when there is a need to reduce staff is "who is the most valuable to the business?" So, how does an employee make himself valuable? Think of your position and what are the expected deliverables of your job. What else do you do to add to the bottom line? Do you bring value to the business from a cost …
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
How do you prepare when you will be interviewed by a group from a potential employer?
Dear Career Coach Lisa: I am about to enter my second round of interviews for a position I really want. When the recruiter gave me the information for this interview round, he mentioned that the company will be conducting a group interview with the hiring manager, human resources and a peer. Then I will be taken to lunch by some colleagues of this position. Is this typically and how do I prepare for this? ST, Short Hills The group interview and the lunch are essentially the same situation of being interviewed and observed by a group. The intent of the group interview is for the employer to assess you from multiple perspectives—hence the hiring manager, human resources and a peer during the formal interview, and colleagues at lunch. At the …
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The writer isn't graduating until May, but how should he handle his job search now?
Dear Career Coach Lisa, I am graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics in May 2011. I applied for corporate graduate training programs in financial services firms so I would have a job upon graduating. They seem to be all filled. I have been advised to wait until I'm near graduation and then see what entry level positions are available. I'm worried with the state of the economy whether that is a good idea. What would you recommend? JS, Short Hills Corporate Graduate Training Programs in many of the financial services firms have reduced the number of graduates in their program. These programs are very competitive and typically require a high GPA and previous internship experience. Involvement in some related student activity or …
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
How does taking time off after being laid off affect your chances at finding work?
Dear Career Coach Lisa, I was laid off over a year ago. I decided to take some time off, approximately 6 months, before beginning my search for a new job. Is it true that the longer you are out of a job, the harder it is to get back in? AC, Millburn The longer you are out the more you will need to sell yourself based on your applicable skills relative to the market you want to re-enter. You need to be comfortable in telling your story. Your story needs to show how your time off and your previous work experience has prepared you for the next opportunity. You will need to sell your skills and abilities forward for the demands of this current market. There will be some individuals that will hold it against you for being unemployed and that …
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
What should you do when you receive a poor performance review when previous ones were strong?
Dear Career Coach Lisa, I just received a poor performance review from my new manager after being reorganized under him approximately three months ago. I am trying to figure out how to handle this situation as all of my previous reviews were strong. The lower rating will impact my bonus significantly. I feel like this was done to save on the bonus payout versus truly reflective of my performance this past year. What can I do? ML, Short Hills If your new manager is new to the company, think about how he has been integrated to the company and to your group. Have you and your group introduced him to the goals and agenda of your functional area? Did the team review the goals set by your previous manager with him? Were the goals modified? …
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
How can social media sites help you in your job search?
Dear Career Coach Lisa, I am currently working but would like to change jobs and enter a new industry. I have been told I need to have an online presence. Please help. BA, Short Hills The online community has never been easier to enter with the numerous tools available. There are a number of social media sites to consider. First, understand how you want to use them and what message you want to communicate. Since you are seeking to change industries, consider how to leverage your knowledge in this new targeted industry. Begin by doing some research. You can follow some groups in the industry on LinkedIn or follow individuals on Twitter that are connected and knowledgeable in this targeted industry. You may want to see what is spoken about …
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
How can you get more information out there about you beyond your resumé?
Dear Career Coach Lisa, As I linger in my job search, partially because I delayed my hunt, I find myself wondering if I am presenting properly. My resumé has been edited numerous times yet there is not much traction. Help please. CD, Short Hills Being in transition, the politically correct term for being unemployed and in the midst of a job search, can have moments of bliss and moments of anxiety. The bliss may come from having the time to explore and the choice of how to spend your day, and the anxiety may come from not having an agenda to follow or a goal to achieve. Having your resumé ready is important whether you are in job search or not. Preparing your resumé properly is an excellent process as it forces you to examine your …
