ACCESSIBLE CAREER CHANGE COACHING
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ACCESSIBLE CAREER CHANGE COACHING
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Do you ever sense a stagnation in your professional life, an inertia that no amount of effort can seem to break? Do you ever experience the sensation that your efforts are futile, no matter what steps you take to progress? You're not alone.
Everyone has experienced this feeling of futility at one point or another; it's a common emotion. But did you know that there are certain pieces of career advice no one tells you that can help make a difference?
This article will explore four key areas: networking gets more important the older you are; your CV is just an advert; interviewing skills are key; and always negotiate your first offer. If this sounds interesting to you, read on for some valuable insight into how these tips could potentially change up your career path.
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When it comes to career advice, everyone seems to have an opinion. From family members and friends to online articles and books, there’s no shortage of information out there. But what about the things that nobody tells you? The home truths that could make or break your job search?
As you get older, networking becomes increasingly important in the job search. When you’re younger, it’s easier to find a job without having an extensive network of contacts. Many jobs are openly advertised and hiring managers don’t expect younger workers to have a large network.
However, as you move into your 30s and 40s, many hiring managers lean on personal recommendations more than ever before. It may prove challenging to gain access to an interview if you don't have the necessary links within that industry or organisation.
Having strong relationships with people who work in your desired field is key when looking for new opportunities later in life. It's not just a matter of knowing someone; to secure new opportunities, it is essential for those in your desired field to be willing to advocate for you and put their name behind recommending you for a role at either their own organisation or one associated with them.
It also helps if those people are respected within their respective industries because employers will take note of this when considering candidates for positions they want filled quickly and efficiently. The better-known names associated with potential hires often carry more weight than resumes alone do during the selection process - especially if there isn't much time available between postings and interviews.
Networking can be done beyond just attending gatherings or joining organisations; nowadays, social media outlets such as LinkedIn provide a platform to interact with experts from all over the world who could potentially aid in achieving career aspirations. You can join groups related to your industry or reach out directly via private messages - both methods offer great ways of making valuable connections which could lead directly (or indirectly) towards employment opportunities down the road.
Finally, remember that networking is about building relationships first rather than expecting something immediately from them - so don't forget to stay engaged after initial contact has been made. A simple “hello” every few months goes a long way towards maintaining good rapport with colleagues past and present alike, so keep up regular communication whenever possible as well as reaching out when necessary.
No matter your age, networking is an essential part of any job search. Ensure you capitalise on networking opportunities and don't belittle the influence of interpersonal connections - when employed strategically, they can be an invaluable asset. Now let's move on to understanding how your CV is just an advert for yourself.
Key Takeaway: Networking is key to success in the job search, especially as you get older - build relationships and stay engaged with colleagues through social media or other means to make valuable connections.
Your CV is a key factor in your job search, but it's not the only element to consider. Your CV is just an advert – its sole purpose is to get you a foot in the door for that first conversation. It's no surefire way to success, and won't automatically land you the job. Once the interview is obtained, it's up to you to make sure that your skills are showcased in order for you to outshine all other applicants and get the job.
When creating your CV, think of it as an advertisement for yourself – what are some of your best qualities? What experiences have made you unique? Focus on highlighting these traits rather than trying to fit every single detail about yourself onto one page; employers don’t need or want a full biography. Instead, pick three or four key points which demonstrate why they should hire you over someone else.
Remember too that CVs aren’t static documents – they should be tailored depending on who’s reading them and what role they're applying for. If there are certain skills required by the employer which aren’t already listed on your CV then add them in; if there are details which don’t relate directly to this particular role then leave them out (unless asked). Make sure everything looks neat and professional too - no typos or grammar mistakes allowed.
Finally, keep track of where each version of your CV has been sent so that when employers call back with questions about specific details mentioned in it, you can easily refer back to their original query without having to guess at what information was included in each version sent out previously. This will help ensure consistency throughout all applications and give potential employers confidence that any claims made on paper match those made during interviews.
Your CV may be essential when looking for work, but remember: once through the door, it is down to you alone whether or not you secure the position. Interviewing skills such as body language, communication style and enthusiasm play a huge part in making sure recruiters remember who you were after meeting dozens of other candidates - make sure yours stand out from the rest.
It's essential to bear in mind that your CV is a showcase of you and the capabilities you can bring, so make sure it sparkles amongst the throng. Now, let's focus on how to nail those interviews with some key interviewing skills.
Key Takeaway: Craft a unique CV for each job you apply to, emphasising your top attributes and honing your interviewing abilities to outshine the competition.
Interviewing skills are key when it comes to navigating a career change. Many applicants place an undue emphasis on their resumes, yet overlook the importance of mastering the interview process. It’s important to remember that employers are buying into you as a person, not just your qualifications or experience.
When preparing for an interview, practice makes perfect. You should be prepared with answers to common questions such as “tell me about yourself” or “why do you want this job?” but also have some unique responses ready in case the interviewer throws something unexpected at you. Make sure to research the company beforehand so that you can speak knowledgeably about them during the interview and ask thoughtful questions of your own.
Eye contact, posture and stillness are all key components in an interview setting; ensure you maintain a direct gaze with the interviewer, sit upright without slumping or squirming. Being able to articulate yourself clearly is also essential; try speaking slowly and confidently while avoiding filler words like “um” or “like” which can make you appear unprepared or unprofessional.
Finally, don't forget to dress appropriately for an interview - first impressions count. Choose clothing that reflects both professionalism and your personal style so that it looks polished yet still feels comfortable enough for you to feel confident throughout the meeting.
By taking these steps seriously before heading into an interview, job seekers will be better equipped than ever before when making a career transition. Good luck.
To outshine the other contenders and secure your desired job, it's imperative to refine your interviewing abilities; yet don't forget that when you get it, negotiating the initial offer is key for a successful outcome.
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Negotiating your first offer is an important step in any job search. It’s a way to ensure that you are being compensated fairly for the work you will be doing. Negotiating your initial offer can be daunting, yet there are some straightforward tactics to ensure a successful negotiation.
When bargaining, bear in mind that the employer desires to hire you just as much as you desire their employment. One should enter negotiations with aplomb and esteem, yet be conscious of the requirements for the role in question and how much remuneration they are inclined to provide.
Before entering into negotiations, do your research on salary ranges for similar positions in the area or industry where the job is located. Gaining insight into what remuneration other individuals have obtained can provide a helpful indication of an appropriate salary range for the role in question. Also consider other benefits such as vacation time, health insurance coverage, or flexible hours which could add value beyond just a higher salary number.
When making your initial request during negotiations, it is wise to start low so that there is room for compromise if needed later on. Demonstrate why you are worth more than the initial offer by citing how your skillset will benefit their organisation and why investing in you now may be a wiser choice than waiting until after hiring someone else who might not have those same qualifications or experience level yet still cost them just as much money - or even more.
Lastly, remember that communication is key throughout this process: stay professional yet friendly while discussing terms so both parties feel comfortable enough with each other's expectations before signing anything binding either party legally speaking.
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No matter your current career standing, it's critical to take into account the counsel that is often overlooked. Networking gets more important as you age, and your CV should be an advertisement for yourself. Interviewing skills are essential to getting the job that best suits you, and always negotiate your first offer. By following these tips, you can ensure that your career journey will be successful.
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Naomi is the founder of Tribe And Seek and an EMCC and CIPD accredited career coach specialising in career change.
Her career advice comes from her work alongside ex-olympic athletes supporting corporate clients like Kraft Heinz, and creating leadership courses at the Duke Of Edinburgh's Award.
She also left a previous career in international development consulting behind, where she led UK corporate fundraising at Habitat For Humanity.