by Angela Copeland | Apr 15, 2016 | Advice, Career Corner Column, Media
Most of the time, job seeking today feels much more complicated than it did in years past. In addition to your resume, cover letter, and business suit, there’s a new layer to consider: social media. Although we often don’t typically think of social media as part of our job search, it can be helpful for both the recruiter and the job seeker.
As a job seeker, participating in social media can be a positive thing. If there’s more than one person with your name, joining the social media world allows you to take ownership over your own personal brand. If you’re wondering where to begin, start with LinkedIn and then work up to other sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Job seeking is a lot like attending a dinner party. When you’re thinking of what to post on your social media, keep this in mind. If you want to share your religious beliefs, political views, or other potentially controversial thoughts, ensure that the privacy settings on your profiles are locked tight.
But, with LinkedIn, it’s best to keep things as open as you can. It’s a great idea to allow a potential employer to learn as much about you as possible. Be sure to include an updated profile photo, current employment information, and your email address. Make it easier for recruiters to find for you by including words on your profile that are relevant to your career.
Try to make time to interact with friends and colleagues on social media, so you become part of their online ecosystem. Sites like LinkedIn can be a great place to share your latest accomplishments and awards. In today’s competitive market, it’s good to try to remain top of mind. You never know who may be hiring.
Beyond creating a presence for yourself, social media can actually help in your search. First, it’s a great place to research what people are saying about your potential employer. Do their employees and customers love them or hate them? It’s also a great way to research your hiring manager and the other people who will be interviewing you.
And, if you’ve had a hard time getting the attention of the hiring manager through the traditional online application process, social media may be an option to try. It has to be done carefully, but most executives manage their own Twitter accounts, for example. It is surprising how often a C-level executive is willing to engage with positive comments online.
I have even heard of applicants tweeting a video to a company. In the video, the applicant gives their elevator pitch and asks to be considered for a certain role. It’s important to be cautious with such public displays when you currently have a full time job. But, it’s an interesting idea to consider. Wouldn’t you agree?
The degree to which you use social media in your job search is completely up to you. But, whatever you do, use it to brand yourself in a positive light rather than the latest controversy.
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com.
by Angela Copeland | Apr 12, 2016 | Advice, Podcast
Episode 98 of the Copeland Coaching Podcast is now live!
This week, we talk with Liz Maw in San Francisco, CA. Liz is the CEO of Net Impact, a global nonprofit that empowers a new generation to work for a sustainable future. In 2011, Liz was named one of the 100 most influential people inn business ethics by Ethisphere. Liz is also a Board Member of the World Environment Center. Prior to leading Net Impact, Liz’s professional experience included strategic consulting to nonprofits with the Bridgespan Group, as well as fundraising and direct marketing for nonprofit organizations in New York City and Washington, D.C. She holds a BA from Yale University and a MBA from Columbia Business School and UC Berkeley.
On today’s episode, Liz shares her advice about how to find a company that aligns with your personal values, and how to make a difference at your existing workplace. She also shares the scoop on the upcoming 2016 Net Impact annual conference and career fair.
Listen and learn more! You can play the podcast here, or download it for free on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. If you enjoy the program, subscribe today to the Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher to ensure you don’t miss an episode!
To learn more about Liz’s organization Net Impact, visit their website here.
by Angela Copeland | Apr 11, 2016 | Advice, Newsletter
Very often, I’m asked a question that makes a lot of sense: “What does a career coach do?” The reason it makes sense is that the career coaching industry is a relatively new one.
Career coaching services vary from coach to coach. Some coaches come from a background that is rooted in teaching. The person is especially skilled at communicating information to others. Others come from a psychology background. Career coaching differs from headhunting or recruiting in that the job seeker is still the one looking for the position, versus the headhunter.
My coaching practice is rooted in real world experience. As you have probably heard me say, I started my own career in engineering, then transitioned to technology before switching to digital marketing executive.
I was able to make these successful transitions in part because of my natural curiosity about different jobs and industries — and my love for the interview process. I enjoyed competing in all different styles of job interviews — from technical interviews where you work out math problems and take IQ tests to sales interviews where you give presentations about yourself.
I have to admit; my love for interviewing and the job search process is an unusual one. But, the good news is that it helps me to bring a wealth of insider knowledge to my clients.
As I mentioned, the particular services a coach provides really varies from coach to coach. Below is a short list of some of the services I provide:
- Dream job creation – I work with clients to brainstorm ideas for their next job. What are the things they’re good at today that might transfer? What about their personality aligns to other types of jobs?
- Resume updates – Updating your resume can be a stressful process. I work with job seekers to go through their resumes and help to customize them, so they give the right message and personal brand to potential employers.
- LinkedIn and Social Media branding – I work with job seekers to put their best foot forward online. Whether it’s LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram — your online brand counts too!
- Job search strategy – Applying online only can be a fruitless, frustrating process. We talk about ways to go around the online process to get to the hiring manager faster.
- Negotiation assistance – Anytime you’re switching jobs, but especially when you’re switching careers, negotiating can be difficult. I help clients to research how much they’re worth. We talk about how to talk about money, and how to ask for more. Getting paid fairly for what you do is an important part of your search process!
As you can see, the services I provide are focused on finding a job faster. Of course, finding a job is hard work. It’s like that saying, “finding a job is a job.” It’s not something you can do at the snap of your fingers. It can take time, especially if you’re trying to find a new career path, or get a job in a field where you have little experience.
The process can be a tricky one, but I’m here to help my clients along the way.
Anyway! Since I get this question often, I was asked to write a newsletter on this very topic. I hope this e-mail has been helpful, and has helped to answer a few questions about career coaching.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
by Angela Copeland | Apr 8, 2016 | Advice, Career Corner Column
Yesterday, I found myself saying something I often say this time of year. “One of my all-time favorite things is to go to a job fair!” The response I received was not unexpected. The job seeker hadn’t even thought of attending a job fair since college. They seem so juvenile on some level.
I will admit, tiny job fairs aren’t always everything they’re cracked up to be. I’ve been to fairs with ten or less employers who have tiny booths and very few actual jobs. These events add little value, and could eat up a perfectly good afternoon.
But, a good job far can be worth its weight in gold. On more than one occasion, I’ve successfully landed a job as a result of attending one of these events.
Large fairs have 300 or more employer booths. Often, the companies represented are the ones you’ve been dreaming of, such as Facebook, Google, or FedEx. Each employer has a booth that’s manned by someone from their recruiting team. They’re there to answer questions, collect resumes, and in some cases, conduct interviews.
You heard me right. The recruiters often conduct first round interviews at large career fairs. Can you imagine how much time might be saved from applying online, if you could simply walk from recruiter to recruiter in person?
Finding the right fair can take time, but is worth the effort. Start by looking on local chamber of commerce websites, and the websites of young professional groups. They often help career fairs to get the word out.
Then, check out the websites of various national organizations, such as National Society of Hispanic MBAs, Society of Women Engineers, or Net Impact. These groups have huge annual conferences. As part of a conference, they will typically host a large career fair. And, the organization will often sell a career fair only pass for $100 or less that can save hundreds off the conference price.
If you’re not sure which organizations to look up, try checking out your local convention center website. There is often a calendar of events page on the site that will contain a listing of all upcoming fairs and conventions.
Keep in mind that the same recruiters attend many different job fairs all year. The particular fair you attend is not as important as the specific employers represented.
Once you’ve found the fair you want to target, prepare four things: your suit, your resume, your business cards, and your elevator pitch. Study the job fair map provided and decide which employer booths you want to stop by. Look up those companies online to see which open positions they are currently promoting.
The day of the event, arrive early. Prepare to stay all day. Feel confident when talking to recruiters about your job search, and don’t be afraid to ask for their business card. After the fair, follow up through e-mail and LinkedIn.
With a little work, you’ll find job fairs can be helpful for years after college is completed.
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com.
by Angela Copeland | Apr 5, 2016 | Advice, Podcast
Episode 97 of the Copeland Coaching Podcast is now live!
This week, we talk with Erin Hoffman-John in San Francisco, CA. Erin is the CEO and Chief Creative Officer at Sense of Wonder. Erin has also held roles at Philomath Games, GlassLab, Inc., and Loot Drop – among many others. She was on the board of directors at the International Game Developers Association, and holds a dual degree in Electronic Arts and Philosophy from my alma mater, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY.
On today’s episode, Erin shares insight into her own career, and gives her advice on how to break into the world of gaming, both at the beginning of your career and midstream.
Listen and learn more! You can play the podcast here, or download it for free on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. If you enjoy the program, subscribe today to the Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher to ensure you don’t miss an episode!
To learn more about Erin’s company Sense of Wonder, visit their website here.
by Angela Copeland | Apr 4, 2016 | Advice, Newsletter
Most of the job seekers I meet have something in common. They’re unhappy at their current jobs.
The complaints vary, and the level of frustration can be higher or lower, but people who are completely satisfied at work are rarely trying to leave.
Common complaints of job seekers include:
- My boss micromanages me
- I’m being underpaid — and I got another 2% raise this year
- My coworker left and my boss is planning to give me their work, rather than replace them
- There’s no room for growth in my current position
- I was overlooked for another promotion
- I got a new boss, and the new boss doesn’t buy into me
- My boss takes all the credit for my work
- My boss keeps me separated from upper management
- My company isn’t doing well — and there are talks that layoffs may happen
- I work in a toxic environment
If you’re unhappy at work, I bet you can relate to at least one of these complaints.
The interesting thing is– very often, at the beginning of the job search, the candidate is on the fence about what to do.
It’s like a bad relationship. We stay in them too long, in hopes that something will change, despite all signs to the contrary. We cross our fingers and wish that if we just say the right thing to our boss, they’d give us a raise. Or, they’d like us. Or, they’d promote us.
Sadly, whether your boss isn’t behind you — or you are working for a toxic organization, those things rarely change.
Now, I’m not recommending that you hop from job to job without trying to make the most of your current situation. You should always try to work things out first if you can.
But, there are limits. And, very often, we stay at our current job long after we’ve passed our limit. Rarely does this ever result in a positive outcome. Typically, the longer we stick around, the more demoralized we feel. The more run down we are.
And, the longer we commit ourselves to a bad situation at work, the less choices we have when looking for a new opportunity. For example, if it’s clear the organization is doing poorly, and we stay committed anyway, we could end up without a job at all. Then, our focus becomes finding a job fast, rather than finding the right job.
It can also cause us to have a negative story to tell when we’re job seeking. Instead of presenting a recent win at work, we may find ourselves explaining why we’re hoping to escape a bad situation. Even when it’s not our fault, this kind of story doesn’t reflect well on us.
The longer we stick around in a job where we’re being underpaid, the more our lifelong earnings will be impacted. Even just a few years of being underpaid can create a huge ripple effect later.
So, what I’d like to know is this: When is enough really enough? When your employer only gives you a 2% raise, and overlooks you for a promotion– believe the message they’re sending. You’re not a star performer in their eyes. Or, perhaps they are not poised as an organization to do the great things you expected. Once the mold is set, it’s hard to undo.
But, the great news is, another perfect opportunity could be just around the corner. That company could be healthier. Your new manager may appreciate your contributions more. You will most likely make more money.
Don’t delay. Don’t wait until you are beaten down and out of work to look for your next big job. Start now. Start while you’re still in a great place, and can put your best foot forward for your future employer.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
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