by Angela Copeland | Aug 3, 2015 | Advice, Newsletter
There’s probably been once or twice when you’ve thought of saying, “I quit!” and walking out of work. Or, better yet — just not going back again tomorrow. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could forget about your current job and just start over?
Unfortunately, it’s just not that easy. As much as you may hate to admit it, your current job will influence your next job and your job after that. Leaving a workplace is an art form.
In some cases, it may be fairly easy. But, in others, it can be very tricky. You’ll find that some of your coworkers treat your departure much like a breakup. There may be drama, and it’s possible there are people you’re close with now who you’ll never see again.
Keep it quiet
At times, looking for a job can feel like no big deal. You may think, “Everyone’s looking, right? What is there to hide?” But, think again. Telling your work buddy or cube-mate about your plans could get you into hot water. In many states, your employer can fire you for no reason. If your boss believes you’ve become disloyal to the company (because you’re searching for a new job), don’t expect to stay around for long. In fact, you could be fired the same day. Losing your job unexpectedly not only creates bad blood between you and your company — it takes away your power.
Tell your boss in person
When you have a new job offer, tell your boss about your new plans. But, wait until it’s in writing and signed. Keep in mind that this change could come as a surprise to your boss. Take the time to tell them first, and do it in person. Don’t let them hear rumors from other departments — and definitely don’t send an e-mail. Even if you don’t care for your boss, tell them in person.
Don’t give too much notice
This may sound counter-intuitive, but I don’t recommend giving an overly long period of notice. If you look closely, you’ll find that many top executives only give the required two weeks notice when they shift to a new company. Generally speaking, transitioning your work to someone new takes two to three weeks. Beyond that, you’ll find you will continue to work your normal job up to the two or three week mark. For example, if you give two months, chances are good that the transition won’t actually happen until the end. But, in that long period of notice, people will begin behaving differently. Knowing you’re leaving soon, they may act out toward you or try to take out their frustrations on you. It’s not a guaranteed outcome, but it’s definitely a possibility when you give more notice than what’s needed.
Do a great job — every single day
Your reputation is the most important thing you have career wise. The last few weeks of your employment with a company is not the time to slack off. Don’t leave your coworkers and old boss left to wonder if they really knew you or your work. Force yourself to show up on time, stay all day, and do your best work ever. Work hard to transition your projects to someone new. Your efforts will not go unnoticed.
Keep your negative thoughts to yourself
Often (or lets be honest — almost always), you leave a job because you’re not happy. If you were, you’d stay there. Makes sense, right? So, by the time you’ve found a new job, you may be ready to really tell it like it is. On top of that, once your coworkers know you’re leaving, a crazy thing starts to happen. Everyone starts to show up in your office. They want to know your gossip. They want to tell you their gossip. They want your help leaving their job. They want to tell you how unhappy they are. It’s amazing how much dirt you can learn in just the last few weeks with the company. But, be careful. Spreading rumors or talking trash about your employer is never helpful.
Think twice about exit interviews
Yep, you read that right. Exit interviews are often provided by Human Resources as an optional way to leave feedback about your experience. It’s presented as a positive thing, and many employees love participating. It gives them a chance to feel heard. But, beware of the potential trap. If you’re leaving because you dislike your boss, this is not the time to air your dirty laundry. First of all, your company probably already knows about your boss — and hey, the boss still works there. What good will your negative comments really do in the long run? What they may do however is burn a bridge between you and a former boss.
Don’t burn bridges
Even if you got your new job without the help of your current company, you will need them again at some point. Even if someone isn’t your favorite, keep the door open for future possibilities. Do your best not to write people off on your way out. And, realize that they may also be really unhappy at their jobs. Leaving the door open creates future opportunities you never even thought of.
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 and 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 | Jul 31, 2015 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “How To Say Thank You.”
One important component to any job search is the art of saying thank you. It may seem cliché, but saying thanks never gets old. Expressing thanks shows your appreciation for others and nurtures your connections for future interactions.
There are two easy ways to send a thank you. One is via email and the other is in a handwritten note. Email alone works in some casual situations, but handwritten notes are still important in interviews. In fact, when you send a thank you card, it’s often the first one the interviewer has gotten in a while. Being different allows you to stand out in a positive way.
To read my entire article, and to learn the best way to write and send your thank you notes, visit the Memphis Daily News website here.

by Angela Copeland | Jul 28, 2015 | Advice, Diversity, Podcast
Episode 62 of the Copeland Coaching Podcast is now live! I’m so excited to bring this inspiring and informative episode to you.
This week, we talk with Cynt Marshall in Dallas, TX. Cynt is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources — and Chief Diversity Officer — of AT&T. Cynt oversees AT&T’s Talent Management, AT&T University, the Diversity and Inclusion Team, and much more!
On today’s episode, we talk about the importance of diversity in the workplace and how to select a company that values diversity. We also talk about Cynt’s inspiring path to the top, and how you too can overcome big obstacles in your life. And, the conversation wouldn’t be complete without a little discussion about those pesky online Applicant Tracking Systems.

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 ATT’s diversity efforts, visit their website here: http://www.att.com/gen/corporate-citizenship?pid=7738.

by Angela Copeland | Jul 27, 2015 | Advice, Newsletter
So often, job seekers assume salary is 100% tied to something as simple as how well they perform their job. We think the job market is a fair place, and our hard work will pay off. And, why shouldn’t we believe that? Our parents and grandparents taught us that we should find a good company to work at for thirty or more years. As long as we worked hard, the company would give us a generous retirement and we’d never have to worry.
Unfortunately, this is often not the case in today’s job market. Compensation is more of a reflection on two things that are not at all related to hard work. The first is your skill at negotiation, and the second is your willingness to change jobs. Almost always, you will receive much larger raises over time if you switch companies than if you wait for your current company to recognize you for your hard work.
When you decide you’re ready to look for a new job and make more money, your negotiation ability will strongly influence how much you walk away with. The good news is negotiation is easier than you might think. Even if you’ve never tried it, you can learn. And, to become better at it, the number one thing you need is practice.
But, there are a few guidelines you should know before you get started:
- Do your research – Before you begin a negotiation (or really, an interview), do your homework! Find out how much your new job should pay. Websites like Salary.com and Glassdoor.com often allow you to research as far down as a particular position at a certain company in a specific city. Realize that companies can offer a wide range of pay for one particular position. For example, project managers can make anywhere from $50,000 per year to $150,000 per year. Understand the range for the job you’re considering.
- Don’t reveal your number first – Providing your salary history to the company you’re interviewing with is almost never helpful to you. If you make less than the company is planning to offer, they will give you less. If you make more, they may walk away too quickly, assuming you’ll be expensive. In early conversations, the hiring manager, recruiter, or human resources representative will often ask you how much you are currently making. Do your best to sidestep the question of salary. If possible, ask the company to share their range with you.
- Know your limits – If you are currently unemployed, you may feel desperate to find a job right away. If you have a great job, you may be able to wait a year or more to find your next gig. Take into account your personal situation, including your family and children. Determine ahead of time how risky you want to be. The more you’re able to risk, the more you may gain. But, if you don’t have anything to risk, you may want to play your negotiation on the safe side.
- Keep fear at bay – Fear is one of the biggest reasons many people don’t negotiate for more money. All sorts of questions will run through their heads. What if the company says no? What if they take the offer away? What if they laugh at me, or think my request is too much? Keep this in mind – it doesn’t surprise employers that you want to negotiate. As long as you’re respectful in your request, they will respond with an equal amount of respect. Companies cannot always honor your exact request, but they won’t take the offer away from you. If you ask for more and they say no, it will be up to you to decide if you would like to accept their original offer or not.
- Be willing to walk away – If your risk tolerance is quite high, this can be one of the strongest and most effective tools in negotiation. Be willing to turn down an offer if it’s not right. If you cannot come to an agreement with your future employer, thank them and move on. Just having this mindset will let the company know you’re not desperate for work. You’re a top performer, and you expected to be compensated as such. If something doesn’t work out, avoid hard feelings and move on. Your next big offer could be right around the corner, and you may find another opportunity to work together in the future.
At the end of the day, companies expect you to negotiate. Frankly, they respect it. A hiring manager will never give you their best offer first. They leave wiggle room, so they can move up when you ask for more.
Before you negotiate, be sure you know your facts. Take notes about the reasons you feel you deserve more money. Focus on things like the revenue you’ll add to the bottom line, and stay away from personal arguments such as the number of children you have.
Practice your negotiation in the same way you would practice your elevator pitch. The more you try it, the less nervous you’ll feel and the more prepared you will be. And, remember – practice makes perfect. If your first few negotiations feel rocky, learn from them and move on. Your next negotiation will be that much better!
Although this process can be an uncomfortable one, you will find the five or ten minutes required for a negotiation can add thousands of dollars per year – and possibly hundreds of thousands over the course of your lifetime! Take the time to learn to negotiate; you won’t regret it.
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 and 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 | Jul 24, 2015 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “The Online Trap.”
I’ll admit it; I’m an online junkie.
I’ve been on the Internet practically every day since its invention. I studied computers in college and had a long career as an online marketer.
I love the Internet. It’s a window into so many things. You can learn a new language online. You can make new friends. You can even order new furniture. Just about anything you could possibly need or want, you can find online.
The one place where we tend to exaggerate just how much the Internet can help us is in the job application process. Companies love to tell candidates, “Apply online. If we like your application, we’ll be in touch.” And, it seems easy, right? Sites like LinkedIn give us options to apply with just one click. Companies have entire websites and systems dedicated to this process that they’ve spent a lot of time and money to develop, so applying online would seem to make sense.
To read my entire article, and to find out how you can make sure your resume gets seen, visit the Memphis Daily News website here.

by Angela Copeland | Jul 21, 2015 | Advice, Podcast
Episode 61 of the Copeland Coaching Podcast is now live!
This week, we talk with Allan Daisley in Memphis, TN. Allan is the Director of Entrepreneurship and Sustainability at Memphis Bioworks Foundation — and the Co-Founder / President of Zero To 510. Previously, Allan served as a technology consultant, a Director of Product Management, a Worldwide Product Marketing Manager, and co-founder of multiple businesses. He holds a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Georgia Tech and a M.B.A. from Duke University.
On today’s episode, we talk about the medical device industry, startup accelerators, and how to decide whether or not to start a business. We also talk about the qualities of a great entrepreneur.

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 Memphis Bioworks Foundation or Zero To 510, visit them on the web at www.memphisbioworks.org.

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