Do you easily forget names? 5 simple steps to remember.

by Angela Copeland | Aug 11, 2014 | Advice, Newsletter

I have a confession to make: I’m terrible at remembering names. Can you relate to my dilemma? At parties and networking events, this can create big problems for you.

Many people take it personally if you don’t remember who they are, especially if they’ve met you more than once. This can present a challenge if you’re job searching, because in theory – you should be attending many networking events. And, networking means meeting new people – lots of them.

If you’re going to events that ask guests to wear nametags, this issue can be helped some. But, you will often meet people more than once. In a new context, it can be difficult to remember who’s who.

Below are my tips on how to remember names. If you follow these, people will think you’re a pro at remembering who they are.

1. Always carry business cards. Store them everywhere – in your bag, in your desk, and in your car. You never know when you might need one.  If you don’t have a business card from work, order your own online. They can be basic with just your name, phone number, and e-mail address.
2. Exchange business cards with everyone you meet at networking events. It can seem awkward at first, but in time it will seem natural. When you offer your business card, the person you meet will be prompted to give you theirs (without you having to ask).
3. Bring a pen. Keep a pen in your jacket. When you have a quiet moment, take notes on the back of every business card you receive. You should take note of the date, the event where you met them, and any memorable details that you spoke about.
4. Organize your cards. Create a system, so that when you return home, you can easily access the business cards you’ve collected. I recommend getting clear plastic sheets that are made for business cards. They fit into 3 ring binders, and will allow you to see both sides of each card.
5. Review your cards. Before you attend your next big networking event, flip through your binder of business cards. Review the notes on the back of each card. This will keep everyone fresh in your mind.

If you follow these five simple steps, people will think you’re a pro at remembering names. After struggling with this issue for years, I was once introduced as “this is Angela – she has an amazing memory for names!”

Give it a try. The stress of remembering names will melt away, and you’ll be able to focus on the networking event and your job search.

I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search.

Also, be sure to  subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts 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. Thanks.

Happy hunting!

Angela Copeland

@CopelandCoach

Four traits of a successful job seeker

by Angela Copeland | Aug 4, 2014 | Advice, Newsletter

I spend hours each week working with job seekers on their career goals and aspirations. Often, what makes someone stand out from other candidates isn’t what you’d think.

It’s not their education or technical expertise. It’s rarely how many certifications they have. Successful job seekers work to become their best at a few key traits, including confidence, persistence, creativity, and positivity.

These traits don’t take tons of money to develop, but they do take time and effort. By honing thees traits, you will put yourself in front of the competition.

1. Confidence – Successful job seekers believe in themselves and their abilities. They are comfortable communicating why they are the best candidate for the job. And, even if they don’t have all of the qualifications preferred, they can easily explain how they will grow their skills. Bottom line, they are comfortable being their own sales person. They realize that their talents are the service they’re selling — and they realize they’re the best salesman for the job.
2. Persistence – Most people who consistently land good job after good job are very persistent. Just because they don’t get every interview or job offer, they keep moving. They also stay in touch with companies who have turned them down, in hopes of building a relationship for future opportunities. They know the right job could be around the very next corner, or the last corner. They don’t take things personally and they work to create lasting relationships.
3. Creativity – The best job seekers are also creative in their search. They may apply online for the jobs they’re interested, but they don’t stop there. They look for ways to connect to employers outside of the typical internet process. They understand that hundreds of people apply for every job online, and they want to find a way to stand out — and to connect offline. Look for these people at networking meetings, and researching employers on LinkedIn.
4. Positivity – Great job seekers experience disappointment, just like everyone else. They encounter lots of nos before they get a yes. And sometimes, they get offers they have to turn down. But, they keep moving forward and stay positive. They know that the right attitude will help to land them right right job.

As you can see, finding a job often has more to do with resilience than with job requirements.

Making up 100 reasons why you aren’t getting hired doesn’t help you. But, thinking of the 100 reasons you should get hired will. Stay focused on the positives and stay in the game.

Apply for jobs you know you can do, even if you don’t meet every requirement. Be ready to explain how you get overcome any knowledge gaps.

In addition, you shouldn’t expect your next job to happen immediately. It’s a process that takes time. It’s very rare for someone to find a job the day they decide they’d like one. Sometimes, it appears that this is happening because you don’t hear about someone’s new job until they announce it. In all likelihood though, they were working on getting hired for a long time.

Some might compare job searching to farming. You have to plan seeds, water them, and then be patient. Eventually, with the right nutrients, your plants will grow. Looking for a job is the same way. It takes hard work and persistence, but eventually you will find the job for you.

I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search.

Also, please check out (and subscribe to) my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts 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. Thanks.

Happy hunting!

Angela Copeland

@CopelandCoach