by Angela Copeland | Mar 17, 2016 | Advice, Career Corner Column, Media
During the week of St. Patrick’s Day, luck is on our minds. We may think, “When will I get my lucky break? When will it be my turn?” We may feel overlooked for things like promotions and raises.
From the outside, it can appear that those who are successful did it overnight. We can be left wondering how they were so lucky to get such a great title or to make so much money.
Unfortunately, a pile of horseshoes, four leaf clovers, and rabbits’ feet cannot bring enough luck to create success at work. Professional success is something that is built over years, from the ground up.
By the time someone gets a corner office, chances are good that they’ve spent many years climbing the corporate ladder to get there. In Malcom Gladwell’s book Outliers, he describes the “10,000-Hour Rule.” Gladwell says that the key to being an expert at anything comes down to practice – 10,000 hours to be exact.
But, it’s often not until the successful executive gets the big promotion that they catch our eye. We don’t see them hard at work for years and years. We notice the physical signs of success like expensive shoes, beautiful jewelry, or a shiny car that go along with their new title.
Former NFL football player Jack Youngblood said, “Good luck is a residue of preparation.” He’s right. In order to truly be successful, a routine of preparation is key.
To create success in our own lives, we must try to stop focusing on others accomplishments. Instead, we should try to refocus our energy on our own daily routine. The more we strive to be consistent and to grow, the more we will find success in our own lives
Creating success is also about doing more. It’s not about doing what’s expected and stopping there. It’s about asking for extra projects and learning new skills on our own. It’s about going beyond our job description – without being asked.
I recently interviewed two successful executives who received internal promotions within their own organization. Internal promotions are a frustrating area for many employees, as they often feel overlooked. I asked the executives to share what it was that allowed them to be recognized, and to be promoted internally multiple times. In both cases, their answers were the same. They expanded their educations on their own. They asked for more projects and responsibilities that were outside of their core skillsets. And, they introduced new ideas to the organization. It turns out that luck wasn’t part of the equation at all.
If you find yourself racking your brain about what’s missing in your career, it may be time to take a step back. Rather than waiting to be the chosen one, think of ways to create your own path and success on your terms. And, realize it’s not possible at every office. There are times when creating success may mean leaving your current company.
Whichever path you choose, you can create your own lucky break through hard work.
by Angela Copeland | Mar 11, 2016 | Advice, Career Corner Column, Media
With the unusual job market we’ve been experiencing for years now, keeping an exit strategy in mind is a must. Do you have yours nailed down? If your exit strategy is dependent on hope and crossed fingers, it’s time to rethink things.
Ideally, you shouldn’t wait until signs of trouble to plan your next career move. At a minimum, when those signs appear, it’s time to move. In some industries, you may experience what’s known as a RPE – a “resume producing event.” It could come in the form of an intense company meeting, or other warning signs that your organization could be in trouble.
If you ignore these signs and wait, you become a sitting duck. You lose your power of negotiation because when you look for a new job, you have no choice but to find one. You’ve given up your leverage. Getting ahead of the game gives you increased negotiating power and the time to wait for the right opportunity.
Keep your resume up to date. You never know when the right opportunity could come along. Even if your job is great, wouldn’t you consider a job that offered twice the pay? You always want to be prepared because you never know what might happen. The other advantage is you don’t have to go back and remember important facts later. Keep track of them as they’re happening.
Participate in LinkedIn. If you only update your LinkedIn profile when you’re looking for a job, it’s a dead giveaway that something’s up. Keeping your LinkedIn profile continuously fresh can help to quiet suspicions.
Keep it quiet. It can be tempting to share that you’re looking for another job. Although you have good intentions, they can backfire. Worst case scenario, you can be walked out of the building when your news leaks. This takes your power away and reduces your timeline, so keep your lips sealed.
Stay connected with your old coworkers. When you start searching, you’ll need references from your previous employers. It’s important to keep in touch with your former managers, coworkers, and employees, so you’ll have a bank of folks to offer when it’s time to do a background check.
Taken inventory of your finances. If worst came to worst, would you be prepared to be unemployed for six months? For many job seekers, this timeline is a reality. Look closely at your finances to ensure you’ll be able to survive if you had to.
Leave on good terms. Give at least two weeks’ notice and keep your word. Think very carefully before you bash your boss in an exit interview. Put in your best work until your very last day.
Leaving can be a tough process. Many people look at changing jobs like a breakup or divorce. Do your best to be prepared, so you can walk toward a better situation rather than just running from a bad one. It will help you keep your peace of mind and it will give you negotiating power in your interview process.
by Angela Copeland | Mar 4, 2016 | Advice, Career Corner Column, Media
Have you heard the rumor? Everything important about your career is listed within the pages of your resume. Why would you possibly want to waste your time putting together a cover letter these days? Applying online is easy. All you need to do is upload your resume and click submit. If you’re qualified, the company will call you. Right?
Wrong. As you can imagine, this couldn’t be further from the truth. But, somehow, it’s a question I’m asked every week by job seekers – and surprisingly, even a well-known publication wanted to know.
In today’s competitive job market, the cover letter is more important than ever. Here’s the thing. There’s a decent chance you’re going to be working in a different industry, for a different company, and with a different title very soon. But, first, you have to convince a hiring manager as to why you’re the best fit. You’ve got to explain how your current experience as a corporate project management translates to an awesome new career in non-profit fundraising. And, your resume alone just isn’t going to cut it.
Your cover letter is your personal narrative. It’s your opportunity to explain directly to the hiring manager why you are the best fit. Don’t leave them guessing. Be direct, and be specific.
Imagine you were the hiring manager. You received resumes from two equally qualified candidates. Only one took the time to explain why they’re the best fit, and why they’re passionate about the job. Who would you pick?
If you’re wondering where to begin, start with the same header you use for your resume. It’s an easy way to make all of your materials match. Don’t be afraid to reiterate things that are listed in your resume. There is no guarantee anyone will actually read it. Your cover letter’s goal is to convince the hiring manager to take a closer look at you.
Mention which position you’re applying for. Explain confidently why you’re a great fit. Highlight relevant work and educational experience. If you have a hobby, passion, or side project that makes you more qualified than the average candidate, say so. Leave out personal details that are not relevant to the role.
Admittedly, one difference in today’s cover letter versus one twenty years ago is that it extends beyond the reach of a piece of paper. We tell our personal narratives everyday online when we share opinions and photos on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other websites.
There’s nothing from preventing your future employer from researching you. You’ve spent time perfecting your personal brand. Don’t let it go to waste by representing yourself poorly in the online world. Interviewing is like attending a dinner party. You never know who you might meet, or what their views may be.
Work to tell your own story in your own way, and you’ll go further. You are much more likely to land the job you really want when you don’t buy into the myth that the cover letter is dead.
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com.
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