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

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

LinkedIn is one of the most effective tools in your job search, so it’s no wonder I field questions about LinkedIn every day. With this in mind, I want to share with you some of the most common questions I receive — and my recommendations.

Do I need LinkedIn profile?

Yes, absolutely! LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools at your fingertips. It allows hiring managers to learn more about you. It allows you to learn more about companies. It’s a great way to stay connected to your professional network without all of the day-to-day clutter found on other social websites.

Should I connect to people I don’t know?

This is really a personal decision. Some people choose to only connect to those they know really well. Others connect to everyone (they have L.I.O.N. on their profile – LinkedIn Open Network). The best answer is probably somewhere in the middle. If you never connect to anyone you don’t know, how will you will meet anyone new? And, is there really anything so private on your LinkedIn profile that it would do you harm to connect with a stranger? My guess is probably not. Try to be as open on LinkedIn as you might be in real life if someone introduced themselves to you in person at a networking event.

Do recruiters really use LinkedIn?

Yes, they really do! Both internal human resources folks — and external headhunters and placement agencies use LinkedIn. Really! It can be hard to find just the right person for a specific job. So, recruiters often use LinkedIn to track down candidates who didn’t apply through their traditional process. It is not unusual for a recruiter to contact you through LinkedIn out of the blue for a position you didn’t know about. They also use LinkedIn to look up more information about you than what fits onto your resume. So, be sure to keep it updated!

How often should I updated LinkedIn?

Your LinkedIn profile should be a living, breathing thing. You should keep it updated all the time. Don’t wait until you are actually looking for a job to update it. By then, you’re already behind. But, if you do find yourself in this situation, turn off the e-mail notifications that go out to your friends when you make updates. You know those e-mails. They say things like, “Bob got a new job!” or, “Sally got an award!” When you make mass updates, turn those off, so you can avoid sending red flags to your current employer.

Should I get the paid version?

This is such a great question! LinkedIn offers additional features with their paid members. They vary from $29.99 for a Job Seeker package to $99.95 for a Recruiter Lite package. The Job Seeker package offers limited direct messaging to people you don’t know, more ‘who’s viewed your profile’ information, and applicant insights. It also offers something called Featured Applicant which claims to move you to the top of recruiters’ applicant lists. Whether or not the paid version is for you depends a lot on how you use LinkedIn. The good news is — LinkedIn offers a free 30-day trial, so you can decide for yourself. Just be sure to mark the 30-day cutoff on your calendar, so you won’t forget about your option to cancel.

How many connections should I have?

Ideally, you should have over 500 connections. Whether you have 501 or 5,001, LinkedIn will display that you have 500+ connections on your profile. This makes you look more connect. And, in fact it’s true. The more first degree connections you have, the more second and third degree connections you’ll have as a result. And, that means that your network will grow — and your chances of finding a new job will grow.

Speaking of connecting on LinkedIn — I would love to connect with you! If we are not already connected, please click the button below and send me a connection request. I look forward to being in your LinkedIn network!

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

Spring is finally here! And, all indications are that it’s going to be a good one.

The job market is looking up. Unemployment claims are going down. And, it’s hiring season!

If you’ve been thinking of making a change, now’s the time to get moving. But, before you do, you might want to take a close look at your “personal brand.”

If you’re like many people, chances are good that you’ve been waiting for things to get better. You may not have interviewed for a new job in a few years. And, because of that, your personal brand may be a bit rusty.

“Personal brand” seems like quite a daunting concept. Even if you’ve spent your career in marketing or sales, cleaning up your personal brand seems like such a big task.

So the questions are — Where should I begin? What should I focus on? Start with the most obvious and work your way from there.

1. Social Media – The most obvious thing online is your social media. Be sure yours is locked down, especially if you’re actively expressing your opinions about our current political climate.
2. LinkedIn – One of the first places your future employer will try to learn more about you is LinkedIn. Ensure that LinkedIn is up to date with your current photo, current job title, and current accomplishments.
3. Your Resume – Once you catch your future employer’s attention, they’re going to ask for one thing – your resume. Be sure you’re ready for that. The last thing you want is to find the perfect job, or perfect employer — and have to tell them that you don’t have a current copy of your resume. Ensure that your latest job is included. Update it with your relevant work experience. Be sure your e-mail, phone, and address are all correct, so they can easily contact you.
4. Your Look – One of the #1 things (honestly, possibly THE #1 thing) people worry about is their appearance. They are worried about appearing too young, or too old. Too large, or too small. Everyone worries about how they look. The thing that’s great about this particular area is that you have some level of control over it. Be sure your hair is an up to date style. If you use color, be sure you’re keeping up with it. Check that your favorite interview suit fits. If it doesn’t fit, or is outdated, head to your local store to look at how you might update it. Ensure that your dress shoes fit and are polished. Consider whether or not your glasses are dating you. And, if you are feeling upset about being out of shape, think of taking an extra walk here and there — or starting to head back into the gym.

Obviously, some of these things are harder to do than others. Some are quick, and some take time and dedication. Just remember, the process of spring cleaning your personal brand is just that — a process. It takes time. Be patient with yourself, but don’t delay. The sooner you start, the sooner your brand will be shiny and polished — ready to find your brand new, perfect job!

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

Some people seem to have all the luck. From the outside, they appear to get every promotion, make more money, drive a nicer car and live in a nicer house. It’s like they are surrounded by a ray of sunshine all day. This seems especially true of celebrities, company heads and professional athletes. How do they get so lucky, and when will my luck change?

I would argue that luck isn’t really luck at all. As Roman philosopher Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Those we perceive as lucky are often working very hard behind the scenes to perfect their craft. They spend hours becoming their very best in hopes of shining in one important moment – whether it’s in a board meeting, on a stage or in a sporting arena.

In Malcom Gladwell’s book “Outliers,” he mentions the 10,000 Hour Rule. Gladwell believes that a large part of success is determined by how much you practice a specific task or skill. He says, “Practice isn’t the thing you do when you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.”

The same principle applies when you’re looking to grow your career. Seek out opportunities to improve your skills. At work, consider offering to assist someone with a task that’s outside of your expertise. Ask them to teach you a little about what they do. They’ll often be happy to help, and you’ll be given the chance to learn something new.

If you don’t have an opportunity to grow your skills at work, take charge and look outside of your cubicle walls. Consider donating your time to a local nonprofit or a friend who’s starting a business. For example, if you’ve wondered what it’s like to work in social media, volunteer to setup a Facebook page and Twitter campaign for a nonprofit that can’t afford to hire someone. If you want to become a better public speaker, volunteer to give a presentation to a community group on a topic you know about. This will help grow your skills, and give back to the community at the same time.

As you add more tools to your skill set, include them on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Consistently building on your existing foundation will help to boost your career’s value. But, don’t expect it to happen overnight. It takes months, years, and even decades to truly develop professionally.

Remember that today’s professional environment isn’t the one your grandparents grew up in. Employees can no longer sit back and assume their company will develop them over time. Even if you work full time job, you are still the CEO of your own career. It’s up to you to take charge of your personal career development.

Continuously looking for opportunities to improve, and practicing your skills is the one clear path to success. If you do these things and work hard, one day you may find yourself answering questions to your friends and family about how you became so lucky in your career.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day week!

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