Are you an expert?
I hope you had a wonderful and safe weekend. Over my weekend, I really started thinking about something. What are you an expert in? How many things have you truly mastered in life?
For example, you must know how to cook a little in order to survive day to day. But, is your food the quality of a professional chef? If your job disappeared tomorrow, and you were told the only job available to you was cooking in a restaurant, how would that work out?
Similarly, you might like to travel – domestically, and maybe even internationally. But, how good are you at booking travel? Do you know about all sorts of hotels, travel visas, and the best restaurants?
In both of these examples, the chances are pretty good that you would much prefer to be the customer. You probably aren’t a professional chef, or so skilled with travel booking that you could take it on as a full time job.
You’re probably wondering where I’m going with this. Well, this is what I was thinking…
Was it is that you ARE an expert at? After graduating from college, I became an IT project manager and business analyst at FedEx. Some of the things that make an IT project manager good at their job include:
- Very well organized planner
- Ability to write business requirements
- Good at leading meetings, and mitigating conflict
- Understands the software development life cycle
Now, let’s contrast this list with what makes someone good at looking for a job:
- Well spoken, and presents well
- Comfortable explaining own work history
- Good at presenting online, in both a resume and LinkedIn profile
- Great at networking with people at other companies
This is a short list of just a few things. But, they’re clearly very different skills. The skills needed to be a good project manager are in many ways different than those required to be a great job seeker.
And, to become a true expert at something, you do it every day. This is what happens with your full time job.
But, when you’re tasked with something you only do rarely, like planning a luxury vacation, you either get by doing the minimum with your existing skills, or you contact a professional to help you. You know you’ll never be the best at it because you don’t do it all the time. And, that’s okay because your career’s future doesn’t depend on how well you cook, or how great your travel reservations are.
Unfortunately, when it comes to job seeking, this is not the case. How good you are at job searching can have a major impact on your future — both in the type of job you have, and the amount of money you make. But, how can you be an expert at something you only do once every five years (for as short of a time as possible)?
So often, job seekers fail to recognize this core issue. I hear from people who say, “The companies just don’t like me!” Or, “They must not think I can do this job!”
You know, the job seeker could be totally right. The company may hate them. The company may completely think they’re unqualified. Or, judge them based on some part of their work or personal history.
Alternatively, it’s equally possible (if not more so) that nobody’s seeing the job seeker’s resume at all. It’s possible that the resume never makes it out of the online system (otherwise known as the “applicant tracking system”). Did you know that very often, a human never even sees your resume?
Does the fact that you don’t have a lot of practice looking for a job mean that you aren’t good at doing the actual job? No, in fact, in might mean just the opposite. If you haven’t looked for a job much, it could be because you’ve been really happy at your current job – or because hiring managers have always recruited you first.
So, it’s possible that you’re really great at your job – but, not so great at finding a job. As I mentioned above, they’re two different skill sets. Does that make sense?
Anyhow, before you give up on your search – or get too frustrated (or take a fallback job), try to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. That frustration you’re feeling is probably not a reflection of how good you are at what you’re doing. It may very well be with the job searching process.
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
Declare your independence this 4th of July
As you know, Independence Day is a proud holiday in the U.S.A. commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
I hope you have a fabulous 4th of July this year celebrating with friends and family!
But, before July slips away, take the time to begin to plot your very own independence day.
Is your boss taking your talents for granted? Has your professional growth come to a halt? Or, did you feel relieved just to get a 3% raise last year?
If you can relate to any of these questions, it’s time to begin to think about how you can put the ball back in your court. Don’t wait for someone else to recognize your talents.
Why do I say that? Well, there’s a rumor still going around that if you work really, really hard and do your best every day, you will be recognized and appreciated.
Does that sound familiar? My guess is your parents or grandparents shared this tip with you. And, many years ago, maybe this technique killed it. But, today, if you work hard (and only work hard), chances are good that the only thing you’ll get is more work.
A career is more than just working hard. It’s a brand. It’s your competitive knowledge. It’s your network. It’s your resume, and your online presence.
And in many cases, it’s “who you know, not what you know.” I’m sure you’re familiar with that old saying. It explains why the highest paid people aren’t always the smartest or the hardest working.
So, if your technique isn’t working, what can you do about it?
The first step to creating independence for yourself comes in the form of networking. Think of it as making business friends.
So often, when we’re caught up working, we forget to take the time to build new relationships. Many people I meet who struggle with networking the most ask the question, “Why would I get to know this stranger? What’s in it for me?” Possibly nothing right now. But, down the road in the future, you never know what might happen.
When your new friend is looking to hire a new employee in a few years, you may be first on their list. If you get laid off tomorrow, having a strong network can really create a safety net for you. It’s especially helpful when you know people across different industries, and in different roles.
Think of networking like investing. When you invest your retirement fund, you wouldn’t pick just one stock. You select a mixture, and you add in various types of financial products that have different risk levels. You may have some international investments and some domestic. Some stocks, and some bonds. And, you don’t expect to cash it all in today. You know that it takes work and time.
Networking is no different. The more diverse your network, and the more time you put into building it, the more secure you’ll be long term. It creates a sense of independence and choice.
Networking is of course just one element to creating career independence. But, its a foundational building block and a great place to begin.
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
I want to move. Where in the world do I begin?
Have you thought of moving, but just aren’t sure where to begin? A number of the people I’ve met lately are thinking of just this idea. There are a few main reasons they want to relocate:
- There aren’t many jobs in the city where they live
- The economy is looking up and there are more opportunities to chase after
- They’re looking for something different in terms of lifestyle.
Whatever your reason, moving can be equally intimidating. If you’ve moved before, chances are good that it was when you went away to college, or for your first job after college.
Back then, you’d move to any city. You didn’t have as many preferences yet. You moved to where the job was.
But now, you want to move somewhere warm — or somewhere closer to family — or to a bigger city — or to a small town. You probably have two or three cities picked out as targets.
But, you have no idea how to move to one of those cities. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Select your target cities. Do your homework here. Think about what’s important to you. Is it schools? Crime? A political party affiliation? List out what you want out of a new city, and find out which cities best fit your needs.
- Visit the cities. Before selling your home and closing up shop, visit the cities you’re thinking of moving to. Scout out neighborhoods. Spend time there. Verity you really would like to consider moving there.
- Get connected. Find ways to get involved in your new city, even though you don’t live there. This can be tough for a lot of people. In college, your activities and peers were nicely packaged inside one campus. As a professional, getting connected is a lot more work. Check out sites like Meetup.com and look for activities that interest you.
- Start saving. Years ago, relocation was pretty standard — especially for corporate jobs. Heck, I even received relocation as an intern. But, in today’s market, many companies don’t budget for relocation. If you’re really set on moving, start putting together your own relocation fund. You may need it.
- Leverage your existing contacts. If you already know people in your target city, take the time to connect with them. Find out if they’d be willing to help you.
And, if you don’t have many contacts, make new ones. A great place to start is with recruiters. If you’ve never worked with a recruiter or headhunter, you may not know where to begin.
Last week, I took a trip to Dallas, Texas to learn more about the hot job market there! On tomorrow’s Copeland Coaching Podcast, I interview Sarah Brown, a recruiter based out of Dallas. Sarah’s firm, PrideStaff Financial, specializes in accounting and finance opportunities in the Dallas area.
Sarah shares her tips on how to connect with recruiters. She also talks about transitioning from one career to another. And, she gives the scoop on why Dallas is a great city for you to consider!
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
Should I go back to school to get a MBA?
One issue I face often in my coaching practice is the MBA — Master of Business Administration. Some clients wonder if they should get one. Others wonder why their MBA isn’t worth more.
Typically, if you’re going back to school for a MBA, it’s for one of a handful of reasons:
- You want to transition your career into a new field (from engineering to marketing, for example)
- You want to learn the skills necessary for management
- You want to use it to work your way up the ladder
It’s typically not just because you want to learn for the sake of learning. MBA candidates are looking for value.
So, how do you decide if you should go back?
Recently, I’ve encountered a number of MBA grads who have been very disappointed with their degrees.
Why? Because their employers don’t take them seriously. They spent lots of time and money earning them, and nobody cares. They didn’t get a raise. Future employers don’t acknowledge their new degrees. It’s like they never went back.
How could this be? Are MBAs just not worth anything anymore?
I believe they are still worth something. But, you need to make your decisions carefully. There have been many for profit institutions in the news lately for questionable practices. When you select a school, first look to be sure yours has positive press.
Then, ask the school for their “post graduation report.” Most schools publish how much their graduates are making, and which companies they’re working for. Compare the average starting salary to how much you’re making now. Is it considerably more? If not, you may want to look at a different school.
Think hard before picking an online program. Taking classes from the comfort of your home can be attractive. But, don’t be fooled. A big part of what you get from your MBA is:
- Learning from in person class discussions with your classmates
- A solid network that you can reach out to in the future
MBA school is not just about what you can learn from books. And, employers know that.
If you do an online only MBA, make sure it’s a very reputable one. Otherwise, you may find yourself in the camp with the folks who find their MBA to be worthless.
It’s also important to consider the total ROI for a MBA program. For example, when I went to Pepperdine, I quit my full-time job and moved to LA. I didn’t work during my 15-month program. To cover my personal expenses and tuition, I saved money in advance and took out student loans.
It was important for me to look at whether forgoing my salary for over a year and taking on student loan debt made financial sense. For me, it did. Upon graduation, my market value had doubled. Talk about a quick ROI.
To calculate the potential return of the program you’re considering, you can look online for a MBA school ROI calculator. Here’s one that Forbes has on their website.
A MBA can completely change the path of your career in a positive way. But, it can also be a total bust. Before you enroll in a program, do your homework to ensure that the program you select really will meet your goals, and reasons for going back.
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
“What should I wear?”
One of the questions I’m asked over and over again is, “What should I wear?” What should I wear to an interview? What should I wear to work? When should I dress up or down?
The answer to this question can be tricky. When I started my career in engineering, I wore a golf shirt, khaki pants, and steel-toed boots. As a project manager, I wore business casual most days. As a member of corporate management, I often wore a suit.
In a way, what you wear to work is as much a costume as anything else. It’s what you put on to be taken seriously each day. It’s what allows you to fit into your environment.
On one hand, you want to be yourself. On the other, your number one goal at work isn’t to make friends. It’s to get things done.
And, unfortunately, people judge you for what you wear. So, what should you wear?
When it comes to interviews, a good rule of thumb is to find someone on the inside to quietly ask in advance. If you’re interviewing at a corporation or traditional business, a suit is often the correct choice. Stick with neutral colors in your suit, your shoes, and your makeup.
But, if you’re interviewing at an advertising agency or a start-up, the full suit look could really turn folks off. Consider something slightly less formal, and with creative accents. Add a little more color than you would at a corporation to show creativity is part of your brand.
When it comes to day to day wear, it’s often best to take hints from those around you. In a creative environment, you will want your style to look more up to date. Similar to when you were interviewing, you’ll want to add in more color, more creativity, and more of your personal brand.
But, if you work at a corporate, beware. It may seem fun to stand out initiatlly. You may be known as the one with the interesting hair, crazy shoes, or big tattoos. But, it’s likely in a corporate environment that’s all you’ll ever be. That person with the unusual look. It’s less likely you’ll be considered for promotions or management roles if you don’t fit into the corporate culture.
It’s sad, but true.
Now, I’m not trying to tell you not to be yourself. If you have no career aspirations of moving up, by all means, wear what you feel the most at home in.
But, if you plan to move ahead, you need to consider your wardrobe carefully. Selecting the wrong “personal brand” for your environment can sideline you in a way you never expect, and may never know for sure. It’s rare that someone will be truly honest with you if your style is causing you to be overlooked.
Again, I’m not encouraging you to not be yourself. But, consider your environment and think of your goals. Remember you’re at work to make a living, not to make friends. Friends are a great bonus, but you also need to stay focused on your goals. And, sometimes, especially in corporate, part of reaching that goal is being able to fit in along the way.
If you do have a strong personal identity that clashes with your work, remember that you can always wear your favorite clothes at home, outside of the office.
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
Copeland Coaching Podcast
