by Angela Copeland | Sep 15, 2014 | Advice, Newsletter
I met someone this week who said something that got me thinking…
“You know, I’ve never had to look for a job before. For my entire career, someone has always approached me with an opportunity. I feel lost for what to do.”
This is a typical experience for many people. If you ask a professional how they became a project manager / salesperson / insert other job title here, the story is the same.
“My parents knew someone who knew someone hiring, and I needed a job out of college, so I went. And, then so-and-so approached me about another job and so I went there a few years later. That’s how it started.”
Many professionals passively fell into their chosen career by chance. For many, this works out great. They have a long, fulfilling career that takes unexpected yet positive twists and turns.
For others however, this path can often lead to disappointment and confusion. Passively accepting any job that comes along can often land you in a role that may not be well suited for your skills or personality. And, eventually it will catch up to you.
For some, the wake-up call comes in the form of a layoff. For others, it can be triggered by family problems that are a result of a less than stellar career, or by an unhappiness that has been lingering for some time.
If you find yourself in this situation, it’s time to take control. I’ve written in the past about being the CEO of your own career, and I truly believe in this philosophy. It’s about taking ownership over things in your life, and actively steering rather than passively waiting for something to happen to you.
It can be hard to do this however if it’s a completely new experience for you. You may be wondering, “Where do I begin?”
Clearly, this topic is a bit too in depth to cover in one newsletter. But, a good place to start is by thinking about what you really enjoyed at your last job, and what you hated. List out three to five things for each category.
Then, think about your biggest fear as it relates to your career. What is the worst thing that could happen? Is it that your boss is terrible? Are you bored all day? Do you have trouble meeting your personal bills because you took a pay cut?
Think about whether or not you want to work in the same job function and industry — or different ones.
Once you’ve worked through these questions, you’ll have a better understanding of your target. And, once you do, you can start to tell people about what you’re looking for.
If you’re not sure how to communicate this new idea to others (through your elevator pitch, resume, cover letter, or online), seek out help. There are often community and alumni resources available — or get help from a career coach like me.
I work with clients on their personal brand, and how they communicate about what they’re looking for. Perfecting your pitch and your personal brand is the first step toward putting you into the driver’s seat of your new career. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
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
by Angela Copeland | Sep 15, 2014 | Job Posting
Vanderbilt is seeking a Director of their Project Management Office in Nashville, TN.
Responsibilities:
- Providing portfolio, product, and project managers, the elements, context, and tools needed to effectively lead a cross functional team in the delivery of informatics and technology solutions and services.
- Providing leadership and direction to the project delivery teams, shaping portfolios of work and assigning resource as necessary
- Understanding priorities for projects, ensuring that Informatics reflects this in their allocation of resource and effort and feeding pack into governance process where appropriate
- Ensuring ongoing monitoring of project status and health, maintain project dashboards, and prepare status reports to Informatics Management Team, and executive leadership as required
- Collating, interpreting and distributing management information
- Leading efforts within Informatics for standard project methodologies and documentation to support effective large scale system implementations.
- Being the custodian of Informatics Center-wide processes, ensuring appropriate internal processes and aligning these processes
- Providing general and financial administrative support to Informatics with respect to project management
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Vanderbilt job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Sep 15, 2014 | Job Posting
ServiceMaster is seeking a Director of Franchise Development Operations in Memphis, TN.
This person oversees the daily operations of the inside sales, business transfers, and mapping departments. Develops and implements departmental strategies and process improvements. Performs market research, analysis, and finance modeling.
Responsibilities
1. Oversees the operations of the sales process to include, lead qualification, internal flow of leads, back office, and contracts.
2. Works with marketing and market expansion team to plan, develop, and implement ideas for lead generation, project execution, and sales process improvements.
3. Oversees mapping software strategy for the franchise brands.
4. Works with various internal and external sources to determine current market share and revenue history of franchisees.
5. Plans and conducts meetings with franchise owner(s) in targeted market areas and presents data and the case for adding new franchisee(s) into market.
6. Develops key strategic partnerships ¡V both opportunistic and proactive ¡V to further our brand and its franchise sales.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the ServiceMaster job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Sep 14, 2014 | Job Posting
Hard Rock Café is seeking an Assistant General Manager in Memphis, TN.
From the job posting: Hard Rock Cafe managers are responsible for all aspects of the business. Our multi-faceted leaders must possess an entrepreneurial spirit, a high level of intellectual reasoning, a passion to deliver an exceptional atmosphere, and the ability to drive the business forward. Our managers must possess a minimum of three years of management experience in a high volume restaurant/entertainment venue and the appropriate legal working documents.
Responsibilities:
· P&L Accountability
· The Employee Life Cycle
(recruitment, selection, development, and retention of staff)
· Facility Management
· Local Cafe Marketing
· Retail & Merchandising
· Unparalleled Guest Service
· Community Service & Public Relations
· Inventory Control (food/retail cost)
· Live Music Events
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Hard Rock Café posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Sep 13, 2014 | Job Posting
Hilton Worldwide is seeking a Manager of International Tax Operations in Memphis, TN.
The primary responsibility of the Manager of International Tax Operations is to assist the Director of International Tax Operations in ensuring compliance with all United States and state income tax filing requirements with respect to all of the Company’s activity conducted outside of the United States, both inbound and outbound. The international compliance piece will include the reporting of foreign income via forms 1120, 8858, 8865, 5471, 1118, in accordance with the applicable Internal Revenue Code international provisions as required under United States law.
To learn ore, or to apply online, visit the Hilton Worldwide posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Sep 12, 2014 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Door Opener or Doorstop.” In it, I discuss the importance of selecting jobs that match your skill level.
When I talk with millennials who have recently graduated from college, one thing is clear: They’re struggling to figure out what exactly to do next.
A common theme is they’re taking jobs that would normally be considered beneath their skill level.
Many recent college grads are afraid to apply for higher-level jobs. Perhaps there’s something in the job description that seems more than they can do. Maybe there’s one requirement they don’t meet.
In the end, these college graduates are submitting themselves for jobs that only require a high school diploma. This market seems to be more comfortable and less competitive. It’s faster and easier to find one of these jobs. There’s less pressure of failing and you can start working right away.
The problem is, when you do this, you’re really holding yourself back. To read my entire article and get a better solution, check out the Memphis Daily News here.
by Angela Copeland | Sep 12, 2014 | Job Posting
The Memphis Jewish Community Center is seeking a Sports & League Assistant Director in Memphis, TN.
The Sports and League Assistant Director must be passionate and knowledgeable to teach, educate, and motivate. The proper candidate will assist the Sports Director with development and implementation of all programming, facilities, and programming related to the sports department.
Responsibilities:
- Instruct Early Childhood Physical Education based on chosen curriculum
- Develop, coordinate, and instruct after school enrichment classes
- Instruct sports programs at the MJCC summer camps
- Teach classes, clinics, and leagues
- Coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports
- Coordinate and supervise youth sports leagues and programs
- Work closely with the MJCC youth department
- Maintain a safe teaching environment
- Supervision of Facilities Additional Responsibilities
- Responsible for ordering equipment and supplies for physical education and recreation activities and ensure that equipment is properly secured and maintained
- Participate in regular departmental meetings and building coverage
- Assist in the promotion and integration of other JCC departments to ensure the productive, effective and efficient operation of the MJCC
- Oversee internal marketing and communication efforts to maximize enrollment and program participation
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Memphis Jewish Community Center posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Sep 12, 2014 | Job Posting
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is seeking a Web Content Manager in Dallas, Texas.
This person will maintain the Dallas Arboretum website through content management system – Governor. Update and create new content as necessary. Prepare web-ready images and graphics for the website. Support the Online Gift Store site by creating slideshow images and providing web ready product images. Work with database administrator to ensure that the ticketing site (Outbound) and Dallas Arboretum site are consistent and purchasing options are set up correctly. Act as a liason for the Dallas Arboretum website with vendors including the website development company. Submit tickets to the development company as technical problems arise or as new additions to the site need to be made.
Write and design email communications via Constant Contact. These include a monthly ENewsletter and various eblasts as necessary (membership appeals, special invitations, special events). Create surveys in Survey Monkey.
Coordinate with social media vendor to create schedule for weekly postings. Edit content calendar and blog posts to make sure message is consistent with marketing and advertising objectives and all facts are correct.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Sep 11, 2014 | Job Posting
St. Jude is seeking a Director of Executive Communications in Memphis, TN.
This person is responsible for providing high quality writing and presentation support for the CEO of ALSAC and other members of the Executive Leadership team. Writes keynote speeches, video scripts, organizational announcements, talking points, letters and develops other communications such as visually compelling presentations, as needed. Oversees and manages executive communications processes by working closely with other divisional writers and creative teams on the development of key communications pieces. Provides strategic direction and day-to-day management of ALSAC’s internal communications efforts and team members to ensure employees are informed of key issues and updates. Works with VP of CEO Affairs and Executive Communications in developing strategies for executive and internal communications.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the St. Jude posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Sep 11, 2014 | Job Posting
The Children’s Medical Center is seeking a Director of Program Management in Dallas, TX.
Director of Program Management will lead a team of Project Managers to implement of a series of community-based initiatives developed by the Work Groups and approved by the Steering Committee to improve the health of children in North Texas. He/she will work collaboratively with multiple internal and external provider and community groups, including healthcare providers, social service providers, business and industry leaders, governmental agencies and other community coalitions. The Director will engage the multiple stakeholders in children’s health, evaluate data from multiple sources, and keep children and their families’ perspectives paramount in identifying issues of importance.
To learn more or to apply online, visit the Children’s Medical Center posting here.
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