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#YourCareer : 5 Common Career Change Fears And How To Handle Them. Study Shows 26% Want to Change Careers Entirely. How about Yours?

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More than a quarter of Americans might make a career change in 2023, according to Globalization Partners’ 2022 Global Employee Survey. The survey revealed that while 33% of workers are likely to switch jobs within the same sector, 26% want to change careers entirely. In terms of why they want to make a switch, workers ranked better pay (34%), the opportunity to change their work schedule (34%) and professional opportunities that weren’t available when they were younger (34%) as the most common reasons.

Hating your current job might be costing you job offers

But it can be scary to make a career change. In fact, according to the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, changing to a different line of work ranks just below the death of a close friend. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the anxiety so it doesn’t prevent you from moving forward. Here are some of the most common career change fears and how to handle them.

Fear of failure

One of the most widespread career change fears is the fear of failure. The fear of failure often originates from a fear of experiencing shame or embarrassment. We worry so much about feeling humiliated and disappointing others that we give up on attempting to achieve our dream. The problem with fear of failure is that it can be paralyzing, causing us to do nothing.

Here is an exercise to deal with the fear of failure:

Consider all the worst-case scenarios and write them down on paper. Be specific. Then in a second column, write down what you can do to minimize the likelihood of the worst-case item happening. In a third column, decide what action you would take to get back on track if the worst case did happen. Then in a fourth column, rate how likely the worst-case scenario is on a scale of one (not likely) to 10 (highly likely). This simple exercise will help you put fear into perspective and realize that the worst-case outcome is unlikely or manageable.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit & contact us @ www.firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Fear of what others may think

If you’re afraid of making a career change, fear of people’s opinions may hold you back. Perhaps your father encouraged you to pursue a “secure” job in finance, and now you feel you’d let him down by becoming a professional chef. In the end, you’re the one that’s going to live with the choices you make, not others. To deal with this concern, start by cultivating authenticity and developing a strong sense of self.

Ask yourself some important questions:

  • What do I care about?
  • What do I really want?
  • What activities do I enjoy?
  • What legacy do I want to leave behind?
  • What would I pursue if I wasn’t so worried about being judged

Then focus on your purpose and intentions. Why are you thinking about changing careers in the first place? Is it because you want to make a difference in the world? Do you want a better quality of life? If you can remember your “why,” you’ll be able to stay focused and less concerned about the opinions of others.

Fear of being too old

Changing your career path may seem scary, especially if you are over 40. But it is not uncommon or impossible. The good news is that the majority of older career changers are successful, based on a study from the American Institute for Economic Research. One way to face the fear is to think about all the advantages that come with someone who has a significant amount of work experience. For example, as you progress in your career, you acquire valuable contacts and diverse hard and soft skills. You also may be more financially stable, which provides additional flexibility when planning a career change.

Fear of wasting experience

A typical career change fear is having to start from the bottom. To deal with this, recognize that you have more transferrable skills than you realize. Also, if you have a strong network, it will be easier to make the right introductions to make a smooth transition. Finally, don’t overlook your soft skills like leadership, communication and problem-solving, which are more in demand than ever. Everything you’ve done up until now has prepared you for what’s coming next.

Fear of uncertainty

There are no guarantees in life. When you make a career change, there is always some risk involved. But you can mitigate that risk in several ways if you:

  • Embrace uncertainty and look at it as a learning experience
  • Take small steps instead of giant leaps
  • Develop new skills outside your comfort zone
  • Avoid dwelling on things you can’t control
  • Seek support from a small group of people you trust

Uncertainty is all around us. But by focusing on developing a resilient mindset, you’ll be more likely to face the unknown with confidence.

The most important thing to remember is that it’s okay to be afraid. Just don’t let it interfere with your vision. Mastering fear involves learning how to recognize and change the conversation in your mind. Once you do that, there are no limits to what you can achieve.

 

Forbes.com Author:  Caroline Castrillon Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website.

 

Forbes.com | March 26, 2023

 

#JobSearch : How To Manage Your Career Transition With Patience And Purpose. Be More Deliberate & Intentional. A GReat REad!

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Your career will inevitably go through transitions, some voluntary and others involuntary. Voluntary transitions could be triggered by a calendar year’s end, your desire for more flexible work, or the realization that the time has come for you to finally listen to what your inner voice has been telling you. Involuntary transitions may result from restructuring within your organization, getting laid off, or being afflicted with a sudden health issue.

Regardless of the cause, transitions often open up a mix of personal and practical challenges that range from clarifying exactly what’s next to rewriting your cover letter and resume. Successfully managing any professional transition involves first reflecting on where things stand in your career, then taking concrete action to make your professional ambitions a reality.

First, Assess Your Current Situation

Before you embark on any career change journey, take a moment to take stock of where things currently stand and what changes you want to make by asking yourself three questions.

1. How Satisfied Am I With My Career?

When you consider your current professional situation, rate your level of satisfaction across the various aspects of your job you consider most important. You could consider high-level job characteristics like location, industry, organization, function, role, and salary. You could also consider other factors that affect your daily satisfaction like pathways for growth, work-life balance, your manager’s supportiveness, engagement with your work, or opportunities to leverage your skills, interests, and strengths.

2. What Do I Want More Of?

After doing a situation assessment and identifying any outages, especially in areas most important to you, reflect on exactly what you want more of in both your life and career. Start with your life and consider domains like your relationships, physical health, emotional well-being, personal growth, family, or recreation.

Then, think about your career itself. What would you like to have more of in your day-to-day professional life? Consider both the practical and emotional aspects of your job. For example, on the practical front, do you want more people-management responsibilities? More opportunities to lead certain projects? Or more money? On the emotional front, do you want to feel more energized by your work? More alignment with your organization’s culture? Or just more interest in the product, service, or brand you’re managing?

3. What Matters Most To Me Right Now?

Well, it’s complicated. Often, when considering what you want for your life and career, competing interests can arise. Having more organizational responsibility may mean you’ll work longer hours, which could compromise your work-life balance. Doing work that aligns more closely with you values may mean walking away from your stable job in an established industry to work in a less predictable, but more energizing environment.

Having it all is nearly impossible. You have to decide which priorities you want to serve during this specific chapter in your life and career and which trade-offs you’re then willing to make. The reality is, you often need to let go of one thing to make room for something else more important to you.

 

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Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Then, Act With Intention

After reflecting on where you are and what you want, you must eventually take action to open new opportunities for yourself. Start by taking these three actions.

1. Brainstorm And Identify Lead Options

When making a major move in your career, casting the net wide, at least initially, can often open your eyes to promising opportunities you could otherwise overlook. First, brainstorm all the possible paths you could take in your career without judgment. Consider your natural interests or something you’ve always thought about pursuing. Reflect on those activities you once enjoyed as a child before societal judgement and life pressures set in. Browse articles that highlight hot jobs, growing industries, or companies proactively hiring.

While no path may immediately jump out to you, focus on those that could broadly take your career in a more promising direction. If you struggle to narrow your options, try filtering your list by evaluating whether you can leverage any of your current skills, where you could add unique value, which organizations have people you admire, and of course, what path is financially viable. If the list is still too long, target those opportunities that could provide you with more of what matters most to you right now.

2. Update Job Materials

Creating precise job materials with a clear positioning is much easier once you know exactly which role or opportunity you’re targeting. However, even if you only have a rough idea of which opportunities may be interesting, you can reduce the friction of pursuing them by updating a few key job search materials.

First, create a cover letter template. While eventually customizing your cover letter is important, start by having a broad structure written out so you can more easily fill in the blanks later. Your cover letter template should include at least three parts: why you’re interested, what makes you a strong candidate, and administrative next steps.

Second, update your social profiles. You should assume hiring managers and recruiters will be Googling you online. On LinkedIn, update your professional headline, summary statement, featured content area, work history, and ideally, your recommendations section. On Twitter, update your summary description and ensure your publicly visible tweets align with your desired personal brand. On Facebook and Instagram, ensure your happy with how your bio, About section, and publicly visible content appear. Take a couple minutes to do a Facebook Privacy Checkup. Across all social platforms, ensure you have an up-to-date profile photo and header image featured at the top.

Third, update your resume. Your full work history should include your job responsibilities and key accomplishments, especially those that align well with your target opportunities.

3. Explore Potential Paths Proactively

In my ten years of working with clients and audiences navigating career transitions, the vast majority did not necessarily know exactly where to take their careers next. However, they embraced experimentation and exploration to illuminate potential paths forward. Engaging in the following three activities can help you understand where to take your career next.

First, reconnect with existing contacts in your network, which not only allows you to know you’re on the hunt but also enables you to be in the right place at the right time. Focus on rekindling existing relationships with key contacts including former managers, colleagues, recruiters, industry contacts, mentors, school alumni, and really anyone with whom you enjoy connecting.

Second, build new relationships. Conduct informational interviews to learn about a new sector, role, location, or company. Tap into online resources like EventbriteEB -4.9%, Lunchclub, Fishbowl, Hive Index, and TheOrg to uncover opportunities to virtually engage with new professionals and communities. Try to surround yourself with people you admire living the life you desire for yourself.

Finally, dip your toe into new professional paths you’re considering in a low-risk fashion. Upskilling through an online course or certification program can help you expand your skillset, bolster your credentials, and test how much you enjoy this new path. Attend an industry conference or talk. Volunteer your time.

Make Your Move Once You Feel Ready . . . Enough

At some point, the only way to really know whether a new career path can work for you is to go for it. To change industries, pivot into that other role, or move to a different organization. To take a sabbatical, shift to a different work arrangement, or focus more on your family or personal interests for a while. Or to start that business, launch that initiative, or finally follow up with that person who’s been trying to convince you to go for a certain opportunity.

Navigating any professional transition will always feel uncharted, unsettling, and uncertain. Making this effort to patiently assess what you truly want and then proactively take small steps to start the next chapter in your career will help you be more deliberate and intentional when you decide to make your leap.

 

Forbes.com | December 2, 2022  | Joseph Liu

 

#YourCareer : The Dream Job Eludes 90% Of Workers – 4 Steps To Improve Your Career Odds. Nine Out of Ten American Workers Report not Working in their Dream Job.

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Nine out of ten American workers report not working in their dream job, and seven in ten say they’re not on track to land their dream job. JobSage, an employer review site, surveyed 1,200 Americans currently in the workforce, and the findings paint a pessimistic view, even into the future – only 47% of respondents considered their dreams realistic in the current economy.

Even though the odds seem long, with proper career planning, you can be in that 10% of people who are working in their dream job. You don’t even have to leave your current job to start working towards your dream:

1 – Keep your dreams top of mind

Working on your belief and confidence that your dream job is attainable isn’t just for warm and fuzzy, motivational reasons. Practically speaking, if you don’t think your dream job is out there or attainable by you, then you won’t get started and you won’t see the opportunities all around you to move along the path. Therefore, keeping your dreams top of mind is the very first step.

In the JobSage survey, the top dream industries included technology, entertainment and art & design. Top dream companies included Google, Apple and a university or school. Whatever your dream industry or company is, bookmark relevant articles for ongoing reading. These articles don’t all have to be about your dream targets – read about people who have made career pivots of all kinds, and they can serve as prototypes for what you’re trying to do. Talk to people who work or worked at your dream places or who have successfully made big changes. Put a Google Alert on dream industries, and follow dream companies on LinkedIn. All these small actions set up an environment where you surround yourself with information about your dream targets, which makes them more familiar to you and therefore more attainable.

 

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

2 – Start with activities outside the work day

You can change your career while still keeping your job. The reading, talking and research listed above can all be done outside the work day. As you get more excited about the possibility of landing your dream job, you can increase the activity – more in-depth research and more in-depth conversations, perhaps even attending meetups or conferences.

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile in advance of a more active job search. Volunteer to get more hands-on experience. For example, if your dream company is a university, volunteer with your alma mater or a local college where you live. If your dream industry is technology, take on a tech role (e.g., social media manager) for a non-profit. These more targeted steps still can be managed outside the work day and don’t have to impact your current job at all.

3 – Choose DIY learning and short courses over formal certificates and degrees

Respondents in the JobSage survey worried that the cost of grad school would keep the dream job at bay. However, graduate school is not necessarily a prerequisite to making a career change. You can opt for a certificate over a degree, a course over even a certificate or DIY learning options such as free online classes and lectures.

Hiring managers and recruiters care about what you know in terms of how it will enable you to be productive from day one. That knowledge could come from a variety of sources and be demonstrated in a variety of ways – a graduate degree is but one form of proof. As you learn more about your dream area of expertise, blog about it so you have a paper trail of your findings and insights. Or pull together a panel for an alumni event at your alma mater, and be the moderator.

4 – Negotiate the job you already have to better match your dreams

75% of survey respondents wanted more hybrid work, and 67% wanted to travel more for work. These are aspects of a job that you can negotiate right where you are. Put in a request for a change in schedule, location or both. If your role doesn’t lend itself to travel, look for lateral opportunities, where you can move within the same company to a different role that might involve more travel. If you work for a large enough company with offices in other locations, negotiating your responsibilities so that you work with those other places might enable you to build travel into your work.

Itemize what aspects of your environment, work arrangements or scope of responsibilities you would like to change. Prioritize and then negotiate for the ones that will make the most impact in improving how you feel about your job. You might find that your current job becomes a dream job. If not, you’ll at least get much-needed negotiation practice for when you actively look for the dream job elsewhere.

 

Forbes.com | November 14, 2022 |  Caroline Ceniza-Levine

#BestofFSCBlog : 10 Steps To Change Your Career Path At Any Age. Wondering To Make a Job or Career Change? Take a Free 60-Second Career Quiz and Find Out!

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The pandemic has changed workers’ professional expectations for the foreseeable future. According to Randstad’s latest Workmonitor Survey, employees feel empowered in new ways as they reassess their careers and the role of work in their lives. A stunning 81% of those surveyed say they have gained more clarity around their personal and professional goals over the last 12 to 18 months. As a result, they desire more training, work-life balance and, in many cases, a different career.

The thought of changing your career path may seem scary, especially if you are over 40. But it is not uncommon or impossible. In fact, the average American worker has 12 jobs in their lifetime with an average tenure of around four years with a single employer. Given the current hectic environment, flexibility, fulfillment, and work-life balance are taking center stage. That means more people are thinking about pivoting professionally.

The good news—the majority of older career changers are successful, based on a study from the American Institute for Economic Research. Changing your career path doesn’t have to be as overwhelming or difficult as you might think. These ten steps will give you the framework you need to come out on top.

1.      Upgrade your mindset

Ultimately, what you think, you become. Altering your career path means being open to the possibilities. Change your self-talk so that you can move forward despite your fears. Even simple mantras like “I can do this” or “I am fearless” really work.

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

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Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

2.      Take money off the table

One of the most common excuses for not changing career paths is money. Some common phrases are, “I can’t afford to change careers,” “I’m the main breadwinner, so I can’t take the risk,” or “What if I fail?” Of course, there are no guarantees in life. But who’s to say that you can’t earn a higher salary in your new career? It may not happen overnight, but it’s possible. Think of changing jobs as a calculated risk. If you plan for it, it will come.

3.      Focus on transferrable skills

Another common misconception is that changing career paths means starting from the bottom. Wrong! You already have an enormous number of transferrable skills. For example, if you are a lawyer, you have writing, speaking and research skills. As a marketer, you understand customer lifecycles and personas. Or maybe you are an accountant who is great with numbers and reporting. All of these are assets that can be valuable in almost any profession.

4.      Consider your why

Think about why you want to change your career path. Don’t change careers because you were passed over for a promotion or hate your boss. Make sure you are running towards something instead of running away from something. Let faith, not fear, drive your decision-making process.

5.      Identify the sweet spot

Find the intersection of the things that you enjoy and are good at. That’s the sweet spot. This exercise will help guide you towards career possibilities that align with your values and interests.

6.      Brainstorm new career paths

Make an exhaustive list of potential career paths. Keep an open mind! Defer judgment and try to have fun with this exercise. You can even throw an “idea party” where you invite friends to brainstorm different options.

7.      Research your new career path

Find people in the career you are interested in and ask them for their advice. That way, you can learn first-hand what it’s like to work in that field. You can also do research online and join professional organizations that will allow you to expand your network.

8.      Acquire new skills

Find out whether your new career path requires additional education or certifications. You could consider taking online courses or even find webinars, books and podcasts to hone your skillset. Think about how you learn best, and then set specific training and development goals.

9.      Test the waters

Try shadowing someone in your chosen profession. Create a side hustle that you can focus on in your spare time. You may even consider volunteering or working part-time to understand whether this new path may be the right fit.

10.  Develop an action plan

Once you’ve decided on a chosen career path, create an action plan. Your plan should include short and long-term goals along with specific milestones to hold you accountable. Think about how long it will take you to transition from where you are now to the new life you want to lead.

It’s never too late to change your career path. Whether you are in your 40’s or your 60’s, you can do it. The key is to have a plan and stick to it. Be fearless. Making a career change can be scary. But you know what’s even scarier? Regret.

Wondering if it’s finally time to make a job or career change? Take my free 60-second career quiz and find out!

 

Forbes.com | February 16, 2022 | Caroline Castrillon

#JobSearch : How Servers Can Successfully Change Careers. Work in a Restaurant or Hotel? MUst REAd!

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For many people, myself included, working as a server or barista is one of our first jobs. It’s often a way to earn extra money during college, or even deliver valuable income during post-university internships. However, for millions of restaurant employees, being a server isn’t a job; it’s a career. 

...And the pandemic is changing that. 

To me, there are two pieces of data that seem contradictory.

As lockdowns began in 2020, the National Restaurant Association found that more than eight million restaurant employees were laid off or furloughed. Throughout 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently reported that people who work for hotels or restaurants are quitting their jobs at twice the rate of everyone else. In May 2021, that amounted to giving notice.

You’d think with so many layoffs last year, restaurants would be flooded with applicants. Instead, hospitality brands are scrambling to offer everything from signing bonuses to higher wages and better benefits…  So what’s going on? 

Outside of the obvious health concerns throughout the industry, an additional factor driving the current quit numbers is something Anthony Klotz, an associate professor of management at Texas A&M’s business school, calls “turnover contagion.” Like the coronavirus, it spreads rapidly. When a server quits, it often leaves their restaurant short-staffed. This makes the job even harder for everyone else––motivating more resignations., “Whenever your co-worker leaves, it causes you to think … ‘what is she going to do next? And am I missing out on that opportunity?’” Seeing a coworker get a better opportunity or even pursue a brand-new career can be inspiring––which also drives more servers to give notice.

One possibility is also that generous unemployment payments incentivized servers to stay home, which is why it’s been so hard to restaff after last year’s layoffs. before they’re set to expire in September. Although higher benefits may be one reason for server attrition, I suspect that there’s another that’s far more common. Being away from the restaurant allowed servers time to quietly reflect on their options., being home with his children made him realize how much he values being able to make dinner for them and spending Christmas morning with them. It also made him think about “who I’m working for, what I want out of life now because working 50, 60 hours a week for what they’re paying just – it isn’t worth it anymore.”

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

The truth is, landing a great job takes time. It means listing goals, crafting a standout résumé and cover letter, networking and going on interviews. With many servers working until 1 or 2 in the morning, it’s challenging to keep their job, and search for other work. Plus, after a long day of waiting on tables, it’s tough finding the energy to pursue a new career. Whether you recently quit your job as a server or hope to soon, here’s what you should know about making a smooth career transition.

Where Do You Go From Here?

A few years ago,. They selected all of those listing “server” under work history to determine what positions former servers landed after their restaurant career. Although many servers took similar jobs such as a barista or bartender, many found work as personal assistants or administrative assistants. Others became marketing or human resources coordinators, research assistants and agents. There were photographers and case managers, recruiters and teachers…. The point is, the list was incredibly diverse.

There’s no question that numerous industries have actively recruited former servers just like you. Why? Because working in a restaurant helped you develop the soft skills that so many businesses crave. Hard skills are often the result of schooling –– think software design or microbiology. Soft skills, on the other hand, are ones you cultivate in your relationships. In an interview with Medium, “…a lot of men and women may not have the soft skills that will be increasingly valued in the technology world….We’re steadily altering the culture of the workplace, including all technology-based work settings.….we’re not as accepting of personalities that are cold, self-interested, and alpha-oriented. That kind of employee is recognized as under-performing because people realize workplaces are social settings. Being personable is an attainable skill — it’s not something you have to be born with. It can be encouraged, rewarded, and grown.”

 and help your company grow. They include being organized, a team player, and having attention to detail. You may have noticed that these soft skills are in successful servers’ toolbox. Soft skills also look great on a résumé. What are some soft skills servers have?

Teamwork

You developed this working in a restaurant. I recommend that you not only note it in your résumé, but reflect on stories from your time serving that really demonstrate your teamwork and collaboration skills. A good interviewee is always showing, not just telling., and as a server you need to seamlessly work with other servers along with cooks, bussers and hosts in order for the business to be successful. The same is true with other companies. If you are unsure of how you’ll land a coveted office job, for example, remind yourself of how great you are at teamwork and how valuable his skill will be.

Attention to Detail

As part of your job, you not only had to remember who ordered what, but also be aware when a bartender or cook made a mistake. Most of the time, it was up to you to make it right. This attention to detail will help you stand out from other applicants. Consider mentioning this in your cover letter, and reflect on stories that demonstrate this skill.

Punctuality 

If this seems basic to you, it’s only because it’s likely second nature. Being late or not showing up is an easy way to lose a restaurant job. Potential employers will appreciate this quality. Maybe it isn’t true that 90% of life is just showing up, but this isn’t overstated by much.Show up a few minutes early to interviews, but not too early,.

Networking is vitally important. The majority of jobs. Most positions are filled through connections. Fortunately, you likely already have a large network. Get in touch with fellow college alumni who are working in a job or industry that interests you. If your school has an active alumni network, this can pay real dividends, given that warm contacts are stronger than cold ones (ie. college alumni versus random outreach). In addition, chances are some of your former supervisors left the restaurant business as well. Consider reaching out to them. Finally, if you have any entrepreneur customers with whom you have a good sense of kinship, now is the time to get in touch about possibly supporting their business, letting them know you’re looking.

Remember, soft skills trump almost everything in today’s workplace… Even if you don’t have specific experience, your experiences as a server may put you at the top of the list of applicants. After that, it’s up to you.

Forbes.com Author:
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Forbes.com | August 11, 2021

#BestofFSCBlog : #YourCareer – Keys to Pivoting to a New Industry. Over 4K Reads! GReat REad!

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There are many reasons why you may be thinking about pivoting into a new industry for your career. You may have simply burned out on your current career, landed your dream job, or just feel like you need a change. Your industry may have been negatively impacted by worldwide event!! No matter how excited you may be about the switch, it’s only natural to feel a little stressed because of the transition.

However, before you spend hours writing and rewriting your executive bio to make it sound attractive to a new industry, here are some tips to consider.

 

Identify Transferrable Skills

If you’ve been working in your current industry for a number of years, you have developed a depth of skills to do your job effectively. However, not all of these skills may be essential or even useful in your new career. If you aren’t sure which skills naturally fit with your new industry, check with an executive resume service. They work with people with all different backgrounds to find careers in multiple industries. They will be able to help you identify your pertinent skills related to your new industry, so you can write your executive bio accordingly. You can also use LinkedIn. Find individuals who have the career you want and check out their profile. What skills do they have? Do you have these as well?

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

Network and Volunteer

Networking is the #1 way to find a new job. So, it only stands to reason that the more people you know in your new industry, the easier time you’ll have finding the job you desire. Begin networking your way into your new field of interest. Use your LinkedIn profile to find connections to the industry, asking your network to make introductions. Begin following company pages of interest. Identify volunteer opportunities that would put you in contact with other business professionals, as well. As you connect with new and current professionals, they can help educate you about the industry. If you have people who are making introductions for you into a new industry, this can help compensate for any skills deficiencies you may have.

Find Your Fit

Be sure to prepare for the transition. It will take time to find the position, and you don’t want to jump ship into something you don’t really want, just because you didn’t take the time to get your affairs in order. Before you leave your current industry, make sure your finances are in good enough shape to carry you through several months of downtime. The last thing you want to do is add to your stress level because you’re running out of money. You may end up settling for a job you don’t want just to pay the bills. Take your time as much as you can. Visit an executive resume service to make sure you have the best resume possible to hand to recruiters. By taking your time and being patient, you’ll be more satisfied with the end result and the process of getting there will be less stressful.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

FSC Career Blog – June 24, 2021

 

#JobSearch : How To Start A New Career With No Experience. Steps to Follow in Making that Career Transition. Great Read!

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After more than a year of working from home and managing Zoom meetings while juggling family time, many employees are ready to start a new career. In fact, Prudential Financial’s Pulse of the American Worker survey states that one in four employees are thinking about a career change. Another study conducted by Harris Poll found that the majority (52%) of U.S. workers are considering changing jobs this year, and as many as 44% have actual plans in place to take the leap.

Making a career transition is always scary. But it’s easier in this market because the demand for talent is incredibly high. If you want to start a new career but don’t have experience in the field, it can be done. You just need focus, drive, preparation and motivation.

Create a compelling story

In order to explain to potential employers why you are pursuing a different direction, create a story that illustrates your desire to transition to a new career. When crafting this narrative, emphasize your passion for the job and your willingness to take risks to explore the new path. You should also find ways to highlight your transferable skills. Although some of your past experience may not be industry-specific, it provides a solid foundation for your new career. Also include the reasons for making the change and how you can contribute to the organization’s needs despite not having industry-specific experience.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

Research your new career

It’s a big mistake to change professions without doing your research first. One approach is to look for an inexpensive introductory course on Coursera, Udemy or Lynda.com. If you decide to pursue it further, then you can look into more extended programs. Join Facebook groups that have a specific professional focus. First, introduce yourself and then observe for a while. When you are ready, start contributing and look for people you can approach for informational interviews. You can also learn a lot by reading industry-specific books and blogs as well as listening to podcasts related to your new career. Of course, there is no substitute for talking to people in the field. Network on LinkedIn and speak to at least ten people. That will give you a good perspective and allow you to notice consistent trends in their answers.

Try on your new career

Transitioning fields is a commitment, so you want to make sure to test-drive your new career before you take the leap. One great way is to volunteer or shadow someone. Take a vacation or sick day and follow someone around to get a feel for the day-to-day activities. If your field is a creative one, like painting or writing, you might consider taking a few days off to attend a seminar or workshop. Depending on the career, freelancing or consulting is another option. It allows you to acquire valuable experience while getting introduced to your new job firsthand. If you enjoy it, it will be that much easier to make the transition.

Consider innovative approaches

A growing number of companies and organizations recognize that resumes don’t accurately reflect the applicant’s personality. That’s why more story-based approaches are emerging. Consider creating a short YouTube video to introduce yourself and share why you’d be a great candidate. Another idea is to build a personal website to tell your story. One job seeker, Andrew Horner, even created a “reverse job application” website encouraging potential employers to apply to be his employer! He received several dozen submissions from some great companies, and after about two weeks, accepted a job offer.

Target companies that are open-minded

Though every worker has transferable skills, employers seek out certain skills more than others. Some of these include problem-solving, leadership and adaptability. Also, look for companies that value passion and transferable skills over specific experience. Take Virgin Group, for example. Richard Branson believes in hiring for personality and fit first and foremost. “I never judge people by their education and qualifications, says Branson. The first thing we look for at Virgin when hiring new staff is personality, which always wins over book smarts or job-specific skills— the latter can be learned.”

Starting a new career without experience will take time and probably won’t be easy. But if you follow these strategies, it definitely is possible.

Are you feeling stuck and unfulfilled in your career? Download my free guide: 5 Signs It’s Time to Make a Bold Career Change!

Forbes Author:  Caroline Castrillon

I’m a career and life coach who helps people go from soul-sucking job to career fulfillment. As the founder of Corporate Escape Artist, I made the leap to

…

 

Forbes.com | June 6, 2021

#BestofFSCBlog : 5 Ways To Update/Change Your LinkedIn Profile For A Career Change. Holiday Season is Prime Time for Networking! MUst REad!

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If you hope the new year brings a new career, you’ll want to promote your background in a way that translates to your new target field. Your LinkedIn profile is a powerful tool to reposition yourself for a new industry, role or both. LinkedIn is public and searchable, so not only prospective employers and recruiters might view it, but also potential connections who can offer information, leads or other support.

LinkedIn is a social network, and we’re still in holiday season – prime time for networking! Therefore, updating these five aspects of your LinkedIn profile so that it supports your career change should be a priority:

1 – Rewrite the Headline for your new target industry and/or role

If you don’t customize the phrase that appears right below your name, it can default to your current title and company. That’s sufficient if you want to continue working in the same industry and role. However, if you aspire to change careers, you don’t want your old industry and/or role to be the first thing potential connections and employers see. (Your headline may be the only thing employers, recruiters and other potential connections see if you appear in search results, and people decide not to click since your headline isn’t relevant.)

For example, let’s say you are currently a marketing manager at a bank, but you want to do marketing for a media company. You could change your headline to include your marketing expertise overall – e.g., Marketing Manager | Partnerships | Direct Mail | E-commerce. This takes the focus away from banking, which isn’t relevant, and highlights your marketing expertise, which still fits.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

 

2 – Highlight new activities in the About section

Similarly, when you summarize your background in the About section, open with the most relevant and substantive qualifications for your new field, even if your experience in previous industries or roles is lengthier. You want to catch the reader’s attention early, since they may not read everything, or even if they do, once they see you in the old industry or role, they won’t see you as a potential fit for something new.

For example, you might have 20 years of experience at the bank, but you could still open with your enthusiasm for the latest media trends. If you are working at all in your new industry (even if it’s a side consulting project or volunteer work), highlight that first. If you have certifications or are an active member of a relevant professional association, that can also legitimize your interest in the new field. If instead you open with a laundry list of your old experience, expertise and skills, by the time they get to the new stuff, they will see you as a newbie and therefore a hiring risk.

3 – Showcase your new expertise in your Activity

In addition to the About section, your Activity – e.g., posts you write, comments on other posts, videos or presentations you attach – can be tailored to the new career and showcase your expertise. Being active in your new field is also a good way to make and expand your network in that field. An insider may take note of your insights and make introductions for you to others.

For example, you could summarize insights from books or courses you are taking to learn about your new field. If you conduct informational interviews (and you should), you could highlight key takeaways from these meetings. You don’t need to produce content from scratch – you could follow executives in your target function or dream companies and comment on what they post.

4 – Include substantive consulting, part-time or volunteer work in Experience

The work experience you include in the Experience section doesn’t need to be paid or your primary job, as long as it’s substantive. Yes, you could also put volunteer work in the Volunteer section, but then it might be overlooked. Your goal is to catch the reader’s attention early before they have formed an opinion about you as being too deeply embedded in your old career.

This also includes how you organize the description about your current job — if some aspects of your job are more relevant to your new career than others, highlight these first. For example, a client of mine made a career change from financial services to education. It seems like a big pivot given she had decades in her original industry. However, in her last job, even though the bulk of it was financial, she also had some mentoring and training activities which she listed first.

5 – Speak to your new audience with relevant keywords

Whether it’s your headline, summary, activity, experience or other section, review what you include and how you describe it from the perspective of your new target field. Avoid jargon that only applies to niche areas. Generalize your skills so that multiple industries can see your value.

For example, I had a client in the transportation industry switch out references to passengers for customers. Another client in healthcare switched out patients for clients. A seemingly small change does make your profile more welcoming.

Put your LinkedIn URL in your email signature so your entire network has your updated information

Of course having an updated, career change-friendly profile is meaningless if no one sees it. Putting your LinkedIn URL into your email signature (your personal one, not your current work!) is an inobtrusive way of attaching your background to every correspondence. While it’s presumptuous to send people a resume (and people who don’t know you well may not open an email with an attachment), posting a URL gives access to the same information but more subtly.

As a career changer, most of your network will likely be in your old career rather than your new target, so your existing connections may not know all your adventures in your new career. Pointing them to your profile in each and everh email is an ongoing reminder of what you do and how much you’re working towards something new.

 

Forbes.com – December 30, 2020 – Caroline Ceniza-Levine

#JobSearch : If You’ve Tried Hard To Find A New Job Without Any Luck, It’s Time To Pivot And Start Over. A MUst REad!

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The Covid-19 pandemic has caused devastation and destruction. It’s not just a health crisis any longer. The outbreak and governmental measures enacted to deal with it has irrevocably changed the lives of millions of people. Six months ago, you may have had a great job and a fast-growing career. Now, you’ve been laid off with no prospects in sight. No matter how hard you try to find a new job, things just don’t seem to click.

One of the many consequences of the pandemic is that you’re now forced to make some very difficult decisions about your career. If you’ve been actively, aggressively searching for a new position, treating it like a full-time job and did everything humanly possible to succeed, but came up short, it may be time to reassess your work-life.

After valiantly searching for a new job without any luck, nibbles or real interviews, it’s time to start reevaluating your options. You may have to confront the stark realization that this part of your life and career could be over. Easier said than done, it’s time to pivot toward something brand new and start rebuilding.

This may come across as cold and callous. Having to walk away from a career that you love is beyond traumatic. Entering the unknown is terrifying. The majority of people self-identify with their job and career. Without it, they’re lost. Sometimes, unfortunately, you don’t have a choice. The decision has been made for you by the marketplace.

Rather than lament your fate, view this as a do-over. You now have the chance to reinvent yourself and start anew. Here’s some signs to look for to determine if it’s time to pivot, recharge and reinvent yourself.

If you’re in your late 30s or over and earn a fair amount of money, in a cost-conscious environment, the cards are stacked against you. Corporations look for younger, less-expensive talent or folks who will work on a temporary or contract basis.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

For the last number of years, companies have been stealthily relocating massive amounts of jobs to lower-cost cities in the United States, as well as a variety of other countries. The reality is that the jobs where you reside don’t exist as much anymore. When they do, you may be priced out.

Even if you say that you’d accept a lesser salary, companies are reluctant to hire. They’ll view you as a flight risk as soon as the job market improves or you’ll be disgruntled after a while—since you’re working for less money than you deserve. There’s also the erroneous viewpoint that older, more experienced workers are headstrong, feel they know it all and are firmly entrenched in their opinions, whereas younger talent is more mailable.

You might just be sick and tired of what you’ve been doing. After years of being in the same profession, it can grow stale. The same responsibilities, dealing with the same people, problems and pressure feel like never-ending torture. There’s a lack of passion that you once held for your job, career and company. When you feel this way, you know deep down that it’s time for a change.

Now is the time to act. In an age of upheaval, hiring managers will understand your interest in trying something new. We’re entering an era where most things will be fresh and different. In a strong economy and job market, hiring managers will look askance if you’d want to leave a great, well-paying job.

Today, many people are reevaluating their needs, wants and goals. They seek a meaningful job that serves a higher purpose. As we’ve confronted our own mortality, seeing the daily death count from Covid-19, there’s the recognition that life is short, precious and fleeting.

You may feel that it’s time to embark upon a job or career that offers a deeper meaning compared to what you’ve been doing up until now. There’s an inner nagging feeling that you are supposed to be involved with something bigger and better and have been held back by the cultural norms. This period offers the excuse and chance to pursue your true passions. You no longer have to keep doing something you hate that doesn’t help people or benefit society.

This will be a tough endeavor. We’ve been tested over the last six months. You may have noticed that you’ve become stronger, resilient and open to new ideas and changes. Pivoting to a new career or job is part of this process. It will be a challenge, but it’s a chance to start over again and lead the life you really want to live.

 

Forbes.com | August 14, 2020 |  Jack Kelly Senior Contributor Careers

 

#JobSearch : Why It’s So Hard To Narrow Down Your Career Choice (And How To Make It Easier!). A MUst REad for All!

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I’ve been in the career field for two decades and have witnessed many changes in how individuals search for jobs. However, the part of the process that’s changed the most, and subsequently has become the hardest, might surprise you.

If you’ve been in the professional world for a while, you’ve likely noticed few significant changes in the format of resumes or the general interview process, perhaps with the exception of how they’re created or conducted, respectively. And technology and personal websites have just extended how we express and communicate our expertise.

Networking as an effective search strategy is likely the most stable in the process, having earned its place as a front runner in the 1970’s with Granovetter’s pioneering work on the spread of information in social networks. If anything, networking has become infinitely easier with the invention of social media and tech-based communication tools.

What’s become much harder, is figuring out what you want to do.

The age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” appears deceptively innocent. But for many who’ve been on the receiving end of this inquiry, it instills a sense of anxiety and confusion, especially if you haven’t quite figured it out or are ready for a change and don’t know where to begin.

Here’s why it’s so tough to answer, and what you can do to start formulating a response you feel good about:

1- Traditional paths have been obliterated. Upon retiring with 40 years of service from the local power company, my father was given an engraved lamp built with spare machine parts. So, although odd retirement gifts aren’t the reason professionals don’t stick with one company anymore, I can’t say it wasn’t a contributing factor. But seriously, it’s common today to change roles 10 or more times throughout a career span. It’s even becoming rare for someone to stay in the same industry or function for more than a decade now. New markets, hybrid roles, portfolio careers and side hustles have created opportunities for professionals to completely change trajectories, create mixed sources of income and test out emerging fields. And while having more options is exciting, it’s also confusing and overwhelming.

Make it easier: Stop looking at titles. Many people start here, but titles aren’t uniform or specific enough to really help narrow down your choice. A “Director” at one company may be equivalent to a “Manager” at another. “Business Development” can mean sales in one firm and marketing strategy at another. Instead, break down roles into projects, skill sets, and competencies so you can understand the actual work and make a clear decision based on what you’ll be doing day-to-day. O’NET Online is a free tool that helps you research work activities, abilities, educational requirements and general tasks for thousands of job families and roles. Plus, you can sort your search in a variety of useful ways including what industries have a bright outlook in the current market.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

2- We’ve been fed some outdated advice. While there’s wisdom in the tip “follow your passion,” taken at face value, that phrase loses some of its effectiveness. Most people have multiple passions, and sometimes activities you’re passionate about aren’t ideal careers. When encouraged to discover your passion, it puts undue pressure to find the right choice, when in reality, there are many great career choices and very few true career mistakes. Everything you do is a chance to expand your network and broaden your experience.

Make it easier: Follow your professional energy instead. Think of a work project or task you look forward to doing or jump to when you’re avoiding less desirable work activities. Or maybe there’s an accomplishment you’re proud of that gets you energized when you share the story with others? Your answer likely lies within these examples, so examine what aspects make these interesting to you. Perhaps you love solving an impossible problem or partnering with a collaborative team. Or maybe you enjoy being up against a tight deadline, or digging into data to find the underlying story. Once you discover the thread, look for roles that engage these skills.

3- The market is shifting at warp speed. In many ways, the world has changed more in the last six months than in the last six years. Even if you discovered your life’s true vocation early on and never wavered on your choice, chances are technology advances, global needs, market demands and customer preferences will cause significant disruption to your daily tasks, making it tough to remain in one profession your entire life. But with traditional paths decreasing, and options becoming almost limitless, it can be paralyzing to move forward.

Make it easier: Not even career coaches or recruiters can keep up with the influx of new job families that are cropping up almost daily. So, instead of focusing on what you want to be, ask yourself, “What challenge do I want to solve in the world?” Read what’s happening in the market in areas that interest you and look for roles in organizations that are tackling those problems. Identify your professional superpower, align it with your values and interests and then learn how to wield that superpower to the changing needs of the market.

4- A reactive process is becoming less viable. In early 2000, applying to jobs online was all the rage (as was saying, “all the rage”). Since the internet has become over saturated, it’s harder to trust what’s online, and data show it’s only a slice of what’s actually available in the job market. So, if you’re bored or fed up with your current career, looking on big job boards can give you some general ideas, but it’s not likely going to solve your problem.

Some look to vocational assessments for the answer. Although these can be helpful to understand your strengths, interests, values and preferences, the information you receive is only a piece of the puzzle, not the total solution. Others decide to return to school, which can be valuable if you’ve already made a clear career choice and have confirmed additional education is necessary to attain your goal (note: often it’s not).

Make it easier: Create an experiment or research project for yourself where you reach out to people doing interesting work. Ask how they got into the field (you may be surprised to hear their path was more of a zigzag than a direct line). Reach out broadly, even to people who work in fields you’ve never considered. They may share stories of how their organization functions internally or partners with vendors that can open up new ideas.

And don’t limit yourself to standard full-time roles. Consider side hustles, a portfolio career or even short-term contracting gigs to create the mix of activities you’d like to explore. Even if you ultimately decide a full-time role is more to your liking, clarity comes through action. It’s important to try things on for size versus just allowing various pieces of information to bounce around in your brain.

5- Outside influences are strong. It’s common to rely on loved ones for advice. The great news is they usually have our best interest at heart. The not so great news is they likely aren’t the best career coaches because it’s hard for someone you know well to be fully objective. People we know often advise based on their own values (e.g., so if status or wealth are important to them, they may see your choice to pursue a role based on altruistic values as unwise).

Make it easier: Have a different exploration conversation with those you know. Instead of asking about your career, ask what you’re “known” for and what unique qualities they see in you, which may help you to better understand your professional superpower and abilities. Also, stop comparing yourself to others. This is demoralizing and prohibitive. While it’s great to have role models and mentors, remember everyone is on their own path. Lastly, reach out to people able to be direct and objective. This could be weaker ties (e.g., 2nd level contacts) in your network, or a career coach. Although others won’t have your answer, they can certainly help by asking deep questions, offering fresh insights and enabling you to see yourself differently.

6- Identity clinging is strong. When pondering a new career choice after working for a period of time, it can be challenging to see ourselves in a different way. Our career becomes part of our core identity with our title, company or profession often being one of the first things we share with someone we meet. So, if you desire something different, often professionals start with assessing how their current role can extend into their next career because they cling to the identity they’ve built. But ironically, this often keeps us stuck in a place we’re trying to exit. Also, humans hate ambiguity and often feel like trial and error are a waste of time.

Make it easier: First, stop asking yourself the question, “What do people in my role usually do next?” during your exploration. This may lead to some simple answers, but will limit your total options and may convince you a compete switch isn’t doable (hint: it is!). Next, recognize jumping off your career ladder to try something new won’t be catastrophic if it doesn’t work out, and unexpected career detours are usually surprisingly valuable to your marketability.

So stop looking for guarantees when there are none. And although many skills are transferable, actively keeping one foot in your old career may prevent you from truly getting to where you really want to be. So, if you can shed your title or professional label and start looking at yourself as the value you add to the market, you’ll see yourself as incredibly versatile professionally.

What you may have gathered if you read the article versus skimming the bullets is that figuring out your next career still takes work. But, you can make the effort you put forth meaningful and productive by following these steps so it’s not harder than it needs to be.

 

Forbes.com | July 13, 2020 |  Dawn Graham Contributor