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#YourCareer : How To Find Direction In Your Job Search: The 3 Buckets Method. Great Way to Explore your Career Options/Direction.

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With unemployment hovering around 4% and a hot hiring market, one of the biggest challenges for many job seekers now is figuring out what they want. Often clients in this position are confused and paralyzed—they don’t know where to start. They may have no idea or lots of ideas but little direction. The title of Barbara Scher’s classic, “I Could Do Anything If Only I Knew What It Was” sums up what keeps a lot of potential job seekers stuck.

Lane, a project and production manager for an advertising agency, was burnt out and wanted a more humane culture and work that was mission-oriented. She was open to possibility but uncertain. “I’m all over the map,” she said. “I know I should be networking and pulling together my resume, but I’m not ready to talk to anyone yet. What am I even looking for?”

It turns out that this question cannot be answered by analysis or even deep reflection and introspection. Instead, Lane needed to get into action before she was she knew what she wanted, before she was ready. As London Business School professor Herminia Ibarra points out in her terrific book, “Working Identity: Unconventional Strategies for Reinventing Your Career,” most people need to act in order to gain insight into what job or career path will suit them. Acting first and then figuring out what you want contradicts traditional career advice to ”follow your dream.” But Ibarra urges us not to expect that we should, or even could, know our desired destination until we have walked at least a few small steps down the path to see how it feels.

Ibarra’s advice is similar to the recommendations of Stanford Design School professors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans’ book, “Designing Your Life: How to Build A Well-Lived, Joyful Life.” Burnett and Evans also take an action-oriented approach to career exploration, based on design thinking. Instead of Ibarra’s language of experimentation, they call this phase “prototyping.” Think of it as finding your own personal product-market fit.

 

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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 …

Whatever you call it, this time of exploration is about gathering data. First, you will need to identify options of roles to consider, which will function as your prototypes or hypotheses to test. Experimenting will help you to get the real-world data, information and experience that will help you identify what path you want to pursue.

One of my favorite exercises to use with clients is to brainstorm at least two possible jobs or roles within each of three categories or buckets.

  • Bucket 1: The logical next step. In this bucket, list roles that are clearly related to your current job and for which you have most of the skills and qualifications needed. For example, you could do the same role in the same industry but at a different company. You could stay in your company or organization and move to a different role that has some overlap with your current role. You could move up a level to be a manager or drop a level to being an individual contributor in the same function. In bucket 1, you have high confidence that you would be a strong candidate for the roles you list. If you were applying to college, bucket 1 would be your safety school.
  • Bucket 2: The stretch role. In this bucket, list roles or jobs that represent some degree of reach from your current role. You might consider an entirely different role or function where you hypothesize that many of the core competencies are similar. You might change industries or areas of expertise where there is an analogous or similar function. You might return to something you did earlier in your career and are uncertain whether your skills are up to date. In bucket 2, there is more uncertainty about fit, but also potentially more excitement and interest.
  • Bucket 3: The wild idea. This bucket is both the scariest and the most exciting. Here you want to list ideas that intrigue you even if they seem implausible. Roles in this category would represent a big shift and  involve some uncertainty or risk. You might even feel embarrassed to tell your friends. Perhaps you have dreamed of becoming a travel writer, starting a business, running for office, or going to medical school. Your bucket 3 ideas may seem outlandish or impossible. They also offer clues to what elements you find missing in your current life. And even if you can’t get a job now, they might represent an interest or skill area that you want to cultivate for a later chapter in your career.

If you have trouble making your lists, try asking a friend or colleague to brainstorm with you. Once you have at least 2-3 (or more) roles in each, review them and notice which ones are of interest. Do you observe any themes or commonalities? Do any make your heart sing (or sink?) Pick two—from different buckets—to explore and experiment with. For each idea, identify a few experiments. Your experiments should be easy, low-risk, and cheap. These could include: reading a book or article on a topic; taking a class; having an informational interview; writing a blog post; volunteering; attending a meet-up or conference.

Be clear about the hypothesis you are testing. For example, Lane’s bucket 1 hypothesis was that she might be happier at a mission driven ad agency and her bucket 2 hypothesis was that her project management and production skills from advertising would be transferable to the non-profit or museum sectors. She arranged informational interviews with various colleagues who had taken those paths. These conversations helped her to refine her hypotheses and continue her exploration. She was on her way!

If you are having a hard time knowing what you want or where to start, try it. The 3 Bucket Exercise can help you get unstuck and take action to explore and iterate—or prototype—your next career move.

 

Forbes.com | February 16, 2022 |  Hanna Hart

#YourCareer : The Top 5 Growing Career Fields In 2022. College Grad or Ready to make a Career Pivot? Got Kids??

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When it comes to the future, uncertainty is the only certainty. Think about remote work. Way back in 2019, it was slowly gaining acceptance even as most managers resisted. In 2020, companies and their employees were forced to adapt. Today many workers have traded long commutes for casual strolls to their home office. For companies hoping to attract top talent, remote work is now an enticing benefit, and non-negotiable for many.

Most of us experienced a bit of emotional whiplash when the summer of freedom petered out and offices delayed reopening. Predicting which careers will flourish in our post-COVID world isn’t easy. Still there are some definite trends. Of course if you’re already loving your career, I’m not suggesting a radical course correction. However, if you are considering a change, here are the top five growing fields in the years ahead.

1. Healthcare

The COVID-19 pandemic had an outsized impact on health care workers. Some caught the virus, many became ill or even lost their lives.  After enduring a months-long onslaught of patients, studies suggest over one-third are thinking about leaving the profession. Although there has been a shortage of skilled nurses for years, the pandemic made it even worse. That’s one reason healthcare is a top field of the future.

There will be a need for at least 500,000 more Registered Nurses by 2027. You’ll have to earn a bachelor’s of science or an associate’s degree in nursing along with a license. If you love travel, becoming a travel nurse can mean earning a six-figure income along with signing bonuses. In fact, there’s a range of healthcare jobs that offer travel opportunities. In the top five for fastest growing professions, nurse practitioners are R.N.s who have also earned a master’s degree. Able to do many of the things a doctor does like prescribe medication, nurse practitioners are less likely to be burdened by the average physician’s debt load –– which can easily exceed 200K. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020 the median pay for a nurse practitioner was almost 112K.

 

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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 …

2. Information Technology

Of course IT has been a growth field for years. What’s different is that an increased focus on remote work and smartphone development has increased demand for software and app developers. Although this field has traditionally required a bachelors of science degree, companies are now recruiting people who learned to code online. So if you’re thinking about a career change and are tech orientated, you may want to consider taking some coding classes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) predicts that by the end of the decade, the software development field will grow by 22% –– which means over 300,000 new jobs with a median salary over six figures. And if you tend to be introverted, software or app development is a great career choice.

3. Supply Chain Management

You probably aren’t surprised to find that this is a growth field. The panic buying that began before last year’s lockdowns upended the just-in-time delivery methods that so  many retailers had long relied on. Jobs in this field include Purchasing Agent, Logistics Analyst, and Distribution Manager. Although many start out with a bachelor’s degree, top earners have graduate degrees as well. Industrial engineers are also plentiful in this supply chain management. So if you are skilled with math, statistics, and engineering principles and love making systems work more efficiently, this could be the right field for you.

4. Financial Management

Careers in this field are expected to grow by 15% over the next decade. Financial managers are hired to examine a company’s spending and income while looking for ways to maximize profitability. Fortune 500 companies often seek candidates with an MBA –– although smaller organizations hire financial managers with bachelor’s degrees. The median income approaches 120K. Management consultants enjoy similar high rates of growth and high median incomes.

5. Actuarial and Statistician

Actuaries enjoy an almost 20% growth rate by the end of the decade and a median income over six figures. If you enjoy data and statistics, this could be the perfect high-growth field. Most work for insurance companies, deciding whether or not to insure a potential customer. Being able to evaluate risk is an in-demand skill. Actuaries often have a degree in actuarial science and have passed a series of licensing exams. Statisticians fulfill a similar role for companies by analyzing data and projecting future sales, profits, and obstacles to growth. Data Scientists, who help companies better utilize information, enjoy a projected 30% growth in employment by 2030.

Of course the best job for you may not be the highest paying, nor one with the fastest growth. The key is leveraging your skill set and achieving the best possible outcome. Besides, how many would have guessed the number one fastest growing occupation? According to the BLS, it’s motion picture projectionists.

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Forbes.com | November 8. 2021

#CareerAdvice : The 30 Fastest-Growing Jobs And Careers For The Next 10 Years. Great REad! Got Kids?

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If you are starting out your career or have been in the workforce for a while, it’s important to look into the future. Hockey star Wayne Gretzky famously said, “I skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been.” It’s the same way with your career. You  need to look forward. Anticipate the emerging trends. Figure out how you can leverage your skills & degree to pivot toward a fast-growing career instead of being stuck with a job that’s going nowhere.

I write about the monthly jobs report compiled by the United States Department of Labor. Every month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows how many new jobs were created or lost. The data captures a moment in time. This division, as you can imagine, has access to a wealth of information and statistics about jobs and careers.

While most economists, Wall Street professionals and nerdy guys like me pay attention to the monthly jobs reports, the BLS has some compelling reading for proactive people who strongly desire to advance their careers. It has put together lists of the fastest-growing jobs and careers. Additionally, the BLS shares how much these roles pay.

Before we go into the jobs, let’s look at the sectors that offer rapid growth. To start with, the BLS anticipates that overall employment in the U.S. will grow from “153.5 million to 165.4 million over the 2020–30 decade, an increase of 11.9 million jobs.”

Employment in the restaurant, bar, travel, hotel and what’s referred to as the “leisure and hospitality sector,” as a catch-all, is projected to increase at the fastest rate. This will occur in response to the the country’s reopening and recovery. During the pandemic, workers in the leisure and hospitality space were one of first to lose their jobs or get furloughed. Now, due to nearly insatiable demand, the jobs have come roaring back. The bounceback has been so enormous that restaurants and businesses complain they can’t find enough workers. Large corporations, such as Walmart, Amazon and Target, have had to respond by offering sign-on bonuses, increases in wages and free tuition to entice people to join their companies.

 

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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 …

As you can imagine, in the current and eventually post-pandemic environment, healthcare will take precedence. Understandably, concerns about our health and safety will propel the healthcare and social assistance sector’s continued growth. This space is “projected to add the most jobs of all industry sectors, about 3.3 million jobs over 2020–30.”

Within healthcare, employment in the individual and family services industry is projected to increase the fastest, with an annual growth rate of 3.3%. Some of the fast-growing healthcare occupations include nurse practitioners, physical therapist assistants and physician assistants.

A rising demand for the care of an aging Baby-Boomer population, longer life expectancies and continued growth in the number of patients with chronic conditions will call for a steady need for healthcare providers.

Technological advancements are expected to keep growing at a fast pace. We see an acceleration in artificial intelligence, robotics, self-driving vehicles, cryptocurrencies, gaming, virtual reality, online collaborative video platforms and the metaverse. There will be needs across the gamut, ranging from large tech giants to scrappy startups. As business continues moving online, demand will outstrip the supply of suitable job candidates.

According to the BLS, “Computer and mathematical occupations are expected to see fast employment growth as strong demand is expected for IT security and software development, in part due to increased prevalence of telework spurred by the Covid-19 pandemic.” The downside is that technological changes facilitating increased automation are expected to result in declining employment for office and administrative support occupations.

Tangentially, there will be a large need for people to interpret the vast amount of data to help business leaders make smart, informed decisions. Demand for new products, such as the Internet of Things, and for analyzing and interpreting large datasets are also expected to contribute to fast employment growth for statisticians, information security analysts and data scientists.

We are likely to see a retirement boom. This will open up opportunities for younger workers. Demographics show that by 2030, Baby Boomers will be at least 65 years old. As they age, many will start retiring or leave the workforce. The BLS states, “The increasing share of people ages 65 and older contributes to a projected labor force growth rate that is slower than much of recent history, as well as a continued decline in the labor force participation rate, because older people have lower participation rates compared with younger age groups.”

Other trends, such as moving toward environmentally friendly initiatives, the massive adoption of pets during the pandemic, a mental health crisis, working from home and the desire to improve our health and lives, will create all sorts of new opportunities.

Here are the jobs that the U.S. Labor Department and BLS project will be the fastest growing jobs going into 2030, along with the median annual pay:

 

  • Wind turbine service technicians: $56,230
  • Nurse practitioners: $111,680
  • Solar photovoltaic installers: $46,470
  • Statisticians: $92,270
  • Physical therapist assistants: $59,770
  • Information security analysts: $103,590
  • Home health and personal care aides: $27,080
  • Medical and health services managers: $104,280
  • Data scientists and mathematical science occupations, all other: $98,230
  • Physician assistants: $115,390
  • Epidemiologists: $74,560
  • Logisticians: $76,270
  • Speech-language pathologists: $80,480
  • Animal trainers: $31,520
  • Computer numerically controlled tool programmers: $57,740
  • Genetic counselors: $85,700
  • Crematory operators and personal care and service workers, all other: $28,420
  • Operations research analysts: $86,200
  • Actuaries: $111,030
  • Health specialties teachers, postsecondary: $99,090
  • Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists: $42,150
  • Interpreters and translators: $52,330
  • Athletic trainers: $49,860
  • Respiratory therapists: $62,810
  • Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors: $47,660
  • Food preparation and serving related workers, all other: $27,080
  • Nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary: $75,470
  • Woodworkers, all other: $33,630
  • Phlebotomists: $36,320
  • Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers: $110,140

 

Forbes.com – September 16, 2021 – Jack Kelly

#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

#JobSearch : How To Identify Your Next Career Move. Very Few People are 100% Sure of What They Want to Do Next.

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Very few of my career transition clients are 100% sure of what they want to do next. Most people either take their transition as an opportunity to take a step back and explore what would be a more meaningful or fulfilling career for them or they come to the coaching with a few potential paths in mind, unsure which would be best for them.

If you fall into either of these categories, there are several exercises you might do to help point you towards the right path. Among these is conducting a “mini-360” to get feedback from friends and colleagues who know you well. Keep in mind that no assessment—including this one—will ever provide the ultimate answer to the question “What should I do next?”

Instead, this exercise will give you data to consider and incorporate with all of the other data that you are collecting that may highlight certain themes for you to explore further in determining what might be next for you. I often compare the career transition process to a treasure hunt, and the answers to this mini-360 can provide both interesting and compelling clues to help you get more clarity and move forward in your search.

This is an easy but powerful exercise you can do in requesting feedback from as few as 3-5 people or 10-20 or more with a brief email. Recognizing that some people will not reply, I recommend reaching out to at least 10-15 people. The more responses you have, the more likely common themes will emerge.

To be clear, I am not advocating letting other people decide your professional path for you—in fact, you want to stay away from what my colleagues and I call “the should’s.” For example, “My parents say I should find something more stable than a startup,” or “I got a law degree, so I should really do something in the legal field since I spent all that money on law school.”

Feedback from others can be helpful since they are likely more to be objective in identifying your gifts and talents that you have either taken for granted or have a blindspot around and don’t recognize the extent to which you are really good at something in particular, whether that’s communication, creativity, or coaching others. This might help you identify jobs or career paths that play to your strengths.

Below are some questions to ask in your mini-360. You can, of course, customize this as you wish.

What three adjectives would you use to describe me?

If most people mention adjectives such as “creative, innovative, and forward-looking,” one might infer that data analytics might not be a good career for you, but perhaps product design or marketing might be. Likewise, if the adjectives are along the lines of “caring, compassionate, and helpful,” perhaps something in the helping professions like teaching, medicine, counseling, or coaching would play to your strengths.

 

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’ ?

Article continued …

What do you see as my greatest strengths or talents?

Answers to this question will either make you feel seen, understood, and appreciated or they may shed light on strengths you didn’t even realize you had. For example, someone once told me that I was a risk-taker. I looked at them very puzzled, as I didn’t think of myself that way. I asked them what it was about me that had them see me this way. They responded with actions or decisions I had made that I had never thought of as risky, because they were things that I wanted to do. But they were, in fact, risk-taking. They pointed out that I moved to a foreign country not knowing anyone with only a rudimentary knowledge of the language and left a high-status job in investment banking to do so. I also co-founded a leadership development firm two decades before that was a popular thing to do, while taking zero salary each year, relying solely on my business development skills to earn a living. Sometimes, it takes someone else to show us what we can’t see. We can have blind spots around strengths as much as development areas. Given my appetite for risk, I probably wouldn’t be happy in an opportunity that had limited financial upside.

What competencies, if acquired or developed further, would most benefit me in my career?

Sometimes, a fulfilling career is just around the corner, but there might be a competency—defined as an area of knowledge, a skill, or a trait—that is underdeveloped or missing, the presence of which, would expand your options and make you a more compelling candidate for a particular role or career path. This might involve learning a software program, understanding the regulatory environment in a particular sector, or learning to speak up more. These competencies may also be driven by market trends like digital transformation and the increasing applications of artificial intelligence across sectors.

In what types of situations am I at my best?

Getting feedback on the situations where you are at your best is also helpful to know in thinking about what’s next. Are you at your best presenting to small groups, solving complex problems, or when you’re engaging with clients? The answer to this question can also inform the type of work that would allow you to be in these situations most often. For example, if you’re at your best when engaging with clients, this might point to the professional services sector or a business development or client service role.

What have you seen me get most excited about?

To be fully engaged in your work, it needs to align with your values and interests. If others see you get excited by projects that are global in scale and the latest consumer technology, these interests may point to various target employers. Likewise, if you value collaboration and variety, these values may point to careers in consulting where the work is typically project-based and done in teams.

In what types of jobs or careers would you see me thrive the most, and why? Which ones would I not enjoy, and why?

These last two questions asks the feedback provider to “put it all together” and suggest positions or career paths that might (or might not) be a good match for you based on what they know about you. Hold these suggestions lightly—this is where some projections or “shoulds” may emerge, or if it’s a longtime contact or close family member, they may be stuck in an old image of you. But there can be some good ideas found among these answers for you to explore as well.

The benefit to asking a number of people these questions is being able to step back and identify the patterns and themes that emerge. Notice how they resonate with you. Do they intrigue you, excite you, or repel you? Which ones warrant further exploration? And what additional questions do these responses raise for you? The data you collect here can inform the next step of your exploration that ultimately leads you to your next career move.

Author: Rebecca Zucker

I am an Executive Coach and founding Partner at Next Step Partners, a global leadership development firm that provides Career Transition Services, Executive Coaching,

 

Forbes.com – February 3, 2021

 

#BestofFSCBlog : #YourCareer -How To Stop Sabotaging Your Career. Are You your Own Worst Enemy When it Comes to your Career?

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Are you your own worst enemy when it comes to your career? Perhaps unhealthy thought patterns or destructive work habits are interfering with your professional development. Self-sabotage occurs when that critical inner voice holds you back from achieving greatness.

By following these do’s and don’ts, you will finally be able to stop sabotaging and start succeeding.

Don’t let fear get in the way

  • Fear of failure: You fall into your comfort zone, and it’s gotten to the point where you can do your job in your sleep. Then you have the opportunity to take on a completely new and exciting project, but fear of failure creeps in.
  • Fear of success: It sounds strange, but many people are afraid of succeeding. It’s because once you finally get what you think you want, you realize it’s more than you bargained for. With success comes expectation and responsibility. It can be unsettling if you don’t know how to handle it.
  • Fear of loss of control: Our need to be in control at all times can be limiting. It might turn you into a micromanager who is burned out because you just can’t seem to delegate work. Ultimately, you are holding yourself back from reaching that next level in your career.

 

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

Article continued …

Don’t avoid going outside your comfort zone

You’ve outgrown your position, yet moving from familiar territory to a different company seems daunting. You wonder, “What if I don’t like it as much?” or “What if I end up with a manager who is a tyrant?” You’re in a seemingly “safe” place, but the growth happens outside your comfort zone. The first step is to acknowledge that you want to make a move but are afraid of change. Here’s a secret many people don’t know, fear and action can’t coexist. So, start taking small steps in the direction of your goal. Talk to as many people as you can before jumping into that new role. Learn about the good, the bad and the ugly. Make sure it’s the right fit and then take the plunge. If you feel you still need help combating those self-sabotaging behaviors, you may even consider working with a career coach or mentor to get you across the finish line.

Don’t compare yourself to others

Do you find yourself comparing your career to that of friends and colleagues? Maybe you and your best friend went to the same law school, but your friend has already made partner, and you haven’t. When you learned about it, it may have felt like a punch in the stomach. But career progression is different for everyone because we are all unique individuals. The only person you should be comparing yourself to is the person you were the day before.

By comparing yourself to others, you are not only sabotaging your career, you are eroding your self-confidence and creating unnecessary anxiety. If you do this consistently, it can be paralyzing. Instead of using that energy to feel resentful, use it to motivate you. Invite that person you’ve been admiring to be your mentor. Learn their secrets to success. This is also a good time to take inventory of all the things you’re grateful for. It’s almost impossible to feel envy and gratitude at the same time.

Do focus on your strengths

Often we don’t see ourselves for who we really are. We attribute accomplishments to luck or simply being at the right place at the right time. Make a list of all your biggest accomplishments—the ones you are most proud of. Then post it somewhere you can see it every day. Dig up any positive performance reviews, thank you notes or emails from clients and put them in a “kudos” file. That way, when you’re having a bad day, you can refer to them to boost your confidence. (I have one that I call my “inspiration” file).

Do recognize self-sabotaging behavior

The first step to break the cycle is to become aware of habits that are holding you back. What self-destructive mindsets are interfering with your ability to develop professionally? Here are a few typical self-sabotaging behaviors to be mindful of:

  • Perfectionism: You tell yourself you can’t act right now or believe you need to perfect your skills before moving forward. Perfection is an impossible standard that keeps you from advancing.
  • Procrastination: Instead of tackling an important project right away, you wait until the last minute. Start setting hard deadlines to hold yourself accountable.
  • Negative self-talk: Your inner dialogue is consistently critical. Are you punishing yourself for past mistakes? Be patient, and make an effort to build your self-esteem rather than tear it down.

Do be open to feedback

Knowing ourselves and being open to feedback is essential to career advancement. That way, you’ll be able to pinpoint the areas where you are excelling and need improvement. Don’t wait for others to provide input regarding your performance. Make it a point of regularly soliciting advice from managers, friends and co-workers. By being proactive and having an open mind, you will be able to use that information as a learning tool to propel you to the next level.

You are worthy of wanting more and having more. The world will put endless obstacles in your path, but none will be as big as the ones you create for yourself. Isn’t it time to get out of your own way and embrace the possibilities?

Feeling stuck and unfulfilled in your current career? Download Caroline Castrillon’s free guide: 5 Signs It’s Time to Make a Bold Career Change!

 

Author:  Caroline Castrillon –Contributor Careers – I write about career, entrepreneurship and women’s advancement.

 

Forbes.com | August 23, 2020

#YourCareer : Feeling Stuck In Your Career? Add These 15 Podcasts To Your List. A MUst REad for All!

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One of the most frustrating situations you can face when it comes to your career is feeling stuck, like you’re just spinning your wheels in the mud and getting nowhere. Even if you could free your car from the muck, you wouldn’t know which direction to drive.

Trust me, I get it. I’ve been there before—more than once. So have many of my clients. Some people say that your happiness shouldn’t be tied to the job you do, but I don’t buy it. When so much of our time awake is spent working, why should we settle for jobs that are unfulfilling or that leave us downright miserable?  Finding your perfect-fit role takes some deep inner work, like identifying your Genius and Purpose and learning how to apply each to your career. But sometimes you need external inspiration too.

In light of this, I’ve put together this list of 15 fantastic career-focused podcasts. When you get a chance, give one (or more!) a listen. Hopefully they’ll help you see a little more clearly which step you should take next. 

1. Abundantly Clear: The Growth Mindset Podcast

Being able to turn difficult situations into opportunities for growth is paramount to being successful and happy at work. By addressing topics such as burnout, business blindspots and effective communication, certified performance coach Malorie Nicole and her guests will help you achieve the growth mindset you need in order to achieve that.

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

Article continued …

2. Happen To Your Career

If you’re unhappy with your job, you need to take action. Don’t just sit around waiting for this situation to fix itself—it won’t. Listening to “Happen To Your Career” will provide you with the tools, roadmaps and inspiration you need to get started on the next leg of your professional journey.

3. Pivot

There’s no doubt about it: Change is hard. Fortunately, podcast host Jenny Blake will show you how to embrace all the pros and cons of pivoting—from facing fear head-on, to overcoming insecurities, to identifying your individual superpowers and knowing how to leverage them. As Blake says, “If change is the only constant, let’s get better at it.”

4. 365 Driven

According to host Tony Whatley—an entrepreneur and business coach also known as the “Side Hustle Millionaire”—happiness and success have four pillars: health, mindset, relationships and wealth. Each interview guest is an expert in one of those cornerstones, and their insights will help you unlock your true potential.

5. The Goal Standard

The journey to becoming successful is quite difficult. It doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it typically includes many roadblocks and struggles. In this show, Lené Green interviews high-achieving women and men who share the challenges they faced and the steps they took to overcome them.

6. Career Cloud Radio

Most of us dread putting together a résumé and going to interviews, but the job search is an inevitable part of breaking out of your rut. There’s good news, though: It doesn’t have to be as painful as you think. In “Career Cloud Radio,” you’ll hear practical and actionable job search tips from a slew of different experts, including resume writers, HR professionals and career coaches.

7. The School Of Greatness

Believe it or not, deep down inside, you already possess the ability to live your very best life. Of course, that can be hard to access and apply. But “The School of Greatness” can show you how to do it. Host Lewis Howes—entrepreneur, best-selling author and two-time All-American athlete—interviews some of the world’s most successful people about how they got to where they are today.

8. Career Talk: Learn – Grow – Thrive

There are a variety of different issues, both big and small, that you could face in your job. That’s why Stephanie Dennis takes a holistic approach, providing advice on a range of different topics, including prepping for an interview, navigating a tough day on the job and finding a new career path.

9. Side Hustle Pro

Starting something from scratch is no joke, and neither is turning it into something bigger. But the Black female entrepreneurs whom Nicaila Matthews Okome interviews have figured out how to do it, turning their side gigs into profitable businesses. In each story, learn how they accomplished this and hear about actionable strategies so you can follow in their footsteps.

10. Scaling Up Services

Maybe you feel stuck because your whole company is in a rut. If you work at a service-based organization and you’re a founder, partner, CEO or key executive, then this may be the podcast for you. You’ll learn how to scale your business more smoothly and quickly—and hopefully that growth will give you the excitement and energy you need to feel unstuck.

11. Hacker Valley Studio

When you hear the words “cybersecurity” and “technology,” you likely think of computers, coding and the like. But in this podcast, hosts Ron Eddings and Chris Cochran highlight the human element of these fields. But don’t worry—even if your job doesn’t fall into either of these two categories, you’ll still leave each episode feeling galvanized.

(Fun fact: In a very recent episode, I identified Eddings’ and Cochran’s Zones of Genius!)

12. Squiggly Careers

Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper are the founders of Amazing If, a training and consultancy business that has helped thousands of people find professional happiness. Their podcast aims to do the same by providing practical, actionable advice on how you can make the very best choices for your situation.

13. Repurpose Your Career

You’re not loving your current professional path, but you’re afraid of starting over. That’s completely understandable. But host Marc Miller, who has pivoted his own career six different times over the course of 30 years, wants you to know that it’s more than possible. In “Repurpose Your Career,” he talks to various experts about the best tips and tricks for tackling a major change.

14. The Good Life Project

The Good Life Project is all about learning how to live a life that’s fully engaged, fiercely connected and drenched with meaning. You’ll hear inspiring, intimate stories from brilliant minds like Elizabeth Gilbert, Brené Brown, Glennon Doyle, Seth Godin and more. Considering that your job is such a big part of your life, these stories are bound to help you figure out a way you can shake things up—in a good way.

15. The Accidental Creative 

A good routine can completely overhaul how you feel about your job and your life as a whole. Exploring topics such as channeling your attention and embracing gratitude, you’ll learn how to establish everyday practices that will help you achieve optimal performance.

Author:  Laura Garnett Contributor – Leadership Strategy

 

Forbes.com | August 10, 2020

#YourCareer : 5 Powerful Reminders To Gain Your Courage To Change Careers. Great Read for All!

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In a career coaching session, a client recently said to me, “This is way deeper than I thought it would be. In a good way.” “Yes,” I replied. “This is about your freedom.”

When we think of career navigation we often think of skillsets, qualifications, strategy. We think it’s all about rationality and logical thinking. But when we get right down to it, our career choices are really emotional choices. There is a logic on the surface, but deep down that logic is really driven by our emotions – fears, insecurities, etc.

For example, sure, there’s a surface logic that says doing an MBA is a very smart decision, one you will gain from to advance your career. But deep down, what if there’s a small inner voice going, “But, I don’t really want to do any job that requires an MBA. I don’t really want to be on this path.” What if your heart is really in other pursuits? Or maybe you don’t even know what else you would do, just that you don’t genuinely enjoy what’s in front of you. But all that gets pushed aside because the MBA seems like a smart thing to do. And everyone is so encouraging and impressed with your choice. It’s too scary to confront your truth.

You are marching along into the MBA based on your fear. Not very logical close-up, is it? There’s a lot of not really listening to and being honest with ourselves and then later wondering what happened and why we’re so unhappy.

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

Article continued …

What’s actually the most rational and logical thing to do? To do a career that you enjoy, that’s a good fit for who you are. That’s how you’ll thrive, have the best chance of succeeding as you show the world your genius, and how you’ll get to enjoy your life. But many of us find ourselves very far from jobs that are in alignment with who we are. Those emotional aspects have hooked us and are driving the bus of our life. When we find ourselves in situations we don’t like, the first thing to look at is why. What was the real thinking behind these life/career choices?  

Here are 4 things you may find helpful as you reflect on this for yourself. Realizing these very logical truths will free yourself to do what you truly want. Often we can’t even access what that might be until we have seen through our flawed thinking. Otherwise, there is a level of noise and confusion in our head so loud it’s impossible to hear our own authentic inner voice.

If your reaction to this list is one of distrust, I understand. If someone had said these things to me 10 years ago I would have scoffed at them, thought believing them would just make me weak and take me off script from who I thought I needed to be. I was supposed to be a tough, no-nonsense high-achiever. And you don’t get to the top by being soft and giving yourself a pass (so I thought). But being that way broke me. I was miserable, my view of the world was so harsh and critical of myself and others, and my life was void of meaning and fulfillment. No humanity. Deep emptiness.

I only found my way after realizing the following points. They have become my truth and myself and my clients can attest that life can feel a whole lot better when you live life through this lens, which again, I argue is not a lens at all, but just what’s true. You can be the judge.

On with the list:

1. You are good enough just as you are 

Your job or professional accomplishments does not have any bearing on your worth. Accolades and gold stars do not fulfill and will never make you feel how you hope they will. The only thing that will make you feel good enough is owning that you already are. I know the world doesn’t feel like it reflects that back to you, but how do you want to live? And what’s really true to you? Do you believe anything can make one person more valuable as a human than another? I don’t.

Do not deny yourself by building a totally inauthentic life in the name of approval and earning love. Building your life from inauthenticity is building your life on precarious ground. It is a house of cards and it’s going to fall. Actually, if you’re lucky it will fall sooner than later and you’ll get to learn this life lesson and experience a much happier existence. One where you get to be you. You’re worthy of love without all the gold stars you’ve spent every waking moment of your life effortfully pursuing. It’s not necessary. And you can have the rest of your life back to do what you truly want.

2. You are the source of love

If we’re going to walk away from living our life for approval and earning love, where are we going to get it from? Ourselves. Approve of yourself, love yourself. You are the source of love you are looking for. Otherwise, we’re beholden to others dictating our life and we’ll cave to their instruction. We’ll do a lot for love, including suffer.

Who are some people we are all tangled up with in earning approval and love? Our parents. We’d all perhaps like to think as grown adults that our parents have no influence over our life anymore, but if you look closely you may see otherwise. Perhaps you got into this line of work to please them or show them something, and now you’re staying for fear of disappointing them, feeling unlovable or not stacking up to their expectations. It’s possible they will accept your new career direction, but either way, your freedom requires you to walk away from them in your mind. They may not genuinely care about who you are or what you want, but that’s not their job anymore, it’s yours. Move forward and walk tall in who you are with love for yourself.

3.  Your inner struggles are not a problem. There is nowhere to get

There’s an inner narrative that goes, “If only I overcame all my inner struggles I would be a grand success.” Your anxiety, your fears, your lack of self-confidence etc. are billed as a problem in the way of success. Many self-help books are sold on this premise. It’s fuel to beat yourself up about where you are in life and pick up a story of being broken, defective, not as good as imaginary others who are inner-struggle and problem free, living some fabulous life. But where are you trying to get by “fixing” yourself? My bet is on proving yourself, on getting somewhere “successful” to prove your worth. Oh yeah, all that stuff again. You do not need to work on yourself so you can get “out there” and earn your worth with more accolades.

Yes, do your inner work, but this is not a race. In fact, there isn’t anywhere to get other than you getting to enjoy your life. And a big step toward that is you accepting yourself just as you are. Ironically, that often brings true healing and the changes you want to see inside, but those changes are just to serve you, not an arrival. So, take all the pressure off.

 4. You are not alone, not different from anyone else

When we’re unhappy in our career it’s easy to look around and paint a false picture of everyone else being happy in theirs. You may think, “What’s wrong with me? What am I doing wrong? Why does this job feel terrible to me? How can other people be ok with this?” 

Some people may indeed be well suited to the work you’re doing, some not. For the latter, remember how excellent you are at hiding what’s really going on. Everyone else is too.

On one hand, we spend a lot of our lives trying to be extraordinary, different and special. And in many ways that have nothing to do with the metrics you’re using to measure, you in fact are. But, on the other hand, know that in struggling, in feeling lost, in experiencing pain and confusion, you are entirely not special. You are completely ordinary. And personally I think this is a relief to realize.

So stop worrying about what other people are thinking or doing. Just focus on you. There’s nothing wrong with you for not liking what you’re doing and the only thing you need to do is honor that.

5. You’re allowed to rest. Rest is the way.  

We do not need tough and merciless leaders forcing themselves to grind to the top in something they don’t like just to show they can and quell their fears of inadequacy. We need leaders who have come alive in their sweet-spot, who build from their truth and authentic gifts. We need compassionate, kind, heart-centered leaders that lead with their own humanity. That means you have to be in touch with yours. Even though it’s scary, even though it’s painful, even though it may change you in ways you’re not prepared and others may not understand your choices. That is the point. That’s how we create change in you and the world. And both will be all the better for it.

But how do you get from this perhaps almost burnt out, definitely exhausted state you’re in now, to there? You rest. You give yourself the time and space to stop the striving and nurture the only thing you have neglected in your life: you. You’ve spent your entire life with your head down on singular pursuit of something you’re now realizing you don’t even want and wasn’t even necessary to get the real fruit – worthiness, and after that was earned, rest. Give both to yourself now and you will truly flourish.

 

Forbes.com –  August 5, 2020  – Sara Young Wang – Contributor  ForbesWomen

 

 

#YourCareer : Personal Branding For People 50+. Yes, we Know that Age Discrimination in Hiring and Promotions is Alive and Well.

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Personal branding is essential for every career-minded professional, whether you’re looking to land your first internship or you’ve just been promoted to the C-Suite. It helps you stand out from your peers and gives you the opportunity to become influential and indispensable—not to mention incredibly happy at work.

But personal branding is nuanced and takes on different areas of focus depending on where you are in your career and which generation you’re part of. I have seen a lot of discussions lately about career prospects, concerns and opportunities for people who are 50+. Fawn Germer, author of the upcoming book Coming Back: How to Get the Job You Want When You’ve Lost the Job You Need put it this way “The rules changed for those of us who are middle aged. We saw our parents start a career and get rewarded with respect, money and opportunity the older they got.

These days, the word “experienced” seems to be equated with the words “has been.” Since we’ve been around the longest, many of us are drawing the highest salaries in the room, but it is not lost on management that younger, less-expensive employees can deliver more because they truly are tech savvy and up on trends. It’s on us to re-educate ourselves and broadcast a brand of relevance and viability. The bad news is that it takes some effort. The good news is that really, it’s not that hard.”

 

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

Article continued …

So how can people in this age group ensure that their personal brand traits keep them relevant, compelling, influential and in demand in this new all-digital world of work? Whether you’re happily employed or seeking your next big gig, here’s how to position yourself for success and fulfillment if your chronological age exceeds 49.

Start with authenticity. Effective personal branding is always rooted in authenticity, not blatant self-promotion. Wendy Marx, author of Thriving at 50+ and a reinvention and personal branding coach, said “Personal branding doesn’t come naturally to many 50+ people – they often are unaccustomed to promoting themselves. They think their credentials and experience speak for themselves and that branding is unnecessary spin. Actually, your personal brand is being true to yourself, while making yourself accessible and engaging.”

These five actions help you accentuate your differentiating attributes, showcase your expertise, and exude genuine confidence while eliminating impediments—both real and perceived.

Master the Mindset

Yes, we know that age discrimination in hiring and promotions is alive and well. At the same time, we know that if you tell yourself you are at a disadvantage or you focus on how unfair the world of work can be to the 50+ set, you’re putting yourself on the back foot. “On the back foot,” which by the way comes from cricket, means putting the weight on your back foot because you’re having to play defense. That’s no way to move forward in a career, or anywhere else. Instead, put your best foot forward with a positive mindset. These messages likely apply to you and should be your mantras:

  • I have deep knowledge that makes me compelling and differentiated
  • My years of work give me an edge over younger, less experienced professionals
  • My confidence and strong sense of self make me ideal for dealing with change
  • I have a long track record of delivering exceptional results

Develop Digital Dexterity

If you’re 50+, you were not born with fingers on keyboards that opened the doors to the whole world. Companies need every employee to be internet savvy and digitally fit regardless of role, function and yes, age. Today, every job is digitally enabled on some level. Whether you work in market research, customer service or sales, being digitally savvy is essential. Resume.io advises clients that “employers need to know that you’re as technically proficient as someone 20 years younger.” Prove that you’re up to date with the latest tools and platforms by including them in your resume. This includes skills you’ve learned in lockdown; research by The Knowledge Academy states it can take as little as 10 days to learn a new technical skill!

Deliver A Powerful First Impression

Today, people will form their first impressions of you online. When someone wants to check you out, they’ll turn to Google. And what Google says about you is who you are. When your online ID shows that you are vibrant, innovative, confident and engaged, people who are checking you out will want to get to know you. Start with your LinkedIn About because it will be the most-read version of your bio. Use it to demonstrate your credibility and likability.

Show Your Social Savvy

One way to demonstrate your digital fitness is through social media. Now, before you moan or stress out, consider this: You can create a powerful online social media presence in just 9 minutes a day as long as you make a daily commitment. And you need not be visible on every platform from Instagram to Tik Tok, LinkedIn to SlideShare, YouTube to Facebook. Focus on LinkedIn (it’s truly the most powerful professional social network) and just one other tool where your target audience can always be found.

Master Video

If you’re interviewing for a new job, you’ll be doing a lot of video interviews. The interview itself is an opportunity to show that you’re on top of the latest and probably most prevalent form of business communications. When you master video, you’ll stand out in all the ways that matter. That means being skilled at both synchronous video (Zoom meetings, Webex, Google Hangouts) and asynchronous video (videos to demonstrate thought leadership, video messages from you sent to people on your team, clients, etc.). Even those who do a lot of video meetings aren’t terribly skilled at it. This previous article will help you understand what you need in order to avoid being an on-camera catastrophe.

Being 50+ is a career asset when you adopt the mindset. Apply these strategies so that your personal brand becomes all about one important fact: You offer something unique and highly valuable.

Author: William Arruda is a founder of CareerBlast and co-creator of BrandBoost – a video-based personal branding talent development experience.

 

Forbes.com – August 2, 2020

#YourCareer : Career Path isn’t Headed Exactly How you Planned It? Tips to Help you Out.

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We all have points throughout our career where we stall out, hit a major bump, or things become stale. This happens due to becoming too comfortable in your current position, an economic or global crisis, or simply not knowing what direction you want to go. Using your

LinkedIn profile for networking purposes can help you find some direction and potentially lead to other opportunities. Though it is natural to stall out in your career, it’s also possible, and necessary, to move forward when you’re ready.

If you know you’re ready to advance your executive career, but can’t seem to find a spark to get you going, we’ve got some tips to help you out. 

Let Career Detours Be Inspirational

If your career path isn’t headed exactly how you planned it to, don’t get discouraged. Everyone will have detours in their career. Instead of looking at those detours negatively, view them as inspirational and work harder to get back on track. Revisit your executive resume biography as a reminder of where you are now and where you want to be in the future. When your path changes, look for ways to grow from it and make any adjustments you deem necessary.

 

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

Article continued …

Always Look for Ways to Grow

One of the biggest sparks executives experience in their career is learning a new skill. Being able to add a new skill to your executive resume biography is motivating, so consider taking an advanced course or work on projects of your own in your free time. Now is the perfect time to take an online class or update that certification. The top resume writing services encourage people to step out of their comfort zone occasionally because it will lead to growth no matter what. Learning experiences are valuable for career growth, but you won’t experience any of them if you don’t take the first step forward.

 

Network with Like-Minded Experts

Networking can lead to many different opportunities and can be a big spark for your career. Simply talking with like-minded experts can give you new ideas on how to approach your career or certain projects to help you move forward. Be sure to have your LinkedIn profile updated, though, since you’ll likely want to reconnect with people you’ve met through the platform.

There are many reasons careers get stuck. If yours is, take the time to figure out why it’s stalled and where you want it to be in the future. Then set a plan of action to get there.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. 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 |  May 22, 2020