Tag Archives: jobs

career

Resume Embellishing

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Illinois politics is always interesting. This month, we learned one of our candidates has embellished his resume. In one instance, he took personal credit for an award his team earned. In a second instance, he over stated his role.

Politicians are elected by the voters and accountable to us – the citizens of the jurisdiction. It is our responsibility to pay attention and let them know how we feel.
Resume Design
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In business, it is not uncommon for an employee to be fired when they lie on their resume. This behavior is not tolerated in the work place. Those who misstate their experience or qualifications are not considered trustworthy. “At will” employees can be fired on the spot.

Why do we, as voters and citizens allow our politicians to behave this way? If this behavior is not acceptable to you, let those who represent you in government know how you feel. Take action and vote for your beliefs.

career

Networking For a Job, Building Network Connections Or New Business

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Networking is an effective way to support your job search and career goals. To get the most out of your networking, understand your goals and create a plan to achieve them. By making a conscious decision to create and execute your networking plan you will see greater results.

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  1. First understand what results you want to get from your networking activities. Are you networking because you are in job search mode? Are you looking to build your network to expand your career horizons? Is your goal to identify strategic partners? Is your networking objective to find customers? By understanding what you want to get out of your networking activities, you can best determine where to spend your efforts.
  2. Next determine where you will find the people you want to network with. Look for professional organizations, Chamber of Commerce, community groups, trade shows and educational events which would be of interest to your ideal networking contacts. Research these opportunities to understand the attendance levels and typical attendee. Determine the cost to attend the event including any membership dues.
  3. Set a goal for the number of contacts you will meet during the event. By spending 5 to 7 minutes with each contact, you could plan to meet ten people in an hour. By the end of the event you will have a sample of the attendees. You can now determine if attending this event brought you closer to achieving your networking goals.

By creating a plan for your networking activities you will have a better chance to achieve your career and networking goals. Taking the time to plan your next networking activity may take more effort before the event though your networking results will be more rewarding.

career

How Can You Land a Job 15 to 46 Percent Faster?

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Do you wonder how some people gain direction, focus and momentum in their job search? How do they stay so motivated? What are they doing differently than you are? According to the Wall Street Journal, those who use a career coach find their next job 15%-46% faster than those who do not. Here are five benefits you can receive by hiring a career coach.
How much transparency is too much?
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1. Perspective: At times we can get so wrapped up in our day to day activities that we lose perspective. A coach will offer an outside opinion of how the world perceives you.

2. Assessment: Part of a coach’s job is to keep current on industries and trends. They can advise you on how your current skills align with today’s job market. They will help you learn more about yourself and your passion.

3. Goal Setting: You will define both tactical and strategic goals with your coach as well as a road map to achieve these. Together you will discuss your desired career path and lay out the plans to get you to your destination.

4. Motivation: Your coach is there to motivate you and inspire you to be your best. If you are not making progress, your coach will challenge you to be more effective. You’ll get a pat on the back when you deserve it.

5. Accountability: When you meet with your coach, you will review the progress you have made towards achieving your goals. The coach will ask you about road blocks you put in your own path and work with you to remove them or detour around them.

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Choosing LinkedIn Groups to Join

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You asked, “How do I begin choosing LinkedIn groups?”

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LinkedIn groups provide a forum for those interested in a specific topic to share information and learn from each other. You can join an existing group or create your own group for a specific purpose. I created the “CyberLife Tutors Connectors” LinkedIn Group to share information on networking and jobs.

The owner of the group determines if the group is open to everyone or has restricted access requiring approval of the group manager. The group owner can pre approve or invite others to join the group.

Search in the group directory on a subject of interest to you. Review the search results to select groups to join. I read the description of the group and note the number of members. A useful national group or global group will have thousands of members. Groups bound to a geographic area might have hundreds of members.

You can choose up to 50 groups to join. Have fun!

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Benefits of Volunteering

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Talking to clients this week, I heard a common thread. They told me volunteering is the best form of in person networking. Two organization were recommended as the best places for business people to volunteer. These groups are Toastmasters International and the local Chamber of Commerce.

Toastmasters International with local chapters around the globe is a place where you can build your public speaking skills while you network with and get to know those in your neighborhood. I was at an event last night where 1 out of 3 of the attendees were Toastmasters. Leadership positions and mentoring positions are open at the chapter, district, regional and global level.

Simon Phipps
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Many cities and villages have a Chamber of Commerce to support their business owners. By stepping up to a leadership position, you have an opportunity to get to know your fellow members.

In both these groups, you have an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership skills and build your network. Check out your local group to learn more.

career

Making the Most of Your Mentoring Relationship Report

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Mentoring is a two way relationship which can be a gift to both parties.

Merriam Webster says the root of the word mentor comes from the Greek Mentor, a friend of Odysseus entrusted with the education of Odysseus’ son Telemachus. In our business world, we refer to the dictionary’s second definition: a mentor is a trusted counselor, guide, tutor, coach.

Over my career I have been a mentor and mentee. Sometimes, both roles at the same time. Sometimes mentors were much like me and other times they had a different approach to business. Each type had its benefits.

Making the Most of Your Mentoring Relationship report from CyberLife Tutors

I currently mentor several people on different aspects of their career. We set goals for our relationship and work though these items at an agreed upon pace. Ready to find out more about mentoring? Check out our special report Making the Most of Your Mentoring Relationship Report.

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Interview Tips to Land Your Next Job

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Just in time for your next interview is our report interview tips to land your next job.

You probably have heard this one before. Preparation is the key to successful interviewing. You only have one chance to make a good first impression. Hiring managers and recruiters often receive hundreds of applications for a single job opening. If you can not answer the question “Why should I hire you?” confidently and convincingly, you do not have a chance. Are you ready with your answer to this question?

Our Interview Tips special report helps you through four of the trickiest questions and how to practice for your interview.

Interviewing Tips to Land Your Next Job from CyberLife Tutors

Get the tools you need to be confident at your next job interview. Invest in yourself. Blowing an interview will cost you maybe thousands of dollars. Get ready to shine when you meet your potential new boss.

career

Find Your Passion for Life

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Several years ago, I was working at a large corporation and found I had lost my passion for my job. I lost my passion for the work I was doing and dreaded the 2 1/2 to 4 hours a day commute. My efforts seemed futile and felt unrewarding. I thought there must be more to my career and life.

Over the next several months my life began to change. Both Internal and external forces shifted opening doorways to a radically different career and life style for me. I said “goodbye” to 4 hour commutes and the corporate world. It was “hello” to self employment, new clients and partners.

Through this transformation, people noticed how excited and passionate I was about my work. They were excited too. I collected my thought in an essay which started the “Ignite Your Passion” book. The anthology brings together the stories of 17 people who have found their passion for their careers.
"Ignite Your Passion Kindle Your Internal Spark" now availble in paperback and Kindle

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Thank You!

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A big, warm THANK YOU!

Thank you to those who have referred new clients to me. My business is built on word of mouth referrals and I appreciate you. Feel free to give me a call or drop me an email if you know someone who can benefit from working with a coach.

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Who can benefit from working with me? Whose who are:

  • Enthusiastic, and not jaded
  • Accountable for your own actions
  • Ready for something new in their life
  • Need help figuring out the more authentic you
  • Want to get more out of life
  • Willing to change
  • Prepared to work and work hard to achieve your goals
  • Understand your will have homework and research to do between our sessions
  • Not looking for a magic, quick fix

Does this sound like someone you know?

Ready to learn more about about coaching? Email April or call 414.502.7745 for more information.