Don’t sing “The Lazy Song” (by Bruno Mars) and expect results. “Today I don’t feel like doing anything, I just wanna lay in my bed, don’t feel like picking up my phone, so leave a message at the tone…,” won’t get you results. And it’s not enough to just be doing the day-to-day work to achieve success. As an executive you know that it often time takes going the extra mile to get the job done or reach the goal. Your mindset should be engaged to apply some of those same strategies and tactics with your career.
1. Big picture thinking. Most executives have the ability to focus on the big picture and not get bogged down with little details (they delegate those pieces). In your career plan, focus on what is going well, what isn’t working, and change the action plan accordingly.
2. Streamline processes. Use technology (programs, apps, smartphone) to help you manage data, calendar, contacts, etc. Entering this data could even be delegated to someone else to free up your time for tasks that only you can do.
3. Smart networking. Make the most of the time you invest in networking. Be prepared (who will attend, who do you want to meet?) for better results. Follow up by sending a pertinent article/resource or suggesting a meet-up at some future time.
4. Hire a professional. I don’t imagine you would drill and fill your own teeth. The same applies to your career. Consider a professional career coach to help you with interview techniques, job search strategies, and salary negotiations.
5. Guard your online image. Google yourself, recruiters and hiring managers will. Keep your posts professional, and profiles updated including a recent professional picture, up-to-date contact information and career details.
6. Mastermind. In Napoleon Hill’s book “Think and Grow Rich,” he introduces the concept of a mastermind group where people surround themselves with mentors, and like-minded professionals to tap for advice and information sharing. Putting together your own group like this can be quite beneficial. If you prefer working with one person, seek out someone who you admire for his or her talents and successes.
7. Dress for success. In most corporate settings, executives are expected to dress a notch above the general staff. This denotes authority and can exude confidence. Maintain the same dress code during job search mode – your clothes speak volumes without saying a word.
8. Ongoing professional development. The business world is changing at breakneck speed and a portion of what you learned in college years ago is handled differently today. Be attractive to a prospective employer with continuing your education and staying up-to-date in your specialty field.
With the recent passing of Stephen R. Covey, we can all be reminded of his famous quote, “Start with the end in mind.” As you are reflecting on your career, preparing for a promotion or a transition to another company or industry, examine your goals and what you want to ultimately accomplish. Do you want to retire in 10 years? Start your own company? Move up the corporate ladder? Whatever your goals, start with the end in mind to create your career action plan. Invest in yourself by investing in your career.
Don’t sing “The Lazy Song” (by Bruno Mars) and expect results. “Today I don’t feel like doing anything, I just wanna lay in my bed, don’t feel like picking up my phone, so leave a message at the tone…,” won’t get you results. And it’s not enough to just be doing the day-to-day work to achieve success. As an executive you know that it often time takes going the extra mile to get the job done or reach the goal. Your mindset should be engaged to apply some of those same strategies and tactics with your career.
1. Big picture thinking. Most executives have the ability to focus on the big picture and not get bogged down with little details (they delegate those pieces). In your career plan, focus on what is going well, what isn’t working, and change the action plan accordingly.
2. Streamline processes. Use technology (programs, apps, smartphone) to help you manage data, calendar, contacts, etc. Entering this data could even be delegated to someone else to free up your time for tasks that only you can do.
3. Smart networking. Make the most of the time you invest in networking. Be prepared (who will attend, who do you want to meet?) for better results. Follow up by sending a pertinent article/resource or suggesting a meet-up at some future time.
4. Hire a professional. I don’t imagine you would drill and fill your own teeth. The same applies to your career. Consider a professional career coach to help you with interview techniques, job search strategies, and salary negotiations.
5. Guard your online image. Google yourself, recruiters and hiring managers will. Keep your posts professional, and profiles updated including a recent professional picture, up-to-date contact information and career details.
6. Mastermind. In Napoleon Hill’s book “Think and Grow Rich,” he introduces the concept of a mastermind group where people surround themselves with mentors, and like-minded professionals to tap for advice and information sharing. Putting together your own group like this can be quite beneficial. If you prefer working with one person, seek out someone who you admire for his or her talents and successes.
7. Dress for success. In most corporate settings, executives are expected to dress a notch above the general staff. This denotes authority and can exude confidence. Maintain the same dress code during job search mode – your clothes speak volumes without saying a word.
8. Ongoing professional development. The business world is changing at breakneck speed and a portion of what you learned in college years ago is handled differently today. Be attractive to a prospective employer with continuing your education and staying up-to-date in your specialty field.
With the recent passing of Stephen R. Covey, we can all be reminded of his famous quote, “Start with the end in mind.” As you are reflecting on your career, preparing for a promotion or a transition to another company or industry, examine your goals and what you want to ultimately accomplish. Do you want to retire in 10 years? Start your own company? Move up the corporate ladder? Whatever your goals, start with the end in mind to create your career action plan. Invest in yourself by investing in your career.
Finding a job can be especially difficult for older people. They often face negative stereotypes, including the perception that they're "sluggish" or "behind the times." These stereotypes are unfair, and they leave many seniors feeling demoralized.
If you're an older job seeker, don't let these attitudes defeat you. Although age discrimination certainly exists, some companies actually go to great efforts to recruit senior citizens. Employers have several reasons for doing so. Hiring older people could be part of their diversity programs, or maybe they're recruiting seniors to mirror their customer base. Also, older people have lower turnover rates compared to younger workers.
So don't lose hope! As you look, focus on the steps you can take to improve your career prospects.
SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS A great option is enrolling in a certificate program at a college or university. Getting certified allows you to develop expertise in a specific career field, and it's typically quicker and less expensive than getting a formal graduate degree. Be sure to mention the program on your resume.
CAST A WIDE NET FOR JOBS You can try general searches on the major job boards and on job aggregators such as Simply Hired. Also visit employers' web sites to see if any jobs are posted there. But don't stop there.
Look for openings on niche websites, where you can find listings from employers who are seeking older workers. These sites include Retirement Jobs, Retired Brains, Seniors4Hire, SeniorJobBank, Workforce50.com, Jobs4.0 and BoomerJobs.com.Use a special feature from Simply Hired to search for jobs at "Age 50+ Friendly Companies."Look for job openings using the AARP job search engine.Consider the FedExperience pilot program, launched by the Partnership for Public Service in 2008. As part of the pilot, the FedExperience team offers guidance to older workers interested in careers with the federal government. The team recently launched a LinkedIn group to provide tips, networking opportunities, and job leads.If you need a helping hand financially, look into the federally funded Title V program, which provides on-the-job training for low-income seniors. Although the recent budget deal slashed funding for the program, you should still examine it as an option.You also can find listings on networking sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter – and your contacts may pass along job leads.Get help with your search through the nationwide network of government-funded career facilities, often called "WorkSource" or "One-Stop" centers. Visit a local center and receive assistance while searching online for jobs.Attend career fairs, where you can talk to employers in person about job openings.If you've pursued all these options and you're still not getting anywhere, consider being your own boss. Check out Retirement Jobs' tips on self employment.
USE SPECIALIZED TOOLS TO FIND CONNECTIONS If you're applying for jobs, get to know the people who can help you get a foot in the door. Here are a couple tools you could use:
The Simply Hired "Who Do I Know" feature, which shows if you have any connections at hiring companies.The LinkedIn "JobsInsider" tool, which shows whether you have contacts at a target employer.
Ultimately, you need to appreciate your unique talents and determine the best way to use them. Stay focused and be persistent, and explore all your options. It may take a while, but you'll eventually find a career path that's suited for you.
Toni Vranjes is editor-in-chief of Revive My Career, a resource for job seekers. The site provides employment news and career tips.
Posted at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Digg This | | Comments Older Job Seekers Should Explore Every Option
Finding a job can be especially difficult for older people. They often face negative stereotypes, including the perception that they're "sluggish" or "behind the times." These stereotypes are unfair, and they leave many seniors feeling demoralized.
If you're an older job seeker, don't let these attitudes defeat you. Although age discrimination certainly exists, some companies actually go to great efforts to recruit senior citizens. Employers have several reasons for doing so. Hiring older people could be part of their diversity programs, or maybe they're recruiting seniors to mirror their customer base. Also, older people have lower turnover rates compared to younger workers.
So don't lose hope! As you look, focus on the steps you can take to improve your career prospects.
SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS A great option is enrolling in a certificate program at a college or university. Getting certified allows you to develop expertise in a specific career field, and it's typically quicker and less expensive than getting a formal graduate degree. Be sure to mention the program on your resume.
CAST A WIDE NET FOR JOBS You can try general searches on the major job boards and on job aggregators such as Simply Hired. Also visit employers' web sites to see if any jobs are posted there. But don't stop there.
Look for openings on niche websites, where you can find listings from employers who are seeking older workers. These sites include Retirement Jobs, Retired Brains, Seniors4Hire, SeniorJobBank, Workforce50.com, Jobs4.0 and BoomerJobs.com.Use a special feature from Simply Hired to search for jobs at "Age 50+ Friendly Companies."Look for job openings using the AARP job search engine.Consider the FedExperience pilot program, launched by the Partnership for Public Service in 2008. As part of the pilot, the FedExperience team offers guidance to older workers interested in careers with the federal government. The team recently launched a LinkedIn group to provide tips, networking opportunities, and job leads.If you need a helping hand financially, look into the federally funded Title V program, which provides on-the-job training for low-income seniors. Although the recent budget deal slashed funding for the program, you should still examine it as an option.You also can find listings on networking sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter – and your contacts may pass along job leads.Get help with your search through the nationwide network of government-funded career facilities, often called "WorkSource" or "One-Stop" centers. Visit a local center and receive assistance while searching online for jobs.Attend career fairs, where you can talk to employers in person about job openings.If you've pursued all these options and you're still not getting anywhere, consider being your own boss. Check out Retirement Jobs' tips on self employment.
USE SPECIALIZED TOOLS TO FIND CONNECTIONS If you're applying for jobs, get to know the people who can help you get a foot in the door. Here are a couple tools you could use:
The Simply Hired "Who Do I Know" feature, which shows if you have any connections at hiring companies.The LinkedIn "JobsInsider" tool, which shows whether you have contacts at a target employer.
Ultimately, you need to appreciate your unique talents and determine the best way to use them. Stay focused and be persistent, and explore all your options. It may take a while, but you'll eventually find a career path that's suited for you.
Toni Vranjes is editor-in-chief of Revive My Career, a resource for job seekers. The site provides employment news and career tips.
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