And the Oscar Goes to….

Slumdog Millionaire hit a chord around the world because it’s wasn’t about the money, or the trappings money can buy.  It’s about true love that never gives up.

Your job search is very important … without a doubt.  But don’t let it make you feel any less of a person because you don’t have the job you want.  Not having a job doesn’t define you.  

The Wresler didn’t win an award, but Mickey Rourke’s character touched many people through his struggle in, then out, then back into the ring.  

Your job search is going to have ups and downs.  Things are going to get hot, then cold, then hot again.  Since it’s a numbers game, have as many target companies as possible so you can keep your momentum up. 

I didn’t see The Reader with Kate Winslet, and am looking forward to it.  So pick one of the movies you haven’t seen and take a break from your work, which is your job search, and enjoy!

Filed under: career coaching, life coaching, Uncategorized, Career Search, gen y, job search, Slumdog Millionaire, The Oscars, The Wrestler

The Power of Staying Connected During a Job Search

The most successful college students get connected at school:  they join a student club or sports team, volunteer for a good cause, or get a job at school.   That connection keeps you going when things aren’t going your way.

The most successful job seekers do the same.  Those that are laid off need to immediately connect to a group or a coach or an outplacement effort of somekind or they risk becoming isolated.  Worse yet, they don’t have the vast resources that a group can share.  This is the reason why no country will every send one person into outerspace.  Better decisions are ALWAYS made with 2 or more people.  

So if you are in college – get connected.  When searching for internships – consult your buddies at school, your professors, and of course, your career services group.

And if you’ve been laid off – get connected.  When searching for a job – form a “mastermind group” that meets once a week for coffee – to share the information they’ve found along the way. 

New resources are popping up every day.  I just networked with the founder of www.greatplacejobs.  This new website (just formed this past September) lists jobs at the very best companies that are still hiring in this tough economy.  There is a small fee to belong, but I searched their database yesterday and was impressed!

So whatever your situation, search for or create a mastermind group of people going through exactly what you are going through.  You’ll be surprised, and pleased with the results!

Connie Thanasoulis

Filed under: career coaching, life coaching, philosophy, Career Search, Career Services, Drea Job, gen y, Laid off, Mastermind Group, www.greatplacejobs.com

New Beginnings

I love new beginnings.   I love the first day of each month, the first day of the week, and the first day of a new quarter.    And, I especially love the first day of a new year. 

It’s a perfect time to work with clients to begin a new career search.  Wipe away everything that didn’t work before:  including any awkward networking interactions, resumes that had typos in them, and cover letters that just didn’t make the case for why you should be hired.  Use what didn’t work to make your plan even better than before.

So, let’s take a deep breath, get organized, get positive, and put a plan together for everything that needs to be done:

1)      Identifying your target companies:  come up with a list of 10 and then take it to the next level

2)      Creating your resume, cover letters, email signature, cell phone messages

3)      Conducting research:  using Vault.com and WetFeet.com, TheGlassHammer.com and find out everything you can about industries and companies.

4)      Ensuring that you are ready to meet people through networking, informational interviews and of course, job interviews ( phone screens and face-to-face)

5)      Staying motivated and organized:  never loosing those business cards, ensuring you are upbeat and positive and knowing that there will be a good conclusion to your search

6)      Being confident that once the offer comes your way, you can close it properly, dealing with all compensation issues (cash & non-cash, vacation, start dates, etc.)

If you don’t plan to succeed, you’re planning to fail.  So get ready to start a new and start seeing results.

Filed under: career coaching, life coaching, Career Search, gen y, New Beginnings, New Year