Do You Need a Career Coach?

If you’re unhappy with your job and looking to make a change, a career coach may be just what you need. Even if you think everything is “fine,” you may feel deep down that you’re not doing what makes you happy.

Career Coach

A career coach can help you with a simple task like updating your resume to make it shine. Or something more complex like helping you figure out what you really want to do with your life. They can guide you through the confusion of changing jobs or careers, going back to school, and even just moving to a different company.

Working with a career coach is a great way to get an unbiased opinion on changes you can make in your career path.

Signs You Need a Career Coach

If you’re not sure if working with a coach is the right choice for you, here are a few signs to help you figure it out.

  1. You’re Unhappy in Your Current Job

This is one of the most obvious signs that you’re ready for a change. If you’re feeling unhappy but don’t know what you want to do instead, a career coach can help you guide you to the answer you’re looking for.

  1. Having the “It’s a Paycheck” Mentality

This goes hand-in-hand with #1. You’re unhappy with your job, but hey, at least it’s a paycheck. Having a job that you love can also give you a paycheck that makes you happy. It IS possible to have both and a career coach can help you figure out how to make that happen.

  1. You Like Your Job But Need to Make More Money

Knowing how to ask for the raise you deserve can be difficult. There are a few tricks you can use like doing your research and knowing what other people in your field make. A career coach can help you negotiate the best way to approach your company, what to say, and when to make the move when asking for a raise. They can also help you figure out if you can make the money you want to make working for another company.

  1. You’re Stuck

If you’ve been stuck in the same position, making the same salary, without any raises or promotions for too long, it’s time to consider a change. Working with a career coach can help you figure out how to put your skills and experience to use in a job that will pay you more and has more opportunities for growth.

  1. You Have Too Many or Too Few Interests

When you know you want to make a change but you’re not sure what you want to do, a career coach can help you sort through your ideas and make sense of them. They can also help you dig deep to find your true passions and put them to use in your career.

  1. You’ve Been Unemployed Too Long

Even if your resume looks great and you have tons of experience, being unemployed for too long can work against you when you’re trying to reenter to the work world. Potential employers can see this as a negative. A career coach can help you improve your resume, practice your interview skills, and help you figure out how to answer the tough questions like “why have you been unemployed so long.”

There are many great benefits to working with a career coach. Whether you’re trying to change careers, find your passion, get back into the corporate world, or make more money, a career coach can help you achieve your goals.

Are You Ready to Work With a Career Coach?

Call your Career Coach, Rachel Schneider at Career Find and schedule a meeting to begin coaching that will differentiate you from other job seekers and help you develop a  job search strategy as you begin your job search.

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By |2019-12-18T13:53:45-06:00January 7th, 2020|Career Success|Comments Off on Do You Need a Career Coach?
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4 Ways Pinterest Can Ramp Up Your Job Search

Have you considered using Pinterest for your job search?

Right now Pinterest is still a growing social media site on the Internet  Pinterest is the fourth-most-popular social media platform in America. It outranks Snapchat, LinkedIn, Twitter and WhatsApp.  So if you aren’t on it, go check it out.  Pinterest has more than 250 million monthly active users.  That means people who are looking for jobs and people who are hiring are using Pinterest.

If you are already addicted to pinning dessert recipes and exercise tips, take some time to pin for your job search as well.

Pinterest For Your Job Search

Using Pinterest For Your Job Search

Follow these tips to use Pinterest to help you land the job of your dreams.

1. Create a Portfolio Board

Start by turning your resume into a portfolio. Create boards based on your work experience, awards, accomplishments, degrees, certificates, and even your hobbies and interests. We do however recommend you stay away from controversial topics like politics.

2. Professional or Community Organization Boards

Next, create a board that showcases the professional or volunteer community organizations that you are involved with. Make sure to describe any committees or offices you may have held.

3. Follow Company Boards

Then find the companies you want to work for. Small and large companies figured out the sales and marketing value of Pinterest early on. By following these company boards, you can learn a lot about each company’s culture, focus and overall brand. These insights can help you stand above other applicants.

4. Follow Career Experts

Lastly, follow career experts. Career experts are using Pinterest to help job seekers with career advice and inspiration. Follow CareerFind here, we have lots of tips on job search, interview tips, career happiness, and work/life balance.

Happy Pinning!

Help For Your Job Search

If you need help with creating a resume, interviewing, or other job search items, contact Rachel Schneider at YourCareerFind.com.

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By |2019-11-20T09:38:30-06:00December 17th, 2019|career search|Comments Off on 4 Ways Pinterest Can Ramp Up Your Job Search
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Are You Thinking About a “Snowbird” Job?

Is a “snowbird” job for you?  When the weather begins to turn colder, many northerners start thinking about heading south for the winter.  Along with spending the cold months in a warmer climate, many also look for a job to pass the time or to help pay their expenses while away from home.   Could this be you?

Snowbird jobs

Boomers are the New Snowbirds

Baby boomers are taking over the snowbird population.  According to AARP, today the majority of snowbirds are between the ages of 50 and 69: the baby boomers. This generation is known to be active and they tend to have disposable income, are well-educated, and adapt to the snowbird lifestyle very well.

If you are relocating to a warmer climate such as Florida, Arizona, Texas, Las Vagas, Hawaii, and California to avoid the winter chill you might want to consider some unique employment opportunities available to you.

Disney, for example, does brisk hiring for its theme parks during winter months to handle the influx of tourists. That is just the tip of the iceberg for both full-time and part-time jobs available.  Think resorts, freelance work, and more.

Let’s look at a few “snowbird” friendly options available.

Snowbird Job Options

1. Resort and Theme Park Positions

Theme parks are always in need of extra help.  Especially during winter months when college student workers are back in school.  Seasonal openings can include anything from assisting customers on and off rides, working in a gift shop, greeting airport arrivals,  to handling castmembers wardrobes.  A few snowbirds have even suited up as costumed characters!  (Be aware, these positions require auditions, and you must be willing and able to spend time standing to sign autographs and pose for photos.)

Resorts of all shapes and sizes across the Sunbelt increase their staff during winter months. You might find work in any number of capacities, from bartender, gardener, or spa worker to parking valet or room cleaner.

2.  Freelance Work

Put your past work experience in the 9 – 5 world out there and develop a consulting business.  You can work when it suits you and you are not geographically bound.  You can continue working year-round regardless of where you are living.

3. Spring Training Staff

Spring training camps for Major League Baseball teams in Arizona and Florida have a range of possible positions: ushering, selling programs, selling peanuts and popcorn, or sales in the team merchandise shop.

Some jobs require more expertise than others. For instance, the Pittsburgh Pirates had a recent posting for a seasonal sales assistant who would take an active role in marketing and special promotions.  Some duties might not be exciting, but the chance to work in an area that is fun and entertaining might be the perfect snowbird job for you.

4. Travel Nurse

Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are in high demand at hospitals and doctors’ offices in Florida and Arizona during the winter months.

The majority of travel nursing assignments run for 13 weeks — often with the option of extending the term to six months. You must have a travel-nursing license to practice in each state.

5. Substitute Teaching

If you hold a college degree, most states allow you to substitute teach in a classroom for daily wages.  Depending on the state, you might have to apply for the state-approved certification.

6.  Housesitting

Living in other people’s homes while they are on vacation can be lucrative and take care of your housing issues while you are enjoying a warmer climate.  Trusted Housesitters is a great place to learn more.

7. Be A Pet Sitter

If you enjoy spending time with animals, this growing industry might be a perfect fit for you.  You can be a dog walker or actually stay in the home with pets when owners are away.  Check out DogVacay for more information on both options.

There are dozens of other snowbird job opportunities, these are popular ones that came to mind.  Whatever you decide to do to take care of your finances and free time, becoming a snowbird can be a great experience.   It can be a great option for people suffering from seasonal depression or those who just hate the cold. If you plan correctly, it is absolutely possible to become a snowbird before the age of 65 in preparation for your final retirement.

Need Help Preparing to Apply for a Snowbird Job?

Should you need help preparing a resume for a snowbird job or any other position, don’t hesitate to contact Rachel at YourCareerFind.com and schedule a consultation.

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By |2019-12-09T17:00:29-06:00December 9th, 2019|career search|Comments Off on Are You Thinking About a “Snowbird” Job?
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How to Land a Job Via Video Chat

Whether you are a student in college or a job candidate in the real world, the way you interview for a job is ever-changing. The latest way you need to be prepared to interview is via video chat.  It doesn’t matter if you use Skype, FaceTime, Zoom or another video conferencing program, now is the time to prepare.

video chat

Companies from all industries now interview for jobs and internships over live streaming video. University career offices have now started to train students in the skill of conversing on video chat. It’s time all professionals get familiar with this skill as well.

While you would think the younger generation would truly excel at video chat interviews, it is something everyone at every age has to practice. So how do you come across as your most professional self in a video chat interview?

Some Important Tips for Video Chat

So how do you come across as your most professional self in a video chat interview?  Check out these tips.

Dress as you would in person.

People often make the mistake of taking video interviews more casually, which translates to the interviewer as not taking the interview seriously.  Dress as you would for a live, in-person interview.  Look your best and you will appear professional to the interviewer.

Handle a technology glitch the right way.

It’s easy to get frustrated when technology does not work as it should. Instead of your normal, possibly aggressive reaction to a problem, stay calm, be prepared and make sure you have a very strong wireless connection before getting on the video call.  It is good to have a back-up device just in case.  For example if you are interviewing using a laptop, have a phone handy to use in a pinch.

 Be aware of your surroundings.

It is best to have an interview backdrop of a private office or uncluttered room. If you are at your home, make sure you will not have any family or pet interruptions and be aware of what is hanging on the wall behind you.

These are just a few important tips.  There are many more.   Read the Top 10 Tips to Ace Virtual Interviews and be totally prepared for your next video interview.

 Do You Need More Help?

If you would like more help preparing for video chat and virtual interviews, consider working with me, your Career Coach, Rachel Schneider, at Career Find.  We can schedule a meeting to prepare and help you practice virtual interviewing.

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By |2019-11-20T09:25:46-06:00November 26th, 2019|Interview Prep, Job Interview|Comments Off on How to Land a Job Via Video Chat
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9 Interview Mistakes To Avoid

Interviewing is hard work. You want to make a great impression and let the interviewer know how knowledgeable you are and how much value you can bring to the company. No matter how hard you try, there are a few things many people overlook in the interview process that can cost them a great job. Don’t make these interview mistakes.

Interview Mistakes to Avoid

Interview Mistakes to Avoid

These simple tips will help you know the interview mistakes to avoid and land your dream job.

  1. Not Making an Effort with Your Appearance

Regardless of the job you’re applying for and what the expected dress code will be, suit and tie or jeans and a t-shirt, how you look is the first impression an interviewer will have of you. Put yourself together well. Tuck your shirt in, comb your hair, wear clean shoes. Even if you’re attire will be different if you get the job, make sure you look clean and professional.

  1. Not Arriving on Time

You’ve probably heard the old adage “early is on time and on time is late.” That is especially true when interviewing for a new job. According to CNBC, arriving late is the most common mistake people make during interviews.  Arrive at least 10 minutes early. Being late shows your future employer that you have poor time management skills.

  1. Bringing Coffee with You

Walking in with your coffee shop beverage or even a bottle of water is unprofessional. Your focus needs to be on your interview and bringing a beverage with you will make the meeting feel informal, not professional.

  1. Letting Your Phone Ring

Your phone should be kept on silent or, better yet, left in your car. Having your phone out is rude and disrespectful to your interviewer; it will make the impression that you don’t care about the interview.

  1. Not Doing Your Homework

Regardless of the job you’re applying for, do your homework. Look the company up online, read reviews, know what products and/or services they offer, and know who the key players in the company are.

  1. Not Paying Attention

It can be easy to zone out if the topic of conversation is not engaging, but make an effort to stay focused. Your interviewer will see you zone out and it will let them know you’re not interested in the company.

  1. Talking Too Much

While it’s important to answer questions, it’s also important to be efficient and stay on topic. Don’t get sidetracked and ramble on about things not related to the question that was asked of you.

  1. Badmouthing Past Coworkers

Regardless of how you feel about your previous positions and the people you worked with; a job interview is not the time to bring these things up. You want to be seen as a team player and discussing former coworkers and building yourself up against them will convey the opposite.

  1. Not Being Prepared

You will be asked some hard questions about your previous employment during your interview. Be prepared to answer questions about why you left your last position, how you worked with your coworkers and boss, and what you liked or disliked about your previous job.

Preparing in advance is the best way to make a great first impression on your next job interview. Dress professionally, do your homework, and show the interviewer you care about the job and the company.

Do You Need Help?

Learn how to stand out from your competition during an interview, check out our services at Career Find.

By |2019-11-20T08:50:01-06:00November 19th, 2019|Job Interview|Comments Off on 9 Interview Mistakes To Avoid
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Are Your Technology Skills Evolving?

It is important to keep your skill base up to speed and current in order to stay competitive and relevant, especially if you are in the job market or thinking about looking for another opportunity.

Technology skills

Do You Have Current Technology Skills?

Traditional marketing efforts are falling fast in the wake of social media. This change yields direct contact with individuals in companies like CEOs and HR Recruiters who are active on social sites like LinkedIn and Twitter. Having direct access to hiring managers and company decision-makers is ideal when you are actively looking for a job. So what do you do if you aren’t very active on social media due to the learning curve? Does that mean you are out of luck?

With technology taking a leading role in business, you need to understand and know how it works to keep yourself in the game and marketable.  What do you do if you don’t feel comfortable with your tech skills?

Ways to Improve Your Tech Skills

There are numerous ways you can improve your tech skills:

Take a Course

It could be an online course or one at a local campus focusing on the skill area you need to enhance.  Online courses are very popular and can be completed at any time when it is convenient for you.

Watch YouTube Videos

There are videos on how to do just about everything.  Just do a search on YouTube and you will find numerous videos to assist you as you tackle new technology.

Google The Task

Google the task you are trying to learn and you may very well find some blog posts with the information you need or free ebook with step by step instructions.

Find a Tech-Savvy Mentor

Find a tech-savvy mentor to teach you the ropes!

Have you ever heard of reverse mentoring? A  Wall Street Journal article discusses companies who are pairing young employees with older, less tech-savvy colleagues to improve their technology skills.  Are you brave enough to seek help from a younger coworker?

The truth is, knowledge is key so it’s time to step out of your comfort zone and learn how you can leverage your technology skills to be more marketable and competitive in the job market. Ready to get started? Pick any of the above options and begin.

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By |2019-10-30T22:22:21-06:00October 31st, 2019|Career Success|Comments Off on Are Your Technology Skills Evolving?
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