How Do I Find An Employer Whos Willing To Take A Chance On Me

“How Do I Find An Employer Who’s Willing To Take A Chance On Me” Help from our Community “How Do I Find An Employer Who’s Willing To Take A Chance On Me?” * Nathan's feeling trapped in a role he fell into. He's creative, enthusiastic and ready to throw himself into a new line of work, but recruiters can't seem to see past the sector he's worked in. How can you make a fresh start, when nobody will give you the opportunity? What's your career history and current job? I'm a commmunicationsmanager for a university. I fell into it, really. After finishing my degree, I didn't know what I wanted to do. Marketing looked vaguely interesting / creative and a job came up at the university. I went for it, got it, andsince then have been promoted a couple of times, which has led to my current role. I do a lot of account management, copy-editing, helping people with filming and photography, and joining up people's requirements with other people internally who can help them. It's full on, and quite varied. How do you feel about your work? Frustrated. I just feel like I'm going to work because I need an income. I don't have a passion for what I do and I don't think I ever really have. That's been fine as long as it's fitted well around my home life and allowed me to pursue my outside interests, but increasingly, that's not enough, and I've been bringing the stress and frustrations home with me. I don't find higher education that thrilling an area to work in, probably because I feel so removed from the delivery of the product. And then on a micro level I don't like the fact that I have such a huge amount of work to do that I can't possibly do all of it, so my role has become more about expectation management than about delivering something that I'm proud of. I feel disappointed in myself, because work is such a big part of my identity. I don't feel proud of what I'm doing. It makes me feel quite low. I dread going to work on a Monday. I look forward to the weekends, but Sunday evening always rolls round again. Increasingly, I just don't want to talk about it or think about it. Even looking at getting a new job, or what I could do, just brings to the surface how fed up I am with my current role. What would you like to be doing instead? I'd like to do something that I can get really passionate about. I've had ideas around using my marketing background, perhaps in a marketing position in the hospitality sector, or possibly in something such as events. I like the idea of being part of delivering something for people, either in their leisure time, or while they're at work (in a way that that makes them feel like they're at leisure). I have worked previously for the university on the hospitality side. I loved that. There was something appealing about making people feel welcomed, excited and pleased to be somewhere. One idea that I keep coming back to is working with one of the large hotel chains or a big restaurant group. That feels exciting. And not just the marketing / advertising side, but more on the service delivery, where I could get involved in making exciting customer experiences. That would be really important to me. I'd also love the opportunity to bring a bit of excitement, a bit of theatre, a bit of something 'extra' into things â€" it would bring out my creative side. I've done a bit of that at work when I've worked with the conferences, catering, events and accommodation side of things at the university. I really fed off the passion and excitement some of the operational staff had for what they were delivering. Outside of work, I've done quite a lot of amateur theatre, and I love that sense of 'putting on a production'. I think I'd struggle to work by myself, so I like the idea of working in a team of like-minded, creative people, whether that's in a small company or a bigger organisation. I'd enjoy working closely with people but where we're all working on different aspects of the task depending on our particular areas of expertise. Perhaps working for an events, hospitality or marketing agency could be a good fit. What's the biggest obstacle in your way? I can't seem to get employers to see past my CV. I've worked in one sector and for one employer for the whole of my professional life. I think potential employers looking at my CV see that as not terribly appealing and therefore don't consider me employable. I feel quite embarrassed in some ways that I've only got one employer on my CV. Some people say that it's a good thing as it shows loyalty and commitment, but I feel that ten years in a position is coming across as 'too long'. And the feedback I'm getting is that I just don't have the relevant experience that employers are looking for. I've gone for some more junior roles to try to get the experience, but I'm not having any success that way either. It feels like recruiters only want fresh, young graduates, straight out of university. I've tried tailoring my CV and my applications, to focus on my skills and to emphasise the events and hospitality experience that I've got. I've tried widening the search, beyond the dream companies I'd like to work with, though I'm also wary of ending up somewhere that's equally poor fit, out of sheer desperation. It's so frustrating, I can tick every box on a job description that I find exciting, but as soon as people see that my experience is solely in the university world, they become blind to the fact that it's also easily transferable. I'm getting pigeonholed into the public sector, which is somewhere I don't want to be. I think it's seen as dull, not competitive or cutting edge, and while I'm not sure that's always true, I can totally understand why others might see it like that. There's definitely a little voice in my head saying that nothing's ever going to change; that I've wasted my valuable early career years, where a lot of people try different things, because I fell into a role and got comfortable; that employers are always going to see me as a bit boring and uninspiring. I guess it's the old experience Catch-22. I haven't had an exciting role in an appealing industry, therefore nobody in those industries will consider me for those roles. How do I find an employer who's willing to take a chance on me? Can you help Nathan? Have you been in a similar situation, or are you in the same boat right now? How do you think Nathan could move his shift forwards? Do you know anyone he could talk to? Share your thoughts in the comments below and click the thumbs-up button to show your support. Give Nathan a cheer of encouragement by hitting the thumbs-up button here:

You Want to be Hired. Here is How. - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

You Want to be Hired. Here is How. - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career For you, the only thing you want is to get a job. For the hiring manager, making the hire is a priority competing with many others at the same time. So what is going on in the hiring manager’s mind? Most hiring managers take no pleasure in the hiring process. It’s just one more thing they have to take care of, and they often feel insecure in making that final decision, since some of their previous hires proved disappointing. A hiring manager also knows that making a hiring mistake could potentially ruin his reputation and credibility. While reviewing resumes she is asking herself three questions: Why should she interview you? What can you do for her? And if hired, would you be effective in filling the job duties? Now, provided that you get invited for an interview, the hiring manager has three more qualifying questions to answer before deciding to hire you: (1) Are you particularly good at what he needs done? He is not hiring just average people. This is your opportunity to recite your accomplishments eloquently and succinctly. Do not repeat what you said in the past. Highlight only your accomplishments and the results. (2) Do you fit into his organization? This is the primary area in which you have to be convincing. You may have all the qualifications, but if the hiring manager cannot see you as part of his organization, then nothing will help you. (3) Are you committed? The hiring manager sees in you an investmentâ€"hopefully, a long-term investment. And he wants to make sure it’s a good one. He also wants to make sure you are promotable and have the potential to grow within the organization. As you can see, the hiring process is complex for both the hiring manager and the candidate. Both sides will share in the potential rewards as well as the associated risks. The question for the candidate remains: how to increase chances of getting hired by outshining the competition? The theoretical answer is to network to the max, because statistics have proved that 60 to 80% of people found their jobs via networking. The practical answer is to mock-practice your interviewing skills. You can do that with friends or your spouse orâ€"best of allâ€"with a qualified career coach. The reason that interviewing skills are vital to acquire is simply that hiring managers make their decisions based on how well you interview and not on your job skills.   So what do you think?   Feel free to comment.   The more people share their knowledge on this topic the more helpful this becomes to readers.

5 Steps to Manage Conflict Better - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

5 Steps to Manage Conflict Better - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Most people say they hate conflict, yet avoiding it causes more problems. In today’s culturally diverse, multigenerational workforce it’s bound to happen. Conflicts can be frequent, often petty, and very costly between people speaking different languages, from different generations, and having different religious beliefs and cultural norms.   Tempers flare and regrettable things are said. You don’t have to like conflict but you can learn to manage/harness it and not try to escape from it. The only place there is no visible conflict is in a dictatorship and that’s not a good alternative. How to resolve: 1.Understand that big conflicts are made up of little conflicts. Its like a circuit board. Looking at the whole is complicated, but piece by piece it’s easy to connect it all. 2.Then remove emotions from the situation. Emotions are to conflict like air is to a fire â€" it causes it to grow out of control. Don’t let drama or emotional responses inflame the situation. Instead… 3.Chose to be generous. Whomever or whatever started the conflict, give the benefit of the doubt that best intentions were involved. Instead of judging or blaming, give liberal feedback as to where someone or something could have taken a different course of action. 3.Share context to parties involved. People are more reasonable in their reaction if they are given a more complete picture or fuller context, describing the conditions what led to the situation and why the activity (or lack of activity) caused conflict. For example, your team misses one month of their revenue target, the boss goes crazy about it at a team meeting which cases conflict where people feel compelled to defend their activity. The context might be that every other division missed their revenue target also and now people have to be leg to.   Context is a great leveler, and it always matters 4.Go to the facts; honestly prevails. Own up to mistakes. Sit in graceful silence, don’t express every thought that crosses your mind. calmly talk about the extent of the damage and choose a solutions that matches the severity of the situation. 5.Then be willing to wipe the slate clean (at least once) if the situation is resolved. Get used to the fact you work in a passionate environment. And be willing to say, “I understand,” which keeps you from saying, “I agree” or “I disagree” before you’re sure where you stand. Move on. ___ Debra Benton is the co-author along with Kylie Wright-Ford of the new book, The Leadership Mind Switch (McGraw-Hill, 2018)

Best Android Apps to Help You Find a Job

Best Android Apps to Help You Find a Job The job search just got easier, thanks to smartphones taking the reins and allowing job seekers more freedom in how they look for their next place of employment. Android has more than a halfway decent list, but here are the top five, based on reviews and ratings on the Google Play store. Indeed Jobs: Job Search   With this app, you can: Apply for jobs directly from your smartphone Save jobs you like to your account Discover great companies to work for Get job match alerts Sign in with Facebook or email Many of the reviewers who have used this app say it allowed them to find a job fairly quickly, plus the ability to apply for jobs via your smartphone makes it so you are not chained to your desk. Snagajob: Job Search  Snagajobs app name may not be very original, and it delivers essentially the same features as Indeed Jobs app, but there are features that this app has that the first one doesnt, such as:  Location Maps Search for hourly jobs Shows whos reviewed your application  Like Indeed Jobs app, you can sign in via Facebook or your email, and being able to see whos actually taken a look at your application eliminates the pins-and-needles waiting. For business owners publishing a job at Snagajob can be bit expensive, but by using coupon code you may save on job posting.  Glass Door, Inc: Job Search, Salaries Reviews So many people out there have been burnt by bad companies, but many other companies shine when it comes to treating employees the way they deserve to be treated: with human honesty and respect. GlassDoors job search app really allows you to take a peek, via employee/ex-employee reviews, at which companies shine and which ones fail, as well as give pertinent info like position salaries, and extensive job descriptions. This is job-seeking transparency at its best. Invilabs: Job HR Interview Questions  This isnt specifically a job bank app, but rather a well-put-together list of common interview questions that, if not answered in the way most employers are looking for, will land you back to square one. This app gives you the whys of any particular question as well as the best way to answer so you can ace the interview and snag your coveted job. This is for both job search novice, or for someone who is still puzzled by the subtle nuances of most interview questions.  Job Search Tipsâ€"CareerConfidential.com For those just heading out into the workforce for the first time, or heading back in after a hiatus, this app is fantastic for giving you straight-to-the-point tips on: Great resumes and how to construct them Great cover letters This app also includes a twenty-page interview prep list, which would go right in hand with the previous app. Expert advice is included via the most influential online recruiter: Peggy McKee. If youre needing a job, regardless of any economic uptick or downturn, these apps are amazing, and will boost your job search success exponentially.

Finding Work-Life Balance when Dealing with a Family Crisis

Finding Work-Life Balance when Dealing with a Family Crisis Achieving work and life balance in the midst of a family crisis is not always easy,for instance, for people working in hospitals. Under normal circumstances, it is already challenging to deal with both with enough time and zeal. What more with the added pressures of a personal difficulty?Yet, it is essential to find a way to deal with everything to sustain your energy, well-being, relationships, and profession.evalIt takes time and effort, but is doable with a good strategy and plan. Below are five tips to guide your way.2. Immediately discuss your situation with colleaguesevalInform your peers and supervisor about your situation. Explain what is going on and why you may need to take time off or have a family leave. You do not need to tell them every little personal detail â€" just enough for them to understand the severity of this problem and why it demands your immediate attention.Then, come up with a coverage plan that is reasonable for everyone involved. Express gratefulness for the coverage and make sure to return the favor once you are back.2. Work efficientlyBe extremely focused in using your time appropriately. If it is time to work, put all your effort and attention into it. Perform your duties as quickly and efficiently as possible, finish it, and move on to family matters.Again, dedicate all your energies in handling your family crisis and do not let work distract you at this time. Do one thing at a time and do it well.Also, be mindful of the time you spend on social media. Sometimes it is a good way to relax but it does not help if it sucks you in and eats valuable time.In fact, it is a good idea to step away from the phone or keyboard while balancing work and a family crisis.3. Schedule everythingevalPlan everything. This provides much needed structure and makes it easier to stretch yourself. When you are dealing with a family crisis, even the simplest things feel overwhelming. Start writing a schedule and stick to it. It focuses your mind and simp lifies tasks.Create a schedule on your phone, write on an actual calendar, or set up reminders every day. Do what you have to do to get things done and stay on track.4. See what resources are available to youWhat benefits are offered by your company that may be useful in managing your situation? Can you take time off? Is paid leave an option? Is child care assistance available?Can you work from home? Are there counseling or legal services that you can tap into? These benefits offer a lot of help in the middle of a family crisis.evalIn addition, do not hesitate to speak with your supervisor or human resources manager to explore what other options or help can be extended to you given your unique situation. There is always room for negotiation but you have to ask first.eval5. Let go of the guiltNo matter how hard you try to balance work and your family crisis, it just never settles perfectly sometimes. There will be unforeseen problems and situations that prove too difficult to manage with grace.Sometimes days are plain painful. But do not be too hard on yourself. Do what you can in one day, give your best, and let go of the rest.Moreover, if your family crisis is truly tremendous, there is nothing wrong with taking extended time off from work. Give yourself space to griever, heal, and recover then come back to work with a renewed energy.

On the First Day of Christmas, My Network Gave to Me...

On the First Day of Christmas, My Network Gave to Me... Despite popular belief, the holiday season is a great time to continue your job search efforts to accelerate potential activity in December and the New Year. Here are 12 networking tips for the holiday season.Attend holiday parties. Many professional associations host holiday parties. This is a great way to meet others in your field that may be able to make meaningful introductions for you.Throw your own party. Have an intimate dinner party or a bigger bash at your home or nearby restaurant. This is a great way to practice your pitch, and reconnect with people who may be able to assist you in your search.Ask for informational interviews. The last two weeks of December are traditionally slow for most businesses. You may find that some of the decision makers you need to get in front of are in the office during those last two weeks and it may be a lot easier to get in front of them during this time of year.Keep looking. Many job seekers take a break during the holiday season, assuming n o one is hiring. But many companies do hire in December to make good use of their current hiring budgets or shore up talent in the new year. When other job seekers lay low during December, you may have a better chance to be found.Volunteer. Tis the season…volunteer to do something meaningful in your personal or professional communities during December. Doing so can increase your visibility and jump start some conversations with people who may be able to help you in the New Year.Do a favor for someone. Maybe you can watch your friends children while she does her Christmas shopping, or assist a friend who needs help with a computer problem or home improvement project. Your goodwill will not be forgotten and is likely to be reciprocated with help for your in the future.Take a vacation. What better way to meet new decision makers? It doesn’t need to be extravagant…just find new people to have conversations with. Let them know what you do and ask for their suggestions for expanding your brand’s reach in a very informational, non-threatening way. You may just pick up a lead or two.Reconnect with friends of “Christmas Past.” Check out LinkedIn and Facebook and search for old friends. What better time to reconnect than the holiday season? Get over the fact that it’s been awhile since you last spoke and take the first step. You may be pleasantly surprised by the response you get.Endorse or recommend colleagues you respect who do good work. If you have just reconnected with someone, the next step might be to endorse or recommend them on LinkedIn or like their Facebook status. These simple displays of acknowledgement go a long way towards building solid relationships.Send holiday cards. Holiday cards provide a natural “touch point” or opportunity to reconnect with friends, family, and colleagues. Reach out to your network now with some “best wishes” and holiday cheer and you will have a natural entrée into a job-related conversation in the New Year .Schedule a lunch or coffee with a colleague or friend. Your contacts may have more time to give during this season and schedules may be more flexible. Take advantage of the lull and get back in touch with people who can serve as advocates in the new year.Join a professional association. Professional associations offer excellent opportunities for beefing up your skills and building your network of contacts. Plus, many offer end-of-year membership discounts as an incentive for joining.

NYC Resume Writing: When is it More Important to Be Familiar With The Process?

NYC Resume Writing: When is it More Important to Be Familiar With The Process?The first thing you should consider when seeking NYC resume writing is a solid understanding of how the process works. Don't just run out and write your own resumes and then worry about embellishing them later. There are many people who do this and end up being too careful, and end up cutting corners in their resume writing, so make sure you're doing everything you can to keep it professional and clean.One of the most common mistakes that a lot of resume writers make is throwing in every bit of information that they possibly can, and making it all sound like they know what they're talking about. Don't let yourself be one of these!The best way to start your NYC resume writing is to focus on the skills and talents that you have. If you're a good speaker or are gifted with writing, or a great teacher, this is very important. However, your resume will also need to show these qualities when you talk about your p ast employment, both as an employee and the position you're applying for. To this end, try and be as detailed as possible.Once you've written a job application and made sure it's not full of spelling and grammatical errors, start filling it out. A NYC resume writer can really make a big difference here, because they are going to help you come up with your contact details, background, your experiences, and much more. Most NYC resume writers aren't going to need to read the whole thing, but it would still be beneficial to have the information that you put together in front of them. When you use them, make sure you let them know exactly what you want to say about your career goals and ambitions.When you're done with your NYC resume, don't feel bad if it doesn't go perfectly. It's your first time writing one, and you could definitely find your own style. Remember that a lot of these positions are open to candidates that have a strong knowledge of the city, so you'll need to be able to e xplain the reasons behind your work experience and abilities.One of the best things about NYC resume writing is that a lot of people get stuck on a few sentences. By using a professional, you can easily get rid of them and make sure that they're your best. When you write your resume, make sure that you make sure that you have plenty of space, and make sure that the rest of your resume is the same. You should have five pages on the whole thing, and you can put more in if you like.As you can see, NYC resume writing isn't all that hard. It only takes a little bit of extra effort to make sure that you're able to come up with the best resume for your situation.