Thank you for following my blog. I have incorporated my blog into my new website http://freyassociates.com/blog and will no longer publish on blogger.
I do hope you'll transfer to the new site.
Thank you and Happy New Year.
Karen Fey
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, October 25, 2010
3 Lessons from a Serial Networker
When professionals are considering making a job change or are newly unemployed, the first thing they want to do is network. They scour LinkedIn and their contacts to find who can help THEM. Unfortunately this is not the ideal time to begin your networking efforts.
If you are looking to leverage your network, it's best to keep the following thoughts in mind.
1. Networking is about building relationships - it doesn't happen overnight. Put in the effort to create, nurture and grow these relationships as an ongoing part of your work-life.
2. Networking is about giving - not asking. Should someone suggest they can make an introduction for you; Bingo, you did a great job. Be the first to offer help.
3. Treat each person in your network as a cherished friend who you want to keep forever.
There is something to be said about Karma. Be a good networker and pay it forward.
If you are looking to leverage your network, it's best to keep the following thoughts in mind.
1. Networking is about building relationships - it doesn't happen overnight. Put in the effort to create, nurture and grow these relationships as an ongoing part of your work-life.
2. Networking is about giving - not asking. Should someone suggest they can make an introduction for you; Bingo, you did a great job. Be the first to offer help.
3. Treat each person in your network as a cherished friend who you want to keep forever.
There is something to be said about Karma. Be a good networker and pay it forward.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Subtle Changes for BIG Payoffs
A few months ago I met with a coaching client (we'll call him "John") who hated his job and just wanted out. We spent time discovering his strengths and how he wanted to use them. When we really delved into what he liked and didn't like about his current role, he found that there were huge chunks that he loved about his work. As it turns out, he really disliked giving presentations which was a significant part of his job. So he tried something new, John allowed his direct reports to be the presenters with John being present. It was a huge hit as his team received great feedback and are now being noticed by others. Instead of being drained after major presentations, John is now going home happy, fulfilled and with lots of energy. These changes allow him more time to spend on his strengths and less time and effort in the areas that he dreads. It's a good reminder that sometimes we can make subtle changes that can make a huge difference in our day-to-day lives.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Focusing on the Possibilities
These are interesting times of uncertainty. I like and expect predictable outcomes. Just when you think the economy is going to take off, it feels like someone let the air out and it deflates. I know many face this feeling with their job searches.
There is this Law of Uncertainty that permeates looking for a job. By nature, we want to count on predictability. You want to know that: the company received your resume, when they say they'll get back to you they really will, they filled the position and did or didn't even consider you. You just want know.
I can’t tell you how many ads I’ve seen that talk about how “people oriented” the company’s culture is. It’s always amusing when they say “please contact us for more information . . .” BUT THERE’S NO ONE LISTED TO CONTACT.
How do you focus on the possibilities when you just want concrete answers?
Just when we think we know the answer . . . it changes . . . sometimes the question, sometimes the answer. "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers," voiced in 1943, by Thomas Watson, the founder of IBM. The head of the U.S. Patent Office in 1895 argued in front of congress that the Patent Office should be closed. The reason was that everything that could be invented already had been invented.
Having a crystal ball would make life too easy and boring. We can’t count on probable outcomes and predictable scenarios. Do everything you can to be pro-active in your job search verses waiting to hear. You never know what connection will led you down the next great adventure. And you never know what favor you did for someone else will be remembered and returned.
Abraham Lincoln once said “it isn’t what we know that gets us in trouble, it’s the things we think we know that aren’t necessarily so.” Cut the companies some slack. They are bombarded with resumes and doing the best they can with very limited resources.
Forget the betting pool of probability and what you think you know . . . focus on the possibilities. Let go of the angst than comes with waiting and expectations. Keep doing the right things. Focus on moving forward. The right job, the right company, the right career is out there just waiting for you. Just be open to it coming to you in an unconventional manner.
There is this Law of Uncertainty that permeates looking for a job. By nature, we want to count on predictability. You want to know that: the company received your resume, when they say they'll get back to you they really will, they filled the position and did or didn't even consider you. You just want know.
I can’t tell you how many ads I’ve seen that talk about how “people oriented” the company’s culture is. It’s always amusing when they say “please contact us for more information . . .” BUT THERE’S NO ONE LISTED TO CONTACT.
How do you focus on the possibilities when you just want concrete answers?
Just when we think we know the answer . . . it changes . . . sometimes the question, sometimes the answer. "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers," voiced in 1943, by Thomas Watson, the founder of IBM. The head of the U.S. Patent Office in 1895 argued in front of congress that the Patent Office should be closed. The reason was that everything that could be invented already had been invented.
Having a crystal ball would make life too easy and boring. We can’t count on probable outcomes and predictable scenarios. Do everything you can to be pro-active in your job search verses waiting to hear. You never know what connection will led you down the next great adventure. And you never know what favor you did for someone else will be remembered and returned.
Abraham Lincoln once said “it isn’t what we know that gets us in trouble, it’s the things we think we know that aren’t necessarily so.” Cut the companies some slack. They are bombarded with resumes and doing the best they can with very limited resources.
Forget the betting pool of probability and what you think you know . . . focus on the possibilities. Let go of the angst than comes with waiting and expectations. Keep doing the right things. Focus on moving forward. The right job, the right company, the right career is out there just waiting for you. Just be open to it coming to you in an unconventional manner.
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Wave of Rebound
I'm asked almost every day, when will the economy turn. When I look into my crystal ball, I predict late summer as the beginning of the first wave of management changes. I say this because Korn Ferry recently announced that their business within succession planning is up 400%. Once a new CEO is in place, approximately 70% of the executives will churn within those first 9 months. So depending on where you fall within the food chain, there will be a trickle-down effect as new leaders seek to hire the right people for their teams.
If you are new to the job search market or want to revamp your approach, take a look at my earlier blogs.
If you are new to the job search market or want to revamp your approach, take a look at my earlier blogs.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
2010 Job Market ~ A Rumble or an Earthquake
Wow! Where does the time go? A new year with lots of opportunities. I always find January to be a really exciting time. I've wrapped up the previous year and look to the New Year with eagerness and optimism.
The question I received most often the past year was, "How does the job market look?” Recruiters are good barometers for the market. We hear and feel the rumblings of hiring before it hits. Fortunately or unfortunately, we also hear about the earthquake that will happen once the market starts ramping up. Be ready. A recently survey validated that 65% of employees are unhappy in their current jobs. Personally, I think it's higher than that (upwards of 75%).
So is the market shifting? Yes, but it is slow. When things start rolling though, look out. It's going to be fast and furious.
The question I received most often the past year was, "How does the job market look?” Recruiters are good barometers for the market. We hear and feel the rumblings of hiring before it hits. Fortunately or unfortunately, we also hear about the earthquake that will happen once the market starts ramping up. Be ready. A recently survey validated that 65% of employees are unhappy in their current jobs. Personally, I think it's higher than that (upwards of 75%).
So is the market shifting? Yes, but it is slow. When things start rolling though, look out. It's going to be fast and furious.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Job Hunting Toolbox
Getting a job or new job is on the minds of many. It’s important to have tools so you are not just throwing slop to the wall. So here are my tool recommendations for getting and keeping the job you really want.
Plan it:
1. Begin by architecting the position you want and why. Visualize it. How big is the company? What are your responsibilities? What are your authority boundaries? How much money do you make? Who do you work for? How do they coach you? Why did they choose you? Visualize and believe it. Be specific. Not just once, every day, multiple times. Start your morning with a quiet moment. Consider starting the day with a meditation. I’m talking about just 5 minutes of uninterrupted quiet time. Relax, focus and believe.
Now for the easy part:
• Identify what companies are good matches for your skill sets. Why?
• I know you want to apply for everything and if you must, do it. But don’t spend a lot of time on it.
~Focus your search on companies and opportunities you are really interested and qualified for.
• How? If you are responding to an ad, so are 150 other people. Let’s start with the fact that companies have often identified who they want to hire before they run an ad. So responding to an ad is plan “B”. Knowing this, you’ve got to make every effort to have your resume be reviewed by a person.
~Do this by closely reading the ad. Pull out key words and concepts. Make sure these words are in your resume and the concepts are clearly defined. It may mean you need to rewrite your resume. Remember, you're going for quality, not the throw it to the wall and see if it sticks.
~If the ad asks for salary information, please provide it. Sometimes your resume will be passed over for not providing what they want. If you’re uncomfortable providing money, quote a range of what you’ve earned the past few years. When you’re uncomfortable taking money, it can make others feel that you don’t believe you are worth what you have been paid. Would you look at a house that is a bit out of your desired price range? Maybe. It’s a good way to see what your money can buy. So be able to articulate your value proposition.
Hammer it: Companies will often post ads on their website and not run ads. Watch the websites of those companies that are great matches for you. Find advocates within your target companies that keep an eye out for you, make introductions, etc.
Level it: Let’s face it, looking for a job is a lot of work and stress. Take care of yourself to stay healthy; walk, workout, bike, etc. Exercise will stimulate your mind and create more energy. Keep your energy and attention level high all the time. It’s not about short bursts of focused job hunting. It’s about consistently doing the work.
Measure it: What are you doing that is working? Do more of it. Focus on the position you will get. Our daughter is 5’4” and passionate about playing basketball. I tried to tell her that she may be done growing. Her response, “Mom, always be optimistic!” She’s right. My job is to feed her passion. Be your own best friend. Support your efforts and recognize the success you have.
Good luck in your search. Always be optimistic!
Plan it:
1. Begin by architecting the position you want and why. Visualize it. How big is the company? What are your responsibilities? What are your authority boundaries? How much money do you make? Who do you work for? How do they coach you? Why did they choose you? Visualize and believe it. Be specific. Not just once, every day, multiple times. Start your morning with a quiet moment. Consider starting the day with a meditation. I’m talking about just 5 minutes of uninterrupted quiet time. Relax, focus and believe.
Now for the easy part:
• Identify what companies are good matches for your skill sets. Why?
• I know you want to apply for everything and if you must, do it. But don’t spend a lot of time on it.
~Focus your search on companies and opportunities you are really interested and qualified for.
• How? If you are responding to an ad, so are 150 other people. Let’s start with the fact that companies have often identified who they want to hire before they run an ad. So responding to an ad is plan “B”. Knowing this, you’ve got to make every effort to have your resume be reviewed by a person.
~Do this by closely reading the ad. Pull out key words and concepts. Make sure these words are in your resume and the concepts are clearly defined. It may mean you need to rewrite your resume. Remember, you're going for quality, not the throw it to the wall and see if it sticks.
~If the ad asks for salary information, please provide it. Sometimes your resume will be passed over for not providing what they want. If you’re uncomfortable providing money, quote a range of what you’ve earned the past few years. When you’re uncomfortable taking money, it can make others feel that you don’t believe you are worth what you have been paid. Would you look at a house that is a bit out of your desired price range? Maybe. It’s a good way to see what your money can buy. So be able to articulate your value proposition.
Hammer it: Companies will often post ads on their website and not run ads. Watch the websites of those companies that are great matches for you. Find advocates within your target companies that keep an eye out for you, make introductions, etc.
Level it: Let’s face it, looking for a job is a lot of work and stress. Take care of yourself to stay healthy; walk, workout, bike, etc. Exercise will stimulate your mind and create more energy. Keep your energy and attention level high all the time. It’s not about short bursts of focused job hunting. It’s about consistently doing the work.
Measure it: What are you doing that is working? Do more of it. Focus on the position you will get. Our daughter is 5’4” and passionate about playing basketball. I tried to tell her that she may be done growing. Her response, “Mom, always be optimistic!” She’s right. My job is to feed her passion. Be your own best friend. Support your efforts and recognize the success you have.
Good luck in your search. Always be optimistic!
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