Career Advice - How's your First Impression?

“You only have one chance to make a first impression”. Wise words many of us have grown up with as we’ve moved through our careers. It’s typically good advice for interviews, and also for attending networking events, meeting with clients, and that first day of work at a new company or on a project with a new client. Things to remember include: Be observant, take notes and remember names, ask meaningful questions, be open to new ideas and methods, turn off your electronic devices, show interest and be a good listener, and ask for things to do, even menial tasks, to help you understand how things work.

Recently I was asked to submit my advice to young people for their first day of work for an article in the Wall Street Journal’s career section entitled “Day One – Now What?” Read the entire article here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122619711571011423.html

Great food for thought. Check yourself on these things next time a new situation arises where you’ll be presenting yourself for the first time. Are you doing all you can to create a powerful, professional first impression?

Please post your comments!

Managers Doing the Right Thing

A relatively small reduction in force had to take place due to decrease in demand and overage of inventory. Lists of affected workers were compiled and reviewed, then reviewed again. Logistics were finalized and managers were coached on how to conduct the one-on-one meetings. The unfortunate news was delivered and employees were escorted off site.

Typically, this is the time when morale begins to wane and rumors start to fly. My client and his manager took it upon themselves to go above and beyond by adding the human touch to this uncomfortable situation. They dispelled confusion and uncertainty with good old honest communication. They spent the rest of the day having personal meetings with their other employees explaining the need for this action and assuring them of the strength of the company and its future. They made themselves available to discuss concerns and answer questions. For the remainder of the week, they kept a watchful eye and paid attention to the department’s undertones in order to maintain morale and keep productivity high.

What a difference this extra effort and attention to the human side of business makes. A valuable lesson for anyone in management who finds themselves in a similar situation - Do the right thing and talk openly and honestly with the unaffected employees to ensure they understand the company’s decision and stance on the future.

Career Transition Clubs - A Smart Move during Layoffs

Too often, displaced workers are given the bad news, their severance check, and asked to leave, with no help or mention made of job search resources that may be available to them.
Outplacement programs provided by employers to their laid-off workers are a huge benefit to everyone. They not only help the employees quickly get on track with job search skills; they help improve the morale of the employees still working, create goodwill in the community, and for the bottom line, help get employees back to work sooner and thus decrease the costs associated with unemployment benefits.

However, these programs can be costly and are either non-existent or only offered to management level and higher. I have a creative solution and am very excited to announce my newly formed Career Transition Clubs. Companies may sponsor their employees into the Clubs at the corporate membership rates for a period of time giving them much needed resources and support. Weekly meetings provide opportunities to exchange ideas with other people in transition, learn tips and ideas for getting back to work sooner, and develop action plans to stay on track.

These meetings are also open to individuals already in or planning a career transition. Please contact me for more information at info@LousbergUnlimited.com. We’re kicking off in Vista, CA on Monday November 10th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Plans are underway to hold more Club meetings in other areas of San Diego County and eventually via phone and internet. Stay tuned for details!

Step 1 for Finding your Perfect Job

What's the first thing people do when they find themselves jobless? They dust off their resume and post it online, thinking that's the first step that must be taken immediately. This is very common and I disagree.

Even after being laid off or let go unexpectedly, there's a step that must occur before haphazardly entering the job market - taking time to assess your strengths, skills, and values, along with identifying your absolute must-haves for your next job. This exercise makes you crystal clear on what kind of work you are best suited for and what you are willing and able to accept - location, salary, size of company, benefits, and so on.

Finding the time, locating a quiet place, and simply sitting down with ourselves are challenging tasks to undertake in our busy lives. After working with many clients trying to figure out their next move and running into these challenges, I realized the need for an easy-to-use, accessible guide for this purpose. The Career Discovery Journal was born! This 30 page, spiral bound journal includes exercises, encouraging words, and prompts to get you thinking about what you're good at, what you like to do, and ultimately, where you belong. It's perfectly sized at 5.5 x8.5 to take with you everywhere and is reasonably priced at $17.95. Please visit www.dowhatyoulove.net for ordering information. This is the guide for planning your next career move!

Networking for your Career

The single best thing you can do for yourself during times of uncertainty, especially when job security is in question, is to plug into your network. If you think you don’t have one, yes, you really do. It starts with your family, friends and colleagues. After you touch base with each one of those people, you find out who they know that you should know and build from there. Many job seekers I’ve worked with discount this powerful tool, lose track of their past contacts, then find themselves at square one when they’re jobless and desperate for help. It’s important to keep your network active and stay in touch with those outside your day-to-day activities. You may find yourself in need of help one day and with an active network, you'll know just who to call. Statistics show that the jobs experienced professionals are seeking are overwhelmingly found through networking. Another value to getting yourself from behind the computer and out to meetings is that you’ll find the support you need for solving business problems, finding employees, developing relationships, and even identifying your next job.

Just a few more words on the virtual type of networking: If you have already or plan to join Linked In, Facebook or any of the numerous others, spend the time learning about the site and maximize its benefits. Decide what you want from it and then diligently update your profile and respond to people and make connections. And remember – if you should ever find yourself in the job market, recruiters and human resource folks are “googling” candidates. Make sure what they find online about you will actually help you get your next job!

Please post your comments about how networking has helped your career. Have a great week!

Recommended Reading: Heart of a Woman in Business

In light of this week being National Business Woman's Week, it's the perfect time to tell you about a new book from San Diego author and noted speaker, Sheryl Roush. The newest addition to her Heart Book Series – Heart of a Woman in Business – includes “Stories, Strategies and Skills for Success”. Over 80 contributors submitted their original poems, stories, tips and advice to women in business everywhere. I’m honored to be one of those contributors with a story entitled, “The Gifts in Each and Every Job” about finding friendship in a least-favorite job. Sized at just 6 x 7 and 288 pages, they make perfect gifts for every business woman (current, retired or aspiring) in your life. Get your copies today!

National Business Women's Week

I recently learned that this week, the 3rd week of October, is National Business Women’s Week, sponsored by the Business and Professional Women USA organization. This week of recognition was officially designated over 70 years ago by President Herbert Hoover to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of working women. The first observance back in 1928 was meant to “focus public attention upon a better business woman for a better business world”, as BPW/USA’s President at the time, Lena Madesin Phillips, said.

A national organization based in Washington D.C, the Business and Professional Women’s organization has over 2000 local chapters. For more information, visit their website at www.bpwusa.org. Be sure to take a look at their downloadable report entitled “101 Facts on the Status of Working Women" or contact me for a copy.

How can you make a difference this week in recognition of National Business Woman’s Week?
Mention it to your colleagues and plan an informal gathering where you share the year’s accomplishments. Look into mentoring young women as they develop their careers. Share information with your boss and human resources department and gain their support in making an announcement or posting a flyer. Gather your women friends and co-workers and head off to lunch to celebrate. Uncover and update your list of accomplishments for the year and pat yourself on the back. We’ve all come a long way!

The First Step toward a Successful Career Transition

Don’t let all this bad economic news sidetrack your plans. You should still entertain thoughts of that career transition you’ve been dreaming of and even begin taking steps to get you there. Now’s the perfect time to assess your strengths, values, traits, and knowledge and really figure out where you belong in the workplace. Statistics show that those who have the ability to frequently put their strengths into action are the happiest and most productive people in the workforce. Being satisfied at work makes for a more fulfilling personal life. Imagine feeling less stress, having more fun with family and co-workers, and seeing the possibilities of what your life can be!

The first step in a career transition is not reviving your resume and perusing the online job boards. It is taking time to determine what makes you most satisfied and engaged at work. With these things forefront in your mind, your resume, networking and job search will lead you to the right career path. Imagine feeling energized about going to work and excited about playing a part in a company’s success! It’s not only possible, it’s the right thing for you to do, and right now!

Here’s a tool I created to help you do this – the Career Discovery Journal. Each section provides questions and exercises to help you uncover the clues you need to find not just the next job, but the right next job and career direction for you. After working through its pages, noting your findings, the pieces will begin to fall into place so you can clearly see where you want to go. Then, work on your resume and view the job boards and begin networking with confidence because you will know what you want and where you’re headed!

The Journal is 30 pages, 5-1/2 x 8-1/2, and spiral bound – the perfect size and format for carrying with you and having handy for when inspiration strikes and ideas come to mind. Get yours today and begin creating the career of your dreams! For purchase information, please visit: http://www.lousbergunlimited.com/web/order.php

Next step: Developing a powerful Job Search strategy. Coming soon: the Job Search Journal!