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It’s more than just a line from Shakespeare! Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone who worked had the luxury of spending their work hours doing something that they enjoyed and was true to their values and skills? If you are considering a new career, have you done any thinking about how that career intersects with who you are (or want to be)?
Focusing your your values is one way to help direct your search. Check out the University of Minnesota’s Values Inventory to get you thinking about your values and what you really want in terms of work.
Another strategy is to focus on skills. So many job seekers can’t really identify what they have to offer in the way of skills. This is a real problem when it comes to the self-marketing, self-selling and interviewing aspects of the job search. I’ve said it before: If you don’t know what you have to offer, who does?
There are many ways to approach figuring out your skills. There is a basic one that I advise my clients to consider: look at a skills list. Highlight all of the skills you’ve EVER used or could remotely be related to you. Then, go back and check off the skills that really resonate and feel like “you.” This is a basic, not time consuming and free way to get you thinking about your skills.
Another suggestion is to use an on-line skills profiler tool. This instrument allows you to identify and match skills used in a variety of different jobs with specific occupations. You can search by skills or start with occupations. This tool may give you some new ways of thinking about how you can use your transferable skills.
Personality and occupational tests are tools to help focus your plans. John Holland’s Occupational Test functions on the belief that people who have similar interests may prefer the same types of work environments. It aims to categorize your interests, abilities and personality into themes that may then be grouped to target careers. This is one of many personality driven assessments available that may help focus your goals.
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Article by Miriam Salpeter
Miriam Salpeter, author of Social Networking for Career Success, is a CNN-named "top 10 job tweeter" and contributor to U.S. News & World Report's "On Careers" column. Quoted in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and NBC news for her cutting-edge career advice, Miriam is an in-demand writer and speaker regarding job search and social media. She offers custom packages for job seekers and business owners, including transforming resumes and creating social media profiles/personal websites for clients. Keppie Careers has you covered. Let's get started!
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I floundered around for months, unemployed and without knowing what to do. Then, you revised my resume and wrote my cover letters and interview invitations started streaming in! I can't THANK YOU enough for all that you've done to encourage and support me in this tough time.
— Noel PI'm hardly a religious person, but I must bless you for all the inspiration and support you've given me. What you do is very special. I hope earthly rewards will follow, because you deserve them.
— Gloria MYou were so kind and thoughtful. I knew from reading your blog that you would be able to help me. I appreciate your efforts and look forward to using my transformed resume!
— Shelly CMiriam understands the frustration of the twenty-something trying to pursue a career and has devoted herself to helping others achieve their goals. My correspondence with Miriam has resulted in not only a renewed determination in the pursuit of my career, but also in a remarkable transformation for both my resume and, perhaps most importantly, confidence in myself.
— Susan PAfter being out of the work force for over four years, I was lost when facing the task of updating my resume. Keppie Careers was a life-saver! We all have skills and talents; however, getting them on paper in a way that pops out to potential employers is an art. Thanks to Keppie Careers, I now have a polished, professional and very well written resume and have found the perfect job! Thank you for your outstanding service!
— Monica MOur conversation served as great job interview practice. (Miriam) asks some tough, thought-provoking questions!
— Andrew RI landed an interview within a week! They really like my resume. Thanks for all of your help!
— Julie RI did get a job offer today based on my new resume - more than I had in 1 month with the old resume! (Received this email within 48 hours of delivering new resume!)
— Andi DYou helped me reach for a promotion and get it! My new resume stood out among many other applicants and made my organization take a second look at me. I now understand that I am more marketable than I thought. I can define my strengths and skills, and I feel better about my career now that I know what I have to offer and where to focus my energies. Thanks so much!
— Jeff R(Before we worked together) I felt like I had no skills, that no one would look twice at my resume, let alone hire me, and I should just give up before I even start. Now I feel amazing! You helped me remember that I am good at something, and that I do have some marketable skills. Actually, for the first time in a while, I feel good about what I'm saying about myself. (Now I'm getting all weepy). So again, thank you!
— Kelly LI am very pleased and excited by the results so far. This process has been a great "shot in the arm" for my confidence. Again, thank you for the kind words and the advice. This resume gives me a great foundation for my story in the interview. It was a pleasure working with you and I will keep you informed of my progress as well as recommend your services to whomever I meet. Thanks again!
— David TOur mock interview really narrowed down my weaknesses. Thanks for your great suggestions to improve. I'm much more confident and ready to take on my next job interview now!
— Alex MI had an interview yesterday with a company that I'm very excited about. I had sent them a version of the resume we worked on about a week ago, and they responded back within 24 hours asking for an interview! Thanks for everything!
— Lauren BI never thought it would happen, but I found a job! Your resume must have done the trick, because I've been looking so long and nothing! I'll be happy to tell my friends to contact you when they need help! Thanks so much!
— Cathy FMiriam, I must tell you again how pleased I am with what you've done for my resume so far. When I'm lying awake at night worrying about my future, I feel better when I read about my accomplishments as you've set them out so far. I can't tell you how much this means to me.
— Gloria M