Services
Today, I’m happy to share a guest post from my business partner, Hallie Crawford. Do you know you need a career change, but you aren’t sure what path to take? Hallie specializes in helping recent college grads and boomerangs identify their ideal career paths and make it happen. Visit her site to learn more about Hallie!by Hallie Crawford, MA, CPCC
Are you wanting to switch careers or explore new job options? Perhaps you are unhappy with your current career, but unsure your options. Maybe you have so many options that you feel overwhelmed. Whatever your situation, taking some time out for self-evaluation prior to making any big change is a smart move. It’s probably been a while since you last thought about your natural talents and abilities! Career coaching can help you uncover and identify those talents and abilities that, once realized, can lead you on a journey to greater career fulfillment.
Try the following brainstorming exercise, meant to help you pull out the best parts of your professional personality. All you need is a pen and paper or your computer, and some quiet time to reflect. There are no right or wrong answers here. Just be honest with yourself. When we’re reasonable about what we can achieve, we’re better matched to a future position, one that satisfies us because we’re already inclined to perform that particular role and do it well.
1. As a child, what types of leisure activities did you enjoy most?
Were you handy with tools? Good at making crafts? Did you write stories, enjoy brain teasers? What about sports or outdoor exploration? Were you a budding entrepreneur, with lemonade stands, a paper route, or other lucrative childhood pursuits? What about science projects or caring for and spending time with pets?2. When asked to volunteer for a group project, whether it’s on the job, with your church, school, or another place, in which areas do you typically offer your assistance?
3. Which electives did you sign up to take in high school, college, or other training school?
Out of those, which classes stand out in your mind as being the easiest and most enjoyable for you? Which ones did you get the best grades in, and for what types of assignments or projects?4. What extracurricular activities did you participate in at your high school and/or college?
To which groups did you belong, and what areas did you sign up to offer your contributions? Were you on the school paper or yearbook committee? Did you enjoy building stage sets for the theater group or work as a deejay for your school radio program? Were you a sports team member or assistant coach? Computer or math club?)5. Think back to all the memorable moments in your life where you were congratulated or acknowledged for your efforts.
What did you do at that time to warrant recognition? If you can think back to notes of thanks, testimonials or other expressions of appreciation, what messages did people have to say about your best qualities?6. When asked to write your performance reviews for previous jobs, in which areas did you most excel, and in what ways?
Take some time to explain, citing examples of moments where you exhibited stellar performance on the job.When you’re finished writing out the answers to the above questions, go back and re-read your answers. What personal attributes can you see popping up repeatedly over the course of your life? Can you think of different types of jobs where you’d be able to best utilize these skills and personal strengths?
Congratulations! You have just taken the first necessary step to uncovering your career skill set.
Do you know what your next step should be? Keppie Careers can help you put your networking plans into action for a successful job hunt. Contact me to learn more!
It’s not too late to join the free seminar I am offering with Carolann Jacobs from Vivid Epiphany. Read more about it HERE!
photo by Thomas Hawk
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=f9b5c738-0c3c-48a3-a4df-84f54612ccd7)
Related Posts:
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!
-
http://www.danerwin.com Dan Erwin
-
http://www.lifecoachpaige.com Paige
-
Search Keppie Careers
Newsletter
Testimonials
Our 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 RYou 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 RAfter 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 MI 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 FI 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 BYou 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 CI 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 TI'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 MI 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 PMiriam 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 PMiriam, 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(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 LOur 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 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 D