Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

Read They Don't Teach Corporate in College for a smooth transition from "flip flops to wingtips"

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corpincollegeAlexandra Levit’s first book, They Don’t Teach Corporate in College: A Twenty-Somethings Guide to the Business World, is now out in a revised edition to help anyone ready to try to transition to the working world in today’s tough market. As the author of four books and a Wall Street Journal contributor, Alexandra keeps her finger on the pulse of the corporate world, particularly as it relates to Gen Y.

I believe that job seekers and careerists of all ages can benefit from reading They Don’t Teach Corporate in College. It is packed full of useful advice and tips, all of which are nicely summarized at the end of each chapter for the impatient reader.

With advice on everything from goal setting to networking, problem solving (even when the boss isn’t around) to how to appropriately showcase your abilities in a work environment and how to recognize when it is time to start looking for a new job, Alexandra’s book is a useful and valuable resource for anyone who could use a little
advice about how to succeed in the business world.

But this isn’t your typical, “rah rah” corporate guidebook. It’s an honest and open examination of some of the many challenges that workers today face. (Constant restructuring, difficult or overstressed bosses, overly competitive colleagues, the list goes on!) The author shares her own experiences that compelled her to write the original edition of the book. She isn’t speaking from a vacuum, but from an in-touch perspective of someone who has “been there, done that” and lived to tell the tale!

One of my favorite sections reminds readers of the importance of optimism. Alexandra suggests that “you are what you think.” The take-away? “As a human being you are responsible for your own life, and you have the ability to choose your response to your environment” (p. 170).

I think this take-away is key for all job seekers and professionals. It’s a message I constantly share and an important point for job seekers and anyone hoping to improve his or her professional life. Reading Alex’s book is one step in the right direction!

If you are ready for a change and could use some help with your search, follow THIS LINK to learn more about me and how we can work together!

Courting Your Career – lessons from dating applied to the job search

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Are you the job seeker who, when asked what you’re good at, or what you want to do,  says, “I am really good at a lot of things. I have many skills, such as X, Y and Z, and I am a quick learner, so I can really do anything and I am open to just about any job.”

If that sounds familiar, it is time to re-work your pitch! As Shawn Graham, author of Courting Your Career, notes in the book, being willing to do anything is akin to saying you would date just about anyone, as long as they have teeth!

Shawn’s useful and informative book helps make the job search process more accessible to readers by comparing a job search to a search for a mate.

The first step for both processes? Figure out who you are and what you want! Look beyond physical appearance and cast a wide enough net to include a variety of types of companies to “romance.”

While some may believe that “fate” should play a big role in their love life and career paths, it’s a good idea to incorporate a good dose of planning in both areas for success.

Shawn weaves the dating analogy through the “meet market” – networking, and reminds readers that “Before you can date someone, you need to meet someone” (p. 33).  He offers three principles of effective networking:

  • Assess – figure out who you know
  • Expand – grow outside of your existing network
  • Maintain – keep up your ongoing relationships

He reminds us that leveraging skills learned from past relationships is as useful for job seekers as it is for dating!

A tip I particularly enjoyed that also is perfectly aligned with both dating and job seeking is “it isn’t all about you.” Shawn asks, “Have you ever been on a date with someone who talked about him- or herself all night long?” (p. 111). You don’t want to be the self-centered job seeker! Remember that looking for a job is just as much about connecting to the employer’s needs as it is about what you have to offer!

There are some differences between job seeking and dating…For example, Shawn reminds readers that they should NOT send flowers to thank an interviewer!

Courting Your Career is a great (and fun) read for anyone in job search mode. The message is an optimistic and useful reminder – so much is in YOUR hands! Take advantage of it and move forward successfully!

YOU have a chance to win a copy of Courting Your Career! All you need to do is comment on any one of my blogs (comment on as many as you’d like to increase your chances). Share a story, ask a question…Let us know why you could use this book. I’ll pick one winner at random on Friday to receive a copy.

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Secrets of the Job Hunt

Need some help with your job search? I won’t help you with your dating life, but you’ll probably learn some great transferable skills when we work together! Follow THIS LINK to learn more about me and how we can work together!

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Know what employers want to strengthen your career fitness

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fitness3125436528_6790992c00_mSo, you want to find the all important, challenging and meaningful work. I’ve been sharing information that Peter Weddle of Weddles said in his talk at the Career Management Alliance seminar. (Be sure to read the previoius posts – It’s not a come as you are job market and What’s your 3%?)

Weddle talked about having the courage to break out of the box you created for yourself at work. He asserts that everyone can be an A-player at something! The trick is to identify that special and unique part of you!

So, what does Peter think are the most important traits that employers seek?

He says, “Employers value people who are accomplished, but who accept responsibility for continuing to engage and learn.” In other words, you may be the most accomplished CEO, but your resume includes evidence that you are learning a new language!

But, what other aspects are attractive to employers?

  • Leadership
  • You speak a second language
  • Specific computer skills
  • Flexibility

Not surprisingly, employers all want to work with winners! How can you be a winner? Stay tuned for more ideas!

I will help you move in the right direction for your job hunt…If you are ready for a change and could use some help with your search, follow THIS LINK to learn more about me and how we can work together!!

photo by ambrosianapictures

Stop and think: what's your 3%?

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stop294078052_79bf02307a_mWhen work is challenging and meaningful, it is one place where people are happiest! At least, that is what Peter Weddle of Weddles said in his talk at the Career Management Alliance seminar. (Be sure to read yesterday’s post – It’s not a come as you are job market.) He asserted that “if you have courage, you can break out of the box you create for yourself” and take charge of your own career.

I liked this advice, as it echoes what I always tell my clients – “You drive your own career bus.” YOU are in charge of what direction you go, and you have choices about where to go next.

Weddle explained that the genome project taught us that humans are 97% similar! So, he suggested that we each offer 3% that is special and unique. Have you thought about that 3%? You need to focus and purposefully identify what you have to offer that makes you stand out from everyone else. It’s not enough to assume that it’s obvious or that everyone will recognize your talents. Stop, outline what you have to offer and focus on your goals. Then, move forward with intent.

Have you ever gone for a drive, but didn’t plan exactly where you wanted to end up? If you were lucky, you ended up at a great place for dinner or a nice spot to enjoy a water view. Other times, you just sort of drove and drove, but never really got anywhere? Sound familiar? You don’t want to take that chance with your career.

Weddle points out that the global markets are unforgiving. Stay tuned for more from Peter’s talk about what employers are seeking.

Need help to market your best skills? Peter says that EVERYONE can be an A-player. I can show you how! Contact me for help with your search.

photo by adobemac

This is not a "come as you are" job market

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junglegym693887927_c5059fe2a6_mHave you heard? Peter Weddle, CEO of Weddles, commented at last week’s Career Management Alliance that this is not a “come as you are job market.” He explained:

  • There are four job seekers for every job.
  • Companies are experiencing a reduction in structure.
  • Less jobs will be recovered…Weddle is expecting a profound change in the market going forward, with a much leaner and meaner job market.

So, what does this mean for you? Is it time to pack it all in and give it up?

No, of course not! I believe that everyone has the choice regarding how to navigate his or her own career or job search. If you drive your own career bus, you can excel, even in a tough market. However, you can’t just “come as you are,” as Weddle noted. In the “old days,” all anyone needed to do to find a job is make a few calls or apply for enough jobs. With competition fierce and opportunities scarce, you need to do more.

You need to work on your career every day! Weddle described the “career jungle gym” that is replacing the old career ladder. He says that career advancement isn’t always about following the rungs of a ladder in one direction; it can mean moving sideways – as long as you keep your eye on your goal!

Stay tuned for more thoughts from Peter Weddle’s presentation and suggestions to help you improve your “career fitness.” Please share your thoughts in the comments section!

Are you “coming as you are” to your job hunt? Don’t make a mistake that will cost your time, money and sanity. I can help – contact me to discuss how!

photo by mcmorr