13 Signs It's Time to Hire a Career Coach (By Noelle Gross)

Before I started my work as a career coach, I spent years stuck in the wrong types of jobs. Feeling unfulfilled and dreading Mondays was a standard part of life as far as I was concerned because I had bills to pay and not a whole lot of direction or confidence to take my career to the next level.

After years feeling like I was just going through the motions and not actually living life, I finally discovered my true passion and mustered up the courage to take a leap into the world of entrepreneurship. Little did I know at the time, this was just what the doctor ordered to start enjoying life a WHOLE lot more.

Fortunately I figured out how to leverage my experience into an opportunity. Had I not done so, I fear I might still be stuck in a career I dreaded to this day like so many of the professionals I encounter on a regular basis.

You can try tapping into the many resources that exist for uncovering a new career path and job but don't overlook the possibility of working with an expert when it comes to finding your life's purpose and creating the plan of attack for achieving it.

Working with a career coach can be just what you need if you are hoping to figure out you, your dream job and how to make it a reality so that you are spending more time living and less time going through the motions.

So just how do you know it's time to work with an expert to get your career on track? Here are 13 signs it's time to hire a career coach.

You don't know what you want to be when you grow up...

Without a defined career path, plan or self-assessment each job move will be as calculated as buying a lottery ticket (not good)! A career coach can help to uncover your skills, strengths and even career moves best suited to you. If you feel like you've been jumping from job to job with little enjoyment, it might be time to get really clear on the opportunities where you'll thrive.

You know what you want to do next, but you don't know how to get there...

If you are fortunate enough to know your next move, consider yourself ahead of the game! The only thing you need now is to take the correct action for getting there. Unless you've successfully changed careers before, the "how to" part takes a specific strategy. If you are not exactly positioned to make your move immediately given your current experience, a career coach can help to devise a plan for making the right career moves in the interim. If you are poised to make a move, a career coach or job search coach can also help with this aspect.

You are a planner and don't want to leave anything to chance...

With many parts of the job search and career development 2nd chances are rare and timing is everything. Since there are so many resources available for job seekers it's not uncommon for coaching clients have a ton of questions. Furthermore, many parts of the job search (networking, interviewing, etc.) are dependent on people requiring a deeper analysis when making specific decisions and moves. This is where a career coach can be really handy. Talk about breathing easy knowing you have made the best moves at the right times thanks to expert insight.

You are sick of taking the wrong opportunities and want to make sure your next move is the right one...

If you're feeling like your jobs have all been in reaction to necessity instead of strategic moves, this may be a sign you are collecting a resume full of random jobs (which won't help to tell your career story for the job you really want). Before jumping at the next job that comes your way, you may want to hunker down and work with an expert to really get strategic so you can get your career on track.

You are thinking of finding a new job in the next 6 months to a year...

The job search takes time and waiting until the last minute to start preparing or looking can be a fatal mistake. Companies take time when hiring and will usually wait to make the right hire instead if hiring a potentially wrong candidate to fill a gap. A career coach can help by assessing your current professional state of affairs and creating a plan for reaching your future goals. A coach is also great for helping you stay accountable along the way (no slacking)!

You are lacking a robust network & need help building one...

Making strategic contacts also takes time as there's never any guarantee those contacts will be available to connect or even interested (in which case you need backup contacts). A career coach can help you expand your network in the right direction as well as give strategic insights into how to open doors and start conversations geared toward landing your dream job.

You have a lot of questions and need a lot of answers...

There are a ton of career resources out there, but unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all advice. Everything about your career and job search is going to be unique to your situation. Career coaches are great to have on hand for those moments of uncertainty when you're wondering who to contact, when, and especially for knowing what to say.

You are spending all your time online...

Enough said. The online landscape is vast and it has the potential to be a tremendous black hole time-suck. If you are spending all your time online you may be in need of a career coach to switch things up and generate more high-value activities in your job search or career planning.

You are wasting a lot of time you don't have, trying to figure it out...

Life gets busy, especially if you're trying to make a move while working a full-time job. If you know you need to make a move but your calendar is booked solid, it may be time to recruit the help of a career coach. The coaching process, while it does take time and require client assignments, will be 100% focused on only strategic activities designed to help you make some serious traction.

The thought of trying to figure out what you want to do is causing paralysis...

The worst thing you can do if you're feeling stressed about your career, is nothing. However, "nothing," is what will happen if you are one of those people who tends to shut down when there's too much on the table. Because career planning is not second nature, a career coach can add tremendous value in helping you get clear and make put the wheels in motion.

You're starting to lose hope and wonder if there's even such a thing as a perfect job...

Hope for the future is essential in the job search yet it tends to be in short supply when I encounter job seekers that have been stuck for months and even years. Losing hope is the first step down a slippery slope into all sorts of side-effects that WILL definitely have you in a total slump. Depression, weight gain, and low confidence are just some of the side-effects you may face if you start to lose hope in the job search.

Having a career coach by your side can be more than a career changer. It can be a life-saver when it comes to the serious symptom of career "hopelessness." If you know someone who has hit this point, really encourage them to recruit the help of a coach who can uplift, encourage and really bring a spirit of loving guidance to the table.

You know you can't go it alone...

Going the job search alone is probably the worst thing you can do if you're someone who likes to have support in areas where you struggle. A career coach is a great partner in crime (enough said).

You want to make a mega-huge change in your career path...

Career changes require more than just shooting off an updated resume. Making the leap from rocket-scientist to marketing diva requires a very specific strategy and a career coach will help you to define this. One of the biggest challenges in a career change is knowing how to build your career story with attention to the relevant details. In my experience career changers in every industry have a hard time spotting this. Don't lose valuable opportunities to send the right application the first time. Find a career coach who can make you shine!

http://ezinearticles.com/?13-Signs-Its-Time-to-Hire-a-Career-Coach&id=9407678

7 Questions to Answer to Find the Best Career Path

Finding your own way of living the career life is something that a large number of people die to do but unable to get due to various untoward issues. A recent study made by the US Psychological Association states that the people under the career building age of 18 to 36 years are highly stressed and are named as Generation Stress. Well, the fact cannot be denied that the percentage of educated people has been increasing day by day but the number of the aspirants choosing the best suitable career path has simultaneously been falling. Another study from Harvard says that 6.7% of the world population is degree holders. To quote the nitty-gritty, even though no survey or study is made to note how many people around the globe are dicey about their career options, there is a huge mass that is actually baffled what to opt for when it comes to the best career choice. As an individual, if you wish to know the best career path for you, ask yourself the below-mentioned questions and be as rational as you could be to answer them.

Do you aspire to enjoy what you do?

As per a study made by Forbes, the unhappy employees in the world are twice in number as compare to the happy ones. Purpose is one thing that connects an individual with his or her work. If your career option is pushing you towards any pressure, say no to it as the enjoyment and pressure can't go hand in hand. Always remember that work is for you, you are not for work. Make attempts to choose what you like, think twice before finalizing your career as a well begun professional career is a key to the successful life. Hence, you actually need to ask yourself whether you wish to enjoy your job or want to do just for the sake of money.

Are you ready to come out of your comfort zone?

Notwithstanding the fact that everything is just a click away from you now, strenuous efforts are supposed to be done when it comes to achieve the best career life. This is only possible if you are all set to sacrifice all your comforts initially and show some passion towards achieving what you like. To quote an instance, if you want to pursue your career in management, you need to first know your potential before flipping the pages of the books. Forget about the motivational sayings of the highly learned people as the practical examination will be yours. Better to analyze your own ability to continue with a particular career comfortably.

Do you have courage to mute the external voices?

A study by family history site Ancestory showed that only 7% of children opt the career of their parents' choice. Well, it's a general thinking of the parents to make their children walk on their footsteps when it comes to career also. You must also be facing or have faced such instances where your parents or other relatives trouble you to opt for the career of their choices. Believe it or not, a finding by a US survey says that only 13% of world population is happy with their job career. Rest all have to sacrifice their dream career in influence of the external voices. Now, you decide what is right for you, take opinions from all but select the career of your own choice. This could only be possible if you show courage to seal the lips of others for choosing the best career option.

Would you like to excel in your professional life?

A successful career life is the dream of all the aspirants. Nobody wants to stand in the last. In order to get a brilliant career life, you need to ask yourself if you really want to excel what you do. For this, developing interest in a particular field is quite essential. Then only you will be able to show your caliber and give 100% to achieve the throne of excellence. That is why an aspirant needs to go for the best career path and embark his or her brilliant presence there.

Could you dare to stop unwanted hindrances in career path?

There are various live examples in front of us from the line of film industry where the people had to undergo through various hurdles to make their career in acting. Like this, you may also have to bear some untoward intricacies in any career option. It is up to you to decide whether you are ready to face the hindrances that come in your career path. Then only move ahead with your career choice. Do not go where the path leads you, instead go where there is no path. This is what the courage is all about.

Do you possess the undivided commitment to service?

If your answer is yes, pat yourself for this as there are very few people around the globe that are perfectly dedicated towards their jobs. Choosing the best career life for you is in your hands but when you get it, the job actually decides whether you are fit or not. To keep the ball in your court, you need to be completely attentive towards your work and will have to prove it from time to time.

Do the words mismanagement and indiscipline trouble you?

If you are the person with the good management skills and also possess a healthy discipline in your daily routine life, you are the most eligible candidate for achieving the best career path. In today's corporate world where management and discipline exist in the nerves of the employees, rate yourself on the scale of management and discipline and then decide whether you are perfect enough to go for the best career choice or not.

The bottom line is to first twist your minds with the above-mentioned questions and find the best answers for making a wise selection of the best career option.

http://ezinearticles.com/?7-Questions-to-Answer-to-Find-the-Best-Career-Path&id=9832917

How to do a self-assessment of your skills

                                          

When you look for a new role, don't start by updating your CV. Instead, do a self-assessment to help you identify all the key information about yourself.

Doing this will help you provide valuable content for your CV and interviews, as you will uncover examples that illustrate your capabilities. It will also enable you to benchmark your employability, flag up any gaps and ensure you keep on track with the type of opportunities that are right for you. In effect, it prepares you to run an effective job search campaign.

So how do you go about conducting a careers self-assessment?

Assess your skills

Think about the skills that are required to do your job effectively. You might find it helpful to think about the difference in skills between someone who would do your job well and someone who would do it poorly. Add to this list any other key skills you have deployed elsewhere. What do you do especially well and which skills do you enjoy using?

Now think of two or three examples where you demonstrated each skill in action. If you look closely, you will usually find that within each example there are a host of other related skills you employed. For instance, you might have written down "negotiation skills when dealing with a supplier", but when you break it down you may also reveal relationship-building skills, conflict management and flexibility.

Now benchmark your skills by looking at adverts for roles that interest you to see what employers require from their candidates. You can also talk to agencies and head hunters for their opinions. Do you have the skills they are looking for with the examples to prove it? Are these skills transferable to other roles? Are there areas you need to develop? How will you do this? Can you step straight into your target role, or will a stepping-stone role be more realistic?

What do you know?

Candidates often underestimate their knowledge and how it can be of use to an employer. This could range from applied technical know-how, to knowledge about a particular product, service, sector or type of customer. Are you up to date with the level of understanding required for your next role? If not, make this an immediate goal.

Can you add value?

How have you helped your organisation generate income, reduce costs, solve problems and improve the quality of its service? Your contribution may have been as an individual or as part of a team, but include it all. Have you met or exceeded your individual and or team targets at work? Do you have access to people, information and resources that could be of benefit to a potential employer? Prove that an investment in you is likely to reap a return.

What do you want?

This will include the salary level, of course, but what else is important to you? How do you want your next job to be different from your current one? What are the things you would like to keep the same? This might encompass looking at your day-to-day work activities, personal values and work environment, as well as logistics such as commute time or working hours. Write down your wish list and prioritise it so that you have your decision criteria for considering future opportunities.

Ask for feedback

Supplement your careers self-assessment with feedback from others who know you in a professional context, such as your manager, colleagues, business contacts or a career coach. Ask them what you do well and any areas that you need to develop. Where appropriate, also tell them what you are looking for next.

It may not be a good idea to tell your boss that you're thinking of leaving, but you can certainly ask for their advice and feedback on your career development. They are more likely to be more responsive if you position this discussion as being motivated by your wish to enhance your job performance or because you are interested in other opportunities that may become available in the organisation.

Although those giving feedback will all have different perspectives or agendas, there will be areas of consistency, which are likely to be part of a shared picture that others may have about you. If these differ from your own self-perception, or don't match the types of roles you are looking for, then at least you're aware of it and can do something about it.

Once your assessment is completed, you should have a much more detailed idea about what it is you have to offer prospective employers and you can now start writing your CV.

https://jobs.theguardian.com/article/how-to-do-a-self-assessment-of-your-skills/?s=3

Can you apply for a full-time job and ask for flex - yes you can!

                             

If you’ve suddenly become a carer for the first time, perhaps looking after an elderly relative, or caring for an unwell spouse, finding flexible work can be daunting. And whilst we know from our own research that the majority of UK managers are open to flexible working, many jobs aren’t sign-posted as such. Yet you shouldn’t let that put you off. Just because a role isn’t advertised as flexible, doesn’t mean you can’t get flexibility. If you spot a full-time job that you’d like to apply for, with the goal of making the hours work around your caring needs, here are a few things to remember….

You’ve got nothing to lose

If you think you’d be a good fit for the role, then go ahead and apply. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

But be realistic

Could the role actually be done in the working pattern you’re seeking, whether that’s part-time hours, working from home, or flexible hours? Can you see the arrangement working well for the employer, as well as for you?

Does the employer have a good record on flexible working? Research the company via its website, LinkedIn or jobs forums and see if you can find any suggestions that the business may be supportive. It’s worth keeping in mind that some specific roles demand a more rigid routine, and some company cultures are yet to embrace the flexible working revolution.

Finally, be honest: are you an excellent candidate for the role? The better suited you are to the position, the more effectively you’ll be able to negotiate flexible working if you get offered the job.

Think of yourself as a candidate first, and a carer second

That might sound like a hard thing to do, but there’s no point worrying about whether a full-time role can be made flexible if you don’t get offered the position in the first place. So focus on getting the job. Your specific caring needs, such as helping your disabled partner get ready for the day, will obviously be top of your priority list - but it won’t be for the employer. To begin with, concentrate on selling your skills, proving that you’re the best person for the role.

Be savvy about when and how you ask for flexible working

For a more in depth guide to asking about flexibility when applying for a full-time job, read our guide to addressing flexible working in the application and interview process. Mostly it involves waiting for the job offer, and then combining gut instinct with a great sales pitch. The number one thing to remember is to keep the details of why you want flex to an absolutely minimum, and instead be able to demonstrate how flexible hours would benefit the company and the role.

Be prepared to compromise

If you are offered the role, you can enter negotiations about a working schedule that will allow you to meet your caring duties. But even if those duties are very specific, you need to find a way to have some wiggle room when discussing working hours with an employer, in order to show compromise and willing. Flexibility shouldn’t be seen as a perk – it’s just a different way of meeting the needs of the job. So be as helpful as you can to the employer in reaching a situation that works for both of you. For further advice, read our guide on How to negotiate flexibility once you’ve got a job offer.

Finally, have self-belief 
It may feel like there’s a huge number of things in your life to worry about and try to juggle. But if you do get offered a role, recognise the offer as a vote of confidence, and don’t forget what you can bring to the table. By the very nature that you are caring for someone, you are demonstrating that you are an organised, committed and hardworking individual.

https://www.timewisejobs.co.uk/article/can-you-apply-for-a-full-time-job-and-ask-for-flex-yes-you-can-/?s=19

Worried about ageism?

 

                    

We regularly get asked about age discrimination when applying for jobs. That’s no surprise, as many people looking for part time jobs are ‘mature’ candidates, and about 4% are looking for flexibility as they approach retirement.

Age discrimination is, of course, illegal. But sadly, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.  We like to think that employers who use Time wise jobs value the greater experience that our candidates bring (they certainly tell us so!) But if you’re at all worried that your age is a factor in not getting a job, take a look at these tips:

1. CV dates

It isn’t necessary to include jobs from your 20s if they aren’t relevant to the job you’re looking for now. Your CV should be no longer than two pages, so keep your previous work experience relatively current. Your most recent two or three jobs is usually enough.

You could also consider removing the dates from your education section, to prevent employers from working out your age.

2. Experience counts

You have one big edge over younger candidates: you can’t beat experience. Make sure it shows! In your CV (and at the interview, when you get one), don’t just list your job duties – anyone can do that. Instead, make sure you refer to specific achievements, and that it’s clear that you have in depth knowledge and proven skills.

On your CV, ‘Promoted to Account Manager in 1985’ will do you no favours. But ‘8 years’ experience managing an accounts team of 5 people’ will look fantastic.  

3. Positive outlook

Interviewers really don’t like it when candidates refer to their age. Don’t let them get an inkling of your fears! Avoid reflecting on the past - adopt an energetic approach and keep positive.

4. Modern look

Your presentation is extremely important in interviews, especially if you’re applying for a client-facing role. Everything from your choice of hairstyle, clothes and shoes influence the interviewer’s opinion of you, so make an effort!

Ask a younger family member or friend to give you advice on how to add a modern twist to your hairstyle and wardrobe. You don’t have to overdo this - no wolf in sheep’s clothing, and you need to feel comfortable. Just aim for a smart, contemporary look.  

5. Technology

Every candidate is expected to have a decent understanding of how to use the latest versions of key Microsoft programmes (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Word). Make sure you’re up to date – if you’re asked to do a skills test at interview, any rustiness will soon be exposed.

Using social media platforms, especially LinkedIn and Twitter, can also help demonstrate that you’re up to date with technology. Many employers search for candidates when drawing up their shortlist. So make sure you have a presence, and that it creates a good impression. 

https://www.timewisejobs.co.uk/article/worried-about-ageism-/?s=15

How to write a personal statement

Your ‘personal statement’ is the short summary of your key skills and experience that you should put at the top of your CV. It’s vital to spend time getting this right, as many employers will use this statement to decide whether or not to read the rest of your CV.

A step-by-step guide to writing your personal statement:

1. Keep it short! Your personal statement should just be a few lines or bullet points, from 50–100 words.

2. The first sentence is the most important part of all – some employers won’t even go beyond this, if it isn’t what they’re looking for. The first few words should state your profession in a positive way, eg ‘Experienced web designer with...’ or ‘CIPD qualified HR Manager, experienced in...’

3. The statement should then describe your key skills and experience. Wherever you can (provided it's true!) use skills keywords that are mentioned in the job ad you're applying for. It’s also good to use figures to add credibility, eg ‘Successfully managed budgets of over £1million’ or ‘…with over 12 years’ experience at blue chip PR agencies’.

4. When giving your key skills, use one or two adjectives to describe who you are as a person, so employers can get a sense of your personality and your strengths. Use words such as ‘creative’, ‘motivated’, ‘energetic’, ‘rigorous’. Make sure the adjectives are relevant to the job - and always truthful, of course.

5. Give employers an indication of your ideal next step, provided it's relevant to the vacancy. eg 'Now looking to develop my career in accountancy as an internal auditor'.

6. Read it and re-read it, editing ruthlessly. It's OK to clip out words rather than write in complete sentences. For example 'I have experience of editing content for a website that won several awards' can be shortened to: 'Website content editor for an award-winning site.'

7. Avoid using 'I' repeatedly, avoid clichés, and avoid vague descriptions of your strengths (always tie them in with a specific achievement or area of expertise).

8. Read your statement out loud to ensure it flows naturally.

9. Show it to a few trusted friends or colleagues for a second opinion.

10. Remember to check over your personal statement every time you submit your CV for a new vacancy. You should always tailor it to emphasise those areas of your skills that most closely match the job advert.

https://www.timewisejobs.co.uk/article/how-to-write-a-personal-statement/?s=15