After 22 years all I got was this lousy T-shirt?

I recently met with a client who had been let go from her role as a hospital administrator after 22 years of faithful service. Obviously, the shock of being part of a “corporate restructure” was difficult to take, and becoming a statistic in today’s volatile workplace can leave an individual feeling scared, alone and uncertain about the next step. We met for several hours and during our conversation I took notes hoping to gain some insight into whom she was and where she hoped to go. The interesting thing was she, like many clients, could articulate with some detail on what her major accomplishments were over the years and why she should not have been chosen in this unfortunate game of “duck…duck…goose”. After a few pages of notes we prepared for what I call the “Walk of Why’s.” Armed with the right message, an individual can appeal to the sense of fairness and unfortunate circumstances they have been exposed to with their former employer often negotiating a larger severance package to assist in their transition. The points are simple:

1. Focus on the positive…Never accuse or make personal
2. Remain calm, cool and collected
3. Inform your former employer of your progress and how you are actively working with a career coach to transition (this shows a proactive approach) you may even be able to convince your former employer to pay for the services
4. Ask for their help as a reference or adding to part of your network
5. Make the case for additional time (severance) to assist you

In her case we had the luxury of being near the end of the year and adding the argument that it is difficult to make a transition while most are slashing budgets until the ‘new year’. The results, she received double what was offered in her original severance and she left with a good feeling of closer. Obviously if you feel that you have been released for discriminatory reasons you have other options, a career coach can assist you in your legal recourse. But to be effective in a negotiation with your former employer you must focus your conversation, not be confrontational but informative making the case why you should receive more. Close work with your career coach on the ‘Why’s’ will help make the compelling case for additional severance pay. Career-Forward is a career coaching and Human Resources services firm offering career assistance to the greater Cleveland and Akron community. Contact a career coach today on how we can assist you in realizing your career goals.

We Don't Accept Applications...Only Commitments

After seeing this billboard on the highway, it dawned on me....commitment is something the Marines have always been extremely clear about when recruiting. The Marines don't sugarcoat the time, energy, intensity, drive, and determination they require of a recruit. The interesting thing is that, in spite of sacrifice it takes, the Marines fully disclose the expectations of their team members and what defines success. Of course this is great if you plan to be part of "the few and the proud"; but, how can you find the same honesty in today's competitive work environment? How can you find companies that fully disclose their expectations and, more importantly, specifically what they expect of you? Well, for starters, you need to complete as many informational interviews as you can. Talk to current employees, past employees and anyone with knowledge of a company you have targeted. Ask as many questions about the work environment, the company performance and the culture...really uncover what makes the company tick and what makes a successful team member. If you can find a company whose expectations and values match yours, then your success rate is increased by a factor of 10!

Researching, targeting, and gaining access to your ideal employer may sometimes require the assistance of an experienced expert. Career-Forward can assist you in your career transition. Remember...it is essential to be selective about your future employer. You have a lot to offer...find an organization that values your contribution. In the end, you will make a difference if you map the right career path. Contact us at http://www.career-forward.com/ for your complimentary consultation.

Should I stay or Should I go?

Sometimes the most difficult decisions come at what can be considered the worst times in our lives. Life struggles can manifest themselves in our work world and cause us to contemplate the question, 'Should I quit my job?' More often than not, no clear-cut answer seems to exist when faced with this decision. So, it is important to consider a few things.

1. Is your safety at risk-A job or role that puts your health in jeopardy is not worth the potential sacrifice it may cause for you or your family. If you have addressed your concerns with your employer and they have not been resolved, you should consider an immediate change.
2. Moral objection-Being faced with an obstacle that puts your values or morals at risk can cause undue stress. If your employer is unwilling to address your concerns, this too could warrant a job change.
3. No clear path or direction-Often challenging to quantify, a lack of growth opportunity can cause your sweet position to sour...sometimes almost overnight. Not being able to flourish can stagnate the heart and mind. Consider taking on new projects or assignments to showcase your skills and abilities. If that doesn't work...vote with your feet.
4. Unhealthy environment-While all of the above would be considered products of an unhealthy atmosphere, there are many other concerns that you could have about your current role that create an unhealthy or hostile environment. For instance, disregard for the law or regulations, harassment, lack of professionalism, or anything that effects your psyche in a negative fashion can reek havoc on your mental well-being and must be addressed or changed.

If you are faced with one or more of the scenarios here, and are contemplating an immediate career change, consider your options; work part-time, take a leave of absence, utilize vacation or PTO, or provide an extended notice of your intention to leave. Many choices are based on your financial position; so, ensure that your resources are adequate to support your needs while changing careers. Finally, the assistance of a career coach can be essential to bringing you back to your fighting weight and putting you on-track for attaining your aspirations. When changing careers, your support network should always include a professional coach. Contact us at http://www.career-forward.com for your complimentary career assessment session.

“I can’t believe I just got fired…”

I have heard these words over and over again as a career coach. The truth is that many individuals, through no fault of their own, lose their jobs. This can happen for any number of reasons including economic necessity, job elimination, a poor fit in the corporate culture, or simply politics. Whatever the reason, an involuntary job loss can feel degrading and test your confidence in the blink of an eye. While this is never a pleasant thing to deal with, the truth is that more and more companies recognize that losing a job is sometimes out of your hands and does not necessarily constitute a performance issue. If you are faced with such an unfortunate incident, there are several things you can do to minimize your transition time between jobs.

1. Keep your confidence - The easiest thing to lose, yet the most necessary thing to keep is your confidence. Lack of confidence is one of the most recognizable weaknesses that are transmitted in an interview. If you lack confidence, employers will question your decision making ability, and desperation doesn’t look good…to anyone. Keep your confidence by staying healthy, active, positive, and focused on the task at hand.

2. Use your network - When faced with a job loss, it is easy to go into your shell and feel sorry for yourself. It is also easy to feel embarrassed and think that people will want to distance themselves from you. The truth is, most friends and associates understand and want to help. Enlist an army to network with, put the word out and keep your chin up, there is nothing wrong with asking for help and assistance. You are not asking for a handout…just a hand.

3. Count your blessings - Easier said than done, but sometimes an employer’s decision to let you go is a blessing in disguise. I always ask folks that are in transition if they liked their last job. The majority of them inevitable respond with “no, not really”. The fact that someone else made the decision is the toughest thing to grasp. Don’t let bitterness get its hand on you; this is also an easily recognizable thing by future employers. Understand that business is just that; business, it is not personal. If you were unhappy, the timing could have been better but now you must pull yourself up, keep your confidence and use your network to get a tap in to the hidden job market.

4. Call in reinforcements - When you are faced with a career speed bump, it may feel like a crisis. Sometimes this is the most opportune time to get expert assistance in your career transition. A career coach can help you get on track and stay there while focusing on both your immediate and long term job satisfaction. Most importantly, they will be completely dedicated to your advancement the betterment of your professional life. Career coaches also have useful knowledge and tips on how to minimize the search time, get in front of the decision makers and manage your career search from beginning to end.

Career-Forward offers one-on-one sessions designed to meet your career needs for today and tomorrow. Contact us today for your free introductory consultation. http://www.career-forward.com/

In the age of "i" everything what are the ifactors that effect your career change?

The factors that affect your ability to successfully manage your career change can be defined as the iFactors, or factors of influence. Many of these factors are out of your control; for example if you have geographical limitations due to a working spouse or elderly parent that is under your care, you cannot immediately open up your geographical preference wider than a commutable distance. You may have the ability to commute during the week, and we'll talk more about this decision later, but your immediate options are limited. This is an example of an iFactor over which you have limited control. However, within the scope of the 21 iFactors, there are many that ARE in your control. These are the ones that you must focus on honing to perfection. Think of it like any other activity; you may not be the best driver on the golf course, but you can be steady and straight in the fairway...or the most accurate putter on the links. You have control over many of these factors, and focusing on these and sharpening them is the best start for a successful career change. In the future, we will discuss each of these factors individually and talk about out ways you can sharpen them to distinguish yourself as the best candidate for the job! KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS!

Does a career coach really make a difference?

The definition of “Coach” as described by dictionary.com includes many adaptations, below are just a few of the descriptors:

1. a large, horse-drawn, four-wheeled carriage, usually enclosed.

2. a public motorbus.

3. Railroads. day coach.

4. Also called air coach. a class of airline travel providing less luxurious accommodations than first class at a lower fare.

5. a person who trains an athlete or a team of athletes: a football coach.

6. a private tutor who prepares a student for an examination.

I recently ran into an NFL coach in a local restaurant eating with his family. While most folks gave him the courtesy of enjoying his evening with wife and child in peace a few of the on-lookers took the opportunity to say hello or comment on the up-coming season, he was pleasant in his acknowledgement of others and held a certain confidence you only find with individuals that have knowledge of the “play book”, the interaction was fascinating.

It dawned on me while I watched folks recognize him that we, an educated, sophisticated, society, are so accepting of coaches in athletics but still shy away in our own professional development. Not one person in that restaurant would dismiss advice or counsel from this man if they intended to play in the company’s flag football game or their local league but we still have not mastered the art of coaching when it comes to the most competitive aspect of our lives…our career.

Professional coaches are mentors, they offer skill development and fine tuning to the best athletic competitors in the world, yet most professional’s shy away from this same type of development for their own careers. If we don’t understand sports, or we do understand them and want to get better we call a coach. I find it amazing that we have grown to readily seek out and pay for the advice of an expert by hiring a tennis pro or golf coach to aid in our swing or stroke but with regards to professional development, it is assumed by most that there is nothing more to be taught, or if there is we will learn it as we go.

Ask yourself this…Is my career competitive?

A coach understands the importance of competition and intensity, a coach has the ability to keep all individuals focused and engaged.

With rookies and veterans alike standing on every corner ready to suit up and assume a position in the starting line-up, a coach helps every member of the team be their best; they challenge the players to go above and beyond in each practice time after time until each play, what is the right thing to do, become second nature. While a coach can help the players prepare for the challenges they will face, it is ultimately up to the players at game time to put what they learned into action. The coach’s job is to help each player focus, sharpen their skills and maintain a competitive edge. With unemployment rates at an all time high, it is like the final brick in the proverbial ton hit everyone gainfully employed with the realization that much like professional sports the competition associated within the business arena has never been stronger. A career coach understands the intensity and focus needed to be successful in today’s business field. Good career coaches study the plays of winning organizations known as “best practices” and pass these secrets along to their clients. They help their players learn and practice the best moves in many areas.

If you are ready to take your take your career to the next level and play like the professionals, contact Career-Forward for a one-on-one consultation. http://www.career-forward.com/

No matter what a man’s past has been, his future is spotless. (John R. Rice)

Career Change Outlook for Ohio...Map your success!

While it certainly goes without saying that buckeye's face a tough road to hoe on the job market, the statistics for Ohioans is a little chilling. With national unemployment trending 4.9%, Ohioans are facing 5.7% average. However, the disturbing thing is not the 5.7% overall average, while still alarming...its the number of counties that are above national and state averages. The green indicates the counties in Ohio with unemployment averages that are above both national and state. Purple are above 9%, almost 1 in 10 out of work. So what does this mean to the average job seeker...does it mean that we must move to a state with economic growth that outdoes its unemployment rate? Well...possibly, but the best way to combat this challenging job market is to separate yourself from the competition, in other words "shine" in the cloud of gray.

A road map to success is not a destination but a journey, you need to create a personal brand that in-spite of it being a "sellers market" you can be the gem that everyone wants. The economy and job market do not mean that you cannot change career's or should stay dissatisfied in your current role, what that means is that you need work hard for a career change or career growth...especially if you want to stay in the Ohio arena. Career-Forward can assist in your personal growth. Career mapping is a great way to outline where you want to go...and how your going to get there. Let us help you "find your destiny".