"I can only attribute my success to my fantastic resume and cover letter in conjunction with your coaching and inspiration. You gave me the confidence I needed to 'Go Get It'."
Job searching and managing one’s career is a daunting task for almost anyone, particularly in the current economy.However, new immigrants face an additional set of barriers commonly referred to as “no Canadian experience”. Recently, I had a chance to interview Daisy Wright, award-winning career coach, resume writer, interview coach and author of “No Canadian Experience, Eh?” I have read this book myself and it is a great resource. In our interview, Daisy shared some of her insights on this prevailing issue as well as her motivation for writing a book on this topic.
Lydia Fernandes, founder of MotivMode, is the Career & Education Coordinator for the Goan Overseas Association. She can be reached at lydia@motivmode.com
Fall is here, and it’s time for a new beginning. You could be starting a job search after a layoff; starting a course to enhance your chances for a promotion, or even starting a business. You are at a crossroad, and it’s decision time. You are asking yourself, “Where do I go from here and what route should I take?” Before you make a decision, reflect on the following tips. They could help you move your career forward…one step at a time:
Revisit your core values. What is important to you in a job or career other than the pay cheque? What do you enjoy doing? What work or vocation you could easily do for free?
Establish your preferences. Do you like working within a group or alone? Does the idea of sitting behind a desk appeal to you, or would you prefer a job working outdoors?
Research companies that share your values. Is the company eco-friendly or family-friendly, and are those values important to you?
Be Prepared for lateral moves in your company. Climbing the corporate ladder does not necessarily mean moving up immediately. It could mean going sideways sometimes.
Expand your knowledge base. Become more literate by formal or informal means. It’s easier than ever these days for you to enroll in courses, attend seminars, read inspiring books and contribute to discussions that will educate and inform. Take advantage of your employer’s tuition reimbursement program if they still have one.
Commit to your job 110%. Mediocre performance breeds mediocre results. If you cannot commit to your job, it might be time to start looking for another job or change your career. If you are underperforming, it will be noticed and when it’s time to reduce headcount, the employer will look first in your direction.
Retool your skills. Find opportunities to update your skills or learn new ones. In an ever-evolging workplace, you will need to demonstrate that you are comfortable with the latest technology and that you are willing to take risks and experiment with new things.
Brush up on your job search skills. Even if you are not thinking of leaving your employer, you should brush up on your skills. When last have you done an interview? Are you familiar with current interview practices? If called on to interview for your current position, how confident are you that you would get your job back? What about your résumé? Is it current and does it have a list of your achievements?
Avoid your comfort zone when networking. According to Martin Zwilling of Start Up Booster, if you want to be successful at networking, you must first identify your “comfort zone” (the circle of people you are most comfortable interacting with), then avoid spending too much time with that group.
Make it a habit of tapping into and nurturing your network. Once you have your network going, make the relationship memorable. What information can you share with people in your network? Have you read an article or found a website that could benefit someone in your group? Networking is not a one-shot event and must be constantly nurtured. That’s how you’ll be memorable and kept on someone’s radar for the next opportunity.
With these 10 tips, you are ready to take charge and move your career forward! If you would like professional assistance in any aspect of your career, find an experienced career strategist who has walked in your shoe!_
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Daisy Wright is Chief Career Strategist at The Wright Career Solution, a Certified Career Management Coach and author of No Canadian Experience, Eh? A Career Survival Guide for New Immigrants. She can be reached via Email: daisy@thewrightcareer.com, Blog: www.daisywright.com, Websites: www.thewrightcareer.com and www.nocanadianexperience-eh.com.
The fact that you are unemployed does not mean you should not be updating your skills. Find time to take a course (in-person or online); add advanced skills; connect with your peers in professional associations; join local interest groups; or create a blog and write about your industry.
Click here to read the full article by Dawn Fallik of the Wall Street Journal.
