tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31261146860222262722012-01-29T21:08:00.266-08:00Employment & Education NewsKathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.comBlogger331100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-18190651213119920352011-06-28T09:47:00.000-07:002011-06-28T14:22:10.528-07:00

You've just heard about a great job and you know you're an ideal candidate. But how can you make your resume stand out from dozens (or hundreds) of others so you can get that all-important interview? While a great resume won't guarantee an interview, you can increase your chances by avoiding the mistakes HR professionals see every day in resumes that come across their desks. Let's start with

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-37309147108809623122011-03-26T09:38:00.000-07:002011-03-26T09:39:19.746-07:00

Employers interviewing today have lots of choices. When I was running my own communications business, I interviewed scores of potential writers. Here's what I liked to hear from them in an interview. "I know your business. And I know how my experience can help you." Explaining the basics about my business wastes valuable interview time. I appreciate candidates who took the time to do their

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-2469672266299148662011-02-28T08:30:00.000-08:002011-02-28T08:30:14.883-08:00

Young people get why businesses need to develop sustainability programs. Gen X and Y and Milleniums don’t want to give what matters to them most — their lifetimes – to promote the corporate bottom line. They want to work for companies that feel some responsibility to their communities and to issues that effect us all, like sustainability. More than that, they’ve got incredible radar for companies

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-29450576969640652042011-02-16T11:35:00.000-08:002011-02-16T11:38:38.229-08:00

My friends who own small businesses complain a they can’t motivate their newest employees. “I can’t figure out what they want. It’s not money, necessarily. It’s not prestige. What makes them tick?,” they ask. As a life coach working with 20 somethings, I can tell you what they want. More than previous generations, they want their work lives to matter. According to What Canadians Think, a book

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-80235983140594659882011-02-14T12:05:00.000-08:002011-02-14T12:05:27.140-08:00

Sometimes my clients do an enormous amount of work to finally land a job interview, then back off and figure their work is done. Your goal is not getting an interview, its landing a job. So how can you prepare? There's some great toolkits out there to walk you through the process. Take a look at the University of Chicago's Career Advising and Planning Service site. They offer a whole

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-50046175153780534612011-02-07T15:28:00.000-08:002011-02-14T17:17:12.000-08:00

I'm often asked where to begin in figuring out what to do with the rest of your life. Not surprisingly I always answer: "With you." Before you begin to search for available jobs, you need to begin with a little self analysis. Taking the time now can save you years of going down the wrong road and having to retrace your steps. I'll give you an example from my own life. When I graduated high

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-7726076663179887912010-06-04T15:22:00.000-07:002010-06-04T15:22:49.841-07:00

Dear coach: I'm trying to land on a great career, but I'm not sure I'm getting the real story when I talk to people in the field I'm considering.  I'm only hearing the positives (or sometimes only the negatives).  How can I get the real scoop?  Flummoxed Dear Flummoxed: It's natural for most people to put the best possible face on their profession when they're talking to a new grad

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-82661716809441197422010-02-06T11:02:00.000-08:002010-02-06T11:02:56.246-08:00

Dear Coach: When I go to an interview, I freeze up, no matter how well I prepare. How can I get over my nerves? Nail Biter Dear NB: First, there would be something wrong with you if you weren’t at least a little nervous about talking to someone who has the ability to change your life with a job offer. The question is how to accept your anxiety and turn it in your favor. First look at what

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-25677790773638932942010-02-04T10:40:00.000-08:002010-02-04T10:40:30.130-08:00

Dear coach: My dad wants me to be an accountant. I know he has my best interest at heart but the idea of working by myself and crunching numbers all day leaves me cold. He’s paying for university and I’d like to please him, but it’s my life, right? Afraid of Conflict Dear AC: There’s a natural tug of war between loving parents who want to give kids the benefit of their experience and sons

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-68023786746797999162010-01-18T12:22:00.000-08:002010-01-18T12:22:48.001-08:00

Dear Job Coach: 2009. What a year! I’m hanging on to a low wage job, but I’ve been looking for work in my field for 6 months now. Any hope for 2010? Holding my breath Dear Holding, We all know that the economic recovery has not been robust, but there are signs that things are beginning to ease a little. Buck up. In the US there are the “green shoots” of the stock market beginning to

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-31691700639340136092010-01-07T02:44:00.000-08:002010-01-07T03:16:53.451-08:00

Dear Coach: My uncle has arranged an information interview with a friend in a company I’d love to work for. I’m not sure how to approach this. I’d really like to work for this firm, but I don’t know how to parlay this interview into a job. Help! Beholden to Uncle Vinnie Dear Beholden: Job search books often suggest informational interviews as an excellent way to gather information and let

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-5387071282981211022010-01-06T01:31:00.000-08:002010-01-06T01:31:53.038-08:00

Dear Coach: I’m an Arts major who has been sending out dozens of resumes with NO responses. I’ve posted on every job site I can find. Any ideas of what I’m doing wrong? Blood, Sweat and Tears Dear BST: You haven’t given me enough information to fine tune my answer, but I’ll pass on some common mistakes I’ve seen in the resumes and cover letters that have crossed my desk. You’re writing a

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-40819574685798442762010-01-06T01:28:00.000-08:002010-01-06T01:28:34.399-08:00

Dear Coach: Every time I talk to someone about my job search, they emphasize something different. Half of them say “You have to be clear on exactly what kind of job you want. Be as specific as possible about the industry, location and work environment you want.” The other half say, “Stay flexible – you’re going to have 10 different careers over the course of your life so why focus? Apply for

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-25400717462953391562010-01-06T01:27:00.000-08:002010-01-06T01:27:17.448-08:00

Dear Coach: I’m graduating in April and I’m getting scared. I’m afraid I don’t have what it takes to go out and get a good job. Everybody says having a job is easy now, but I still have my doubts. How can I raise my confidence? Quaking Dear Quaking: Nearly all of us have an inner voice that whispers to us “You don’t have what it takes” from time to time. In fact it’s so common, coaches

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-73521119855988107902010-01-06T01:23:00.001-08:002010-01-06T01:23:53.797-08:00

Dear readers: I haven't had a question about the Facebbook and My Space but I've decided to write a column on it anyway. I recently had an alarming conversation with the head of human resources for a large tech company. Here's what she said. “As soon as we're seriously considering a candidate, I look them up on the internet, especially on the social networking sites like Facebook and My

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-7487465916325893022010-01-06T01:22:00.000-08:002010-01-06T01:22:58.084-08:00

Dear Coach: I know I should eke out some time for finding a job after graduation. But, frankly, with school and other obligations I feel buried. Any tips? Buried Alive Dear Buried: Of the people I coach I’d say 100% feel overwhelmed at one time or another. In most cases it’s a question of creating space in your life for what you want to occur. Then, assigning a time when you’re committed to

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-18310393844878591102010-01-06T01:21:00.000-08:002010-01-06T01:21:37.971-08:00

Dear Coach: I’ve been thinking about nursing, but I’m concerned about the shift work and demands of the job. I can’t imagine working 12 hour days – even if I get 4 days off in a row. Yet I’m really drawn to a profession that lets me help others and I that gives me lots of choices of where to live. How do I figure this out? Yeah or nay? Dear Yeah: This is a major decision so it’s no wonder

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-42673956155486235442010-01-06T01:19:00.000-08:002010-01-06T01:19:52.761-08:00

Dear Coach: I’m ready to begin my job search on the on-line. But I’m not really sure what sites will be most helpful. Now what? Overwhelmed Dear Overwhelmed: It’s not surprising you’re feeling a bit lost. Turns out the worldwide web really does offer a world of possibilities and that can be intimidating. So how do you zero in? You don’t tell me what your major is, so I’ll have to answer

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com63tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-19964385535869285592010-01-06T01:16:00.000-08:002010-01-06T01:16:20.198-08:00

Dear Coach: I’ve had a great interview at a medical research lab. Now they’re asking for references. Okay, I know I should have lined them up first. But who should I ask? Oops Dear Oops: You’re right. This would be a whole lot easier if you already lined up your references. But, hey, your question gives us a chance to focus on references, which, for a lot of grads seems to be an afterthought

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-69290384278346479212010-01-06T01:14:00.000-08:002010-01-06T01:14:11.240-08:00

Dear Coach: I think you’re going overboard by harping on getting skills and training before I leave school. Can’t employers see I have skills that are transferable? Shouldn’t they be training me? Overwhelmed in Ottawa Dear Over: Maybe you’ve been watching those decorating shows that are all over TV lately. (Or maybe not if you have an active social life). Anyway there’s a lesson to be

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-32624512657730984252010-01-06T01:12:00.000-08:002010-01-06T01:12:02.906-08:00

Dear Coach: I’m graduating soon with a degree in economics and I want to begin my job search. Now what? Starting out and confused Dear Starting: Before you start looking, it helps to be aware of the three decisions you should make before looking for your first job: occupation, industry and employer. Everyone understands the employer part of this trilogy. This is what students tend to focus

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-24091483135996005372010-01-06T01:09:00.000-08:002010-01-06T01:09:35.463-08:00

Dear Coach: Enough already! I’m really really busy just keeping up with my courses and exams. And you expect me to look for a job? Can’t this wait until I graduate? Up to my neck in alligators Dear Up to my neck: Of course, you could wait. If you’re parents are willing to support you while you look for a career. Or if you’re willing to work in one of the many service jobs that don’t pay very

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-81707793592997418282010-01-06T01:07:00.000-08:002010-01-06T01:07:01.930-08:00

Dear Coach: I’m starting to interview for jobs, but when I get to the interview, I freeze. The interviewers don’t really get to see me at my best. Help me! Tongue-tied Dear Tongue-tied: Let’s assume you’ve done all your homework. You’ve researched the company, and looked at its website. You’ve dressed for the job and feel confident about your appearance. But still, you’re flummoxed when you

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-16734470176383975262010-01-06T01:02:00.000-08:002010-01-06T01:02:31.968-08:00

Dear Coach: I just applied for a job I really wanted, but didn't even make the first cut because I didn't have experience. DUH! I'm a student - how am I supposed to get experience if no one will hire me? Catch 22 Dear Catch: New grads often complain about this chicken and egg problem. “Employers say they want experience, but to have a work record I need one of them to give me the job,”

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-62310725514145363252010-01-06T01:00:00.000-08:002010-01-06T01:00:13.184-08:00

Dear Coach: I keep hearing about the “hidden job market.” Do I need to know about this? Huh? Dear Huh: You’re not the only person wondering about this. There is a commonly quoted study that says that 80% of jobs are in a “hidden job market,” inaccessible to anyone but insiders in an organization. In fact, many firms have sprung up to offer to help you uncover these hidden jobs if you’re

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-91782377161277631432010-01-06T00:58:00.000-08:002010-01-06T00:58:43.359-08:00

Dear Coach: I’m almost finished my business degree but I’m getting cold feet about applying for a job. It seems like stories about corporate corruption are in the headlines all the time. Do ethics even matter in the workplace anymore? Considering a Desert Island Dear Considering: We may not be able to abolish insider trading and corruption on the grand scale, but your own code of conduct

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-397081275453810002010-01-06T00:56:00.000-08:002010-01-06T00:56:09.036-08:00

Dear Coach: Everybody seems to be dumping on my generation for wanting meaningful work. I don’t see what’s wrong with wanting to spend my lifetime doing something that makes a difference to the world. I’m holding out for a job like that. How can I get my parents to back off and realize that we’re on the mark? Proud to be a Y-er Dear Proud: Boy, I couldn’t agree more with you. If you don’t

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-17298423493983506602010-01-06T00:54:00.000-08:002010-01-06T00:54:24.883-08:00

Dear Coach: Our Campus Job Center has set up interviews with some major companies in January. Lots of my classmates are signing up. How do I make myself stand out? Lost in the crowd Dear Lost: How do you make yourself irresistible (or at very least interesting) to recruiters? Three ways. * Change your perspective from a student consumer to a supplier of services. * Put yourself in their

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-41140553474787435962010-01-06T00:51:00.000-08:002010-01-06T00:51:53.340-08:00

Dear Coach: My friend just told me that a company’s software screens my resume before anyone even sees it. Great. How’s a computer going to appreciate the hours I spent putting myself in the best light? Give Me a Break Dear Give Me: Sorry, but your friend is right. Many of the resume books and articles I’ve read in the past few years agree that the majority of large companies use

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-32247392735625174802010-01-06T00:49:00.000-08:002010-01-06T00:49:49.677-08:00

Dear Coach: I watched my Dad clock in long hours at the office. I want a career that’s engaging and that lets me use what I’ve learned in school. But I also want some balance in my life – time for friends and dating and sports. Is that too much to ask? Want a Life Dear Want: First let me acknowledge that you’re not alone. According to What Canadians Think by two of Canada’s leading

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-42857084943254540902010-01-06T00:48:00.000-08:002010-01-06T00:48:41.410-08:00

Dear Coach: I’m graduating in January and I’m already dreading Christmas vacation because my relatives are bound to ask “What are you going to do now?” I’ve sent out over 200 resumes to big job sites without a single response. Everyone says the job market has never been hotter. What am I doing wrong? Sinking Fast Dear SF: The job market is hot for certain service jobs (like retail clerks),

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-12194616772315617552010-01-06T00:44:00.000-08:002010-01-06T00:44:49.672-08:00

 Dear Coach: I’m thinking of taking a year off after graduation to do some traveling before I settle down to a job. I’ve worked hard and long in school and I’m feeling fried. Don’t you think it’s best to see the world while I’m young? Don’t you think I deserve it? Happy Feet Dear Happy: Sure you deserve it and I’m a big time believer in people following their dreams. But I need to tell you

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126114686022226272.post-29940521523828545032010-01-04T16:22:00.000-08:002010-01-04T16:22:59.877-08:00

Dear Coach: I’m graduating next year with a liberal arts degree.  I’d really like to work for a non-profit company, but I’ll be competing with lots of other grads for the jobs I want.  Any tips? Waldo in a crowd Dear Waldo: You still have time to make yourself a stand-out.  How?  By developing the skills employers in your industry want to see.  Think of skills as capabilities that can be

Kathy Sayershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15425470577572832443noreply@blogger.com10