Why Arent Big (and little) Outplacement Companies Recommending JibberJobber

Why Arent Big (and little) Outplacement Companies Recommending JibberJobber This post is going to sound snarky, or like Ive got a chip on my shoulder.  In fact, I do have a chip on my shoulder. Ive seen for-profit organizations not give the best to their clients for various reasons, and Ive seen non-profit organizations (like church job groups) not give the clients the best.  Below are some theories why. Of course there are very, very few exceptions to what I write below but yes, there are some outplacement firms that do recommend JibberJobber heavily. I recently got an email from a client of a really big (one of the top 3) outplacement firms in the world.  This is a multi-billion dollar business, folks.  Heres part of the email: I wanted to mention that I am working with the Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH) outplacement service and this is where someone recently mentioned Jibber Jobber. LHH has always emphasized the importance of having a tool to manage all the data that a job search will generate, but they do not recommend any specific solution.  That is why many people default to using excel and then out-grow its effectiveness as you get a lot of data and try to associate information. As a recommendation, if you could have companies like LHH put Jibber Jobber forward as a potential solution to manage data you may be able to drive increased sales. I have been in the job search for over 4 months now and I would have liked to have known about this tool earlier in my search. Ah, what a question! Over the last 5+ years I have been trying to work with outplacement companies so they would heartily recommend JibberJobber, which Im biased about, but I think is the best thing to organize and manage a job search. In fact, in my mind, one of the companies that might acquire JibberJobber would be one of the top 3 outplacement firms (Right Management, LHH or DBM).  None of them have anything that touches JibberJobber thats what Ive been told from their consultants (job coaches and counselors) and from their clients. I know there are some consultants at various locations that recommend JibberJobber.  They teach classes about it, tell their clients to get on it, put it in their newsletter, etc. But not one outplacement firm, that I know of, solely and strongly recommends the tool. Why not? Here again is the last line from above: I have been in the job search for over 4 months now and I would have liked to have known about this tool earlier in my search. Its frustrating that JibberJobber, which is five years old now, isnt THE recommended tool. Have I tried to get in. Big time.  But I hit brick wall after brick wall.  I havent been able to network in.  Most consultants havent been able to introduce me to anyone at the corporate level. I did have an interesting conversation at the corporate level at Right Management, but the person there didnt get JibberJobber.  Why would anyone want to use it, he wondered. No matter what I said, did or showed him, he didnt get it.  He said it would fail, like all CRM systems fail (when implemented).  He never understood that I wasnt trying to get Right to use it as their CRM, rather to offer it to their clients, WHO NEED IT! A corporate person didnt get it, and killed it. I had another conversation with someone high up at LHH.  Apparently he was responsible for developing a lot of the curriculum that LHH used world-wide (or, at least in the U.S.).  The most I could gather from that conversation is that since he didnt develop or design JibberJobber, and it didnt fit in totally with the nomenclature of his systems, they wouldnt even consider it. So, we have pride, ignorance and kingdom issues. Why isnt outplacement recommending JibberJobber? I think it comes down to them (a) not spending time understanding how vital this tool is in a job search, and (b) not taking time to learn what their candidates (the job seekers) needs are. Its unfortunate. But for five years Ive tried and tried, and now, five years later, I get an email like the one above. It makes me wonder what other tools, techniques and strategies these groups are withholding from their candidates. All I can say is this: if you are an outplacement client, please go back to your coach and counselor and consultant and let them know how valuable it has been for you. Why Arent Big (and little) Outplacement Companies Recommending JibberJobber This post is going to sound snarky, or like Ive got a chip on my shoulder.  In fact, I do have a chip on my shoulder. Ive seen for-profit organizations not give the best to their clients for various reasons, and Ive seen non-profit organizations (like church job groups) not give the clients the best.  Below are some theories why. Of course there are very, very few exceptions to what I write below but yes, there are some outplacement firms that do recommend JibberJobber heavily. I recently got an email from a client of a really big (one of the top 3) outplacement firms in the world.  This is a multi-billion dollar business, folks.  Heres part of the email: I wanted to mention that I am working with the Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH) outplacement service and this is where someone recently mentioned Jibber Jobber. LHH has always emphasized the importance of having a tool to manage all the data that a job search will generate, but they do not recommend any specific solution.  That is why many people default to using excel and then out-grow its effectiveness as you get a lot of data and try to associate information. As a recommendation, if you could have companies like LHH put Jibber Jobber forward as a potential solution to manage data you may be able to drive increased sales. I have been in the job search for over 4 months now and I would have liked to have known about this tool earlier in my search. Ah, what a question! Over the last 5+ years I have been trying to work with outplacement companies so they would heartily recommend JibberJobber, which Im biased about, but I think is the best thing to organize and manage a job search. In fact, in my mind, one of the companies that might acquire JibberJobber would be one of the top 3 outplacement firms (Right Management, LHH or DBM).  None of them have anything that touches JibberJobber thats what Ive been told from their consultants (job coaches and counselors) and from their clients. I know there are some consultants at various locations that recommend JibberJobber.  They teach classes about it, tell their clients to get on it, put it in their newsletter, etc. But not one outplacement firm, that I know of, solely and strongly recommends the tool. Why not? Here again is the last line from above: I have been in the job search for over 4 months now and I would have liked to have known about this tool earlier in my search. Its frustrating that JibberJobber, which is five years old now, isnt THE recommended tool. Have I tried to get in. Big time.  But I hit brick wall after brick wall.  I havent been able to network in.  Most consultants havent been able to introduce me to anyone at the corporate level. I did have an interesting conversation at the corporate level at Right Management, but the person there didnt get JibberJobber.  Why would anyone want to use it, he wondered. No matter what I said, did or showed him, he didnt get it.  He said it would fail, like all CRM systems fail (when implemented).  He never understood that I wasnt trying to get Right to use it as their CRM, rather to offer it to their clients, WHO NEED IT! A corporate person didnt get it, and killed it. I had another conversation with someone high up at LHH.  Apparently he was responsible for developing a lot of the curriculum that LHH used world-wide (or, at least in the U.S.).  The most I could gather from that conversation is that since he didnt develop or design JibberJobber, and it didnt fit in totally with the nomenclature of his systems, they wouldnt even consider it. So, we have pride, ignorance and kingdom issues. Why isnt outplacement recommending JibberJobber? I think it comes down to them (a) not spending time understanding how vital this tool is in a job search, and (b) not taking time to learn what their candidates (the job seekers) needs are. Its unfortunate. But for five years Ive tried and tried, and now, five years later, I get an email like the one above. It makes me wonder what other tools, techniques and strategies these groups are withholding from their candidates. All I can say is this: if you are an outplacement client, please go back to your coach and counselor and consultant and let them know how valuable it has been for you.

The Careers You Can Create When Informed About These Top Tips For Resume Writing

The Careers You Can Create When Informed About These Top Tips For Resume WritingTop IT systems engineers require top level executive services resume writing, and with a little help, you can effectively market your credentials. It is imperative that you spend the time necessary to do a thorough and professional job of reviewing and revising your executive services resume for all the major search engines so you have a chance at getting that first, or second, interview for your ideal position.Professional executives in executive services are in high demand, and the requirements for your resume are going to be higher than most other professional executives. If you have a thorough understanding of all the areas of your target position and also know where to place your key accomplishments and achievements in order to impress the hiring manager, then your chances of landing that executive services position may be better than those for most professionals. It all begins with an accurate asses sment of your individual resume.There are certain aspects of your IT Systems Engineer professional resume that you must focus on to get you through the first round of executive services interviews and should be included in your final revisions. This includes evaluating your profile, explaining your unique experience and experiences in an easy to understand way, and not covering up anything that could hurt your candidacy.Your resume should highlight your skills and accomplishments in some order. When you are working on your executive services resume, consider how you feel when describing yourself as an employee or other key personnel in a particular organization. Highlight all of your achievements and experience, as well as any times when you have been considered 'special'above the rest' in an effort to demonstrate your competence and leadership abilities.Writing a specific executive services resume that lists your qualifications is necessary to get an interview, but it is also neces sary to get past the first few rounds of review before anything further happens. It is also important to evaluate the cover letter you will send along with your resume as well, and the formatting and copywriting included on your executive services resume, including the points above. Keep in mind that a brief and relevant introduction, followed by an interesting and creative copywriting, will show your interviewer that you have taken the time to learn about your employer's industry and include all of the skills, accomplishments, and skills needed for the position.When you go through the process of writing your executive services resume, it is important to keep your resume organized and functional, and will be more effective if you learn how to make use of both the services provided by human resources and technology support departments to write your executive services resume. technology-focused executive services resume that is organized properly can stand out from the rest of the res umes that you find in the inboxes of most human resources departments.An IT Systems Engineer at a Kansas City company works in the fields of network infrastructure, software development, computer programming, systems design, networking, and information technology. Companies who use IT services hire IT professionals to help them construct and maintain their websites, systems, and software applications, and these professionals often receive a higher level of compensation than those in traditional careers.Executive services resume writing requires additional work and research that will take much longer than other traditional career fields, but it is also a growing field. If you have the passion and ability to tell the human story in a manner that is personalized and helps the executive services resume writer demonstrate your unique experience, then you should have no trouble getting your career off the ground.

Top 10 Tips to Nail that Job Interview

Top 10 Tips to Nail that Job Interview Do you want to get hired for that new job? Follow these tips to learn how to ace your job interview and stand out from the crowd. Its not as difficult as you think and if you follow these things, youll be sure to make a great impression. 1. Research the company you are interviewing for. One of the best ways to ace your job interview is to study the current events of the company. Knowing what the current happenings of the company are key to being able to ask pertinent questions. Doing so will also show the interviewer that you have done your homework, and also have a genuine interest in the company. 2. Study your resume and know it well. As a candidate, you should know your resume like the back of your hand. In any job interview, anything on your resume is at the interviewers disposal. Implementing this strategy will definitely help you ace your job interview. It is your responsibility to convince the interviewer that you can come in and do the job. Speaking intelligently about each of your previous positions is one of the best ways to ace your job interview every single time. 3. Know the job description of the position you are applying for. After getting an interview, you need to study the job description to truly understand what the interviewer is looking for. If the description calls for attentiveness to detail, you will want to tailor the discussion accordingly. Knowing this, you can navigate the interview and discuss examples from previous jobs that will exemplify this trait. Do this for all significant traits or qualities that you identify in the job description. This is one of the most prominent ways to ace your job interview. 4. Display your skills with concrete examples. The interviewer wants to know you are hard working, but it will be hard for him or her to believe you unless you prove it. Tell a story of how you were hard working and instead of just saying it. Dont leave it up to the imagination of the interviewer to figure out how. Rather, explain in detail and give and example to illustrate it. 5. Prepare an interview tool kit. Being prepared for your interview is the best way to ace it. Putting together a job interview kit is a great job interview strategy. Not only will you want to have ample copies of your resume in your kit, but you can also include other items you will need like directions to the office, a bottle of water, eye drops, pens, and a notepad. Put the copies of your resume in a neat folder and keep the other items in a small bag in your car. 6. Build rapport. You know the saying, Theres never a second chance to make a first impression? That holds very true in the case of job interviews. If you want to ace your job interview, you are going to know how to build rapport. You will create a great setting for your interview by greeting the interviewer with a firm handshake and a pleasant smile. You can also start off by asking how he or she is doing and or make a comment about the weather. 7. Make eye contact. Eye contact is one of the strongest forms of nonverbal communication and must if you want to ace your job interview. Eye contact can show whether a person is strong or weak. Direct eye contact shows communicates two key qualities employers look for in candidates confidence and high self-esteem. It is very important to make eye contact when you greet your interviewer and shake his or her hand. Throughout the interview, make a point to have direct eye contact in order to create a connection and exude confidence. This tip alone with greatly help you ace your job interview. 8. Body language. Body language is also a huge form of nonverbal communication. It will communicate whether you are confident, relaxed, nervous, or unsure of yourself. In order to ace your job interview, you must give off positive energy with your body language. Sit up straight and dont slouch your back. Show that you are alert and listening carefully to everything your interviewer in saying. 9. Be yourself. No matter how badly you want the job, it you arent a good match, you arent a good match. Never try to be what you think the job require. Let your true self shine through and youll send off the postive energy youll need to ace your job interview. If you arent being true to yourself, the interviewer will sense your lack of authenticity right away. 10. Follow up quickly. Immediately after the interview, send a handwritten thank you note. A handwritten note is the best because it more personal. If you dont have the mailing address of the interview, either get it, or send an e-mail. Simply thank the interviewer for their time to meet with you. Whats most important though is that you get the note into the mail. Interviewers know exactly who sent them a note and who didnt. Now you have a list of things to do so you can ace your job interview. If you understand all of the strategies, youll be on your way to success in no time! Related: How To Ace the Google Interviewing Process. Image Credit: Shutterstock

What to Do When You Consider a Work Task Unethical - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

What to Do When You Consider a Work Task Unethical - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Would you do something you thought was unethical? What about if your job was on the line? The Milgram Experiment became famous for indicating that people obey authority figures regardless of the awfulness of their instructions, but amongst younger worker, at least, this no longer seems to be the case. A recent Deloitte study revealed that 49% of junior-role Millennials, and 61% of senior-role Millennials have refused to undertake a work task “because it went against their personal values or ethics”. Saying “no” to your boss is hard, and saying “no” in a productive, positive way is harder still. If you’re considering declining an assignment on ethical grounds, follow these steps first: 1) Leave the Room If possible, leave before responding to the request at all. If you must answer, say something non-committal, then leave. Our moral compass is a highly emotive aspect of our personalities. When you hear something that offends your ethics, you’re highly likely to lose your temper and say something you may later regret. Immediately taking yourself into a neutral space gives you a chance to calm down and assess the situation properly.   2) Assess Severity The very first question you need to ask yourself is this: “is this request illegal?” (If you don’t know, Google it.) If the answer is yes, then refuse to do it. Being complicit in an illegal activity can bring much more severe repercussions down on you than losing this job. The same is true if the task is not technically illegal but is so morally reprehensible that knowledge of it would cause excessive brand damage to the company and individuals involved in it. In both these instances, skip straight to Step #6.   3) Assess Personal Importance Often a request is neither illegal nor widely condemned, but problematic to you personally. Perhaps you’re a vegan being asked to promote an abattoir, or an environmental fanatic being asked to throw the recycling bin in a regular dumpster. Just because it’s a personal problem does not mean you should do the task uncomplainingly. Instead, take some time to assess how much of an issue the task is to you. Refusing to comply with orders always carries a risk of repercussions, so is pushing back on this subject worth it to you?  4)  Assess Reasonableness Ask yourself both what your colleagues and the average person on the street is likely to think of your refusal to complete the task. Are they likely to be sympathetic, or think that you’re being ridiculous? This ‘reasonableness’ of a request is irrelevant as to whether you should do it or not (see #3). But it will give you an inkling of how best to tackle the issue with your boss. The more that people agree with your stance, the more likely it is that your boss will accept your refusal graciously, or that your company or HR department will back you up. Without this implicit support, you will likely be reliant on the goodwill of your boss, and have to work harder to make them see the situation from your point of view.  5)  See the Bigger Picture Remember that nothing exists in a vacuum. Whether you decide to do the unethical task or refuse, there will be some sort of consequences down the line. Working out the most likely possibilities now will help put your decision into perspective. If you’re considering doing the job, ask yourself if it’s likely that your boss will continue to ask you to perform similar tasks, and whether that would exacerbate your uncomfortableness. Consider also the effect on your morale and productivity if you believe aspects of your work to be immoral. Then think about the likeliness that refusing to do this task will get you disliked, disciplined, or fired. Would that be a complete disaster or simply an unpleasant situation on route to better things? 6) Gain Clarity Whichever side you fall down on â€" accepting or refusing â€" first approach your boss and ask for greater clarity on the subject. Keep your tone neutral, but ask enough questions that you have no doubt about what they want you do, and that all the implications are laid out on the table. Sometimes, talking things through will make the boss realize that what they’re asking is wrong, and cause them to back down. It should also give you a feeling for how militant they are about you performing this task; if they are largely unbothered by it they should have little problem reassigning the assignment or dropping it entirely. 7) Protect Yourself Get a copy of your boss’ request in writing. If the initial conversation wasn’t over email, write it down after your meeting with your boss and send it to them under the guise of confirming that you’ve understood them correctly. Keep copies of this correspondence on a private server (never on your work computer). Keep notes on everything to do with the situation as it happens, and if you feel comfortable about it, go to HR. Don’t present it as an accusation of your boss, but as a request for information on your rights to push back over this.  8)  Push Back Even if you’re not willing to outright refuse to complete the assignment, try to push back a little first. As long as you keep your manner friendly, you’re unlikely to create problems for yourself. Firstly, offer an alternative solution for your boss, along with reasons that this would be a better course of action. If necessary, explain why you feel uncomfortable about performing the assignment. Stay calm. Try to frame your objection as an attempt to protect the business (and your boss) from unintended consequences. 9) Have a Plan B Never let yourself get into a situation where you couldn’t walk out of your business if you really needed to. Life is complicated and messy, and it’s always best to be prepared for every eventuality. Have enough savings that you could absorb the cost of sudden unemployment. Keep your CV polished and up-to-date. Build good rapport with clients and contacts and have their contact details to hand (or add them on LinkedIn). Stay abreast of opportunities and changing requirements in your field. Ultimately, you should never be pressured into doing something that makes you feel uncomfortable. Jobs are important, but how we feel about ourselves matters more. Beth Leslie writes graduate careers advice for Inspiring Interns, a graduate recruitment agency specialising in matching candidates to their dream internship. Check out their graduate jobs listings for roles. Or; if you’re looking to hire an intern, have a look at their innovative Video CVs.

Why You Need A Construction Manager Resume Template

Why You Need A Construction Manager Resume TemplateYou are no doubt looking for a construction manager resume template that is easy to read and uses all the necessary keywords to capture your attention. This is not necessarily a bad thing. The easier a resume is to read, the more likely it will be to get you an interview.You would think that the easiest construction manager resume template would be one that does not even attempt to be user friendly. There are many plain out resume templates on the internet that are hard to read and require a high amount of knowledge in order to understand. When you are filling out these types of resume you want to make sure that your work experiences are clearly listed and don't show any ignorance about the field.The construction manager resume you want to consider using should also make it easy to find links to photos and further details of the candidate. Again, the resume needs to be clear and provide the details needed to find the person on the fi rst glance. There is nothing worse than missing a phone interview because of the way you read the resume.In order to make your construction manager resume template easier to read, you need to keep it as brief as possible. If you use too much information that is very specific, it will intimidate the person you are interviewing. You can do some keyword research online to find resumes that have a 'generic' feel to them. Instead of feeling intimidated, find one that reads like it was put together by someone who knows what they are doing.You need to remember that your construction manager resume template is for keeping people from getting a long way into the interview process. If you use too much information, it will put people off and they will never be interested in the position. The goal is to keep them curious and get them wondering how you came up with the idea. If they are curious about your construction business experience, and how you came up with the idea for your own company, t hen they will think that you are good enough to take the job.Another thing to remember when using a construction manager resume template is to use only words that you are familiar with. Don't put down everything you know about a field because if it is something that the interviewer doesn't know, then you are really just wasting your time. They should have a general idea of what you do and be able to offer you details about a situation if you get to know them well enough.Always remember that your construction manager resume template is to use to get the job done. That is why you are looking for it, so that you can hire the right person for the job. Remember that there is no need to let people know how good you are if they cannot tell it from a mile away.You will find that by using a construction manager resume template, you will quickly become a construction manager. In the end, the most important thing is to let people know that you are capable of leading the team, and getting the j ob done!

6 Reasons to Start Your Career as A Front-End Web Developer

6 Reasons to Start Your Career as A Front-End Web Developer Photo Credit â€" Pexels.comChoosing a career is a major decision that needs to be pondered over as this major decision in life will help you reach your goals in life.In this tech-savvy world, one of the most profitable career to take is being a front-end web developer. There are many things that you need to learn if you want to take the road to become a front-end developer.But what exactly does a front-web developer do?evalUpWork defines a front-end web developer as the one who “creates interaction and user experience with scripts embedded in a site’s HTML.”In addition to that, they further explained that “everything a visitor to your site sees, clicks, or uses to input or retrieve information is the work of the front-end developer who creates client-side software that brings the site’s design to life. Scripts are downloaded by the browser, processed, and then run apart from the server.”To become a front-end developer, there are numerous things that you should be well-ver sed in.The following knowledge and skillset should be imbibed in you:Working knowledge on HTML5, CSS3, and client-side scripts like JavaScriptVisual designBack-end developmentWorking knowledge on the following languages: .NET framework, Ruby, SQL, Java, PHPExperience with CSS PreprocessorsResponsive and Mobile DesignIf you want to exceed expectations, here are some of the frameworks you would want to be an expert on:AngularJSjQueryBootstrapFoundationcssAmid the technical mumbo-jumbo, why should you pursue a career in front-end development?Here are 6 reasons why choosing a front-end development career is the best for you.1. Huge DemandevalevalIn a study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the US, they have discovered that there’s a noticeable increase in the demand for web developers among the other occupations in the US Economy.They have noted that there is a projected 27% increase from 2014 to 2024, compared to the other occupations in the US. This figure is deemed as “much faster than average” in the job outlook category on the BLS site.2. Easy to LearnTypically, the requirements to be employed as a web developer ranges from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree. However, with the magnanimous amount of web design resources and online courses, it’s not difficult to learn how to code.There are some free platforms where you can learn the basics, and there are some premium websites where you can learn different programming languages in-depth.evalTo learn more about front-end development, visit those websites, and don’t forget to follow blogs that share different tips and tricks as well.If you need to brush up on your coding skills, here are some resources that you can refer to:CodecademyCodewarsCourseraUdacityUdemyLearnode.academy3.High IncomeAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for web developers was around $66,130 in May 2016. You can earn as much as $35,390 to $119,550 annually.Most of these develo pers work in different industries like information services, publishing industries, computer systems design and related services, religious, grantmaking, civic, educational institutions, and similar organizations.On the other hand, according to salary.com, the median salary Because of the endless opportunities, you can even work in the comfort of your home. You can accept projects from home, offer consultation services, and more.eval5. Rapidly Growing IndustryAgain, the possibilities for growth in taking front-end development as a career is endless. Because of the evolving manner of how people browse online, we’ve seen cross-device browsing habits from desktop to mobile, mobile to desktop, and the like.As a front-end developer, you’re tasked to optimize the UI and UX along with others to help drive in conversions through design. There are various ways on how you can make the most out of this rapidly growing industry; you can handle multiple projects with different teams, with th e demand on building websites is higher than ever.Before, large businesses are the only ones who can afford a website. Nowadays, even small businesses can afford to avail a website because of its affordability. It’s now up to you as a front-end developer to develop and design an interface that will make the most out of their budget.6.Be Your Own BossWe all dream of escaping the 8AM to 5PM work week, work someplace in the tropics, sipping some cocktail as we enjoy the scenic view. That’s the dream â€" and through this career path, it can be a reality within reach.evalYou can be your own boss. Despite the rising competition in this industry, you can still offer something new that will be your edge on the market. If you’re an expert on Magento, you can cater to medium to large businesses looking for a front-end developer for their ecommerce website. With the connections that you can build, you can create and form your own team, and eventually build a company.The key here is to co ntinuously build yourself, increase your knowledge, and never stop hustling â€" one day, you will be your own boss, whether in the office or working in some remote island while sipping coconut water on the beach.Hopefully, you’re now considering to be a front-end developer; although it looks like a fab career to pursue, remember that all things pay off with hard work and dedication.Front-end web development is an option; you can continue studying to increase your knowledge, you can be the master of your time with the endless opportunities abound.

Embrace Intentional Serendipity in the Job Search

Embrace Intentional Serendipity in the Job Search Call it luck, chance, or serendipity sometimes good things happen! You can take steps to  increase the odds that your next job  or your dream career  finds you. You just need to practice intentional serendipity! I met a person recently and we ended up talking about how people discover jobs by accident. His face lit up, “that’s exactly what happened to me! In high school I was thinking about engineering or joining the military and then I discovered machine tool.” Thirty years later he was the CEO of a large machine tool company and now is a consultant in that field. While on my honeymoon, I met the Director of a high school technical center. I had no idea what a Vocational Technical school was, but four months later, I was working for him and my life was transformed forever with an understanding and appreciation of all kinds of occupations. We all have stories about chance events that changed the course of our careers. Then why is it that so many people want to take “one of those assessments that tells me what to do”. The longer I am in the career coaching business, the less assessments I use. My goal is to have my clients “embrace intentional serendipity.” In other words, take action to learn about jobs and be open to discovering opportunities by accident. Here are 3 steps you can take to discover jobs or majors by creating luck or chance events in your life. 1. Embrace  Chance Events Think about your stories of chance events (like mine above) that have opened opportunities you had in your life…we all have them. You’ll have more. Remember that this “non linear” way of living life has worked in the past and will again in your future. And it can work finding jobs. Chance events are simply a part of life and should be embraced. Often time these chance events look like barriers or hassles but if you view them as opportunities they can often result in positive things happening. 2. Take Action To move forward in finding a job you have to DO something. For many people it requires doing something DIFFERENT than they have been doing. The more ‘out of your comfort zone’, often the better. The obvious ones are informational interviews, volunteering, part-time jobs, and taking a class or training. But it can be as simple as walking down a different road or driving to an appointment a different way to expose yourself to new businesses. The key is to be intentional in looking for new things which may lead to new opportunities. 3. Be Curious Set up an informational interview to learn about a persons occupation. Too many people say “I can’t just call someone up and ask to talk to them. I would not even know what to ask!” Start with people you know. You will be surprised at how most people really do want to talk about their jobs and share what they know. Oh yeah, when you leave, always ask them “Who else should I talk to?” Embrace curiosity, it is how we learn. It can also be a great way to meet new people who actually might give you an idea of where to look for work, or maybe will inspire you to do a training. Here are some things to think about: What is it that you do NOT know about the occupation you are exploring? What is it that you really want to know? How can you learn more about it? Who can you ask? You will need to talk to people in the field, or close to the field, or follow discussions in LinkedIn that are focused on this, or.. do SOMETHING else. But you have to get as close as you can to the field. Note: Searching on websites does not get you close enough, you need to reach out and make this real. Final Thoughts Intentional serendipity is a filter I wear whenever I meet with students or clients. I encourage them to expand their view of the world of work, don’t get caught looking too narrowly, and be open to chance events because they are a part of your life. Thanks to Peak Carers for this Guest Post! Jim Peacock is the Principal at Peak-Careers Consulting and writes a monthly newsletter for career practitioners. Peak-Careers offers discussion-based online seminars for career practitioners focused on meeting continuing education needs for GCDF and BCC certified professionals as well as workshops for career practitioners and individual career coaching. Sign up for our monthly newsletter at Peak-Careers.com

Advice for first-time job seekers -

Advice for first-time job seekers - As graduation approaches, many young job seekers are wondering how they can land an opportunity in this very challenging job market. Lindsey Pollak, a recognized expert on next-generation career trends, recently released a new edition of her terrific book, Getting from College to Career. Lindsey graciously agreed to answer some questions to help new professions get “from college to career.” In this first of a two-part series, Lindsey shares advice about goal setting and offers insights for the new grad who can’t decide what to do next. What’s the biggest mistake you believe most new job seekers make? Lindsey: The biggest mistake most new job seekers make is not taking enough action. A lot of people spend way too much time sitting at their computers scrolling through job listings while they should be taking lots of other actions, such as visiting their college career center (even as an alum), talking to friends and family about their job search and asking for advice and referrals to networking contacts, and using social media to build a professional presence and connect with potential employers. What should a new grad’s first priority be â€" getting any job, or landing the “perfect” position? Lindsey: There is a middle ground between “anything” and “perfect” and that’s what new grads should strive for. It’s a lot of pressure to try to find an absolutely perfect job and I’m not sure that exists anyway. I recommend casting a wide net in terms of the types of jobs and employers you’re considering and then decide on three non-negotiables â€" for instance, I need at least X dollars in salary to cover my student loans and rent, I need a commute of less than an hour and I need a job where I can do a lot of writing. If you can satisfy your most important criteria, you’re in good shape. I also believe that, with a good attitude, you can turn most average opportunities into great experiences. What do you suggest for job seekers who can’t figure out what direction to go? Lindsey: Two things: Start somewhere and work diligently on self-assessment. Starting somewhere means not allowing yourself to become paralyzed because you’re not 100 percent sure what career you want. Because a career is a marathon and not a sprint, it’s almost always better to dive into something that feels pretty good and then tweak from there. When it comes to self-assessment, make it a normal part of your day. See what articles you’re drawn to in the news. See which of your friends’ or family members’ careers get you excited (or maybe instill some envy â€" that’s a sign it might be what you want). Read career and self-assessment books and blogs. I don’t believe you can figure out your career in your head; you have to take action and do a lot of research and try a lot of things to find your best fit. What should someone do if he or she has many interests, or just can’t decide what’s next? Lindsey: As above, I would remind people that a career is a very long journey and there is time for you to pursue various paths. There was a great article in Fast Company recently called “The Four-Year Career,” which highlighted several people who change careers every few years and have been very successful. That’s not necessarily the right choice for everyone, but it does show that, as I say in Getting From College to Career, “a job is not a soul mate.” You can fall in love with many career paths and pursue a few at a time or pursue them at various times in your life. Stay tuned for more advice from Lindsey, and be sure to check out her book: Getting from College to Career. This post originally appeared on Salary.com, where I am a contributing writer.