Do you set unrealistic expectations for yourself when it comes to taking steps in your job search or reaching your career goals?  I have found that over and over again smart people “over think” what they need to do in the short term when looking for career answers.  I agree that it is always important…

Are you waiting too long to take the steps that will shape your future and bring more satisfaction to your career life?  As a career coach, when people come in for the first time I often hear the phrase, “I have been thinking of this for months – even years.”  I recognize that decisions that…

Have you stopped and really thought about what an employer is looking for in an employee?   Most of us get very caught up in what we are looking for in a job and employer.  For instance, we know the type of work we want to do, the hours we want to work and the environment…

Once you have successfully gotten past an organization’s initial job screen (by submitting a solid resume that documents your skills and experience that gets you “in the door”), your next task is to stand out in the interview.   To do so, you must be prepared to demonstrate more than what is in your resume. When…

Have you ever had this experience?  You have a purpose and a plan.  You may have even mapped out the steps  your going to take in order to get results.  You’re actually pretty excited about it.  But then you don’t make a move.  Why is it so hard to get started?  You may even begin…

I had a revelation the other day about pain and what people often refer to as “being stuck.”  When I heard someone ask the question, “are they in enough pain to make a change?”   It suddenly came to me  how often I have stayed where I am in my life, in a mediocre relationship,…

An important source of information that folks often overlook when exploring or considering their next career move is their own observation.  By this I mean, start observing with close attention to two areas: What are other people doing in their careers/jobs that looks interesting or fun to you.  Don’t make any judgment about whether you…

Remember, the goal in making contacts and having a discussion is to gain information – information that helps you make decisions about the possible directions for your career.  People like to talk about their job, their personal story and their views of the industry and its future.  Your role during this discussion is to listen, listening…

Significant transitions and changes are incredibly stressful for almost everyone.  There are those few who thrive on big change but most of us find transitions difficult and taxing.  There are some things you can do when going through a transition – whether a job change, a reorganization at your office, a move to a new…

One aspect of your personal leadership is developing or revising your resume to show potential employers how you can be a solution to their problems. Part of career counseling is helping people know themselves well and then creating inspiring, forward-thinking, professional resumes. Employers often spend less than 30 seconds looking at a resume before they…