Job Search Strategies

Posts Tagged ‘job search strategies’

A Crisis!

Monday, January 10th, 2011

Let’s take a little trip back in time.

Before I started my coaching business, I was one of the top recruiters in my company, and the number one biller out of six offices in a down economy. The pressure was enormous and the hours brutal, but the money was great and I enjoyed the work, so I put up with it.

One day, my new manager wandered into my office. (our company was acquired by a large franchise staffing firm) “Hi Dawn,” she said in that chirpy voice. “I see you’re married.” She literally picked up my hand, said, “nice ring”. I nodded, confused. “Well,” she went on, “I hope you’re not planning on getting pregnant. I’ll be putting pills in your OJ, Hah, hah” and she walked away. This is no joke.

The truth was, I hadn’t been planning to try for a baby anytime soon at the time. But I knew I wanted a family, and this lady was NOT going to tell me I couldn’t have one.

That day, I reached what I call a “crisis point,” and I knew it was time to get out. It was the push I needed. I had been talking about with my associates and husband for the last 6 months. I couldn’t work for a company that that didn’t value me except as a golden goose.

I’d known for a while this was no longer my ideal work environment. The boss that had promised me a BMW if I hit my target two years in a row. Never followed through and I learned the hard way, that I should have gotten it in writing. I’d seen the people around me burn out under the pressure, and I’d had more than a few tough days myself. But it took that comment from my new to be boss that truly make me realize how unhealthy the situation was.

Many of us know that it’s time for a change, but instead of initiating that change ourselves, we wait around for something to push us into it. We don’t change the problems in our marriages until divorce is looming, and we don’t change the problems in our careers until the only options are burn out or get out or it’s too late and you are laid off. Sometimes, not even burnout will stop us from holding on — we’ll keep showing up anyway, hoping that they’ll kick us out. In other words, we give our choice away, because owning it is too big a responsibility.

I know a woman who hates her job in the marketing department of a construction company. I mean, truly loathes it. A graphic designer of her caliber should have no trouble at all starting up as a freelancer, but she won’t do it. When you ask her why, she’ll mutter something about benefits, and a weekly paycheck. Sometimes, she says that she hopes her boss will fire her, because that would force her to do something—but right now, she’s too drained by the end of the day to even think about putting a resume together. She’s waiting for a crisis, hoping that someone (or something) will make her choice for her.

For others, a major life event is what sparks change: a birth, a death, a divorce, a wedding, a layoff. But do you really need such a major shock to wake up? The tighter the crunch, the fewer options you’ll have — so why not act now, before things build to a head?

One of my most important jobs as a coach is to help people in transition. If you’re feeling a career crisis coming on, don’t wait — take the reins now, and take control of your career.

This quote sums up my story — “If you can’t be a good example — then you’ll just have to be a horrible warning.” Catherine

“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.” Eleanor Roosevelt
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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader. Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps marketing, advertising, and creative entrepreneurs navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance. Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths. B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap and accelerate your career so you can love your life now! Visit www.CareerLifeBalance.net or http://www.coachdq.com today or for more information email me.

Bad Hair Day?

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

“Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands…if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy — because we will always want to have something else or something more.” Brother David Steindl-Rast

I don’t know about you, but I feel like I have a lot to be thankful for this year.
Eight years after opening Career Life Balance, I finally have more balance more in my life. With the exception of a few bad hair days

This year, I finally had the opportunity to prove to myself that you can be a good mother, run a successful business, and keep a household afloat all at the same time. (Something we don’t give ourselves enough credit for it and that goes for both men & women! Thankfully my hubby and I make a great team!) I had to make some sacrifices in order to achieve this, but in the end, they didn’t feel like sacrifices at all.

I learned to have fewer balls in the air at once and am much better with flexing my No Muscle. Below are some more things I accomplished this year. I’m profoundly grateful that I have had the opportunity to make these things happen for myself, my clients, my business, and my family. I know that gratitude will stay with me throughout 2011.

DQ’s (partial) Gratitude List

I am grateful that I was able to…

• Connected with many old friends on Facebook — Many trips down memory lane 

• Get away with just me and Hubby
• Host Radio Show once per month verses once per week
• Launch “BrainTalk” Radio with Co-Host Tara Crawford Roth
• Serve on the Board of Directors for International Coach Federation – New England
• Hire a new assistant (Hooray!)
• Hire Video Editor & Business Coach
• Be a guest on Career, Money & Manifesting
• Guest Host Employment For All TV Show
• Take a grammar class
• Give LinkedIn Job Strategy Classes
• Teach many “Baby Boomers” how to use social media tools to land a position
• Learn from my amazing clients
• Conduct a very helpful Branding Assessment
• Go skiing with the girls
• Start work on our master garden
• Foster an 8 Year old boy  sad to see him go
• Do a women’s retreat
• Buy a new car
• Take 4 weeks vacation
• Help support the launch of several new client businesses
• Coach many into new jobs and careers
• Help clients negotiate higher salaries/offers
• Contribute to three upcoming books, including 101 Ways to Enhance Your Career (published by selfgrowth.com).
• Host a gluten-free Thanksgiving at my house
• And best of all… Finally closer to adopting our incredible daughter!

One of the best things you can do when you’re feeling stuck or stymied is to make a list of things you’re grateful for. Whether they’re things you own, things you’ve accomplished, relationships you’ve preserved (or ended), or emotional connections you’ve made, these accomplishments are the true measure of your efforts. Overachievers don’t get caught up in what you haven’t done: you have the rest of your life to meet those goals. Remember that you have created the ground you stand on — so stand tall and be proud! Do this exercise for yourself and share what you are grateful for. We love hearing from you, share your comments below!

Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader. Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps marketing, advertising, and creative entrepreneurs navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance. Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths. B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap and accelerate your career so you can love your life now! http://www.coachdq.com

Cultural Consciousness

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

“Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from achieving one’s values.” — Ayn Rand

Two weeks ago, we created “A Week in My Life” — a tangible description of your ideal week. Now, it’s time to delve deeper into your work experience during your ideal week: specifically, your experience in your ideal company culture.

Work culture is often discounted as a secondary factor in choosing a new job or career. But the social dynamics of a company can make even a mundane job great — or make even the most interesting job unbearable. In order to truly enjoy your job, you need to enjoy the culture.

If you’re like many people I’ve spoken with over the years, you find yourself falling into the same type of culture over and over again, in job after job, without really knowing why. No matter where you go, you end up working for the same micromanaging, manipulative, or absentee boss; or, conversely, you end up managing the same resentful, uncooperative, or scattered people. You want to make a move, but you’re afraid that the only difference between the new job and the old will be the color of your office walls.

The truth is, we attract certain types of people into our lives and careers based on our conscious and unconscious thoughts and processes. But if you take the time to become clear about what you really want, rather than simply falling into whatever comes your way, you’re more likely to avoid the trap of “same, same.”
Take 30 minutes or so this week to envision and flesh out your ideal company culture. Here are some points to consider:

In what industry does your ideal company operate? What types of product or service does it provide?
Where is your ideal company located?
What does the building/campus look like?
What is the layout of the office/production space? Do you have your own office? Work in an open space?
How big is your ideal company? Do you like having many diverse co-workers, or do you prefer to work with a smaller, select group of individuals?
What is your ideal boss like? In what ways does he or she support you? Consider a specific situation (perhaps one from your own recent experience): how would your ideal boss behave? Is your boss a mentor? Does he or she offer consistent guidance and support, or allow you to operate more autonomously?
If you’re considering a management or executive position, what are your employees like? What qualities do your team members possess which make them easy to work with? How do they support you in your role, and how do they allow you to support them in theirs?
What is the pace of your ideal business or office? Do you thrive under pressure, or do you like to take your time? How would your ideal company culture support your natural working pace?
What social, environmental, and financial goals are important to your ideal company culture? What causes does your company support?

As with the first “Week in My Life” exercise, it’s just as important to know what you don’t want. You might choose to make a list based on the above criteria of what is unacceptable to you in your ideal company culture. For example, you might write, “I don’t want a boss who dates his secretary,” or, “I don’t want a boss who says she’ll give me a raise/a better position/flexible hours, then never follows through,” or, “I don’t want to manage unmotivated employees,” or even, “I don’t want to feel lost in a sea of desks.”
Once you’ve identified your ideal company culture, it’s a whole lot easier to see how you can fit comfortably into it. Next week, we’ll look at your role in your ideal company — in other words, we’ll narrow down your ideal job description! It may sound like a lot of work, however, the amount of time you spend doing these exercises upfront will save you years of wasted energy and frustration which directly impacts your overall well being. You only have one life. Make it a great one!

DQ’s BRIDGE strategy and job search coaching services are designed to help you identify and zero in on your target company, salary range, location, and other vital factors. Like using a Rapla lure to catch a bass, you’ll know exactly what you’re fishing for before you’re ready to cast. When you’re prepared and focused, you’re more likely to capture the opportunities that are out there waiting for you.
Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader. Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps marketing, advertising, and creative entrepreneurs navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance. Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths. B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap and accelerate your career so you can love your life now! Visit www.CareerLifeBalance.net or http://www.coachdq.com today or for more information click here or email me.

Client Case Study

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

What was the problem/situation which drew you to seek out Coach DQ’s services?

After two years in an advertising job that wasn’t going anywhere, I was in a rut unlike any rut I’d ever experienced. I was working with a client who wasn’t treating me well at all, and my boss had decided that not only should I suck up to the client, I should view this experience as a test to see if I was “happy” with the company.

Happiness. That was a big thing for my boss. He had an instinct for it, but not in a good way. The moment I started feeling unhappy, he’d hone in on it, and try to exploit it. Rather than managing my issues — like my problem with the client — he would insinuate that this might not be the right job for me anymore. This had the effect of compounding the frustration I was already feeling.

After a while, my rut became a valley. Instead of looking for a new job with a more supportive boss, I tried to combat my boss when he sniffed out my unhappiness. In the end, I ended up hurting myself more than I hurt him, and I found myself in need of some serious self-repair and outside perspective.

A good friend of mine suggested that I work with Dawn, because Dawn’s coaching had really helped her accept responsibility for the situation she’d been in, and move on. Coaching sounded like just what I needed.

What specific issues did you hope to address with your coaching sessions?
The first thing I wanted to concentrate on was rebuilding my self-esteem. My boss’s habit of making everything my fault had really done a number on my confidence and judgment. I’ve always known myself to be a positive, capable person, but I had allowed those qualities to erode. I knew it would be difficult to interview and secure a new job without self esteem intact.

Second, I wanted to define what I wanted to do with my life — or at least what I wanted to do next. I was feeling confused about marketing as a profession and felt overwhelmed by the notion of a “career” that would span the rest of my life. I was also fearful that I would land a new job, but wind up feeling unfulfilled again in another year or two. I’d held six marketing jobs in ten years, but I didn’t have a sense of purpose in my job choices. And, I was frustrated by the fact that although I spent a lot of time working — even to the point of sacrificing my own healthy creative outlets — I was still unsatisfied

Finally, I wanted to learn to set boundaries and establish ways in which I could deal effectively with difficult people — like my former client.

What was the best part of the coaching experience for you?
The best part of the coaching experience for me was that I no longer felt alone. I’ve always been encouraged and empowered by supportive friends and family to navigate life as I saw fit; I never thought I would “fail” at being happy. But the truth, for me, is that that empowerment can be overwhelming without tools and proper guidance. The structure of my weekly meetings with Dawn kept me accountable for what I was supposed to be thinking about, and gave me the thing that matters most to my success: time to reflect.

What was the most challenging part of the coaching experience for you?
The most challenging aspect of the process for me was to be disciplined about making time each week for the coaching. I was really great at it in the beginning, but after I landed my new job, I began to put a lot of pressure on myself to have some sort of “status update” — some progress on which to report. There were times when I would have a strong urge to cancel our call, because I hadn’t accomplished our objective from the week before. But Dawn reminded me that the process isn’t always linear, and that learning happens both during and outside of calls. I still worry that I’m not maximizing my time with her, but I now have a better understanding that my time with her is also time I give to myself to keep my life balanced and fulfilling — regardless of what I may or may not have accomplished. In many ways, I’ve discovered, taking this time for myself is an accomplishment!

Was the issue you originally intended to work on resolved through your coaching sessions?
Yes, my core issues were resolved through the coaching process. But more important even than the problems solved are the valuable skills and tools I learned — including the ability to clarify what I can and cannot control. These help me navigate the workplace in a healthier way. I know now how to consciously put myself in situations where I can succeed.

What was the outcome of your work with Coach DQ? Did it meet your expectations?
Here are what I perceive to be my key outcomes as a result of my work with Dawn:
• I’ve gained self-confidence. Dawn’s tactic of asking, “What evidence can you identify that leads you to that conclusion,” was a great reminder that sometimes my perception of a situation can not only be destructive to my self-esteem; it may not even be reality.
• I am less intimidated by the notion of a “career.” Now, I see a career as something in hindsight and retrospect. What’s more important is being aware of who I am today, and having a job I enjoy.
• I’ve learned not to take everything personally. On Dawn’s recommendation, I purchased Richard Carson’s book, Tame Your Gremlin. After reading it, I learned to differentiate between the Gremlin in my head, and my better judgment, which has helped tremendously.
• I realize that I need a professional mentor (not necessarily my boss) who can serve in the role of coach on an ongoing basis.
• I have a greater appreciation for the power of creative visualization. It’s one of the best ways to achieve what I want. Whether I use a vision board or meditation, the process is an anchor for me, especially for when life gets chaotic and confusing.
• I’ve landed a great job marketing the arts. It is at an appropriate level for my skills, and I am marketing something I’ve always loved. During the interview process, I was able to deliberately assess cultural and managerial fit.
• Finally, even though I love my job, I am acutely aware that it does not have to serve as the sole definition of who I am.

I am not quite done with my coaching experience, so I’m not sure what the remaining month will bring, but overall, I would absolutely recommend working with a career coach to anyone who is feeling a bit lost in the process. I am confident in my new skills, and would love to revisit this experience in a year or two, to see how these lessons progress for me over time.

DQ’s BRIDGE strategy and job search coaching services are designed to help you identify and zero in on your target company, salary range, location, and other vital factors. Like following a track in the woods, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for before you’re ready to aim. When you’re prepared and focused, you’re more likely to capture the opportunities that are out there waiting for you.

They say that for every $10,000 in salary you’re asking for, you should add one month to your job search. But my BRIDGE for Job Search “hunting” strategy is proven to cut job search time by 50% or more.

Now that Fall is here, the hunting season is in full swing. Don’t miss out on your ideal job. Find out How it works, click here.

Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader. Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps marketing, advertising, creative professionals, and business owners navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance. Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths. B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap and accelerate your career so you can love your life now! Visit www.CareerLifeBalance.net or http://www.coachdq.com today or for more information click here or email me.

Itching to Get Out of Your Job?

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

“Start With the End In Mind” ~ Coach DQ

If you’re like many of the people with whom I communicate on a daily basis, you want to make a move. You’re practically itching to get out of your job. But you’re worried about the economy, and the availability of positions in your field or salary range. Or, you cringe at the very thought of the job search or resume development process. Or, you’re worried about the fact that you’ll end up in the same unsatisfying situation in your new job, with the same unreasonable or manipulative boss and the same ill-fitting work culture.

“Do not wait; the time will never be “just right.” Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.” Napoleon Hill

Well, don’t despair. The economy is starting to rebound, and now is the time to start becoming clear about what you want from your new position. Do you want to make a lateral move to a company with a culture you admire? Do you want to advance to an executive or high-level position? Do you want to change careers, or start your own business?

Becoming clear about what you want and need from your job is also important to avoiding career déjà vu — when you wake up in a new job to find that your new boss is the same as your old boss, your stress level hasn’t gone down, and you’re dissatisfied with the same elements of your new job as the old. Often, our unconscious patterns lead us toward specific types of people and situations. But we can break that cycle through careful planning and creative visualization.

Remember that there’s a solution to every problem—you just have to find it. You’ll never get out of your rut if you don’t take action.

Today, and over the next few weeks, we’ll be looking at solutions to help you break out of your rut and start moving forward. If you’re unhappy with your current job but aren’t sure what to do about it, I invite you to create “An Ideal Week in My Life.”

An Ideal Week in My Life. I’m sure you’ve been asked at some point in your life to describe your ideal day. But an “ideal” day is hard to come by, even in imagination-land. Instead, I will request you to take 20 – 60 minutes to sit down with a pen and paper, and describe your ideal week. Here are some elements to consider when envisioning this ideal week in your life.

•Where are you living? Are you in your current home, or elsewhere?
•What is your schedule? Are you working 40 hours? More? Less?
•How long is your commute?
•What time do you wake up? What time do you get home from work?
•What is your job like? What field are you working in? (You can be pretty general in this area, since we’ll delve into more specifics next week.)
•What do your nights and weekend look like? What creative and social activities do you make time for?

Imagine that you are a character in a novel. What emotions do you feel in each situation in your ideal week? What goals are you pursuing? What things do you look forward to? Once you have everything down on paper, take a moment to close your eyes and summon the emotions you would feel during your ideal week. Since we attract what we think about, visualizing yourself in a space of contentment, joy, creative inspiration, and forward momentum can help you attract those things.

If you’re not sure what your ideal week looks like, start by making a list of the things your ideal week would NOT include. Maybe you’d write, “My boss would not engage in manipulative behavior,” or “I would not have to drive sixty miles each way to my job.” Knowing what you don’t want is just as important as knowing what you DO want!

If you still need help getting clear, take the time to Ideal Day Exercise, which can help you identify your strengths, goals, and common life themes. Next time, we’ll take a look at your ideal week’s ideal job, and delve into your ideal company culture. Stay tuned!

“It’s the job that’s never started that takes longest to finish.” — J.R.R. Tolkien (1892−1973) Writer

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My BRIDGE strategy and job search coaching services are designed to help you identify and zero in on your target company, salary range, location, and other vital factors. Like following a track in the woods, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for before you’re ready to aim. When you’re prepared and focused, you’re more likely to capture the opportunities that are out there waiting for you.

They say that for every $10,000 in salary you’re asking for, you should add one month to your job search. But my BRIDGE for Job Search “hunting” strategy is proven to cut job search time by 50% or more.

Now that summer’s over, the hunting season is in full swing. Don’t miss out on your ideal job.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader. Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps creative professionals and business owners navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance. Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths. B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap and accelerate your career so you can love your life now! Visit www.CareerLifeBalance.net or http://www.coachdq.com today or for more information click here or email me.

Job Vs. Mission?
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Too often there’s a big gap between what you do for a living and what you do because it’s fun or feeds your soul. It’s not your fault really. When you think about it, the stage was set way back in elementary school, where you spent most of your time sitting in a classroom looking forward to recess. Class was work, and recess was fun.

But if you were lucky, you had a teacher who was fun and engaging. Someone who put your desks in a circle instead of boring rows or had you doing science experiments that involved flames and smoldering potions. You probably forgot all about recess with that teacher. Your “work” suddenly became a whole lot more interesting.

Do you spend your grown-up days watching the clock for the moment you can get outta Dodge and head for home and hobbies?

Do you enjoy your work on a superficial level — but it doesn’t speak to your deepest dreams and values?

Maybe you feel like you’re leading a double life — that who you have to be at work is a totally different person than the one you are at home?

Whatever the case, if you’re splitting your focus, you’re splitting your energy and diluting gratification. Is there a deep-seated sense of purpose drawing you toward certain “recess” activities? Another word for this is mission—a calling to do things that speak to your core values and goals?

Maybe your mission pulls you to create art, work with charities, tutor neighborhood kids, or create beautiful landscaping in your own backyard. You’ll know when a task is tied to your mission because of the strong emotions it stirs, calling you to be and do something bigger with your life.

The good news is that you are living in a time when more and more people are recognizing the truth that, it really is possible to live your life mission. The question then becomes, how exactly do you meld your job and your mission?

Getting there requires a shift out of the old pattern that was ingrained during elementary school. Facilitating just this kind of shift is a fundamental aspect of the coaching process.

Save this date on your calendar now, September 15th, 2010. I’ll have more details for you soon, but I can tell you this now: I think you’ll be surprised at just how easily you can learn to bring that “recess” feeling to your work desk!

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Are You Lowering Your Standards?
Sunday, July 25th, 2010

In these uncertain economic times, the perception is that there’s no room to negotiate. “I’m lucky even to have landed a job,” or “I’m afraid to ask for more, the company is on tight budget and I don’t want to piss them of,” or “I’m already at the top of the range for the position”.….these are only some of the things I hear people say when negotiating an offer and bottom line they hesitate to ask.

There is a major misconception. Very rarely will an employer flat-out refuse to work with you. You don’t have to take a ridiculous pay cut just to be employed. Even now, with cutbacks and budget-crunching rampant, employers are still willing to negotiate with candidates whom are qualified and are the right culture fit for the company.

I have two clients who just completed my private VIP three month BRIDGE Program to help you cut your job search by half and both clients landed their ideal jobs, — but the initial salary wasn’t what either of them had hoped for. When they realized that they didn’t need to lower their standards just to have a job. We worked together to help them negotiate a better offer. Coincidentally, both were able to negotiate $5,000 more per year, plus some additional perks.

We looked at things that were little cost to the company, no cost to the company, salary, and bonus structures, then role played possible scenarios, strategized for rebuttals, and helped them prepared them for the next step.

When you assert your value, employers recognize it. And even if there really isn’t room in the budget for a bigger salary, it doesn’t hurt to ask. After all, you aren’t privy (yet) to the inner workings of the company: you only know what you’re worth.

“Losing a game is heartbreaking. Losing your sense of excellence or worth is a tragedy.” — Joe Paterno, Contemporary American College Football Coach

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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader. Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps creative professionals and business owners navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance. Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths. If you are ready to B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap between you and a life you love then visit www.CareerLifeBalance.net or http://www.coachdq.com today.

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The Career Balance Wheel: work/life balance 2.0
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

I am so excited about this week’s article and the launch of my new tool — The Career Balance Wheel was inspired by my clients. It is truly satisfying and I thank all of you! This week a few special clients who just completed the 3 month BRIDGE Program, and I might add, negotiated the salary they deserve and landed their dream jobs! An Executive Director and a Director of Marketing.

Also, a big CONGRATULATIONS TO my long time client ELAN, who just completed the Nautica New York Triathlon in 2:46:09.

“At various points in your careers, you will be called to take a risk. And I think you will find, as I have found, those will be the times of your greatest opportunities.” Raymond V. Gilmartin, American Business Executive

Make it a great one!

Coach DQ

I am curious what word is missing for you in the last slice of the Career Balance Wheel. Enjoy!

One of the things I do is to help people who are in transition: moving from employment to self-employment, from one place of employment to another, or from one role to another within their current company.

Often, we realize we need change, but aren’t sure what change will serve us best. We feel restless in our role (I like the word “role” versus the word “job” because honestly I hate the word job. It doesn’t really have a positive feel to it when referring to one’s career, especially in these times. One of my practices is to help clients change their words so they can change their life. However this isn’t the point of the article. I digress.

Over the years, I’ve found several common themes among my clients who felt restless or stifled in their professional roles. My new tool, the Career Balance Wheel, encompasses these themes to help you see what areas of your professional life may be unfulfilled. And keep in mind, much like a healthy romantic relationship, you realize that not everything you need is going to come from one place — and that’s ok. Be creative in how you achieve balance both inside and outside your workplace.

I’m pleased to say that the Career Balance Wheel was inspired all of my clients, in the last 6 months, not to mention a few client’ who, after having been laid off three months ago, landed their dream job! When looking for a new position the Career Balance Wheel helped them discover what areas of their professional life were important to them, and which were lacking. Armed with this knowledge, they were able to look for a position which supported their personal balance. Also, recognizing that not all of their needs would be fulfilled by this position helped her take a more reasoned and flexible approach to the job search.

But don’t take my word for it! Look at the chart below, and see what mapping your career balance inspires you to do today!

Career Balance Wheel

To use this tool: Rank each area in the pie chart on a scale from 1 to 10 — 10 being absolute fulfillment, 1 being a complete absence of this quality. I encourage you to change the Values headings if you feel they do not apply to your current situation. I’ve also left one space blank, so you can insert a tenth important value which is unique to you and please post it below.

Here are a few examples of how the Career Balance Wheel can help you implement greater balance and fulfillment into your current professional life.

Problem: You don’t have a mentor you can turn to. Many of us expect our boss to be a mentor, and while this is certainly convenient, it’s not always reasonable to expect. Solution: try to find a helpful, knowledgeable person outside your company (or even outside your department) to turn to when you’re not sure how to continue to grow. This also takes pressure off your boss, and might improve your relationship.

Problem: Lack of intellectual stimulation. Sometimes we get stagnated in a role, coming to the point where there’s nothing more for us to learn. Solution: If you’re not advancing in your position at the moment, that doesn’t mean your brain should be put on the back burner. Cultivate other interests (even non-work-related ones) in order to keep your mental skills sharp until an opportunity comes along. Take classes, express new interests, and talk to people with interesting jobs outside your current sphere.

Remember, no one job, relationship, or career can give you everything you need. There’s nothing wrong with looking outside your workplace for balance. Remember, you create your life, and the things you need will come to you if you allow them. Just be open to balance, and let the magic happen!

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader. Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps creative professionals and business owners navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance. Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths. If you are ready to B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap between you and a life you love then visit www.CareerLifeBalance.net or http://www.coachdq.com today.

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Play to Your Strengths
Monday, September 14th, 2009

What is the most important tool for advancement you’ll ever have at your disposal? Yourself.

Every one of us has innate strengths which make us unique, and uniquely qualified for what we do. Your best resources are the things that come naturally to you, because they’re already there, waiting to be accessed.

Many people undervalue their own abilities, either because they don’t know what they are or because they can’t see how to use them. Either way, they’re missing out: even the most mundane-seeming skills can, if applied properly, give you the edge you need to get your game plan on a roll – you just have to use them creatively. If you’re a tech junkie, why not start an e-mail or Blackberry marketing campaign to enhance your company’s visibility? If your friends call you “Betty Crocker” or “Mr. Maître d’”, could you put those hosting skills to work by moderating the next company meeting, or organizing this month’s event for your networking group? Explore what your career options are using your project management skills.

Personality traits can also be great assets, if you know how to apply them. When you consciously recognize your strengths and weaknesses, you can find ways to make every situation work for you. For example: If you’re a shy, introvert type, you’re probably scared to death of networking, and that’s okay. But instead of fading into a corner at your next event, why not put that brilliant memory of yours to work? Talk to just a few people, but give them all of your attention. While you’re conversing, file away a few bits of information about each person: when you see them again, you’ll have a ready store of conversation-starters, and they’ll feel valued. It’s all about having the right perspective.

Action Step: This week, write down at least three of your strongest traits. Be specific, and be honest. Are you solitary? Sociable? Are you a risk-taker, or are you more practical? Do you excel in project management or are you more of a conceptual, big picture strategist? Are you supremely organized, or do the little details drag you down? Are you a good public speaker? Are you brilliant at math? Regardless of whether these traits are related to your current job field, get them down on paper. These are the tools with which you work every day, even if you don’t realize it.

Now, take one of the traits you’ve written, and come up with a way to use it creatively as part of your game plan. Try to apply it to an area that’s been frustrating you – you may be surprised by what you come up with!

CoachDQ

Posts Tagged ‘job search strategies’

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Play to Your Strengths

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