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Also - and this holds true for anyone no matter where you are in your career - network, network, network! (See some of the other posts I've already answered on networking - building a cadre of people who know your worth - one by one.) Good luck!
Congratulations on being at a point where you are seeking work because you choose to, not because you have to. That alone can be something to hang onto as you are approaching employers.
I would argue that rather than trying to convince employers of your worth, you seek out employers that you wouldn't have to convince! There are employers out there who want the experience and gravitas you get from a more "seasoned" candidate.
I enjoy working with clients in your situation because you can take the time to explore what you want - be it something in a similar field or a different one, or perhaps mentoring others in the skills you've developed over the years.
There are many resources for people in your situation. Those that come to mind are SHiFT here in the Twin Cities. Or google Encore careers, or I know a book: Second-Act Careers. Or consider working with a coach to help you articulate what you're looking for and where to find it.
I work with a lot of clients who come to me with similar questions: I have these interests, but I've only worked in business. There are strategies for figuring out how to blend interest and experience together.
However, it is incumbent on the individual to figure out how you want to do this, and then seek work in that combination. And it is also incumbent on the individual to figure out how to explain to a potential employer that your line of study brings "x" to your work, while you work experience brings "y", thus making you a desirable candidate.
Takes some creativity and strategy! But I have a hunch that your original field of study involved creativity on some level. Time to use that creativity in crafting your next career move. Good luck!
I'm not sure this is a real question! But it's in the queue so I'll answer.
Sounds like it could have been a fun way to spend the day, but I'm curious how you felt at the end of the day. There's feeling good because one is relaxing. And there's feeling good because one had a challenge, figured it out and grew and learned from it.
Bottom line, there aren't a lot of jobs where you get paid well to drink and chat. So if you're serious about finding work, you'd be served well by figuring out what type of work you might want to do.
Congratulations on hearing from a possible employer. I'm not sure what they said in their response, but I wouldn't pester them! As anxiety provoking as it can be, do wait - at least a few weeks. Possible exceptions: if you have another offer in hand, but are really very interested in this other one, then it is acceptable to ask: when might you be making a decision? I have another offer in hand and I need to let them know by "date."
One other word to the wise: at the end of an interview when they ask if you have questions, do ask: what are the next steps in the process and when might I hear back from you as to my candidacy? Good to ask it upfront to help allay the nerves from waiting. Also - if in the interview they say 3 days and it's been 2 weeks, it's okay to email and ask for an update.
But best to wait from them if at all possible. If they haven't gotten back to you, they likely have a valid reason.
Hi Ms. S - Your degree doesn't necessarily limit you, however it is up to you to explain (or educate!) a potential employer about why you would be a good candidate for the role in question. I'm not sure how different the avenues are that you are pursuing, and what your work experience has been to date. But it's up to you to connect the dots for the employer and make a compelling argument. Good luck!
Curious why you ask the question! Please tell me why and then I'll tell you my answer!
First of all, we have to be careful with should’s. There will be many things that will be helpful to do to achieve the results you want, but be gentle with yourself! Find ways to approach the things you need to do so they don’t feel so daunting, rather than flogging yourself in order to get things done.
In specific answer to your question: it’s critically important that you deal with the hurt you are feeling. It’s important to say “this hurts” – maybe talk to someone close to you or journal about it a bit. This is a big loss – if it didn’t hurt, there would be something wrong. Don’t expect to feel better right away; the pain will ebb and flow for a while – that’s normal.
Two other points: It is possible to both nurse the hurt and take forward steps at the same time. Two – if you feel you are really immobilized by the pain, it makes sense to seek a professional familiar with the dynamics around job loss. This could be a therapist or a career coach. Good luck! And don’t be afraid to seek the help you need.
There's no one answer here, and you don't have to move in a straight line. In fact, it's not really a straight line process. Going through transition involves two steps forward, three steps back, a step to the side - it's circuitous and winding.
So - #1, be gentle with yourself. Know this is a tough time. Sometimes fears can paralyze us, so it's important to take the time to address them so you have the energy to move in other directions, too.
Step by step, and again be gentle with yourself. This is a tough time, but things will get better. And don't be afraid to ask for support when you need it! Best to you.
I was hoping that was why you asked the question! Yes - I've been let go from positions. You are absolutely right when you talk about grieving. And if this isn't resolved early on, it can linger for years, erode one's confidence, and hamper one's ability to find work again.
So - I have first-hand experience dealing with the shock and hurt and fears. And - every individual is unique. So while I know how it felt for me, I understand that there are similarities, but that every individual will feel it in their own way and have their own special needs and concerns. My job is take the empathy I have, but listen closely for my clients' needs so I may best serve them.
A day after Target Corp. laid off 1,700 staffers at its Minneapolis headquarters, a new scramble began — among companies looking to hire them. Read reporter Adam Belz's first take here.
We're pleased to have Freda Marver, founder of Begin Again Coaching, answering your questions at noon today. She has coached hundreds of clients, been interviewed by national and local media, and been voted a Favorite Career / Life Coach by Minnesota Women’s Press. She coaches men and women at all levels of their careers. Her website is at www.BeginAgainCoaching.com.