I enjoy cycling. I find great physical and mental delight in riding my bike outdoors, indoors (teaching a spinning class) or even watching professional cycling on television. Every year, for one week in July, I am glued to the television to watch the Tour de France. This race attracts professional cyclists from around the world and is highly competitive. It is made up of 21 stages that cover a total distance of 3,500 kilometers or about 2,200 miles. These 21 stages include the following profiles: 10 flat stages, 7 mountain stages, 1 medium mountain stage, 2 individual time-trial stages, and 1 team time-trial stage.
The riders spend months and years training their minds and bodies for this event. Every pedal stroke, morsel of food they eat, piece of clothing they wear and bike they ride, is pre-planned. For each stage of the race these cyclists have prepared mentally and physically. However, many factors beyond the riders control can influence the outcome of their placement on the final day of the Tour De France. These factors include weather (rain, heat), rocks in the road and other riders. If these professional cyclists focused on these external, uncontrollable factors, I’m certain they would want to just pack up and go home. But they continue because they believe in their preparation, planning and the possbility of winning or simply finishing well. Your job search and career requires similar planning, endurance and stamina.
Professional cyclists devote time to training well before the actual Tour de France. They make sacrifices for their sport. They have a determination and passion to complete what they started even though they know only one man can win the yellow jersey. Many of the cyclists know that there are often favorites to win (think Lance Armstrong), yet they show up, prepared and ready to race. For many, simply to finish what they started, is to win.
Just like the profiles in the Tour De France, there are stages in a job search or establsihed career. The flat stages in a job search or career, is where we just keep the pace and roll along. It's not good or bad, it just is. We might ask ourselves, what is my purpose? Where do Is ee myself inthe few years? During the flat stages there are often more questions then answers. Sometimes we have team stages. We ride with others and they hold us accountable and encourage us when the race gets tough or we become discouraged. During your team stage there are various people around to cheer you on or provide a little tough love when needed. Who is cycling alongside you in your career or job search? Who encourages or challenges you to keep going? Who understands your industry or situation and can provide wise counsel? Next, we have individual time trials in the job search and our careers. This is when we have to ride alone and try to get to the finish quickly. We may feel alone and that there's no one to help us. This stage allows you grow stronger in mind, body and spirit. Hopefully during this stage you learn how to better use your time and the resources that God places in your path. This stage requires focus and movement. If you are in an established career do you have good mentors and people you can trust and talk to? If you're in a job search, do you keep track of where you've applied,dates of interviews as well as contact names and phone numbers? Do you try to accomplish one thing each week designed to get you closer to your new job? Do you follow-up with a thank you note after an interview?
The toughest stage is the mountains. This is where you develop your faith, courage, strength, endurance and sheer grit to keep climbing. The mountain stage requires the most intelligence and wisdom. The mountain demands you to be consistent, determined and sure that you can reach the highest point of the climb. In the mountain stage fatigue is often your greatest enemy. This is where you feel you've talked to everyone, applied everywhere and nothing is happening. No interviews, no rejections, nothing. Oftentimes the mountains require us to trust in our training even when we do not understand the delays or immeidately see the outcome. Proverbs 3:5 says it best: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. Lean not unto thine own understanding." The mountains require the greatest faith in your planning and preparation. Mental toughness matters in the mountains. You can gain this toughness through a good support system, refreshing your approach and prayer. I believe God is our best trainer, coach and team member. The Hebrew word for “almighty” is Shaddai which indicates God’s sufficiency for ANY situation. The word “Lord” or “Yaweh” refers to His faithfulness. God really IS sufficient and faithful no matter what we’re going through. Who do you rely on to help you through the stages of life? I hope you will plan, prepare, avoid discouragement and pray about your career and job search. It may take some time but you can win that yellow jersey based on what you want. On yeah, get some exercise too!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Are you ready for some football?
Are you ready for some football?
Here in the south, football is like a religion. As fall approaches, I've noticed both men and women stay abreast of college football, high school football and the NFL. Everyone has a favorite team. Some can quote game scores, player stats. and team standings quicker than a Bible verse. Now I'm not criticizing this ability, it simply fascinates me. Football fans often show who they support by wearing their team's colors. On game day, many come out in full regalia. Team jerseys, caps, window stickers, flags on cars and more.
Since I was born and raised in Wisconsin, I consider myself a Green Bay Packer fan. When I lived in Wisconsin, I even went to a game or two. I was impressed by the excitement and energy in historic Lambeau Field. I even enjoyed watching Brett Favre in his glory days. Packer fans were crazy (the beer helped) and some would paint their faces and scream at the top of their lungs. Even during below zero frigidly cold weather, some guys would strip down to dislplay a message on their beer-filled bellies painted in green and gold. I even sported a cheesehead once. No photos to prove it, thank God! I remain intrigued by the time, energy, passion and planning that goes into rooting for a football team.
In our lives and our job search we need good planning and a support system. It's easy to give up and become discouraged during the job search process. Who's rooting for you in your job search efforts? Now if you know anything about me, you know that I am not a big football fan. You have just read the full extent of my football knowledge. So I cannot even believe I'm about to make these points using football analogies! But the football season can teach us a lot so here we go:
1) Maintain good stats. Keep a binder, notebook or online spreadsheet that documents the name of the company, the date you applied/sent resume, contact name, date you will follow-up and an "other notes" section. This helps you track the number of employers you've contacted and keeps you moving forward.
2) Get a cheering section. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and provide good information. I've heard people say, "There are no jobs out there," so they avoid even trying. They listen to the news and do nothing but complain. Yes, it's a tough job market but you must be flexible and creative. Few people work in a job that is the same exact major they chose while in college. The perfect job may not be your first job. Avoid taking advice from people who are not in the know about local and national job trends, recruiting methods and interivew skills. Whether it is prayer, positive conversations with friends or family or motivational quotes, find ways to stay encouraged during your job search.
3) Show your team colors. Make sure your marketing tools are consistent and compelling. Yes, it STILL starts with a good, clean, one page resume. Everyone needs a good resume tells a story about their experiences. I recently had a student tell me he did not need a resume because his dad was a prominent politician in this state who get him a job. That may be true, but I still think this young man should taek responsibility to have a resume to give to his father's contacts. When networking, a resume is your best calling card. Your college career services professionals can help and it's usually a free service.
4) Practice your plays. If you get an interview, take time to practice basic interview questions with a career services professional. Make sure it is someone who knows what employers want in your industry or field. Make sure they will give you honest feedback even if it is corrective. It is a must to answer questions aloud instead of writing them down and thinking about an answer in your head. The words don't always come out the way we think about them.
5) Cheer for someone else. Finally, always give back. If someone helps you, you should help another person and expect nothing in return. It's the right thing to do and it feels good. Someone else needs something that you already have. Pay it forward even if has nothing to do with your job search.
As the football season comes into full swing, I expect to see even more people wearing their team colors, cheering wildly, tailgating at stadiums and gathered around t.v. sets. If you are searching for a job, make sure you have the right tools, focus on the right teams, stay consistent and use smart tactics. Read Proverbs 16:3. It is the guiding scripture for the MC Office of Career Services this fall.
Here in the south, football is like a religion. As fall approaches, I've noticed both men and women stay abreast of college football, high school football and the NFL. Everyone has a favorite team. Some can quote game scores, player stats. and team standings quicker than a Bible verse. Now I'm not criticizing this ability, it simply fascinates me. Football fans often show who they support by wearing their team's colors. On game day, many come out in full regalia. Team jerseys, caps, window stickers, flags on cars and more.
Since I was born and raised in Wisconsin, I consider myself a Green Bay Packer fan. When I lived in Wisconsin, I even went to a game or two. I was impressed by the excitement and energy in historic Lambeau Field. I even enjoyed watching Brett Favre in his glory days. Packer fans were crazy (the beer helped) and some would paint their faces and scream at the top of their lungs. Even during below zero frigidly cold weather, some guys would strip down to dislplay a message on their beer-filled bellies painted in green and gold. I even sported a cheesehead once. No photos to prove it, thank God! I remain intrigued by the time, energy, passion and planning that goes into rooting for a football team.
In our lives and our job search we need good planning and a support system. It's easy to give up and become discouraged during the job search process. Who's rooting for you in your job search efforts? Now if you know anything about me, you know that I am not a big football fan. You have just read the full extent of my football knowledge. So I cannot even believe I'm about to make these points using football analogies! But the football season can teach us a lot so here we go:
1) Maintain good stats. Keep a binder, notebook or online spreadsheet that documents the name of the company, the date you applied/sent resume, contact name, date you will follow-up and an "other notes" section. This helps you track the number of employers you've contacted and keeps you moving forward.
2) Get a cheering section. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and provide good information. I've heard people say, "There are no jobs out there," so they avoid even trying. They listen to the news and do nothing but complain. Yes, it's a tough job market but you must be flexible and creative. Few people work in a job that is the same exact major they chose while in college. The perfect job may not be your first job. Avoid taking advice from people who are not in the know about local and national job trends, recruiting methods and interivew skills. Whether it is prayer, positive conversations with friends or family or motivational quotes, find ways to stay encouraged during your job search.
3) Show your team colors. Make sure your marketing tools are consistent and compelling. Yes, it STILL starts with a good, clean, one page resume. Everyone needs a good resume tells a story about their experiences. I recently had a student tell me he did not need a resume because his dad was a prominent politician in this state who get him a job. That may be true, but I still think this young man should taek responsibility to have a resume to give to his father's contacts. When networking, a resume is your best calling card. Your college career services professionals can help and it's usually a free service.
4) Practice your plays. If you get an interview, take time to practice basic interview questions with a career services professional. Make sure it is someone who knows what employers want in your industry or field. Make sure they will give you honest feedback even if it is corrective. It is a must to answer questions aloud instead of writing them down and thinking about an answer in your head. The words don't always come out the way we think about them.
5) Cheer for someone else. Finally, always give back. If someone helps you, you should help another person and expect nothing in return. It's the right thing to do and it feels good. Someone else needs something that you already have. Pay it forward even if has nothing to do with your job search.
As the football season comes into full swing, I expect to see even more people wearing their team colors, cheering wildly, tailgating at stadiums and gathered around t.v. sets. If you are searching for a job, make sure you have the right tools, focus on the right teams, stay consistent and use smart tactics. Read Proverbs 16:3. It is the guiding scripture for the MC Office of Career Services this fall.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Art of Conversation
Do you find it easy to talk to people you are meeting for the first time? If you answered, yes, you are in a small percentage of Americans who say they find it easy to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Strangers may include people you meet standing in line at the grocery store, at a large church gathering, in a meeting at work or at a professional luncheon.
In my work with college students and experienced professionals, I've noticed how difficult it is for people to start or maintain conversations. Our increased use of technology has eroded our ability to use our vocal chords, brains and ears to speak-listen-interpret-respond. Yes, I'm talking about text messages from cell phones and PDA's as well as communicating via Facebook, Twitter and blogs. It is easy to avoid having a direct conversation with another human being. These technologies create fewer communication opportunities to practice face-to-face listening, interpreting and verbal response.
Another influence on the way you handle conversations begins with your perception of your personality. Whether it was a teacher, parent, friend or sibling, you may have been described as the "quiet one" or the "outgoing one." Whatever end of the spectrum you fall, you have carried that label with you and often your social behaviors tend to support that label. But you can adjust and change as the situation requires, with practice and a desire to improve.
When it comes to a socializing and carrying on a conversation as part of your job search, you must learn to approach the conversation with a plan. No matter how awkward you may feel, you too can learn to carry on a reasonably intelligent and enjoyable conversation with a few adjustments.
1) Before attending a social event where recruiters or a potential employer may be present, think about the people who will attend. What do you you have in common with them? What makes you interesting or unique? What skills do you possess related to their industry or position? What the top three current or psorts events worth talking about? Caution: avoid controversial topics...yes, this still includes politics and religion.
2)Conversation includes giving and connecting. Simply give up something about yourself or use situational humor to connect. In professional social situations, it's easy to mention where you work, for college students: your major, what year you are in school or some other fact about yourself. As for situational humor: Once while waiting in a long line at the grocery store I began talking to a woman by saying, "I should have bought some spoons because as slow as this line is, my ice cream is going to melt." She chuckled in agreement and we began to talk about others things as we inched our way toward the cashier. Be careful with situational humor, it should never be at the expense of a gender,religious or ethnic group.
3) Conversation is also about planting seeds. In social situations where you are meeting a potential employer or recruiter, you need the other person to find you intelligent, interesting, likeable and capable. Ask yourself, what makes me interesting or memorable? What transferable work or life experiences do I have? What do people tell me I do well? What do I know I do well? Review your resume and create a list of confidence boosters.
4) Conversation is also about listening. Ask a question about trends in their industry, ask about that person's job or other facts you have researched about the company. After asking a question you need to do two things: be silent and really listen. From there, that person's answers may stimulate new questions that can keep the conversation going.
It may not be easy, but accept a few socialinvitations or attend a professional organization's meeting to practice. It is worth taking time to give, connect, plant seeds and listen as you activate your job search and meet potential employers. Restoring the art of conversation might even allow you to find out interesting things about other people, make a new friend or even get a job. Try it, you might like it!
In my work with college students and experienced professionals, I've noticed how difficult it is for people to start or maintain conversations. Our increased use of technology has eroded our ability to use our vocal chords, brains and ears to speak-listen-interpret-respond. Yes, I'm talking about text messages from cell phones and PDA's as well as communicating via Facebook, Twitter and blogs. It is easy to avoid having a direct conversation with another human being. These technologies create fewer communication opportunities to practice face-to-face listening, interpreting and verbal response.
Another influence on the way you handle conversations begins with your perception of your personality. Whether it was a teacher, parent, friend or sibling, you may have been described as the "quiet one" or the "outgoing one." Whatever end of the spectrum you fall, you have carried that label with you and often your social behaviors tend to support that label. But you can adjust and change as the situation requires, with practice and a desire to improve.
When it comes to a socializing and carrying on a conversation as part of your job search, you must learn to approach the conversation with a plan. No matter how awkward you may feel, you too can learn to carry on a reasonably intelligent and enjoyable conversation with a few adjustments.
1) Before attending a social event where recruiters or a potential employer may be present, think about the people who will attend. What do you you have in common with them? What makes you interesting or unique? What skills do you possess related to their industry or position? What the top three current or psorts events worth talking about? Caution: avoid controversial topics...yes, this still includes politics and religion.
2)Conversation includes giving and connecting. Simply give up something about yourself or use situational humor to connect. In professional social situations, it's easy to mention where you work, for college students: your major, what year you are in school or some other fact about yourself. As for situational humor: Once while waiting in a long line at the grocery store I began talking to a woman by saying, "I should have bought some spoons because as slow as this line is, my ice cream is going to melt." She chuckled in agreement and we began to talk about others things as we inched our way toward the cashier. Be careful with situational humor, it should never be at the expense of a gender,religious or ethnic group.
3) Conversation is also about planting seeds. In social situations where you are meeting a potential employer or recruiter, you need the other person to find you intelligent, interesting, likeable and capable. Ask yourself, what makes me interesting or memorable? What transferable work or life experiences do I have? What do people tell me I do well? What do I know I do well? Review your resume and create a list of confidence boosters.
4) Conversation is also about listening. Ask a question about trends in their industry, ask about that person's job or other facts you have researched about the company. After asking a question you need to do two things: be silent and really listen. From there, that person's answers may stimulate new questions that can keep the conversation going.
It may not be easy, but accept a few socialinvitations or attend a professional organization's meeting to practice. It is worth taking time to give, connect, plant seeds and listen as you activate your job search and meet potential employers. Restoring the art of conversation might even allow you to find out interesting things about other people, make a new friend or even get a job. Try it, you might like it!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Your GPS
We have moved to several different states over the past 5 years. Each time, I go through a process of learning my way around a new city. I'll admit I am more often than not--directionally challenged.
In 2007, when we moved to Misisissippi my husband bought a GPS for me. I programmed it, suctioned it to my car windshield and confidently hit the road. I loved the map and arrows that pointed me in the right direction. Most of all, I loved the way the automated voice would say, "caution" when I drove over the speed limit. That voice would redirect me when I made a wrong turn. "Please make a U turn," it would say. That voice would clearly tell me, "Your destination is on the right." Here are a few life and career observations my GPS taught me:
1) Whose voice are you listening to? We often go to the same people for advice because its easy. This may be a friend or family memeber who will give us answers we want to hear. They can also only give us advice based on their life's perspective. Do you ever seek wise counsel from unfamiliar reliable) sources? Who challenges you in your thinking and opinions? Seek fresh counsel from smart people. It may help you discover your passion and purpose in life.
2) Even when using a GPS, its only effective if you use it and trust it. As I started to get more familiar with shortcuts around my new town, I'd ignore the GPS and go my own way. Sometimes I'd just turn it off because I felt I no longer needed it and that automated voice was just downright irritating. This led to a few bumpy back roads and me driving in circles. Do you ever do that? What shortcuts are you taking in life or in your job search? Have you ever ignored tried and true advice about networking, resumes, cover letters and career planning because you think you have a better way? Sometimes we need to just stay on the interstate and avoid the backroads.
3)Even with the GPS, I would sometimes still get lost because I did not fully see the map. LAck of attention to detail and being in a hurry were the worst culprits. But it was my ability to laugh at myself then get back onthe right track that helps me reach my goals with joy. The best laid plans don't always work out but at least I have a plan. Then I have to trust God with the rest. I have to trust that there's a reason for disappointment. I have to learn to be flexible when necessary. I have to learn that there will be many frustrations in life but I cannot dwell in blame, indecision and pity.
"Caution," "Please make a U turn," "Destination on the right." I now refer to my GPS as God's Positioning System. Whose voice are you listening to? What maps are you following? Seek Wise Counsel, Listen, Pray, be joyful and stay on the main roads. Yeah, use GPS.
In 2007, when we moved to Misisissippi my husband bought a GPS for me. I programmed it, suctioned it to my car windshield and confidently hit the road. I loved the map and arrows that pointed me in the right direction. Most of all, I loved the way the automated voice would say, "caution" when I drove over the speed limit. That voice would redirect me when I made a wrong turn. "Please make a U turn," it would say. That voice would clearly tell me, "Your destination is on the right." Here are a few life and career observations my GPS taught me:
1) Whose voice are you listening to? We often go to the same people for advice because its easy. This may be a friend or family memeber who will give us answers we want to hear. They can also only give us advice based on their life's perspective. Do you ever seek wise counsel from unfamiliar reliable) sources? Who challenges you in your thinking and opinions? Seek fresh counsel from smart people. It may help you discover your passion and purpose in life.
2) Even when using a GPS, its only effective if you use it and trust it. As I started to get more familiar with shortcuts around my new town, I'd ignore the GPS and go my own way. Sometimes I'd just turn it off because I felt I no longer needed it and that automated voice was just downright irritating. This led to a few bumpy back roads and me driving in circles. Do you ever do that? What shortcuts are you taking in life or in your job search? Have you ever ignored tried and true advice about networking, resumes, cover letters and career planning because you think you have a better way? Sometimes we need to just stay on the interstate and avoid the backroads.
3)Even with the GPS, I would sometimes still get lost because I did not fully see the map. LAck of attention to detail and being in a hurry were the worst culprits. But it was my ability to laugh at myself then get back onthe right track that helps me reach my goals with joy. The best laid plans don't always work out but at least I have a plan. Then I have to trust God with the rest. I have to trust that there's a reason for disappointment. I have to learn to be flexible when necessary. I have to learn that there will be many frustrations in life but I cannot dwell in blame, indecision and pity.
"Caution," "Please make a U turn," "Destination on the right." I now refer to my GPS as God's Positioning System. Whose voice are you listening to? What maps are you following? Seek Wise Counsel, Listen, Pray, be joyful and stay on the main roads. Yeah, use GPS.
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