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Shary Raske

February 2008

People make faster career transitions with less suffering if they have support partners.

I remember last winter after an ice storm, I discovered a little cedar tree completely bent over from the weight of a big chunk of ice. My friend and I kicked and kicked until the little tree was free. A week later we visited the tree and it was still bent over. My friend commented, "The tree is free, but it doesn't know it yet." I pulled on the center of the tree, but my efforts were not enough. What the tree needed was support. A year has passed and the tree still doesn't know it is free.

Sometimes that's what happens when a person is in a career transition - they are free, but they don't know it yet.

A discerning career coach can help identify what's keeping you bent over and how to get free. It's also helpful to enlist other support partners to play key roles of accountability partner, cheerleader, and nurturer. These support partners are similar to a board of directors. Tell them your plan for the week, what's getting in the way and specific action that is needed. The brain power of this kind of support will keep you on track, help you solve roadblocks and help you measure your momentum.

A successful career transition requires focus, direction, and structure. Sometimes people can do it by themselves, and sometimes, like the cedar tree, people need outside support. Don't let years go by, unnecessarily bent over, when with a bit of courage and support can make all the difference in the world. To learn more call Shary Raske at (314) 560-1088 or email her at shary@courageouschange.net

How to answer any job interviewing question

There are hundreds of job interviewing questions. There is no way a job candidate can anticipate everything that might be asked. Yet if you remember these five principles it will keep the process simple and on track:

1. Use all questions to showcase your areas of effectiveness. How will you increase your likelihood of being recommended for the next step?
2. Do not bad mouth yourself or anyone else. If you do, you'll look like a victim. Employers hire people who provide solutions, not people who complain.
3. Don't assume the question being asked is appropriate. Ask clarifying questions to determine whether or not you want to answer the question. If you choose not to answer the question, soften your response with, "I don't mean to be difficult, but….." or "Help me understand….."
4. Never talk about salary expectations or your salary history before there is a job offer. This is always asked and if you don't know how to answer, it could cost you thousands of dollars.
5. Be contribution focused not self-focused. Interviewers are wary of people who only want to know what's in it for them.

Want more confidence when you job interview, salary negotiate, or communicate with an authority figure? Some forms of communication are more stressful than others. If you struggle with nervousness or blanking out just when you were going to make an important point, try Speaking Circles! Most Tuesdays 6:45 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Only $15 per class. Each class if freestanding, so you can start anytime.

Coming soon! More Done, More Fun! If you want to learn how to balance your career transition project with the other demands of your life, this course is for you. Next tele-class begins February 20. How will you create time and structure to make the change you want?

Want to be a better speaker / presenter / facilitator? Try this tip: Create silence between each point. One breath is about 5 seconds. It may initially seem like a long time, the silence of one breath, but believe me your listener will appreciate the opportunity to soak up all the wonderful things you are saying.

Next issue: The Elevator Speech. Learn how to say a brief, powerful value proposition instead of being boring.

Do you know someone whose career needs CPR? No, I don't mean resuscitation, although sometimes it feels that way!! Get back on track with a Career Planning Resource meeting. Call today for details (314) 560-1088