Don't Burn Any Bridges

I was a recruiter for over 12 years.  I worked for firms that specialized in accounting, sales, legal, financial and media.  It was a great feeling knowing I could make a difference in the professional lives of my candidates.  It was tremendously rewarding work.  I developed new business in all my roles and found that gratifying as well.  I enjoyed nurturing, servicing and maintaining my client relationships even though it wasn't always smoothe sailing.  There's a fine balance keeping candidate and client equally happy.  But I did it because I'm a people pleaser and that's what recruiters do.

As much as I loved my work, it came with it's share of headaches (can you relate?).  One of my biggest  pet peeves (ask any recruiter) was dealing with the sometimes inconsiderate candidates who wouldn't show up (or call) for an interview with me.  I even had candidates who would "no show" for a client interview.  Can you imagine being that rude?  If you can, than a word to the wise; DON'T BURN ANY BRIDGES WITH RECRUITERS.  If you think a recruiter will work with you again after pulling something so disrespectful, you're dead wrong.   Many recruiters have a bad reputation because they're only interested in their commission and don't care about making the right match for client and candidate.  However, there are plenty who have scruples, talent and a heart.  If you find one, don't let them go.  They can be significantly instrumental in your next career move.

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

The Unexpected

Today is Saturday, October, 29th.  As I look out the window, it's snowing like nobody's business.  Yes, SNOWING!  My boyfriend and I were barbecuing chicken (and sausage) last weekend and I was suntanning in Riverside Park (the Sun Goddess that I am).  Not to mention it's Halloween.  Did you plan on trick or treating?  Well, this year I think the "trick" is on all of us!

Life is filled with the unexpected like winning the lottery or running into a childhood classmate on Fifth Avenue who ends up being a boyfriend for ten years (true story!) or SNOW IN OCTOBER.  The unexpected comes in all forms, and when it does, we best greet it with open minds.

When it comes to career change or being out of work,  there are plenty of positive and unpredictable situations like getting invited back for a second interview when you thought you were a disaster or the referral that finally comes thru with a much needed introduction.  Doesn't it feel great to negotiate for a higher compensation package and actually get it?

I believe if we're open minded, life has a way of bringing us new opportunities and life changing possibilities.

Wishing you a Happy Halloween filled with fun and unexpected new treats!

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Creative Writing

Well, here I am again burning the midnight candle hanging out with the vampires.  I did tell you I was a severe night owl, yes?  I'm the most peaceful and creative late at night.  I don't hear the neighbor's TV, music, loud hall conversations or the garden party I wasn't invited to.  Ah, silence is golden.  Ok creativity, do your thing.  Yo, creativity, I'm waiting.  HELLOO.....anyone out there?  HEY YOU!!  I think creativity "flew out the window". Talk about writer's cramp!  Oh well, guess I'll have to finish watching The Real Housewives of New Jersey Reunion (Part Two).

What has all this got to do with a blog post?  Absolutely nothing, nada, niyet (Russian for no).  It's sheer frivolity and sometimes that's not a bad thing.

Maybe I should start writing in the morning......


"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

  

  

  

  

Positive Thinking

Do you know the expression, "You are what you think"?  Did you ever read the book, The Power of Positive Thinking?  Positive thinking and attitude can change and improve our lives so we can be successful and happier.    So, if positive thinking can turn our lives around in a positive way, then, the opposite holds true if we think negatively.  I often wonder why so many of us focus on the negative aspects of ourselves and seem to forget all of our good traits and qualities.  Do you do this?  

I'm no expert on this subject but I can tell you this; it takes just as much energy to think positively as it does to think negatively.  Actually, it probably takes more energy to be negative.   I know.  Been there, done that.  When you're in job search mode, it's important to remain positive.  No one wants to hire someone who seems downbeat and down trodden.  

CAREER TIP:

Do whatever it takes to feel positive about yourself particularly before you have an interview.  Meditate, read affirmation cards, do creative visualization, anything that floats your boat to feel good.  Then go out and knock 'em dead! 

"Good Night, And Good Luck

Laura Rivchun

My Best Friends

I'm very blessed.  I have two wonderful sisters, a brother-in-law who is more like a brother (I call him Brudda), a nephew who is more like a son  (he calls me "Homey"), a boyfriend I adore (he sends me home with food) and a few really good friends.  Who could ask for anything else, right?  These people that mean the world to me all share the same thing in common.  They're my cheerleaders, champions and support.  There've been times I didn't  know what I would have done without them.  Do you have anyone in your life you can count on when things get tough?  I bet you do.  I consider all these relationships as though they were my best friends.  

The truth is, all of us need a strong support system particularly in these challenging times.  Changing careers or being out of work is pretty challenging.  While no one can hold your hand in the interview, deal with a difficult boss or make your career decisions, they can let you know they're in your corner and tell you they think you're the best thing since sliced bread.  No one can give you the confidence you need when you're out there pounding the pavement, but knowing they believe in you is the icing on the cake.    

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Out Of Your Element

   

Looking for a job is a job in itself.  There's research, networking, resume posting, interviewing, follow up, waiting for an offer, more follow up, negotiating the offer, blah blah blah.  It's exhausting just thinking about the whole process.  Does this sound familiar to you?  If you're one of those people who has had one job your entire career, you've been spared what some consider hair raising.

If you're offered a job and done your due diligence, you'll ask yourself (before you accept) if this is an environment you can see yourself spending 8-9 hours a day, 5 days a week.  Can you relate to the people you'll be working with or do they seem like aliens from another planet?  Will you be comfortable in a business suit when you're used to dressing in jeans?  Will the style of management be conducive to you being productive or will you work for someone who is disrespectful or a raging lunatic?  Company culture is VERY important when considering a position.  Ask yourself if you'll be out of your element or does this feel like a comfortable shoe that "fits".  If it doesn't feel comfortable, find yourself another pair of shoes.

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun 

Network!!

Have you ever been invited to a party or networking event and shyed away from going? That little voice inside says, "What could I possibly say that would interest someone I've never met before?" "What will I wear and besides I'm having a bad hair day"? Why are we reluctant to network and meet new people? I have some ideas that maybe you can relate to (here I go with my 2 cents again). 

People are basically shy - Shyness seems to be a universal trait in many of us. I was one of them until the age of 18 (my father hated that I finally discovered I had a mouth). Looking back, I realized if I worked on my shyness I would benefit in ways I never would have imagined. It didn't happen over night but in time, I felt more comfortable in my own skin.
Fear - Most people fear rejection. All of us have a vested interest in being accepted and liked. What's the worst that can happen if someone doesn't connect with you? You're still the same unique you. 
People underestimate their value - So many of us don't see ourselves and our impact on others. It's very empowering to know your own worth (and you need it in today's competitive job market).  So..

Make a list of all your positive qualities - then ask yourself, "why wouldn't someone want to meet me? I have a lot to offer".
Surround yourself with supportive people - there's nothing like having someone in your corner to cheer you on. If you can't see your great qualities, most likely others will.

Practice - (makes perfect) The more you do something, the easier it gets. Just get out and do it. Meeting new people can have great personal rewards. and networking doesn't have to be so scary.

 

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Lost But Found

As a child, did you ever get lost?  When I was about 5 years old I got lost at Jones Beach and couldn’t find my way back to my parents.  It was terrifying.  I thought I would never find them in the sea of beach umbrellas and blankets, but I did. 

Losing a job can be devastating and make a person feel they’ve lost their way.  If you’re currently out of work does this feeling sound familiar to you?  I bet if you ask anyone who has lost their job they would agree they have felt the same way at one point.  I have been in this place myself (more times than I care to count) and learned that the best remedy is to get out amongst the living and network.  You don’t have to feel as alone and lost as I did as that little girl on the beach.   

“Good Night, And Good Luck”

Laura Rivchun

Do You Know The Time Of Day?

Have you ever thought how many expressions about time there are? "Time Is Of The Essence", "Time Is On My Side", "Time Will Tell", "Time Marches On”.  Are we too preoccupied with time?  It seems we organize our lives around how much or how little time we carve out for ourselves. Do you ask yourself if you have enough time to cram everything into one day?  Do you worry about spending your time wisely?  It seems like time keeps us in check and in sync with the rest of the world.  

If you’re like me and worry about time all the time (?), here’s a very “timely” TIP:

BE ON TIME FOR AN INTERVIEW.  When you’re late, you become frazzled, won’t be at your interview best and run the risk of ticking off an interviewer.  You’ll have one strike against you before you put your foot in the door.  It would be a shame to lose a job because of something that could easily be avoided.

Remember,  “Time Waits For No One” (was that a song?)

“Good Night, And Good Luck”

Laura Rivchun

GOT ANY CHANGE?

Do you resist moving furniture around in your living room?  Do you feel inconvenienced when your supermarket rearranges the shelves for the second time in a week?  Do you feel insecure to change the color of your hair because you don't know if you'll look good?  I've just described myself.  Most of us hate and resist change but it's a very human trait.  We kick and scream our way through the smallest and most mundane changes in our lives.  According to Buddha, change is what people fear most.  Boy, was he one smart guy.  A Buddhist friend of mine always says that people don't like to be uncomfortable.  Change thrusts us out of our comfort zone.

Experts say that job and career moves are one of the most significant changes in a person's life. I'm no stranger to that.  Embracing change and not coiling from it can be liberating.  By no means is this an easy task.  So many people are going through job and career upheaval these days it's mind boggling.  Changing jobs or reinventing  your career can be a positive thing.  Going through a career move requires strength and confidence.  You cannot put a price on that.

Whover said, "As one door closes, another one opens" was one smart person.  Do you think they knew Buddha?

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

HELP!

Asking for help is not always easy.  We like to think we can do everything on our own.  I'm one of those people.  Maybe it's a fear of losing control or feeling beholden to another person.   It seems to be easier to give help than get help.  i guess that's why I enjoy my work coaching and consulting individuals.  So why is it so hard to get help in return?  Hmmm...

 I've worked with so many people who don't know how to reach out to someone who might be in a position to help them.  People are flattered to be asked and the more professional a person is, the more they are inclined to lend a helping hand.  So, don't be afraid to ask for that referral, reference, exploratory interview or informational lunch.  It feels great to be confident enough to ask and even better to exchange the favor.

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Short And Sweet

Don't you hate reading advertisements that have so much useless information in them that you wish the advertiser would just GET TO THE POINT?  I do.  Maybe it's the way my brain is wired but I can't stand a crowded, cluttered ad.  Half the time they just end up in my wastebasket.  Not a good thing for the advertiser.  Unfortunately, it's the same with a resume.  The person reading the resume isn't going to interview you because one of your interests is cooking (unless you're applying for a position on The Food Channel) or cycling (unless you're competing in The Tour de France).  We have just so much space on a page to showcase ourselves so it's best to use it wisely.  I once read a resume that was literally four pages long!!  I knew more about the guy than his family did.  TOO MUCH INFORMATION!!!!

TIP FOR THE DAY:  Don't write a novel.  This is not Gone With The Wind but a snapshot of your background (professional, not personal).  Try and keep it to a one pager.  If you can't, that's ok but don't include extraneous information. Your resume is your advertisement.

I better quit while I'm ahead or I might end up in your wastebasket.

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

BLABBERMOUTH

Have you ever been on a first date with someone who shared their life story in the first 5 minutes?  I have.  As a career consultant I think of the job interview as a “first date” (without the drinks and dinner).  Employer gets to know candidate and candidate gets to know employer.  If all goes well, it’s the beginning of a match made in heaven (hopefully). 

 I’ve worked with candidates who never get past first base in the interview process because they don’t know when to stop talking.   An employer wants to learn about your professional experience, skills, work ethic and if you’ll fit into their company culture.  They don't care if you broke your fingernail on a cab door, got locked out of your apartment, broke up with your boyfriend or just having a bad hair day.  If they want to know more about you (provided it’s appropriate), they will ask.  Let them take the lead on that one.  

MY TWO CENTS (for what it’s worth):

Don’t give it all away and be an open book.  You can be genuine, professional and charming without bearing your soul.

“Good Night, And Good Luck”

Laura Rivchun