Time To Leave Your Job If....

Have you found yourself running out of excuses when calling in sick because you've used up all the believable ones already?  Do you feel dread on Friday that you have to go back to work on Monday only to sit near a colleague you can't stand and a boss who is unappreciative and demeaning?  Does putting in another day at the office feel worse than having a tooth pulled?  Do you feel depressed, angry or sad a lot of the time?

If you "suffer" from any of these feelings, it might be time to think about dusting off the 'ole resume, buying a new interview suit and hitting the pavement for a new job.  There's nothing worse than being in a job where you are unfulfilled, unchallenged, underpaid, overqualified, undervalued, etc. etc.  Got the point?  I'm not saying you should go out and just quit your job without a safety net, particularly in this shaky economy.  What I am saying is that being in a place that has such negative impact, ultimately takes it's toll on your entire life (not to mention the people around you).

If you can relate to any of this, you might want to see what options are open to you.  Keep your job while you take your time to explore new opportunities.  While it may feel scary to start all over, it's a whole lot scarier being in work hell.

"How can I think outside the box when I work inside a cube?"
~ Quote seen on coffee mugs


"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you're out of work or jumpstarting your career and need some helpful pointers on "Staying Positive While Looking For Work", tune in (live streaming) to the October 17, 2012 Couplespeak Relationship Forum Blog Talk Radio Show (www.blogtalkradio.com/susanlager).  There are plenty of tips that can help you get through the challenges of job hunting.

How To Answer A Tough Interview Question

If you've been interviewing for a job, more than likely you've discovered it can be a hair raising experience.  It feels like a giant test that you had better pass.  In some ways, the interview is a test.  So, you have to be prepared.

One of the toughest interview questions you have to be prepared to answer is, "What is your biggest weakness?"  Everyone dreads this question.  No one likes talking about something that makes them look vulnerable, particularly in a job interview!  The best way to approach this question is to turn your "weakness" into a strength.  Here are some examples:

~ I'm intense and find it hard to let go of my work at times

~ I'm tough on myself - I'm a perfectionist

~ I tend to overanalyze/overthink things

~ I take my work home with me

~ I have high expectations 

These so-called "weaknesses" are really in favor of an employer.  No one ever got fired because they worked too hard at their job.  See my point?  Chose your words wisely to put a positive spin on your weaknesses.

"All our words are but crumbs that fall down from the feast of the mind."

~ kahlil Gibran

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you'd like to enhance your interview skills, please contact me at lrcareercoach@gmail.com to learn about the program I'm offering, "How To Ace The Interview".

What Will You Be Doing When Hurricane Sandy Hits?

Unless you live on another planet (and maybe that wouldn't be so bad), you can't help but be unnerved by the scary anticipation of Hurricane Sandy as she gets ready to impact the Northeast.  Hurricanes in the Northeast?  What's going on here?  Whatever happened to those beautiful autumn days?

If you live in New York City like me, you've more than likely experienced the frantic urgency to stock up on water, food, batteries, candles, etc.  Hopefully, you didn't have to wait on a line that stretched down the block just to get into the supermarket only to find out they were out of supplies!  I guess I've lived in NYC too long because I don't have the patience for lines, not even for food!  I decided to be content with the few snacks and morsels I managed to buy at the local bodega and head back home.

I started thinking how millions of us are going to be hold up at home with no way to get to work (and who would want to go out in the "perfect storm" anyway?).  Hurricane Sandy might provide an opportunity to catch up on some things you've been thinking of doing but haven't had the chance to get to.    Have you been trying to find the time to revamp your resume, edit your profile on Linkedin or send an email to that referral you just met?  Weathering Hurricane Sandy might give you the time to take care of some of these things.  Of course, if you lose power, or get flooded, I don't expect you'll be thinking much about anything except your safety and comfort.  Hopefully, this will not be your concern.

What will you be doing when Hurricane Sandy hits?  You just might feel productive.......

"Time and tide wait for no man."
~ Geoffrey Chaucer

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Staying Positive While Looking For Work

If the name of this post, "Staying Positive While Looking For Work" is beginning to feel like a deja vu, there's a logical explanation.  On October 17th, I participated in a lively discussion with Susan Lager (renowned psychotherapist and relationship coach) on her blog talk radio show, The Couplespeak Relationship Forum.

As a career coach, my clients tell me the most difficult part of being out of work or in career transition is managing their feelings of worry, insecurity, and isolation.  For some, staying positive is easier than others.  Being the worrywart that I am, I   work overtime to stay positive.  It takes effort and mindfulness but it certainly can be done.  When negative thoughts start to control me, I take time out to meditate.  That's what helps me. Doing what's necessary to get to a more positive state of mind is different for everyone.  Whatever works for you, GO FOR IT!!

In the broadcast, Susan and I talked about accountability, setting goals, good self care, acceptance, self-affirming rituals, networking, and surrounding oneself with positive people as some great psychological tools and specific things job seekers can do to manage the job seeking/career transition effectively.  We also discussed how to avoid self-sabotaging behavior like being unprepared for an interview and how inappropriateness is the best way to shoot yourself in the foot.

If you're a current job seeker or in career transition and are struggling to maintain a positive image and attitude but couldn't listen to the live show, go to blogtalkradio.com/susanlager to catch the recorded show at your convenience.  I can also be reached at lrcareercoach@gmail.com if you'd like to learn about  my programs that can help you get on the right track to landing your ideal job.

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
~ Winston Churchill

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - Did I mention you can log on to blogtalkradio.com/susan lager to listen to the entire October 17th Couplespeak Relationship Forum blog talk radio show, "Staying Positive While Looking For Work" with Susan Lager and Laura Rivchun?  I did?  Maybe Susan and I should have named the show, "How To Sharpen Your Memory While Looking For Work."

Looking For Work While Keeping A Positive Attitude 10/17 by Susan Lager | Blog Talk Radio

Looking For Work While Keeping A Positive Attitude 10/17 by Susan Lager | Blog Talk Radio

Looking For Work While Keeping A Positive Attitude 10/17 by Susan Lager | Blog Talk Radio

Looking For Work While Keeping A Positive Attitude 10/17 by Susan Lager | Blog Talk Radio

The Phone Interview - Make It Work For You

For some, a job interview is enough to make your skin crawl.  I consider an interview like a first date (without the flirtatious looks and kiss).  However, not all interviews are face to face.  Sometimes a preliminary interview is conducted over the phone which has it's good and bad points.  A face to face allows the person being interviewed (interviewee?) the advantage of reading and picking up the interviewer's facial and body cues.  Obviously, this is not something one can do over the phone.  If you're good at "reading" voices, the phone interview might work well for you.  Here's the big HOWEVER:  treat the phone interview as the real deal.  It's still an interview, whatever the format. 

PHONE INTERVIEW TIPS (a few)

• Be clear who is making the call and at what time
• If possible, speak from a land line in case of poor reception.  Your focus should be on the conversation, not on phone problems
• Schedule a time you know you'll have privacy and adequate time to talk
• Speak where there are no distractions and noise (TV, children, pets)
• Have your resume in front of you (this is an advantage over the face to face interview)
• Take notes (only if you're good at multi-tasking) - another advantage over face to face
• Send thank you via email

So, if you're wondering if a phone interview is considered an interview, the answer is YES.  Consider an interview the most formal date you'll ever have.  

"Proper words in proper places make the true definition of a style"
~ Jonathan Swift

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you have a phone or face to face interview coming up and would like to brush up on your interview skills, get in touch with me at lrcareercoach@gmail.com to learn about my "How To Ace The Interview" program!

Accept Or Reject A Job Counteroffer?

Congratulations!  That job you've been interviewing for (to the tune of 4 separate interviews over the last several weeks) has come though.  They FINALLY made you an offer. Whoever thought it would take so long to make a decision about one potential new hire?  Everything's looking good.  They offered the salary you requested, benefits are great and you're even getting your own office (with a window!).  Bet you're glad that ordeal is over.  Now you can accept their offer and tell your boss you're quitting and finally get a good night's rest.  What?  Your boss made you a counteroffer?

If you think having a counteroffer is flattering and it might be something you should entertain accepting, think again.  Statistics show that if you accept a counteroffer, the probabilities of voluntarily leaving in six months or being let go within one year are extremely high.  Once you have demonstrated your unhappiness to your employer, your loyalty will always be in question and in tough financial times, the pink slip might start with you.  Keep your focus on why you were looking to leave your present job in the first place.  The same circumstances that are making you think about a change will still be there in the future and will rear their ugly head sooner or later.  Your relationship with your boss (and possibly colleagues) will never be the same.

Accepting or rejecting a counteroffer can be the monkey wrench thrown into your career plans and not something you should take lightly.  Whatever decision you make, think of the consequences of your actions and how it will impact your career down the road.


"Progress always involves risk.  You can't steal second base and keep your foot on first."
~ Frederick B. Wilcox

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Is Your Current Job Stable?

Does your boss look unusually stressed lately?  Is he/she in and out of secret meetings behind closed doors?  Are co-workers buzzing around the water cooler that they've heard the company is in trouble?  If you've answered yes to at least two of these questions,  it might be time to take a look at your job stability.

If you're concerned that your company is headed for Chapter 11 or closing their doors for good, it's wise to prepare yourself for a situation that might be beyond your control.  Don't wait for your boss to tell you it's your last day at the office if you think your worst suspicions are true.  PROTECT YOURSELF.  Get your resume updated, start looking at your options, go to networking events, reach out to your contacts (wisely).  Be smart about which co-workers you share this with (if any at all).  Do whatever you can to avoid being the "victim employee".  Don't wait for the ax to fall.  No one ever said it's unethical to take care of yourself.  If you're suspicions were wrong, you've lost nothing.  If they were right, you saved yourself from a lot of heartache and grief.

"A man sooner or later discovers that he is the master-gardener of his soul, the director of his life".

~ James Allen

"Good Luck, And Good Night"

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you think your job might be in jeopardy, please get in touch with me at lrcareercoach@gmail.com to discuss my coaching services and how I can help jumpstart your career with an eye-catching resume, winning cover letter, networking tips, and goal clarification.

  

Looking For A Job? - Never Make Assumptions

Are you one of those people that always makes assumptions?  Rather than know the reality of a situation, do you make a wild guess and base your decision making on that alone?  If you're one of those people (and I can be too), you may be doing yourself more harm than you know.

It can be emotionally very costly to make assumptions particularly when it comes to one's professional life.  It's really the lazy way out of something by making an assumption rather than being proactive and finding out the real deal.

I contacted a career development director at a university a few weeks ago to see if she was interested in contracting my coaching services.  I received a promising email back that she was waiting to find out about the fiscal budget and if she'd then have the money to hire me.  When I didn't hear back from her, I ASSUMED it was either bad news or she forgot about me completely.  Needless to say, I got myself worked up, felt disappointed and ruined my own day.  On what basis did I have to make this assumption?  Absolutely none.  I made a calculated guess based on pure emotion.  It had nothing to do  with reality.  So, I decided to be proactive and email her.  She genuinely seemed glad to hear from me and said she was still waiting on an answer but thanked me for following up.  Not only did I get an answer, but I also looked professional in the process.

If you're looking for a job, please don't be hard headed like me and make assumptions.  It will get you nowhere except frustrated and discouraged.  It's challenging enough looking for a job so why make it harder on yourself?

"Assumptions are the termites of relationships."
~ Henry Winkler

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you're job interviewing and need to develop or just brush up on your follow up skills, contact me directly at lrcareercoach@gmail.com to learn more about my coaching sessions on this very important topic.

Career Tip: Be On Time For a Job Interview

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?)

"The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once."

~ Albert Einstein

“Good Night, And Good Luck”

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you're searching for a job and haven't gotten past the first interview, it might be time (there's that time thing again) to brush up on your interview skills.  I can help you get past first base with my "How To Ace The Interview" program.  Interested in learning more?  Email me at lrcareercoach@gmail.com.

Lost Your Job? - Get Out And Network

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. 

"The future depends on what we do in the present."

~ Mahatma Gandhi

“Good Night, And Good Luck”

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you're out of work and currently interviewing, please contact me at lrcareercoach@gmail.com to learn about my "How To Ace The Interview" program which will jumpstart your interview techniques to help you land your ideal job.

Looking For A Job? - Be Kind To Yourself

Ah, Saturday.  The day to stay in bed as late as you'd like, leisurely sipping coffee.  Today you can actually enjoy eating breakfast like a human being at the dining room table instead of shoving a bagel down your throat while cramming into a commuter train train or driving on the Long Island Expressway.  Saturday is the day you can lay around in your sweats or PJ's like a lazy slug should you be so inclined.  Ok, so now you know I have "lazy slug tendencies."

Time away from work (or looking for work) is so  treasured by all of us.  But it seems many of us have to give ourselves permission to slow down and chill.  I wonder why we find it so hard to let go of work stress?  I'm as guilty as the next when it comes to stressing out about my work. When you think about it, it's such a waste of precious time.  Do you find yourself thinking about work too often when you're trying to enjoy some quality down time?  I suppose that's why yoga, health spas, and meditation have become so popular.  It's a great way to de-pressurize.  

For me, the beauty of Saturday is giving my "work brain" a rest.  I allow myself (or try) to slow down and put my work head on the shelf.

Whether you're currently employed or looking for a job, be kind to yourself.  All of us need to recharge our batteries because Monday rolls around soon enough.  It takes energy to be at your work best or interview best so do yourself a favor and give yourself permission to relax and just "be" so you can face the week refueled.

"For fast-acting relief, try slowing down."

~ Lily Tomlin

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - You can catch me as a featured guest on Coach World TV hosted by Terry Yoffe, NYC Chapter President of The International Coaching Federation (ICF) Monday, June 4th, 8pm on Time Warner Cable TV Channel 56.

How To Approach Your Boss For A Raise - And Be Successful!

Hello Readers!

I thought my absence might go unnoticed (Hmm, am I making a habit of disappearing?) these past couple of weeks but its seems my posts have been missed by some.  It's rewarding to know that my career advice and random tips are helpful to those who might need it.  I really do exist in human form and am not just some apparition (although it might appear that way at times).  I enjoy writing posts about related career topics (when I'm not obsessing about my writing skills) and love when you, dear reader, become engaged.

Enough about me....I recently attended a women's conference and was asked by a young professional how she should approach her boss for a raise.  She wasn't sure if she should send an email or give him a call.  Before she could get another word out, I emphatically told her that asking for a raise should always be done in a face to face meeting (if possible).


Ask to schedule some time with your boss (treat it like a business meeting).  Consider asking for a raise like selling yourself to a potential new employer.  Back everything up with specific examples of your accomplishments so your value is evident and how deserving you are of a salary increase.  It doesn't hurt to reiterate your unique skills and talent either.   You won't win your boss's favor if you point out that other people in your department may be making significantly more money than you.  You're there to discuss the merits of your performance, not anyone else's.

Approaching your boss for a raise may make you feel uncomfortable but you're more likely to walk away getting what you want if you KNOW YOU'RE WORTH and present yourself in a non-defensive tone.

It's very liberating and confidence building to get what you deserve.  Now go after it!!

"If you don't set a baseline standard for what you'll accept in life, you'll find it's easy to slip into behaviors and attitudes or a quality of life that's far below what you deserve."
~ Anthony  Robbins

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you'd like to fine tune your salary negotiation skills, please email me at lrcareercoach@gmail.com to learn more about my coaching sessions that can help you get the raise you deserve and negotiate salary when a job offer has been made.

What Is The Toughest Interview Question?

If you've been interviewing for a job, more than likely you've discovered it can be a hair raising experience.  It feels like a giant test that you had better pass.  In some ways, the interview is a test.  So, you have to be prepared.

One of the toughest interview questions you have to be prepared to answer is, "What is your biggest weakness?"  Everyone dreads this question.  No one likes talking about something that makes them look vulnerable, particularly in a job interview!  The best way to approach this question is to turn your "weakness" into a strength.  Here are some examples:

~ I'm intense and find it hard to let go of my work at times
~ I'm tough on myself - I'm a perfectionist
~ I tend to overanalyze/overthink things
~ I take my work home with me

These so-called "weaknesses" are really in favor of an employer.  No one ever got fired because they worked too hard at their job.  See my point?  Chose your words wisely to put a positive spin on your weaknesses.

In my next post, I'll go into some of the things NOT TO SAY in answer to the same question, "What is your biggest weakness?"

"All our words are but crumbs that fall down from the feast of the mind."
~ kahlil Gibran


"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you'd like to enhance your interview skills, please contact me at lrcareercoach@gmail.com to learn about the program I'm offering, "How To Ace The Interview".

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Interview Etiquette - Before, During & After

There are many factors that leave a good impression in a job interview but It's foolish to think if we have the experience and skills, we've landed the job.  Of course it's important but there are other things that are considered. How you present is everything.  You can look good on paper (resume), but if you're lacking in presentation, personality or character, you won't be leaving the best impression at all.  In recruiter's terms we call these "soft skills".  You can't change your personality but you can always brush up on proper interview etiquette. 

Interview Etiquette Tips (for starters):

• Never keep an interviewer waiting (see earlier post, "Do You Know The Time Of Day?")
• Don't smoke just before the interview.  Lots of people are offended by the smell of smoke
• Turn smart phone off 
• Don't be more than 10 minutes early for an interview.  An interview is scheduled at a specific time for a reason
•  Always bring a resume even if it was sent electronically (bring an extra one in case another person is called into the interview unexpectedly)
• Research company (you'll be asked, "Why do you want to work here?")
• Be prepared (review resume, know your story, and WHY HIRE YOU? answer)
• Dress appropriately (see earlier post, "Dress For Success")
• Send thank you email within 24 hours

"If we could see ourselves as others see us, we would vanish on the spot."

~Emil Cioran

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you have any questions about any of these tips, send me an email directly (lrcareercoach@gmail.com) and we can discuss.  Also, if you have any unusual interview stories you'd like to share with me, I'd love to hear about them.  

   

Common Job Interview Pitfalls

Have  you ever been on an interview and immediately afterward knew that you really botched up?  Did you feel you could have presented yourself so much better had you known the answers to some of those curveball questions?  More than likely, many of us have had one of those "dreaded" interviews.

We can't predict the personality of the interviewer or questions that will be asked but we can go in knowing we've prepared ourselves as best as possible.  Hopefully, the interviewer and you will connect and it will be the career match of the century.

To be at your interview best, there are some common job interview pitfalls that are necessary to address and might be missing from your interview preparation:

COMMON PITFALLS

1.  No clarity of story (paint your picture)

2.  Don't know your value. Why and how are you unique?

3.  Didn't back up convictions with measurables.

4.  Didn't convey transferrable skills

5.  Inappropriate answers/behavior 

6.  Lack of interview preparation (didn’t research, review your resume, etc)

 Ask yourself this: "Am I conveying my transferrable skills?  Do I know my value and what makes me unique?  Can I provide specific and "measurable" examples of my accomplishments?  Is my story clear?

Just some interview food for thought.........

"Fortune favors the prepared mind."

~ Louis Pasteur

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS -  My upcoming blog posts will address the 6 common interview pitfalls in greater detail (see above).  If you can't wait til my next post (that's a joke), please email me at lrcareercoach@gmail.com with any questions.

Looking For A Job? - Make Yourself visible

No, I was not abducted by aliens or sailing around the world in the last two weeks.  Nor was I knocked on the head only to awaken and not know my own identity (although, I have felt that way at times).  Plain truth is I somehow couldn't (didn't) find the time to sit down and write one of my "oh so insightful" blog posts.

Excuses, excuses.  Do you find yourself making a lot of excuses about your lack of career motivation or current job search?  Do you sometimes feel like taking a break from it all and disappearing from view?  If so, I understand but don't agree it's the best way to go.

When we disappear, people make all kinds of assumptions.  If you're in a job search and haven't been  networking or making those obligatory calls, one could assume you're no longer looking.  You could miss out on a great opportunity because of your absence.   Bottom line is this; if you're looking for a job, make yourself visible.  Reach out to your contacts, network when possible and don't allow people to forget about you and your unique talent.

If you assumed I disappeared because I was not committed and passionate about coaching, you were incorrect.  See what I mean?  

"The future depends on what we do in the present"
~ Mahatma Gandi

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - This past Monday I conducted a mentoring meeting, "How To Ace The Interview" for the NAPW (National Association of Professional Women).  Please look for upcoming posts on interview tips, common interview pitfalls, frequently asked interview questions, etc.

Got Mentor, Anyone?

It must be an OCD thing with me.  For several posts, I was on my "network, network" kick.  But I meant every word when I so emphatically expressed the importance of networking.  Well, it seems I've moved on to my "mentor, mentor" kick.  Trust me, I mean every word here, too.  Finding your mentor or being a mentor  has great rewards.    Now you're thinking, "Oh no, there goes Laura again with her obligatory ranting and raving about some career topic."  You can't say I'm not passionate about my work (is mentoring work?).

Last night I met my mentee at a midtown Starbucks for our monthly get together.  We had a great time talking about her trip to Spain and her mishaps in Tangier.  I also learned she's great at giving manicure/pedicures.  Lucky me!!  We even managed to talk about career stuff!!  It felt great to connect with someone so bright, engaging and ambitious (did I mention funny?).  The thought of making a difference in her life and career is invaluable.  I learned a thing or two from her last night as well.

Did I mention I have another mentee?  He couldn't make it last night but I'm sure we'll find a way to catch up.  Hmmm, I wonder if he gives manicures/pedicures?

"Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction."
~ John Crosby

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you're curious about what you can learn from a mentee and how they can make a difference in your life, please email me directly at lrcareercoach@gmail.com.  I'd love to share some of my life changing insights on these very special relationships.

Looking For A Job? - Know Your Self Worth

In the past couple of weeks I've been working at Rutgers University with their Undergraduate Business School students on a "Mock Interview Program."  The purpose of this program is to set up  a "dress rehearsal" for the real deal.  It's an excellent opportunity for the students to see where their interview skills strengths and weaknesses lie and receive feedback from coaches (me).  Wouldn't it be great if all of us had such an opportunity?  Wouldn't you rather mess up in a mock interview with me than in front of a potential employer?

Working with these students has been a wonderful experience.  They're bright, ambitious, and hungry to learn.  What has become evident, however, is that so many of the students have a tough time relating their uniqueness.  If you've ever been to a job interview, more than likely you've been asked, "Why would I want to hire you?  What makes you unique?"  And you can't say, "I don't know."  What you really are being asked to do is "sell yourself" (branding).  Most of us have a tough time selling ourselves thinking we sound arrogant or obnoxious.  One of the most important things you need to know if you're looking for a job is your self worth and uniqueness.  

If you're one of those people who "doesn't know" your uniqueness than start by making a list of all your strengths and accomplishments.  We all have them.  Most things are right in front of us but we're too close to see them.  If you're having trouble, ask someone you trust and who knows you well.  More than likely, they see these qualities and traits in you.  These are exercises I've done myse lf.  And they work.

Going to a job interview is worse than having a tooth pulled but it doesn't have to be as painful if you are prepared to talk about your unique values and why YOU are the best candidate.

"Self-worth comes from one thing - thinking that you are worthy."
~ Wayne Dyer

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - Please join me Wed, March 28 from 10am to 2pm at the FREE Women For Hire career expo. Resume Reviews, Perfect Pitch, The Interview, Power Seminars, Leading Employers -- and me!   I'll be offering advice and feedback on interviewing. Visit http://bit.ly/wforhire.com.

Finding Your Mentor

This weekend, I decided to pack my bags, get out of the Big Apple and head for Maine where my beloved sister and brother-in-law live.  I consider myself extremely lucky to actually enjoy spending time with my family.  I probably have more fun with my sisters (I have an older even bossier one who lives in Florida) than I do most people.  Making a trip to  beautiful coastal Maine is no hardship but it's certainly a plus that lots of attention, support and great eating awaits me on the other end.

My sister and I share the love of the beach, the picturesque Maine landscape, TJ Maxx and Marshall's.  Don't laugh.  There are plenty of ways to bond in sisterly love.  It just so happens my sister and I are jewelry freaks and can spend hours looking through cases of jewelry.  Well, she can.  Her ability to zone in and focus is nothing short of miraculous.  The problem is, she doesn't zone out.  She goes into a trance and forgets about life (i.e. her hungry husband, visiting family, son she hasn't seen in weeks).

My sister isn't just my jewelry partner in crime but my confidente, biggest cheerleader and mentor.  Without her unconditional support, business savvy, and general life knowledge, I probably wouldn't be writing this blog.  She has encouraged me to "plod on" when the professional odds were stacked against me and taught me  how to trust myself and be patient.  Everyone who has enjoyed professional success has had support and mentoring along the way.  No one can go it alone.

If you don't have a loving, wise sister as I do, then find that person in your life who is YOUR mentor.    You never know, that person could be right in front of you.    Finding your mentor surprisingly can come in all shapes and forms (they may even be your jewelry partner in crime).

"Advice is like snow; the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind."
~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge


"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

P.S. - If you'd like to learn more about finding your mentor, where to look and how to develop this special relationship, email me at lrcareercoach@gmail.com.  I'm the Director of the Mentoring Committee for the NYC Chapter of The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) so "mentor" is my mantra.
PSS - I also give great jewelry advice!

Positive Thinking Attracts Positive Results

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! 

"The power of your thoughts can open any door and you can set yourself free."

~ Lucy MacDonald

"Good Night, And Good Luck

Laura Rivchun

P.S. - If you have any thoughts, suggestions or concerns about being positive, I invite you to get in touch with me directly at lrcareercoach@gmail.com.  I'm available for one on one discussions.

Is A Phone Interview Considered An Interview?

 For some, a job interview is enough to make your skin crawl.  I consider an interview like a first date (without the flirtatious looks and kiss).  However, not all interviews are face to face.  Sometimes a preliminary interview is conducted over the phone which has it's good and bad points.  A face to face allows the person being interviewed (interviewee?) the advantage of reading and picking up the interviewer's facial and body cues.  Obviously, this is not something one can do over the phone.  If you're good at "reading" voices, the phone interview might work well for you.  Here's the big HOWEVER:  treat the phone interview as the real deal.  It's still an interview, whatever the format. 

PHONE INTERVIEW TIPS (a few)

• Be clear who is making the call and at what time
• If possible, speak from a land line in case of poor reception.  Your focus should be on the conversation, not on phone problems
• Schedule a time you know you'll have privacy and adequate time to talk
• Speak where there are no distractions and noise (TV, children, pets)
• Have your resume in front of you (this is an advantage over the face to face interview)
• Take notes (only if you're good at multi-tasking) - another advantage over face to face
• Send thank you via email

So, if you're wondering if a phone interview is considered an interview, the answer is YES.  Consider an interview the most formal date you'll ever have.  

"Proper words in proper places make the true definition of a style"
~ Jonathan Swift

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun