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