Let's Get Started

Dear Friends and Job Seekers, 

Happy 2015! I hope your new year is full of health, joy and opportunity.  Now that the dust has settled and 2015 has had a chance to sink in, it's the perfect time to get started on revitalizing your job search, focusing on career advancement or taking concrete steps towards a career change. Career development is a process that begins with your first summer job or internship and lasts all the way through retirement - so be sure you're in the driver's seat and heading towards fulfillment!

 

If you're like most people (including me), there is something inherently motivating about the month of January --it feels like a blank sheet of paper; a fresh start! This newsletter is chock full of concrete exercises and steps you can take to build momentum and make 2015 your year of action. As they say, "if not now, when?"

New Client Special!

We really want to help you get going at the start of the year, so here's an offer to get your mojo on! We're offering $100 off our 5 hour coaching package with either Donna or Tava. This offer is open to all new clients until February 15th.  To learn more, please register in our client console at https://careerfolk.coachesconsole.com/. You will be prompted to set up a time to talk with us, as well as be requested to fill out a brief questionnaire Take action now! 

Targeting the Job You Want

If you find yourself stuck relying on traditional job search methods, it's time to break out of that pattern and utilize all of the options available to you.  This information is not meant to replace coaching - we are here to assist our clients with this process and help to create a road map that is not so overwhelming.  But there are some general points that everyone can and should consider.

1. Identify Companies that You Like

Don't be so concerned with what the open positions are at the moment. Just do some good old-fashioned research.  What is their mission, their reputation, their financials?  Perhaps you admire their engaging social media presence or you enjoy articles written by the CEO.  Do some digging and come up with a list of target companies.

2. Engage!

Follow the companies on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook -- every social media channel they have.  You will learn about your target companies and, most importantly, you'll be quick to learn about any openings that become available.  

As you craft responses to their posts, keep in mind that you are trying to differentiate yourself and showcase your expertise.  Be insightful, clever and match the tone of their posts as much as possible.  In other words, if they value witty humor over a more formal communication style, write in a way that speaks their language.  Remember, you are targeting the job you want so make your content count.

3. Take Stock 

You might be surprised to learn how many of our clients were under-utilizing their networks.  We have helped people discover that several people in their network actually worked for their target company.  Take stock!  Who do you know and where do they work?  Put your goals out there because you never know who might chime in and say, "My friends works for that company and I'd be happy to introduce you."

To learn more about Careerfolk's Job Search Action Plan checklist,   send us an email.

5 Things Missing From Your Job Search
 
   

Below is an excerpt from a blog post based on our Webinar.  To read the article in its entirety, you can hop over here to our blog page.

The Five Things Missing From Your Job Search

Based on feedback from clients across the globe, we have identified these common barriers, challenges or mistakes in the search process.

1.Old-school resume

2.Out-of-date Job Search Methods

3. Networking Confusion

4. Skills Gap

5. Your Mindset

1. Old-school resume

A number of people are relying on outdated resume norms such as objectives and templates.  With 7 to 10 seconds to look at a resume, if it doesn’t “sing” it won’t help you stand out from your competitors.  Roll up your sleeves and dive into the process so your resume really demonstrates your value.  Branding is not a dirty word. It is a valuable tool for an immediate link between you and your unique value.

To read 2 through 5, visit the blogpage.

 

IN OTHER NEWS

Careerfolk is Moving, at least Locally!

Thanks to technology, we have clients all over the world. We've worked with clients in Asia, Europe, Africa, Canada and South America. But we also have lots of clients who live close by that enjoy the in-person meeting. After 8 years in our beloved space on North Street, we are embracing change and streamlining things a tad. We have a wonderful new office space overlooking the city of Stamford, on the top floor of the Stamford Marriott at 143 Tresser Blvd. If you are local, we look forward to meeting you at our new spot.

Congrats for our Clients!

"I recently accepted a position in California. The interview came about through someone I met at a conference. Thank you so much for encouraging me to attend, and for all of your support throughout the journey."

We are so happy for you "V!" Congrats on the new job.

About Us

Donna Sweidan, MCC, LMHC

For over 15 years, Donna Sweidan, MCC, LMHC, founder of Careerfolk has helped motivate, facilitate and inspire job seekers and career changers to reach their career goals. She is known for her passion and insight, combining her expertise in the new Social Media landscape with a highly compassionate and yet strategic approach. The heart of Donna’s customized approach is a strong brand, an exciting current resume, and an online network that represents what it takes to succeed in today’s marketplace. She is a well-known expert and advocate on the “new” job search, which demands that all professionals build a professional online identity with tools such as LinkedIn, Twitter or Blogs to create a robust profile and increased level of “G-cred”, and is asked to speak regularly on the topic.

Tava Auslan, MSEd

Tava Auslan is a career counselor, resume writer and dancer. After earning her BA in Psychology from SUNY Purchase and an MSEd in Counseling from Fordham University, she began her career with Donna at The New School Career Services Center in 2002. There she worked with students and graduates pursuing a variety of careers. She later went on to serve as the Assistant Director of Disability Services. This background has shaped her foundation for working with college students, recent grads and individuals with disabilities. A skilled counselor, she is compassionate, insightful and delivers the right amount of “push” to motivate her clients. She is known for her ability to help people assess their challenges, determine where they are stuck and offer tangible solutions to get them back on track. An astute writer, Tava translates this into crafting resumes that tell a compelling story for job seekers of all ages and stages.