Greater Milwaukee Jobs

December 18, 2014

Greater Milwaukee Jobs

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2 GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS • December 18, 2014 larger part of career development. Staying on top of the job market and finding niches that offer the best opportunities for success is key. Transitioning from one job to anoth- er is more commonplace and these tips can make the move easier and more successful. • Have a valid reason to change careers. Boredom alone should not be the driving force behind a career change. If advancement opportuni- ties seem nonexistent or if the job you're in simply isn't in tune with your interests, you may have a good reason to switch careers. • Be willing to learn a new skill. You may need to learn new skills to pursue a new career. If that's the case, you may want to enroll in a continuing education course prior to job-hunting. Even if a job doesn't work out on the first attempt, new skills always look good on a résumé. • Be a courteous networker. Send handwritten notes to any and all people who helped you find new job opportunities. This reaffirms your relationship and you never know when you might need a reference or support in the future. • Educate yourself on office poli- tics. It's helpful to know a compa- ny's rules in advance. This may be as simple as learning the dress code for employees and any other rules and regulations of the office. Do employ- ees dine out for lunch, or do they eat primarily at their desks? What is the tendency for coworkers to mingle outside of the office? Learning these policies or habits may help you find a company that's the best fit for you. • Go with the flow. You may have your own ideas on how to improve performance, but assimilate into the routine first before you start becom- ing more vocal. There is plenty of time to lend your advice and show the team how they can grow. • Bring a treat for your new coworkers. Offer the first olive branch by bringing in a snack the office can enjoy or offer to take a few coworkers out for coffee. This can break the ice and facilitate new office friendships. how to simplify ... from page 1 Here's something I often hear from job hunters: I'm going to take time off from my search. Here's what I usually say: Bad idea. During the recession, when employers weren't hiring, a job- hunt vacation may have made sense, if only to give respite from the mental agony of continued rejections. But the job market is better. More jobs are available. Granted, they may not pay what you want or have the quality level you had before. But hiring signs are posted, and anything might be better than nothing, depending on your circumstances. Put those negatives aside, though, and assume you're able and actively looking for a "good" job. Please don't fall into the trap of assuming that yearend is a bad time to pursue your job hunt. The holidays are no excuse to stop looking. In many organiza- tions, the 2015 hiring process is active and there are approved openings to fill, starting the first of the year. You'll lose out if your application isn't in hand. Note, too, that many fellow job hunters are taking December off. Get ahead of the sparser competi- tion by going after what you want now. It's true that end-of-the-year vacations bring some hiring activi- ty to a standstill as executives and managers in the hiring pipeline take time off. You may not get quick turn-around responses. But at least your application will be in the pile for consideration. Although much of the seasonal hiring – by businesses that ramp up for holiday sales and trans- portation traffic – has been done already, there will continue to be temporary help needs well into the new year. Get your foot in the organization's door as a holiday temp, show 'em what you're worth, and doors may open. The holidays also are good for expanding your social network. Remember: Personal contact is the gold key to getting hired. Hol- iday parties, school performances, church services, and volunteering for social service projects are all ways to meet new people or have conversations with old friends. One of your casual holiday con- tacts may know someone who needs you. But you won't find out unless you polish your 30-second response to the inevitable ques- tions: How are you? or What do you do? Be ready with a good answer. "I'm fine, but I'm between jobs right now and would love to get back doing (fill in your blank con- cisely and clearly so that others understand). If you happen to know someone I should talk to, I'd appreciate your tip." Be upbeat and classy. Don't put the other person on the spot with a plea for direct help. Don't ask them, at least not over the appetiz- er table, to make a contact for you. But if they act appropriately interested or relevant, you can hand them your business card on the way out the door. The great truth of job hunting is that people like to hire and work with people they like. Every holi- day encounter adds a chance to put your charming self in front of others. Don't stop your job hunt in December A publication of Conley Media Distributed by: Conley Distribution 262-513-2646 ©2004 by Conley Media, LLC Waukesha County Independent and Locally Owned GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS is published weekly by Conley Media – Waukesha County, 801 N. Barstow St., Waukesha, WI 53186. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS assumes no liability for any error in copy or content. It is the advertiser's responsibility to be aware of the laws pertaining to employment advertising. Subscriptions are available for $34 (non-refundable) for a 6-month subscription. Call 262-306-5035 for information. Call Center Director: Cindy Shaske 262-306-5016 cshaske@conleynet.com Account Executive: Jeanne Bonlender 262-306-5035 jbonlender@conleynet.com Story Coordinator: Dwayne Butler 262-513-2626 dbutler@conleynet.com Production: Patricia Scheel 262-513-2690 GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS Volume 17 • Number 15 December 18, 2014 To place an ad: Call us at 262-306-5035 or fax us at 262-542-6082 deadline: Noon on Wednesdays Liz Reyer is a credentialed coach with more than 20 years of business experience. Her company, Reyer Coaching & Consulting, offers services for organizations of all sizes. Submit questions or comments about this column at www.deliverchange.com/coachscorner or email her at lizdeliverchange.com. Finding answers when you're passed over for promotion By Liz Reyer Star Tribune (Minneapolis) & A Q Q. I'm pretty angry with my company because I keep getting passed over for promotions and new opportunities; I've been here three years already. What should I do? A. Think through root causes to figure out ways to move ahead. THE INNER GAME To start, take a step back and think about the big picture. I'm wondering if this is as personal as it sounds from your question. Does your company have a fast track for some relatively new employees, or is this actually the typical pace for promotion? It's worth taking a good look at whether your reaction fits the situation. If you conclude that yes, in fact, most of the people at your level have moved up, this will call for some introspection on the reasons that you may be lagging.This can be uncomfortable, but if you don't do it, you may find you have a negative pattern in your own behavior that's holding you back.Your reaction of anger is a bit of a red flag; is anger your default response to adversity? If so, consider whether it's serving you well. Reflect on what's most important to you at work. Setting aside your frustration at not moving up, how well are your other needs being met? To what extent is your desire for new opportunities driven by boredom and need for new chal- lenges? Also think about other aspects of company culture, people, mission and work environment. Your goal for this reflection is to remain mindful of the positives at work, and also to not let your anger mask other ways that your current position may not suit you. THE OUTER GAME Feedback is going to be important for you in understanding your status and opportunities. If you haven't gotten clear, direct feedback from your boss that would explain why you haven't advanced, it's time to ask for it. If it turns out that there is a performance or style issue holding you back, be sure to keep your cool when you're dis- cussing it. If you get defensive, you'll close down the feedback, and possi- bly reinforce any negative impres- sion of you. You may find out that your boss is surprised by your frustration because you're on a typical path for your company. If so, it'll be in your interest to decide if the pace works for you, or if you want to find a dif- ferent opportunity at your compa- ny or elsewhere. In that case, be careful not to burn bridges. In fact, your boss may be a good resource if you approach the topic as looking for help with building your career. This outreach may also be all you need to help you advance. If you've been quiet about what you want, your boss may not even realize you're dissatisfied and now will have a chance to help. Remember that advancement is your responsibility, and step forward to suggest proj- ects you could do and volunteer when opportunities come along. And don't let this consume your life. Remember to have fun and keep balance in your life.Workplace frustrations will be much more manageable. THE LAST WORD Let go of anger and get proactive in driving your career. By Diane Stafford The Kansas City Star see HOW TO SIMPLIFY . . . page 7

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