Greater Milwaukee Jobs

2 GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS • January 29, 2015 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 20 January 29, 2015 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. Tap into positives when new career path unravels By Liz Reyer Star Tribune (Minneapolis) & A Q Q. I've spent the last few years trying to do a career change, and no matter what I try, it's just not going well. I'm thinking of hanging it up and going back to my original profession. How do I position this failure when I'm back in the job market? A. Be kind to yourself and take a more balanced view of the path you've been on. THE INNER GAME Failure is a harsh word, and not one you'd probably use with a friend.You'd do well to recast your view of your recent experience so that you can use it as a source of positive growth. With that in mind, reflect on the change you've sought. Looking back, what triggered your interest? Was it a calling for something new or a move away from the path you'd been on? Be as clear as you can about the benefits you hoped to realize. No perceived benefit is too minor for consideration, because you may find that even items that seem petty will bring the picture into a clearer focus. Now consider how well the new stacks up when rated against the expected benefits. If in fact it falls short, perhaps there'll be some relief in letting go of your new direction. If it still seems like some- thing you'd like to have succeed, take this opportunity for one more look at whether you've done all you can to make a go of it. Because, let's face it, each new direction we pursue requires a complex set of actions.There is, of course, the practical, skills-based aspect. If you want to move from business to teaching (or vice versa), start your own business, etc., you need to be qualified to deliver the service you're offering. But then, the harder part begins: You need to convince others that you're qualified. There is a sales aspect to career change that cannot be overlooked, and it's my experience that this is often many people's undoing. THE OUTER GAME At this point, let's assume that you've decided to return to your original path. Craft a story that links the various aspects of your life and career into a coherent – if nonlinear – whole. As you take your understanding of why each step occurred, you'll be able to make an effective case that your career side trips have led to an enrichment of your effectiveness in your first career area. Let's further assume that you didn't burn bridges when you made your move. It's time to actively engage with people in your net- work, letting them know about your current interests. Don't be afraid to ask for help, be it as a thinking partner, a source of an introduction, or a reference. How- ever, be sure to match your request to the level of relationship you have so that you don't put your contact on the defensive. Be intentional, creating and working a plan to move forward, regardless of your path. It'll give you a sense of success and help build momentum. THE LAST WORD Treat the return to your original field as just another adventure, and let your enthusiasm help you move forward. Conley Classifieds, a division of Conley Media, LLC, has a full time position available in our West Bend office. You will be responsible for building a strong rapport with key customers by phone and in person and aiding them in their advertising needs along with actively pursuing new business. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm. Compensation includes hourly pay plus commission. High school diploma or equivalent required. The successful candidate will have good communication and customer service skills, good typing (30+ wpm) and spelling ability. Must be able to work with and meet deadlines, be detail oriented, able to set priorities and be self-motivated and organized. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and email applications. Previous sales and Mac computer knowledge preferred. Conley Media, LLC is an equal opportunity employer offering flex spending, medical and dental insurance, paid time off, 401(k) and more. Send resume and cover letter to: Conley Media, LLC Attn: Classified Sales Director 100 S. Sixth Ave. • West Bend, WI 53095 or email in confidence to HRD@conleynet.com EOE 241911001 • BUSINESS TO BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT • CLASSIFIED SALES CONSULTANT sion, and job seekers can do just that by preparing to answer any questions prospective employers might ask. While a career fair might seem less formal than a typi- cal job interview, it should not be treated as such. • Bring more than yourself. Today's job market is incredibly competitive, and standing out at a crowded career fair won't be easy. That said, job seekers should bring a portfolio of their best work. This doesn't have to be everything, but individuals should choose a handful of work samples that illustrate their talents and experience. • Dress the part. Attire is also important when attending a career fair. Just because a career fair is on a Wednesday afternoon does not mean job seekers should dress like it's a typical lazy Wednesday after- noon around the house. Conserva- tive business attire should be worn, and remember it's always prefer- able to overdress than underdress. • Follow-up. Companies with a table or booth at a career fair are going to receive an overwhelming amount of resumes, particularly with such high unemployment rates. That said, it's a good idea for job seekers to do some follow-up with recruiters. Take their business cards and follow-up with them after the event. Call them that night and leave a voicemail thanking them for their time and insight, or e-mail them a thoughtful letter expressing similar sentiments of gratitude. Also, reiterate interest in the com- pany and any available positions discussed during the career fair. Before hanging up the phone or sending the e-mail, be sure to promise a follow-up phone call during business hours, and make sure that phone call is made. job seekers ... from page 1

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