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"Why Confidence Matters in Your Job Search"

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:26:56 GMT

I haven't always been confident. I've struggled with confidence much of my life and It was a lot of work. I had to unlearn some negative mental habits that held me back. It isn't handed out like a party favor. Yet, some people seem to have the confidence gene while others work hard to achieve it and that can feel like a job in itself.

So, why am I bringing all of this up? If there’s one thing I see holding people back in their job search, it’s not lack of experience—it’s lack of confidence.

As a former recruiter and a current career coach, I’ve worked with incredibly qualified professionals in various stages of their career and they often share this one common challenge: they struggled to land interviews or offers, not because they weren’t capable, but because they didn’t communicate their value clearly. And possibly because they couldn't see their own value because they lacked confidence.

Confidence in a job search isn’t about being the loudest person in the room. It’s about being able to say, “Here’s what I’ve done, and here’s how I can add to your bottom line" without hesitation. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, people can feel when you exhibit confidence and when it's missing. It shows up in your body like an unwanted guest and it's reflected in your overall presentation (verbal, tone of voice, interest & level of enthuiasm, response to questions).

When confidence is low, people tend to:

Undersell their experience
Apply only to “safe” roles
Freeze or overthink in interviews

When confidence is strong, everything shifts. You speak more clearly, you show up with intention, and your potential naturally shines through.

And here’s the part I always remind my clients: confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s built—through preparation, practice, and learning how to tell your story effectively. It's a process that takes time, resilience and patience - with oneself.

Building self-confidence requires:

❤️ Being your own champion
❤️ Positive actions
❤️ Internal and external resources
❤️ Belief that change is a law of nature
❤️ A receptive heart and mind

If your job search isn’t getting results, don’t just rewrite your resume. Take a look at how you’re showing up. Confidence might be the missing piece.

"STAYING POSITIVE"

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 19:14:31 GMT

As a career coach, my clients tell me the most difficult part of being a job seeker is managing their feelings of worry, insecurity, and isolation. For some, staying positive is easier than others. As a person with anxiety, I work overtime to stay positive. It takes effort and mindfulness but it certainly can be done. When negative thoughts start to spiral into rumination, I take time out to meditate. That's what helps me. Doing what's necessary to get to a more positive mental state looks different for everyone.

Some people find that exercising, spending time in nature, practicing gratitude, and.pursuing creative hobbies are helpful ways to foster more positivity. Being mindful of good self care, acceptance, self-affirming rituals, networking, and surrounding oneself with positive and supportive people are some great psychological tools and specific things job seekers can do to manage the job seeking/career transition effectively.

I'm aware that making changes in our behavior and mindset don't always happen as quickly as we'd like. We're all a bundle of habits which is our human nature. It's important to be gentle and kind with yourself when trying to change a habit you've had over a lifetime for a healthier habit that will result in more positive outcomes. Often, it's having resilience and not giving up - this too is a practice and doing a little something every day is better than doing nothing at all. One step at a time...

The energy that you bring to an interview and beyond is palpable and often is the first and last impression an interviewer is left with. If you have a positive mindset, you're more likely to leave a positive impression, getting you closer to a positive outcome.

If you're a current job seeker or in a career transition and are struggling to maintain a positive image and attitude, contact me at lrcareercoach@gmail.com to learn about my coaching program that can help you get on the right track to a more fulfilling and successful career.

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

"IS THIS JOB THE RIGHT FIT?"

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:28:57 GMT

Looking for a job is a job in itself. There's research, networking, resume tweaking, job applications, interviewing, follow up, waiting for an offer, more follow up, negotiating the offer......and on and on.... Have I left anything out? Perhaps, ruminating about all of it? It's exhausting just thinking about the entire and daunting process of job/career search. Does any of this resonate with you?

If you're one of those rare people who have had one job your entire career, you've been spared what some consider hair raising. If you're offered a job and done your due diligence, you'll ask yourself (before you accept)

Is their mission statement aligned with my values?

Can I relate to the people I'll be working and collaborating with or do they seem like aliens?

Will my talent and skills be recognized and appreciated?

Does this role allow for continued learning and skill development?

Will the style of management be conducive to productivity to thrive and enjoy career satisfaction?

Is there a culture that supports transparency and open dialogue?

Company culture is VERY important when considering an offer. Ask yourself, "what are my wants and needs that will bring me career satisfaction and success?" This question/self reflection can be very helpful when making career decisions. Ask yourself if you'll be out of your element or does this feel like a comfortable shoe that "fits". (as much as possible in a new position). If your gut tells you it's not comfortable, find yourself another pair of shoes.

"Company culture is the silent language that echoes loudest in an organization's halls"

~ Enamul Hague ~

"THE PHONE INTERVIEW"

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:35:21 GMT

For some, a job interview is enough to make your skin crawl. As a career coach who has conducted hundreds of mock interviews, I find.this to be too often the case. I consider an interview like a first date (without the flirtatious looks). However, many interviews are not in-person or virtual. Sometimes a preliminary interview is conducted over the phone which has its pros and cons. An in-person/virtual interview allows the person being interviewed (interviewee?) the advantage of reading and picking up the interviewer's facial and body cues (and vice versa). 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. Be prepared to be asked the same kind of questions that might be asked of you in an in-person/virtual interview. I believe it's better to be over prepared than ill prepared. Wishing you many opportunities and good luck in your journey!

PHONE INTERVIEW TIPS (a few)

Be clear who is making the call and at what time
Schedule a time you know you'll have privacy and adequate time to talk
Speak where there are no distractions and noise (TV, human beings, 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 multitasking) - another advantage over face to face
Send thank you via email

Consider an interview the most formal date you'll ever have.

“I believe luck is preparation meeting opportunity. If you hadn’t been prepared when the opportunity came along, you wouldn’t have been lucky.”

~ Oprah Winfrey ~

"TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF"

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 21:08:35 GMT

The Interview question that most job seekers struggle to answer is, "Tell me about yourself". As a career coach specializing in interview preparation, I've learned that many job seekers have difficulty answering this question, unsure of what information to share and what to leave out. And too often, the answer is either too short, leaving out important aspects of one's background or too long, telling an epic story like "Gone With the Wind".

Oten this request, "Tell Me About Yourself" is the first question the interviewer will ask and it can set the tone for the rest of the interview, depending on how well you answer. This question is about your story - a snapshot of who you are, how and why you are their ideal candidate. If you don't "get it", it can throw you off and create unnecessary nervousness. This question is a short "window" of opportunity to showcase your skills and experience and what makes you unique.

Prepare a concise and compelling response that highlights your accomplishments and qualifications. Remember to keep your answer focused on your professional life and avoid sharing overly personal information (TMI). Oversharing personal information often leads into inappropriateness (the subject of another blog post).

Because this is an open-ended question, it's too easy to go off on a tangent, and get into the weeds. When this happens, you lose your audience and it's challenging to get their attention back since many people have a short attention span . They become easily distracted with a "wandering monkey mind", jumping from one thought to another, much like a monkey swinging from tree to tree. Not to mention, that in the current job market, hiring managers and HR professionals have limited time.

Stay focused and be intentional. Include relevant achievements that will demonstrate how you can add to their company bottom line. As a job seeker, it's your responsibility to know what your accomplishments are, why they were significant and the impact they've had in your career and the companies that employed you.

When you prepare a thoughtful response to this interview question, you'll be better equipped to impress the interviewer.

And being prepared gets you closer to a job offer!

"By Failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail"

~ Benjamin Franklin ~

"PROTECT YOURSELF"

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:59:11 GMT

Protect yourself when the unexpected happens -like a job layoff you didn't see coming. Perhaps the boss you loved left without warning, leaving you with the new boss from Hell.

Understandably, you're fearful about job security and your future feels uncertain. Many of us feel this uncertainty especially in the current employment climate.

While you can't control what other people do, You CAN control your own actions, creating a greater sense of empowerment and confidence.

If you don't safeguard what you value, you'll be unprotected from elements outside yourself - like being caught in a storm without shelter. Feeling vulnerable and anxious about what could happen next often arise - a feeling many of us have experienced too often.

You don't have to be a victim by the actions of others - especially in your job.

If you see the oncoming storm, prepare yourself before you become emotionally paralyzed, overwhelmed, and stuck. When these feelings kick in, it's hard to see beyond our rising negative thoughts and fear.

Protect yourself:

✅ Have an updated resume

✅ Always be networking

✅ Never burn bridges

✅ Engage with your connections

Avoid leaving yourself vulnerable to outside forces.

“The best lightning rod for your protection is your own spine.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

Best Friends

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 02:38:29 GMT

Sometimes , our best friends are not people.

If you’re a crazy dog lover like me, you get it. Unfortunately, I live in an apartment in NYC and I’m not allowed dogs but that doesn’t stop me from loving up every dog I encounter in my neighborhood. And if you’re a cat owner, perhaps your best friend is your cat. As an animal lover, I don’t find this unusual at all. And I imagine there are millions that would agree that would consider their pet their best friend. Who else loves you unconditionally? Who else runs around in circles or purrs whenever you come home? As long as you feed them and give them some attention, they love you and are loyal to the end.

If you’re a cat or dog owner, more than likely, you don’t regard your cat or dog as your pet. They’re family. Speaking of family…

Meet Tucker – this beautiful, sweet blonde labrador who lives with my sister and brother-in-law in New Hampshire. It wasn’t always a “Dog’s Life” for Tucker, at least not until my sister adopted him. From the moment she saw Tucker, she was determined to give him a better life – filled with love, play, lots of exercise, good food, lots of attention and a place to put his head down at night feeling loved and safe. I don’t think people are the only sentient beings who need to feel love and safety. It’s an assumption to think that animals don’t have a soul.

And now? One only has to see the love Tucker and my sister they have for each other. It’s beautiful to watch the devotion my sister and Tucker have for each other. As busy as her life is, she’s never too busy for her best friend. She says they’re soulmates. Crazy? Who cares – they give each other so much joy.

Tucker has been the best teacher for my sister. He reminds her of the importance of promises, being present, having fun in life, living in the NOW, and loving unconditionally. And he loves affection, even when he just wants to sleep. Somehow, he knows that it makes you happy to love him. He’s patient and sweet to his core.

Never underestimate where you’ll find your best friend and how much they can alter your life – even if they don’t speak a word. Love shows up in many ways, and often in the most unimaginable.

Tucker has changed our lives forever – and for the better.

We love you Tuck xoxo

I hope YOU have a Tucker in your life.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
~ Anatole France ~

Letting Go

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 02:45:38 GMT

Sometimes “letting go” is the best thing to do. I know what that feels like and it’s not as simple as saying “ok, now I’m going to let go of this thing I’m holding on to so tightly and want to control.” Unfortunately, it’s not that easy and real change doesn’t work that way. Letting go is no exception.

The fact remains that some things in life are beyond our control. Most of us know this, yet we still try to control outcomes, change a situation, change a person, or change their mind. I think it must be our human condition to want things to go our way all the time – a desire to live without suffering and discomfort. Wanting to change what might be unchangeable may not be the most creative and best use of our time. And it can lead to frustration and inner turmoil.

It seems to be a law of nature when we struggle with something, we meet resistance – mostly ourselves. It’s like coming to a dead end and there’s no place to go.

Please don’t spend another moment with things you cannot change. Knowing when to put down your struggle is not the same as giving up. Time is so precious and the inability to let go of what you cannot change might be holding you back. There’s a freeing up and sense of peace to let go of what might be tying you in a knot.

If you catch yourself wanting to control or change a situation, ask yourself “is this doable? Am i just spinning my wheels? Is this my ego wanting to be behind the steering wheel and can I really control this? If the answer is no, it just might be time to move on. And remember to keep moving forward…

“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

Time in Solitary

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 02:47:19 GMT

My two days in solitary were tranquil, insightful, reflective. An opportunity to get closer to myself. To hear only one voice – my own. I’ve come to enjoy the spaciousness of silence in solitary and the value in it. I find without it, the voice in my head is too loud, busy with noise that doesn’t serve me well. Noise that brings on my anxiety, and distracting thoughts.

As I continue to develop and grow, I seem to have a deeper appreciation of just being still. And the benefits of being in solitary are immeasurable. For some, that’s uncomfortable

I was not thrust into solitary confinement as in prison. Although, many people might look at it that way. I was on a solitary retreat, unplugged from all communication. I chose to do this, knowing that it could be challenging – a deeper looking.

No distractions, except for the voice in my head that kept saying, “maybe I should be doing something.” But the point of a solitary is to unwind from the noise and busyness of our daily lives. And for some, that may be doing nothing. Yet so much happens in the “nothingness.”

Spending time with myself on a solitary retreat, shut off from the “outside world” was an opportunity to get more intimate with myself. If I can’t be intimate with me, how can I be intimate with others? And I believe much of our happiness hinges on our ability to connect with others in a very authentic and human way. But I think intimacy has to start with ourselves.

I read, slept, meditated and sat with whatever thoughts came into my mind. I can’t say that every hour was a picnic. Because not every thought was pleasant. But I sat with what was. Not with fear, but with kindness and curiosity. I didn’t try to change anything or do anything. That’s something novel for me.

There’s a sense of liberation looking inwards, however difficult that may be. There’s a freedom in coming to grips with who I am and learning to like myself a bit more, in spite of my imperfections. All of us deserve to find that kind of inner peace.

I gave myself the gift of my time. I hope you can find what gifts you need. And then give them to yourself.

“Life’s most precious moments are not all loud or uproarious. Silence and stillness has their own virtues.”

~ Kilroy J. Oldster ~

Appreciate the Small Things

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 02:49:20 GMT

Appreciate the small things.

Appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.

Appreciate the people in your life.

Never take for granted what brings you joy.

After 17 months, I’m visiting family who live on the beautiful coast of Maine.

My heart has been filled since spending time with my sister and brother-in-law, and their sweet beautiful lab dog, Tucker. And my much awaited visit with my nephew who lights up my life and my two great nieces I could eat up.

I love and appreciate the natural beauty of the ocean that lifts my spirit and soothes my soul. I always feel like I’m “home” when I’m near the ocean, especially on the coast of Maine where my parents settled back in the mid 70’s. It brought them such pleasure to be in such a peaceful, beautiful environment. And I certainly can see why.

I can appreciate these happy memories of my parents, knowing how much they loved the coast of Maine and appreciated every day they could look upon this beauty.

This is the stuff joy is made of – at least for me. These are precious moments I savor and appreciate. And the memory of them will last a lifetime.

What do you value in your life?

And do you appreciate it?

“A grateful mindset can set you free from the prison of disempowerment and the shackles of misery.”
~ Steve Maraboli ~

Follow Up – Even When Ghosted

Thu, 20 May 2021 03:17:49 GMT

Have you been ghosted? And if so, did you still try to follow up? While it may feel uncomfortable to follow up even though you’ve been ghosted, it never hurts to see something through to the very end. Then you can say you tried your very best.

Has your client suddenly fallen off the planet? And that hiring manager who said you should expect an offer – is now MIA? Who hasn’t experienced the disappointment and surprise of a cut off communication, without any warning?

Electronic communication has made everything feel less personal and there are those who take liberty to disappear, not respond, and be outright inconsiderate.

This poor behavior is not the stuff good business relationships are made of. It’s bad business practice. And at some point it will catch up with those who engage by disengaging. Not that it makes the person who’s been ghosted feel any better but it’s a signal that karma really comes back to haunt us.

If you’ve been ghosted, it’s hard not to think that perhaps you did something wrong. But that’s rarely the case. Don’t take it personally – it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with the other person.

Having good follow up is a vital piece to building your brand, getting exposure, getting the interview, generating leads, and staying on top of business relationships.

You can’t afford to leave the ball in someone else’s court. You’ll be setting yourself up for disappointment by making assumptions. Take the high ground – DM, call, email, text, your business network!

Take the initiative – you can do this!

You’ll be remembered and respected for it…

“Not following up with your prospects is the same as filling up your bathtub without first putting the stopper in the drain.”
~ Michelle Moore ~

Your Inner Critic

Sun, 04 Apr 2021 03:19:50 GMT

Your inner critic is a powerful force.

It’s the voice of self-doubt.

If you don’t tell it to get lost

your inner critic will try to undermine you.

Crush your spirit.

Make you question yourself.

Diminish your self-esteem.

More than likely you inner critic

has been keeping you company for a long time.

It needs to be silenced.

And you need to part ways.

Let it go…

*question the negative thoughts of the inner critic
*practice self compassion
*develop awareness of your thoughts
*replace overly critical thoughts with accurate statements
*be patient and kind to yourself as you would a friend
*practice mindfulness meditation

Be aware of all the wonderful qualities that make up “you”

And let that be the loudest voice in your head.

“Try regarding your inner critic as something that lacks credibility – imagine it as a ridiculous character, like a silly cartoon villain.”
~ Rick Hanson, PhD ~

Self-Doubt

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 03:21:21 GMT

Self-doubt is not incurable.

Nor is self-doubt a life threatening disease.

Or a terminal medical condition.

But it’s very real for the person who suffers from it.

And lives with it day in and day out.

Self-doubt can be emotionally crippling

and steal your life from under you.

I often wonder why some of us have a more difficult time than others.

Could it be our conditioning?

Does society send us mixed messages that are confusing?

Whatever the reason is

self-doubt is not a life sentence.

Like a cancer in the body – it can be removed.

If we break the habit of self-criticism

And learn to see ourselves In positive new ways

that sheds light on our value and strengths.

Then we can replace self-doubt

with self-worth.

And the words we say to ourselves will be

“I love me.”

“When self-doubt creeps in, don’t ignore it – address it. Respond to harsh self-criticism with something more compassionate. Talk to yourself like a trusted friend and refuse to believe your unrealistic, negative inner monologue.”
~ Amy Morin ~

Losing a Job Is Emotionally Painful

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 03:23:00 GMT

Losing a job is emotionally painful and it can be a lonely experience.

It feels isolating and creates so much uncertainty.

I know the devastating impact of losing a job and the emotional and financial toll it takes. I understand what it feels like – because I’ve experienced it. And it wasn’t easy.

The hardest part about losing my job was the doubt that invaded my thoughts like a faithful shadow. I felt like a failure and found it hard to share my feelings with others. Who could possibly feel what I’m feeling? How wrong I was.

Hardships are not easy, otherwise they wouldn’t be called HARDships. But the edges can be softened by sharing what you’re going through with someone who values you. And we’re more likely to put those overwhelming feelings in a more realistic perspective.

Giving voice to what feels scary lightens our inner burden.

Loss of work definitely comes with baggage. But our work alone doesn’t define us. It isn’t our identity. We’re so much more than what ails us and gives us emotional pain.

And it doesn’t take away our character, uniqueness, or value as a person.

Nothing and no one can take that away from us.

"I do know one thing about me: I don’t measure myself by others’ expectations or let others define my worth."
~ Sonia Sotomayor ~

How To Leave A Winning Impression At A Job Interview

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 02:27:41 GMT

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". Of course you have to sell yourself and your unique skills. However, it's super important how you conduct yourself during the interview. 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 (sets a bad tone)
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)
Dress appropriately (see earlier post, "Dress For Success")
Send thank you email within 24 hours

I'll cover much more on the "etiquette" topic in future posts. This is just food for thought.

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - This is just a partial list of "do's" and "don'ts" at an interview. If you'd like to find out about some others, contact me at lrcareercoach@gmail.com

How Being Proactive Will Help You Get Hired

Sun, 31 Aug 2014 02:02:50 GMT

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 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. Being PROACTIVE will help get you hired. And…you'll feel like you're in control.

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

"I like to encourage people to realize that any action is a good action if it's proactive and there is positive intent behind it."
~ Michael J. Fox

Is This Job The Right Fit?

Sun, 17 Aug 2014 02:29:33 GMT

Looking for a job is a job in itself. There's research, networking, resume posting, interviewing, follow up, waiting for an offer, more follow up, negotiating the offer, blah blah blah. It's exhausting just thinking about the whole process. Does this sound familiar to you? If you're one of those people who has had one job your entire career, you've been spared what some consider hair raising.

If you're offered a job and done your due diligence, you'll ask yourself (before you accept) if this is an environment you can see yourself spending 8-9 hours a day, 5 days a week. Can you relate to the people you'll be working with or do they seem like aliens from another planet? Will you be comfortable in a business suit when you're used to dressing in jeans? Will the style of management be conducive to you being productive or will you work for someone who is disrespectful or a raging lunatic?

Company culture is VERY important when considering a position. Ask yourself if you'll be out of your element or does this feel like a comfortable shoe that "fits". If it doesn't feel comfortable, find yourself another pair of shoes.

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you feel undecided about your next career move, contact me at lrcareercoach@gmail.com so I can help point you in the right direction.

"A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers."
~ Plato

My Job Is Great So Why Am I Uninspired?

Sat, 31 May 2014 02:31:16 GMT

Does this sound like you? "I'm well compensated, respected and valued at my job so why do I feel discontented and disconnected?" This is a recent concern coming from one of my coaching clients. He's been working at the same company for 7 years and knows "he has it made" but feels an inexplicable unrest. The company is solid so he's not working in an unstable environment.

Do you have similar feelings about your job and reflect on the same question, "My job is great so why am I uninspired?" Perhaps it's time to take a hard look at what's really going on.

I'm a firm believer that even though we may be well compensated at work, if we're not challenged or inspired, it might be time to re-evaluate what's important and make a change. If you're like me, you thrive when you're motivated and have opportunity to use your skills and talents. Isn't this one of the reasons you spent a zillion dollars in getting a degree so you could develop an expertise, gain knowledge and put it to use? And if you never got your degree, more than likely you've tried to position yourself to acquire a certain skill set. Either way, you've paid your dues in some form and want to reap the emotional benefits.

Being true to ourselves requires honesty, courage and kindness. If we want our professional lives to be fulfilling, we just might have to step out of our comfort zone…

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you're feeling uninspired with your career or job, contact me at lrcareercoach@gmail.com to learn about my program to help get you "unstuck."

"We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment."
~ Hilaire Belloc

The Big No-No At Networking Events

Sat, 17 May 2014 02:32:27 GMT

Many of us know how important networking can be particularly if you're in career transition, job search or want to develop new business relationships. There are so many ways today we can connect on a professional level with others since social media has become all the rage but networking remains one of the best ways to meet other professionals who just might be in a position to help you and vice versa. Meeting others face to face can be the most effective way to leave a lasting impression (I'm referring to a good lasting impression). This was not my experience the other night when I went to a professional networking event.

I attended an event in a club where there were about 50 people scattered around in groups talking to one another while sipping their drinks - very social and "network friendly", right? What surprised me was the number of people who were by themselves talking/texting on their smartphones. Is this a new form of networking I'm not familiar with? Maybe they were talking to someone across the room but were too shy or lazy to meet face to face? Have you experienced this at professional networking events and did you have the same response as me? Do you find this a professional "no-no" and a turnoff?

How can we expect someone to want to engage with us if we appear disengaged? What kind of message are we sending out? Networking can be challenging and uncomfortable but it gets easier with practice particularly IF YOU TALK TO PEOPLE AND PUT AWAY THE DISTRACTIONS!!!!

People are more likely to want to connect with you if your lasting impression was a positive one….

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you need some tips on how to become a better networker, please email me at lrcareercoach@gmail.com and I can give you some pointers.

"Many believe effective networking is done face-to-face, building a rapport with someone by looking at them in the eye, leading to a solid connection and foundational trust.,"
~ Raymond Arroyo

Interview Tip: Know Your Value & Personal Brand

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 02:33:43 GMT

How many interview tips have you stored in your memory only to forget them during an interview? There's so much information out there about interviewing it can be overwhelming and confusing.
Not to mention that one career expert often contradicts another. Have you experienced this? When I was a recruiter, my candidates would complain about this constantly.

The best question to ask is this: "If I were interviewing a potential employee, what would be important to me when hiring? What would I like to see conveyed in the interview?"

INTERVIEW TIP 101 - Know Your Value & Personal Brand

If you don't know why you should be hired over the next guy, don't expect the interviewer to know either. If you convey one thing only in a job interview, know what makes you unique and how you can add to their bottom line. It's no longer good enough to say, "you want to hire me because I'm hardworking." Truth is, you're expected to be hardworking when you're getting paid to do a job. Nowadays, you have to stand out (see blog: "Common Job Interview Pitfalls")

So, next interview be prepared to answer the "Why Hire You?" question. A good way to do this is to:
convey your unique traits, strengths, talents

talk about your work accomplishments

back everything up with specific measurables

Knowing your value is something you should be prepared to discuss without pause and with total conviction.

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you're having trouble figuring out your special uniqueness, please email at lrcareercoach@gmail.com , and I can help point you in the right direction.

"Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are."

~ Malcolm Forbes

What Does An Employer Really Want to Know In A Job Interview?

Sat, 11 May 2013 02:35:09 GMT

In today's competitive job market, it's no longer good enough to just show up at a job interview looking spiffy with a nicely written resume and an enthusiastic attitude. Actually, that was never good enough. Most of us liked to fool ourselves into thinking it was (or maybe I did). In the small window of opportunity of the average interview, we have to demonstrate how we're more unique than the 100 people who are waiting to be interviewed for the same job.

Ask yourself, "what does an employer really want to know about me"? In my previous posts I've talked about the importance of knowing one's accomplishments, transferrable skills and how you can add to a potential employers' bottom line. Obviously, one has to convey that during the interview (even if not asked!). A job interview is not the best place to be shy about tooting your own horn (of course don't be obnoxious either. That could be another post).

So, where am I going with all this? While it's crucial to know your unique value, you also have to be prepared for some classic (and unoriginal) questions that will be hurled your way. As a former recruiter, I've heard of interviews that went south because the most basic questions were poorly or inappropriately answered. The question in question is, "why are you interested in this position"? I have typically heard, "I'm interested in this position because it's an opportunity to learn a new skill and I enjoy learning." No one ever got hired because they enjoy learning. They get hired because of what they can bring to the table from day one with the transferrable skills they have developed. Of course it's important to be interested in learning. You don't keep your job or get promoted if you don't learn. But it's not enough reason for a potential employer to hire you.

The next time you're asked the obligatory question, "why are you interested in this position"? the answer that's likely to impress is, "this position seems to be aligned with my capabilities and it gives me opportunity to utilize the skills I've developed in an impactful way."

No one ever said the interview process was easy but it's less likely to be intimidating the better you're prepared.

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

"Fortune favors the prepared mind."
- Louis Pasteur