Networking isn’t just about handing out business cards or adding connections on LinkedIn. Networking involves forming meaningful relationships, exchanging knowledge and opening doors to new opportunities.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, effective networking can unlock hidden job prospects, provide valuable industry insights and ultimately lead you to your dream role. In this blog, I explore the transformative power of networking and offer practical tips to help you leverage your connections for career success.

Access the Hidden Job Market

In the landscape of the job market, it’s often said that the best opportunities are not advertised. This phenomenon, known as the “hidden job market,” exists for several reasons, highlighting the critical importance of personal networks in job searching. The reasons include:

• Cost and efficiency:
  Advertising job roles, using a recruitment company, screening candidates and interviews requires significant resources and can become a costly exercise. S so it makes sense for a businesses, business owners and hiring managers to turn to their professional networks.
• Trust and reliability:
  Hiring through personal referral sources yields candidates who come with a trusted recommendation. This can significantly reduce the perceived risk associated with hiring a new employee.
• Access to passive candidates
  Many highly qualified professionals are not actively looking for new job opportunities and may not respond to job advertisements. However, they might be open to considering a new role if approached directly by a trusted contact.

The Power of Networking

It is estimated that up to 85% of job openings are filled through networking. Don’t underestimate the power of building connections and networking. A significant percentage of jobs are filled through referrals and internal networks. Networking helps you tap into these hidden opportunities.

Networking is critical for job hunting for several key reasons:

1. Building Relationships:
   Developing relationships with professionals in your field can lead to valuable advice, mentorship and guidance. These connections can offer insights into industry trends, company cultures and job openings.
2. Enhanced Credibility:
   When someone within your network refers you for a job, it often carries more weight than a cold application. A recommendation from a trusted employee can significantly boost your chances of securing an interview and ultimately getting hired.
3. Information and Insights:
   Networking allows you to gather firsthand information about potential employers, including their hiring processes, expectations, and work environment. This knowledge can help you tailor your applications and prepare more effectively for interviews.
4. Career Development and Growth:
   Networking is not just about finding a job; it’s about long-term career growth. Regularly interacting with professionals in your industry can help you stay updated on new developments, enhance your skills, and open up opportunities for advancement.
5. Support and Motivation:
   Job hunting can be a challenging and sometimes discouraging process. A strong network provides emotional support, encouragement, and motivation. Peers who have gone through similar experiences can offer advice and help you stay positive and motivated.
6. Skill Development:
   Networking events, professional groups and industry conferences provide opportunities to develop soft skills such as communication, negotiation and public speaking. These skills are valuable in the job market and can enhance your employability.
7. Creating Opportunities:
   By actively networking, you position yourself to be in the right place at the right time. Opportunities can arise unexpectedly through conversations and connections that might not have happened otherwise.
8. Personal Branding:
   Regularly interacting with professionals and sharing your expertise helps build your personal brand. Over time, you become known as a knowledgeable and reliable professional in your field, which can attract job offers and professional opportunities.

Remember, networking is a multifaceted strategy that enhances your job search by providing access to opportunities, offering critical industry insights, building your credibility and supporting your long-term career development.

10 Tips for Effective Networking

To help you network and potentially secure your next job opportunity read A Guide to Networking for Your Next Job, which includes 10 tips for effective networking. When followed and done consistently you will find that you can effectively grow your network, elevate your personal brand and enjoy the process!

You may also like to follow me on Instagram for insightful and practical career and networking tips. If you are frustrated by your job search journey, I encourage you to book a complimentary 15 minute Career Chat with me to support your next career move.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post Career Coach Insights: The Power of Networking appeared first on Letz Create.

In my experience and working with lots of job seekers, the interview is also one of the most stressful parts of the job search. You probably have lots of questions running through your mind. Are you the right fit for the organisation? What will they ask you at the interview? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What will you wear? Will you be able to get the video link working before the interview? Should you arrive early? You’ll be asked questions, some you can answer confidently, and others that may make you feel uncomfortable or worse completely unprepared with an answer. There’s a lot to consider before the interview even begins.

It’s also likely that you’ll be up against other impressive shortlisted candidates. So how can you ensure you stand out to make it to the final selection? Let’s understand the types of interviews and identify how you can achieve interview success and a job offer.

Types of Interviews

There are many different types of interviews. Here’s some examples of the styles of interviews.

Initial Screening Interview

This is the initial interview by the hiring manager. This can be via phone or video call, and is a critical first step in the interview process. It can often be in a group setting or individual, and is a key event where the hiring manager will either select you to go through to the next round, or opt your application out of the screening process.

Digital Interview

The digital interview is more of a screening interview to assess your suitability for the role relative to other applicants. It involves being interviewed via phone or computer and you will be provided with questions and have a time limit to answer. If you are shortlisted you are likely to be invited to a face to face interview.

Face to Face Interview

In many cases face to face interviews are held by a combination of hiring managers, business owners or the Human Resources department.

The good news is that if you are invited to a face to face interview, the organisation are likely to be impressed by your application. They will want to meet you and find out more about great things you’ve featured on your cover letter and resume when you applied for the role. It’s possible you also did well in a screening or digital interview and this is the next stage of the application process. Well done!

The bad news is that many of my clients find the face to face interview to be one of the scariest steps in the job application process. Most of the time this comes down to being nervous and unprepared.

Panel Interview

While face to face interviews can involve more than one person in the room running the interview, you can guarantee that you’ll be outnumbered in a panel interview! This style of interview involves being interviewed by three or four different types of people. It normally means the role has multiple stakeholders and each of these stakeholders needs be part of the interviewing process. Again, being invited to a panel interview (assuming it is not a group interview) is also a positive sign that you have impressed the organisation with your job application. And the reality is, there can be many steps and several interviews as part of this journey.

What does it Take to Stand Out at the Job Interview?

Whatever type of interview you are facing, the key factor to be successful at the job interview is to BE PREPARED. And this is where I spend a lot of time with my clients who are in the job search phase of their career journey and actively applying for roles. We work through a list of possible questions they may be asked and take the time to construct effective responses and consider all of the potential scenarios. We also discuss the types of interview and I take them through my checklists for preparing for these different interview situations.

If you are actively applying for jobs, here are my 5 key success factors. These tips will help you be prepared for your next interview and help you stand out. 

1. Be very clear what the key selection criteria is for the job

This is the number one element that the interviewer will be considering when they interview you. Take the time to review the key selection criteria. Note the language used and the outcomes they want from the role and be prepared to talk about your suitability for these.

2. Identify key achievements that meet the key selection criteria

Your ability to demonstrate how you have achieved what they are looking for will set you apart from the rest of the applicants. I often find that my clients need my help drawing out these key achievements. They have been so immersed in their roles they have not taken the time to consider what they’ve achieved and how to describe these succinctly and powerfully in an interview situation.

3. Create success stories using the STAR method

The STAR method requires you to explain a prior work situation anecdotally, provide details regarding the tasks required, what actions you took to achieve those tasks, and the results of the situation.

Letz-Create-Star-Method-interview

It’s a great way to provide structure to how you answer questions and deliver answers with impact and relevance. My clients who prepare for their job interview using the STAR method feel much more confident about their ability to answer questions, especially those more curly questions they may NOT have prepared for.

Here’s a list of 10 popular STAR interview questions.

• Tell us about a difficult decision you’ve faced in the last year.
• Can you please describe a decision you made that was unpopular and how you handled implementing it?
• Describe a stressful situation at work and how you handled it.
• You indicated on your resume team building is one of your strengths. Can you please describe an experience in which you used your team building abilities?
• Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low)?
• Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively?
• Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa)?
• Provide an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.
• Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or coworker.
• Give me an example of a time when you tried to accomplish something and failed?

4. Prepare at least ten scenarios

It’s then essential to prepare at least 10 scenarios of how you will respond to possible questions. While some of the questions above may be relevant to the roles you are applying for, there may be scenarios more specific to your role or industry. This is why it’s important to work with a Career & Job Search Coach in this phase to develop likely scenarios, rather than generic ones.

5. Rehearse your answers as much as you can

You didn’t learn to ride a bike the first time you got on it, and you will not be 100% comfortable talking about yourself in an interview without rehearsing these scenarios and your responses to the possible interview questions. Investing the time to practice will help you stand out in the interview. Preparing your answers is also a great way to build your confidence, which is an essential part of making sure you present the best version of you in the interview.

If you follow these steps, you have put yourself in a much stronger position to impress and stand out at the job interview. When you are prepared, confident and ace the job interview, you’ll find your career success. You may also like to read the article The Importance of Asking the Right Questions at the Interview where I cover some questions you can ask to ensure it’s the right role for you.

Interview Coaching & Preparation

It’s really easy to allow your nerves get the better of you at interview. It’s the one thing many people struggle with when applying for jobs and they get to the next stage. Appearing confident, calm and at ease helps you stand out. This can be achieved by being prepared for common interview questions and having responses ready with examples to demonstrate your capabilities. If this is something you struggle with and need some further support, you may be interested in Interview Coaching. Remember, the secret to your interview and success is how prepared you are.

If you are currently job searching and need support with Interview Coaching, I encourage you to book a 15 Minute Career Chat to learn more, click here to book a time.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post How to Stand Out at Your Job Interview appeared first on Letz Create.

My mission is to help you achieve confidence and success in your career.  As an experienced Career Practitioner I spend most of my days having conversations with people who have so many thoughts circling in their heads.  They feel undervalued by their employers or have simply lost that loving feeling towards their work and believe it’s time to consider a different career path.  In other cases they want to escape a job they hate, or they have a toxic workplace culture and they worry that this will stop them from securing future job opportunities in other organisations.

The problem with feeling this way is that it’s often hard to ‘see straight’.  Without my guidance I have seen many people resign from their jobs in frustration, as a way to protect or maintain their sanity, or apply for the wrong types of jobs.  In both cases, this action is taken because they mistakenly think leaving is their only way to make a change.

But this is not you!

You are more methodical and understand that change takes time and you need to carefully research and consider your options before leaving gainful employment.

You know not to apply for roles that won’t serve you well in the medium to longer term.

You know you need to mix things up and make a change but you’re not sure where to start.

If I am describing you, I’m so glad you found me! If I’m not describing you, but you’d like to change, you’re welcome to read on too.

Right & Wrong Reasons for Changing Careers

Making the decision to change careers is not for the faint hearted.  A better way to describe a career change is a ‘career transition’ or even a ‘career transformation’.  It takes time and a lot of hard work, which is worth it if you carefully consider your reasons for change and the steps you need to take.

The good news is that there’s no right or wrong reason for wanting to make a change in career direction.  Some say change is better than a holiday, but when it comes to changing careers there is a lot more involved than booking a trip and getting travel insurance.

Some people are not happy in their current career and do not see themselves settled in that industry for at least 5 years.

Some people want to change careers because they are not satisfied with the income generated by their current career.

Some people change careers because they’re bored of the routine day-to-day work in their current profession.

Some people are seeking a work life balance lifestyle and their current role does not allow for this.

What’s important is that you’ve acknowledged that you may need to make some sort of change and you’re willing to reflect on whether changing careers is for you.

The decision to change your career is not an easy one. There are a lot of factors that need to be taken into consideration before you make the leap. It’s important to do your research and prepare yourself for any potential obstacles that you might face.

The more you know about the factors that will impact your career change, the more prepared you will be to handle them.  You know the saying – fail to plan, plan to fail.

Create the right environment as you answer these questions

It is so important for you to acknowledge that unsettled feeling you have about your current role, desire for change and prospective job opportunities.  You need to do the necessary reflection and consider your answers to these questions before embarking on a career change.

By answering these questions you will be better equipped to figure out whether a career change is for you or not.

Let’s get ready to get started.

I’d like you to get a piece of paper, or even a journal, your favourite pen and sit in a quiet and private spot where you will not be interrupted.  You may even like to pour yourself a refreshing glass of water or a comforting cup of your favourite tea.

Take a few deep breaths to acknowledge and honour this time with yourself and then write each of these questions (and your answers) on the paper or in the journal.

Let your words flow freely.

If you do not like writing, you may prefer to say this out aloud.  Ask yourself the question out aloud and then share your answer out aloud. Don’t be embarrassed. It’s only you who’s listening.

The beauty of taking the time to do this is that what you write or say may surprise you!

And that’s the point of this exercise.

When you dig deep and spend this sacred time with yourself, you are allowing yourself to really consider if career change is the right thing for you.

15 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Consider a Career change

Let’s begin…

1. Why am I considering a career change?
2. What do I want in my next role?
3. What are the specific career goals I would like to achieve?
4. What skillsets can be put to better use elsewhere?
5. Would I really be happier somewhere else?
6. Why is now the right time to make a change?
7. What other changes should I be considering as well, or instead?
8. What emotions am I feeling about my desire for change?*
9. How are these emotions helping or hindering me?
10. How can I use previous experiences with managing change to help me now?
11. What might prevent me from moving forward with my plan?
12. What steps can I take to prepare for the transition?
13. What resources do I need to make the change?
14. Who else could help me as I explore this?
15. How badly do I want to make this change?

Your answers to these questions will help you decide whether a career change is for you. Once you’ve answered these questions, sit quietly and take some deep breaths.  While there’s no harm in making a list of your actions as you settle on your decision, do let this exercise settle within you over the next few days before taking any drastic action.

Once you are clear that a career change is for you, make a plan, get your resources updated and start your new journey.  And if you need any help along the way, please ask!

*If you’re having trouble naming your emotions, please refer to this List of Core Emotions, thanks to Brené Brown.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post The Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Consider a Career Change appeared first on Letz Create.

If you are thinking about making a career change – you are not alone! A SEEK study* has revealed that 57% of Australian employees are considering making a career change in the future. The top 3 reasons people wanted to make a career change included more earning potential, want to do something more fulfilling or want to pursue their passion.

Proven Tips to Set Yourself up for a Successful Career Change

Here are my proven tips for how to ensure your career change is a success.

Identify What You Want in Your Next Job

The first step in preparing for a career change is to figure out what you want from your next job. Here are a list of questions I’d like you to write down in a journal and answer. Please take the time to do this as it’s the work you do now that will influence your success in the future.

• Do you want to work remotely?
• Do you want more flexibility in your schedule?
• What particular elements of your skill do you feel will be helpful in the long run?
• What is it that you want out of your next job?
• Do you want to work on something more creative?
• Do you want to move up the ladder and have more responsibility?

Be Prepared to Play the Long Game

Career change does not happen overnight and you need to focus on playing the long game.  If you’re not sure what I mean by ‘the long game’, here’s a great definition from Psychology Today.

“Playing the long game means taking the necessary steps, now, to set yourself up for long-term success. It means not sacrificing long-term gains for short-term wins. Unless something unexpected happens, you’re looking at anywhere from a 30-50 year career.”

In the future, when you look back on the steps you’ve taken to make the change you desire, it will feel more like a career transition.  There’s really no one point in time when things will change. It’s gradual and you need to be patient.  It’s therefore important you ‘adjust your settings’ and develop a long-term plan.

Successfully transitioning careers can be a daunting task. To be successful, here are some things that you have to keep in mind:

• Understand your motivations and take advantage of the opportunity.
• Be resilient and persistent when it comes to overcoming challenges and setbacks.
• Create your own opportunities.

Set Specific Goals

Balanced with this idea of ‘the long game’ is the need for you to set specific goals for yourself.  This will help you focus and stay motivated as you build momentum.  Here’s an example of goals you may set for yourself.

• Buy a journal and pen dedicated to capturing your action plan for career change.
• Allocate at least 1-2 hours per week to working on the steps in this article.
• Make a list of the people I know who currently work in the jobs or industries I am exploring.
• Arrange a coffee catch up each fortnight with someone on this list.
• Research the qualifications required for the jobs I am considering changing to.
• Follow me on LinkedIn for regular career updates.

Do Your Research

Spend some time researching the new industries you are considering changing to.  This report from LinkedIn is great resource to help you identify potential jobs or industries that interest you. It details the 15 Australian roles that are growing in demand. LinkedIn states that:

“No matter what stage of your career you’re in, this list provides insight into where the workforce is heading and where long-term opportunity lies — whether you’re looking to make a career pivot, get back into the workforce or invest in skills that will prepare you for the future.”

LinkedIn is also an incredible source of industry information. I recommend you follow the LinkedIn company pages of relevant industry peak bodies and companies you’d like to work for to stay informed about industry news and potential job opportunities.  Connect with leaders in the industry and ask their advice on what attributes they’re looking for. You’d be surprised how helpful people can be!

This research step is essential to help you find ways to start gaining experience in your new field before you actually make the jump.  Consider voluntary, as well as paid roles.  SEEK Volunteer provides an extensive list of voluntary opportunities.

Check For Values Alignment

It’s also important to make sure that the new industry aligns with your values and what makes you tick. Take the time to identify your values.  Write them down. Spend some time journaling why these are important to you and how this translates to the type of role, industry and environment you’d like to be in.

One of the reasons you’re planning to make a career change is similar to what the SEEK study revealed.  You want to do something more fulfilling, or something that is more aligned with what’s important to you.  The more time you spend considering your values and what’s important to you, the greater your success will be in making the right move in your career change.

Build a Compelling Personal Brand

Your professional reputation matters and it’s therefore essential that you focus on building your professional relationships in real life and via online professional networking tools like LinkedIn. Once you’ve started to develop a sense of which types of roles and industries you’re exploring, I recommend you attend networking events for these industries. It’s a great way for you to make important connections and explore how to position your skill set.

If you’d like some help identifying your transferrable skills and having these networking conversations, I can help!

It’s also important you’re presenting the best version of you on LinkedIn, so make sure your profile is up to date and includes all the relevant information about your skills and experience. Update your photo, headline and contact information and spend time engaging in conversations via your LinkedIn newsfeed.  You may even like to activate the Open to Work feature and notify recruiters of the types of roles you are looking for. To find out more about this LinkedIn feature please visit LinkedIn Help here.

Commit Time to Your Action Plan

By committing time to taking action you will build momentum faster and make the incremental changes needed for a successful career change. The clients who I have helped make a successful career change have included the following activities in their action plan:

• Look for and identify opportunities that interest me.
• Start communicating with my employer about what I am thinking of transitioning to.
• Get educated about my new field of interest – learn skills on my own time or take courses that are relevant to that field.
• Try interning or volunteering in the new field for a couple months to get more experience before making the final decision to switch careers completely.
• Start networking with people in the new industry.
• Read blogs, listen to podcasts and watch videos by industry experts.
• Ask for advice from friends who have made similar transitions successfully.

LinkedIn Learning and Google Digital Garage are just two examples of free learning resources. Side note – most local libraries provide their members with free access to LinkedIn Learning.

It’s my hope that these proven tips and examples of activities from clients who’ve successfully made a career change will also help you achieve the success you deserve.  If you would like a confidential and obligation free conversation about your plans for career change, please contact me today!

Resources:

* https://www.seek.com.au/employer/hiring-advice/australian-candidates-changing-careers

**https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/your-awesome-career/202006/playing-the-long-game#:~:text=Play%20the%20long%20game.,a%2030%2D50%20year%20career

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post How to Set Yourself Up For Career Change Success! appeared first on Letz Create.

Do not fret. I am here to support your job search journey and wrote today’s article with you in mind, because it’s so important for you to stay focused when you’re looking for a job. As a job seeker, you need to maintain your confidence whilst going through the tough reality of rejections, very limited, if any, feedback and feeling stuck about what to do next.

Adapting the PERMA Model to Your Job Search Journey

So let’s start with a helpful acronym based on the PERMA model. This helps you consider the key things to focus on to keep mentally strong. I’ll then talk you through what each of these mean, and provide some easy steps to follow so you can tackle this season of your life.

P ositive emotions

E ngagement

R elationships

M eaning

A ccomplishments

Positive Emotions

If you focus on the negative, then this is what will consume you. And that’s not helpful when you’re in active job search (or in life generally!). Instead, it’s essential to focus on what is going right and what you are grateful for. It’s also helpful to visualise where you’d like to be heading and what you are hopeful about. The aim is to get those endorphins going by calling up your positive emotions.

Recall a recent life event that gave you joy. Spend time really thinking about it and remembering all of the details. What could you hear, who was there, what did everything look like? Close your eyes as you do this and allow yourself to smile and dwell on how you felt in this moment.

When you’re feeling the warm and fuzzier from this exercise, write down some positive mantras that you can say to yourself.  These will be helpful to say over and over to yourself when you are preparing your resume for a job application or trying to remember to breathe before your next phone or video interview.

Here are some examples of positive mantras:

• I am professional.
• I am an amazing team member.
• I am an asset to this organisation.
• I am just what this department needs right now.

Engagement

When you are in active job search you can become consumed by the job hunt. I understand that you’re keen to get a new role, but all work and no play is not good for you.  You need to create structure in your day with rituals that will help you call up the positive emotions mentioned above.

Here’s some of the ways you can do this:

• Write in a journal each day or week and consider what you are grateful for.
• Spend time each each day in nature. Appreciate the smells, the sounds and the beauty that is all around you, if you’re looking.
• Learn to meditate. Insight Timer is a wonderful (and free) App that gives you access to guided meditations from practitioners around the world.

I also encourage you to participate in activities that you love.  Make a list of the small rituals in your day that bring you joy and write them on a post-it note. Put the post-it note somewhere you can see often. Maybe you like to listen to classical music, or you enjoy a good chat with a friend, drinking tea, reading, listening to a podcast or baking.  Make the list and do at least one of these each day.

Also consider what you do well and make sure you spend time doing this on a regular basis.  This could be playing a certain sport, playing a musical instrument or applying your valued skills by helping those around you.

Relationships

It’s easy to disconnect from others in this increasingly digital world where so many people are spending time on their devices. I encourage you to consider how you can be building better relationships with the people around you a well as exploring building some new relationships.

Now is a good time to do activities with others that will allow you to further connect.

• Join a group around a hobby you are passionate about. Meet Ups offer a wide variety of options people with similar interests to meet up (online and in real life) and discuss these interests.
• Check out the volunteer options via SEEK Volunteer. This is also a great way to develop new skills and explore industries and organisations you’re interested in. Giving back also helps encourage those positive emotions.
• Reach out to people that can help you with the job/industry you are interested in. Find out if these industries have a peak body that runs networking events. Again, do some online research.
• Create new connections online via LinkedIn.

Meaning

Another important way to stay mentally strong is to have a purpose beyond your job search.  Create a bigger vision for yourself, and your life. Understand what is really important to you and allow that to motivate you. Perhaps it’s your family, your friends or a personal passion. It may even be your fur baby!

I believe we should all have a passion project.  These are the things we do just because we enjoy them. For some people it’s photography or learning a new language. Consider something you’ve always wanted to learn and spend some time each day or week developing this skill.

Good habits such as exercise and healthy eating should not be overlooked when you explore what is important in your life right now. Staying active and eating well means ensuring physical activities like a daily walk, your meal planning and weekly food shop are a priority in your regular schedule.  Doing this requires your attention and is a great way to add more meaning to your life by putting yourself and your own health first.

If you’re keen to work on your professional skills, LinkedIn Learning can be accessed for free via most local library memberships and offers a wide range of professional development. You can also investigate the Google Digital Garage for digital skills. Hubspot is also a great resource for a variety of sales and marketing skills. Do some googling and see what you can find.

Accomplishments

Make a list of what you have achieved in the past, reflect on these accomplishments and take a moment to pat yourself on the back.  Think about what you have achieved from a professional and personal perspective. If you find it hard to do this, ask the people around you to help. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what they consider some of your accomplishments to be.

Keep this list handy and when you are feeling a little deflated, use this list as a reminder of your past achievements to keep your momentum going.  This exercise will also help remind you that you’ve achieved much in the past and you will achieve more in the future.

Stay Strong

Being in active job search is a chapter of your life that requires you to be mentally strong. While it’s essential to have a support crew around you, including a loving partner and a trusted mentor or career and job search coach like me, it’s also just as important for you to be there for yourself.

It is my hope that these suggestions for how to stay mentally strong will provide you with a greater sense of purpose as you continue on your adventure to find your next job.  Remember that all of your story is yet to unfold.  You are capable of great things and you will be an invaluable team member at your next job.  If you believe this, you will give hiring managers and recruiters the confidence to believe in you too!

If you are in active job search or have a family member, friend or colleague who needs some extra support in their job search, I can help.  I partner with men and women to provide clarity and guidance on achieving a more satisfying career. I will support you until you get a job and can review your CV, prepare you for interviewing and help you navigate the open & hidden market to find your ideal job.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post How to Stay Mentally Strong When You are Looking for a Job appeared first on Letz Create.

But what if this is not your natural response and it’s much easier to say no? Up until recently, saying no had been my default, and it’s this personal experience that I’d like to share with you today.

There is a certain seduction in saying no and it was pointed out to me, whilst working with a coach, that when I was asked to consider a new approach I immediately said no. This insight got me thinking about why I tend to say no immediately rather than yes. If I said yes, I was committing to an opportunity that I had no idea if it would work or not. It felt ambiguous and unknown, and I was not comfortable with not having all of the details. How could I possibly commit to an idea that had no structure or any guarantee that it would succeed?

I realised that this response was attached to my self belief. Can I do it?

Hence, the seduction of no and not believing I can do it!

It is easier to say no to reduce the chance of failing.

It is easier to say no to avoid making mistakes.

It is easier to say no because then I don’t have to take a risk.

But what I have come to realise is that life is not about what is easier. And what I am noticing is that saying yes to discomfort is often when the magic really happens. It can sometimes be a more challenging path, but it can also be a much more rewarding one.

Self Belief is the Key to Success

What I have learnt is to trust myself more, and to be okay about saying yes to the unknown.  I just needed to believe in myself more and surround myself with people who remind me “Marina, yes you can!”

Believing I can work it out and make it succeed is proving to make all the difference! Self belief is at the heart of helping me achieve the success I desire in my business and career.

The 4 Questions You Must Ask Yourself in 2021 for Career Success

So why am I writing about this? As a passionate advocate of helping others do work that challenges and inspires them, I’m curious to know if you’re holding yourself back by using no as your ‘go to’ when opportunities arise?

If you do, I encourage you to reflect on your ‘go to’ responses and consider the following questions:

1. If you consistently say NO to opportunities, what is that saying about you?
2. What is your NO attached to?
3. In what ways can you build your self worth to take on new and unknown opportunities?
4. By saying NO, what opportunities are you missing out on?

In other words, how is your NO seducing you?

There is no time like the present to consider why you’re choosing to stay stuck rather than aspiring for new opportunities.

Make 2021 the year of saying YES! And if you’d like to be surrounded by someone who reminds you “Yes, you can!” please contact me for a confidential chat about your career.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post The 4 Questions You Must Ask Yourself in 2021 for Career Success appeared first on Letz Create.

The Australian Government provides invaluable information on where it predicts jobs will be in the near future. These insights are provided for those thinking about their next career move, whether you are in the mid stage of your career or a school leaver.

The insights shared by the Australian Government here, state that “employer needs can change quickly. Workers who are willing to learn, gain experience and build their skills will be well placed to find and keep a job”.

The number and type of job openings available in the future will depend on things like:

• Turnover (workers leaving their job to do things like study, move to another job, care for a family member, retire or travel)
• Demand for goods and services
• Demand for resources
• Changes in technology.

There are 7 ways you can reboot your career to make the most of these opportunities.

1. Identify your strengths and weaknesses

By better understanding your strengths and weaknesses you can identify the opportunities most relevant tor you and understand which skills you need to work on. There are a variety of free online tools that provide a good starting point to help you do this. Take this VIA Institute of Character survey to identify your strengths.

2. Identify the factors that are important to you

When making a change it’s important to consider factors that fit your current and desired lifestyle, including the location you’d like to work, your salary, job security, work hours, flexibility and the general fit with your life goals.

3. Training and Development

The Australian Government’s projections expect there will be many new jobs for Professionals, Community and Personal Service Workers.  Some of the jobs expected to grow the the most are:

• Registered Nurses
• Aged and Disabled Carers
• Accountants
• Electricians

If you are interested in pursuing any of these types of roles or have identified weaknesses or skills that need to improve in step one, then it might be time to consider enrolling in relevant training to help you up-skill. This may include a short course, TAFE or tertiary qualifications. TAFE Victoria now offers many free courses which you can find out more about here.

4. Set Goals

Making a change requires making a commitment to yourself. By setting one or two goals related to these steps or your desired change, you are more likely to take action. It may also be a good idea to share your goals with a friend or colleague who will help keep you on track.

5. Create Opportunities

Many new opportunities can be created by talking to your network. Once you’ve set your goals, consider who you can talk to within and beyond your industry. This is a very good time to seek a mentor to help guide you. This may be a family member who’s had experience in the career path you are considering, or it may be a friend or colleague who’s had experience that can help inform your choices.

Also consider the many opportunities available via volunteering your time and expertise for relevant causes. You can search volunteer roles here via Seek Volunteer.

6. Have the Right Mind Set

When I talk to clients about preparing for making a change, I encourage them to be curious.  Being eager to know and learn something when you are in conversations with others has a wonderful way of inviting others along on your journey with you. When you are in conversations at networking events with professionals who can point you in the right direction, they are more likely to create opportunities for you when you are open to learning and curious about what they know and can teach you.

7. Take Action

I do a lot of work with clients who struggle with the mindset I described in step six because they feel stuck. I understand that it’s sometimes easier to stay where you are. It’s so important to me that you know the possibilities waiting for you when you follow these steps and decide to take action.

Taking the time to reboot your career represents an exciting adventure and is time well spent on helping you live the life you’ve imagined for yourself.  By being open to where these steps can take you and remaining curious and positive, you will be pleasantly surprised with the possibilities available.

Source: https://joboutlook.gov.au/FutureOfWork.aspx

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post 7 Ways to Reboot Your Career appeared first on Letz Create.

As an action-oriented person, my focus is on providing my clients with the ‘how to’ of a more successful job search. When I see a problem, I naturally move to solution and pride myself on helping clients develop a step by step action plan. However, sometimes my clients are not ready for action and just want to be heard.

A recent experience with a client was a powerful lesson in the importance of going to where my clients are and taking the time to check if they are okay before moving into solution mode. In this particular case, my client had recently been informed her role was to be made redundant. My role was to help her develop an action plan. I wrongly assumed she was ready to have this conversation, and it was midway through our first meeting that I realised we were not talking about what she needed to focus on. I had made the assumption that she’d done ‘the work’ required to process the news of her redundancy.

I chose efficiency over the relationship and as a result, she rejected me!

The Benefit of Hindsight

As you read this, you may be asking ‘Marina! Why would you share such a story with me?’ This is a good question and one I have considered myself before hitting publish on this blog post. The reason I am sharing this experience with you is because you too will experience rejection in your job search. I want you to benefit from what I learnt from this experience!

So what did I learn from this experience? Lots!

• Feedback helps you grow and develop
• It’s about teaching people the process, not just the outcome
• It’s about regularly checking in for feedback
• It’s not about me
• People get confused and frustrated by information and feedback they are not ready for or do not understand
• Job seekers can struggle with feedback if they have not dealt with the trauma of their situation (especially if there is a redundancy or termination involved)

And so what do I want you to take from this?

That feedback helps you grow and develop and rejection can sometimes be the best teacher!

What This Experience Taught Me About Myself

With the benefit of hindsight and some workshopping of the situation with a number of close colleagues, I am now on the other side of this. The rejection hurt at first, and I have taken the time to work through it, using the experience to inform my practice. This means future clients will receive a more empathetic Marina who will double check you are okay before she dives into action mode!

Specifically, I will also continue to focus on the following key areas with my clients, including:

• Going at the pace that feels comfortable for my clients
• Clarifying where they want to go during the conversation and making sure we cover the issues they are worried about
• Explaining the process and how I can help
• Asking lots of questions to understand what they really need and want
• Playing my understanding of their needs and goals back to them to make sure I have ‘got this right’
• Reviewing what we have discussed
• Checking what they are thinking / how they are feeling
• Clearly explaining and agreeing the next steps

And of course, we will move into action and solution mode. When they are ready!

How I can Help Your Job Search

If you’re just about to start your job search or are right in the thick of searching for a new role, I am so glad you’ve found me! I work with professionals who are actively looking for their next challenging role and are not quite sure how to write their cover letter, adapt their resume or prepare for their job interview. In some cases, it’s been a while since my clients have applied for work, in other cases they are applying for their dream job and want to make sure they get it right.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post Why Rejection is Sometimes the Best Teacher appeared first on Letz Create.

This is because the relationships that you build over time will have a great influence on the opportunities made available to you. In an increasingly competitive job market, with constant changes within and across many industries, if people know you, they are more likely to recommend you for job opportunities.

When I say the word ‘networking’ what does this mean to you? If you are a business owner or in a sales or business development role, you may instantly think that networking relates to sales people or business owners exchanging business cards at speed networking events. While this may be the case when your goal for networking is to generate leads for email lists, when it comes to networking for your career, it’s a little different.

In this Business Insider Australia article Chris Pash talks about the 5 Golden Rules of Networking, which I’ve adapted for networking for the purpose of helping your professional development, because there are some subtle differences when networking for your career.

Following my steps will help you network more effectively to research, explore, learn and create opportunities in the industries you wish to pursue. These steps include:

1. Be inspired and know what you want
2. Be Bold and cultivate relationships
3. Be curious and learn.

To help you understand these three steps and how they might apply to you, I’d like to introduce you to John. He is one of my clients and an engineer who wanted to work out the best way to speak to someone about career and job opportunities.

I suggested he join Engineers Australia, an industry organisation committed to advancing engineering and the professional development of their members. Engineers Australia is the largest and most diverse body of engineers in Australia. As Australia’s principal engineering association they serve and represent over 100,000 professionals at every level, across all fields of practice.

As I explain each of these steps I will also share John’s experience.

Be Inspired & Know What you Want

To invest time in networking you need to find the inspiration to do it. It’s so important that you believe in your dream, take action and back yourself.

By knowing what you are trying to achieve you will get value from the time you spend on networking, which could mean attending face to face forums or being part of online forums on LinkedIn or Facebook (or within specific technical or industry forums online).

Where you are in your career will influence what you may want, and examples may be:

• Research employment trends / job opportunities in your industry
• Learn more about new or emerging industries
• Research study requirements for specific role types
• Explore passion projects, hobbies or new business start up ideas.

For John he knew that he wanted to find out more about how to further develop his career in Australia as an engineer.

Be Bold & Cultivate Relationships

This step is about doing your homework about who you want to network with and meeting or reaching out and following up. It is essential that you find the key people within the industry you are researching and learn to ask questions of someone even if you feel intimidated by them.

“Can I please seek your advice?” and ‘What are your recommendations for someone . . . ?” are examples of how you might approach this.

In my experience, senior leaders of most industries enjoy being asked their opinions and making recommendations to those who are brave enough to ask. By being bold and approaching them politely and explaining clearly what it is you want to talk to them about, you will increase your success with cultivating these networks and gaining useful information from their knowledge and experience.

In John’s case, he reached out to a senior leader within the engineering fraternity, who he met at an Engineering Australia networking event. John found that this new contact was very happy to provide him with some invaluable advice.

By being more systematic and making sure you follow up a relevant contact you meet at a networking event or engage with in an online forum, you are beginning to cultivate your relationship with this person.

It may also be as simple as reaching out to industry leaders online and inviting them to connect via LinkedIn. If you attend an event they are speaking at, introduce yourself at the end of the event and thank them for sharing their knowledge. Let them know where you are at and ask them if they have any advice for you. You can then research their organisation, follow their blogs (if relevant) or even subscribe to their newsletter.

Be Curious & Learn

This step is really about adjusting your mindset, which is how I often help my clients.

If you have an open mind and have followed steps one and two, then being curious will ensure you are more open to the potential opportunities that come with reaching out to industry leaders, attending industry events and engaging in online forums.

And this is the fundamental difference between networking for business and networking for career.

If you are curious to learn about new opportunities, actively listening to and learning from the wisdom of others, then you are an open book. Which is why this step is so important. When people you meet at networking events experience your passion and interest, they will be naturally drawn to you and want to know more about your experience and plans for the future.

If you are not curious and open to learning, then you will miss these unique and invaluable opportunities to make connections which you can then cultivate (step 2) as you develop the knowledge you need to develop a plan for your next career move.

How I Help

To encourage you to take the time develop a more effective networking plan, I am available for Career Explore conversations. These are designed to get you ready for the first in these 3 important steps when networking for your career. To encourage you to take the time develop a more effective networking plan, I am available for Career Explore conversations. These are designed to get you ready for your career.

Career Coaching Sessions:

Preparing for your next career move can be daunting, but with our Career Coaching Sessions you will overcome the mindset challenges that are holding you back. I will help you create a CV and cover letter that gets you noticed and we help you identify the right role for you. Invest in your career… for only $249 you will get 3 coaching sessions with me. I have mentored and coached hundreds of job applicants in Melbourne so lets connect for a career conversation. Get in touch with Marina on 0414 443 815 or email marina@letzcreate.com.au

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post Career Success: Why Networking for a Job is Different to Networking for Business appeared first on Letz Create.

What this has meant for me personally is that I have found myself forced with having to face a set of circumstances that weren’t part of my plan. And I had some big plans this year! 

If you’ve ever experienced being blindsided in this way then you’ll know how paralysing it can be. And as someone who runs my own business, where it is important to be ‘up’ and generating ideas, it’s been tough!

When you are trying to cope it’s really hard to innovate.

It’s also really hard to think about the future.

And your focus becomes about getting through the day.

Some mornings, when I was first processing the shock of the situation, I found myself lying in bed, not looking forward to the day.

I felt unsure and insecure about what to do.

My ‘worrying’ started to impact on my physical state and my breathing became irregular. Thinking it was perhaps related to my heart, I visited my local GP. She helped me understand that what I was experiencing was in fact anxiety, and this was as a result of how I was emotionally responding to the circumstances I had found myself in.

Anxiety in Australia

During Mental Health week back in October I read some statistics about anxiety that surprised me (but in some ways was reassuring as I realised I was not alone). Did you know that anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia? On average, 1 in 4 people – 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men – will experience anxiety.

Anxiety is an uncomfortable feeling of fear or imminent threat and is a normal emotional response to danger. It can be part of your genetic and biochemical make-up, as well as a part of your personality. There are many things that can trigger anxiety, such as your environment, stressful situations like exams, work pressure, family problems or a trauma.

Anxiety is also a very individual response. What makes one person anxious may not have the same effect on another person.

Feeling anxious is often perfectly normal, but there also times when it may interfere with normal day-to-day activities.

Dealing with the Heaviness I Felt

For me the anxiety felt heavy. It was a mental load I was carrying that drained me of my energy. When I got up each morning I already felt tired as I had spent the night worrying. I had to make my way through each day trying to push through this heavy load.

And you know what I said to myself?

Don’t give up.

Find a glimmer of hope.

Work through it.

On good days I thought of a positive affirmation, focused on my intention for the day and what I wanted to attract. I also found myself saying a few extra prayers.

There were days when I did not ask for help and I stayed in the darkness of my worries.

And there were days that I did ask for help.

Are You Okay?

If you are wondering, I am okay.

What I learnt was that you have to believe in yourself.

You have to believe in what you are doing.

And you have to ride out the darkness.

If you’ve been feeling blindsided lately, I feel your pain.

I am a passionate Career Consultant who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

Sources:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anxiety

https://www.adaa.org/tips-manage-anxiety-and-stress

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post 2016: The Year I Was Blindsided! appeared first on Letz Create.