After completing the self-assessment and career exploration stages of the career development process, you're ready to either: 1) conduct a job search, 2) go back to school or 3) start a business. This last stage is where you are trying to answer the important question, "How do I get there?" Now that you know where "there" is, you can now develop a strategy that is going to work for you.

First, begin by writing down your vision statement for your career. Determine where you want to go ideally. The vision must be aligned with your careful inventory of your skills, values, interests and personality traits. Be sure that you are committed to your vision and make it your top priority.

Second, type out your career mission statement. Your career vision explains where you want go and the mission statement describes how you will achieve your vision. Again, be sure you are totally committed to the vision and mission you have for your future. Don't lose your focus.

Third, you will need to conduct a thorough analysis of the gap between your ideal vision and the reality of where you are now professionally. List out the specific areas that must be overcome to achieve your career objectives. Consider what you are learning about yourself up to this point.

Fourth, start to prioritize the information in the third step from the gap analysis and determine what needs to get done. Ask yourself, "In what order do the specific career barriers need to be addressed?" Develop your list of: 1) Highest Priorities, 2) High Priorities and 3) Lower Priorities.

Fifth, identify and outline possible solutions. What are the methods that you will employ to overcome the career barriers that were prioritized in step four? The goal here is to develop the means to close the gap between the ideal career vision and your current reality.

Sixth, write out your S.M.A.R.T. Goals. S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic and Time-Sensitive. If it's not S.M.A.R.T., it's not a goal, but merely an idea.

Seventh, begin to identify your strategic partners. Ask yourself, "Who are the individuals and groups that can help me achieve my desired career?" Be sure to have at least 10 on your list.

Eight, implement your S.M.A.R.T. Goals. Think about how you will execute the micro-goals set forth in this action plan to reach your professional dreams. What will you do today to get started?

Ninth, re-evaluate your action plan. What progress have you made to achieve the desired results? What are your criteria for career success? What strategies or techniques need to be modified?

Tenth, show your gratitude. Create a list of all the things about your career that you are thankful for? What do you need to do to pay it forward or help others that are less fortunate?

My clients suffer more over cover letter writing than any other aspect of the job search. This is your professional introduction that should build off your resume. The cover letter must be the most compelling document you have ever written. The cover letter's importance is equal to that of the resume. The goals are simple: 1) capture the person's attention immediately so they will actually read the cover letter, 2) compel them to read the resume, 3) convince them to pick up the phone and invite you in for an interview. Here is my list of the top 50 things to avoid when creating your cover letter.

1. Trying to write a cover letter in a hurry.
2. Confusing or unattractive layout with margins that are unequal.
3. Using a different font type and font size than the resume.
4. Having a header that is different from the resume.
5. Misspelling the contact's name or using an incorrect job title.
6. Inaccurate address of the employer.
7. Addressing it "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam"; failure to write to a real person.
8. Producing generic or form cover letters.
9. Mass mailing your cover letters.
10. Forgetting to mention the name of the person who referred you to the position or organization.
11. Neglecting to state which position you are applying to.
12. Not capturing the reader's attention immediately.
13. Not clearly knowing the audience, who you are, or what you have to offer.
14. Giving the impression that you lack confidence or coming across as negative.
15. Under-selling your transferrable skills, knowledge and accomplishments.
16. Sounding desperate.
17. Communicating in self-serving or arrogant tone.
18. Sharing too much about your personal life and feelings.
19. Focusing more on you and less on the tangible results you can deliver to an employer.
20. Leaving the impression that you know little about the organization.
21. Failing to understand that the cover letter is a "sample" of the quality of your work.
22. Boring sentences that do not allow your personality to come alive.
23. Neglecting to highlight three to five key points.
24. Disorganized and ineffective writing style.
25. Drawing attention away from the employer's needs.
26. Jumbled thoughts that are less than convincing.
27. Missing descriptive action verbs.
28. Rambling or long winded sentence that extend the cover letter onto two pages.
29. Paragraphs that are too long, irrelevant or too vague.
30. Missing space between paragraphs.
31. Lacking attention to detail and not using examples to backup any generalizations.
32. Starting off too many sentences that begin with "I".
33. Avoiding the question, "Why should I interview you?"
34. Apologizing for your weaknesses or shortcomings.
35. Expressing dissatisfaction with your current job.
36. Denying their request for a salary range in the cover letter.
37. Being dishonest or unprofessional in any way.
38. Regurgitating your resume in a stiff manner.
39. Citing quantifiable information inaccurately (i.e., sales growth, revenues, cost savings, budget figures, etc.).
40. Failing to review your vocabulary and not choosing words which reveal your personality and enthusiasm.
41. Closing the letter without a course of action.
42. Forgetting to sign it.
43. Neglecting to proofread for errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation.
44. Skipping a professional critique by trained career counselor.
45. Printing it on photocopied, colored, or low quality paper which also does not match the resume.
46. Not remembering to enclose a resume, references or other required documents.
47. Putting your resume over your cover letter instead of vice versa.
48. Folding your resume and cover letter to fit a standard business envelope instead of inserting them flat into a 9" x 12" envelope.
49. Handwriting the mailing address on the envelope.
50. Forgetting to keep a copy for your records.

If you really want to find a job, then double your networking efforts. It's the best job search technique. Networking is an art and science that anyone can learn. To be successful in your search, I strongly suggest a strategy that maximizes your networking efforts. Here are 50 pitfalls to avoid when you are either at a networking event or having individual networking meetings. I have highlighted my pet peeves.

1. Being unprepared or unfocused with your networking objectives
2. Overlooking possible networking connections
3. Overextending with too many targets
4. Being reactive or passive instead of proactive
5. Lacking a name tag
6. Sitting down too early during a networking function or sitting next to people you already know
7. Failing to approach people you don't know at an event
8. Appearing nervous when approaching a potential contact
9. Sending a negative non-verbal message (i.e., arms crossed, poor posture, dressing unprofessionally, wandering eyes, etc.)
10. Giving a weak sound bite or elevator pitch
11. Requesting help with too many things too quickly or strongly
12. Asking for a business card too early
13. Forgetting your business cards!!!
14. Dominating the conversation by talking, talking, talking
15. Listening selectively and then turning the conversation back to you
16. Sharing your life story
17. Asking questions about areas that seem confidential or controversial
18. Monopolizing other people's time
19. Coming across as shallow
20. Latching onto others or clinging to people you already know
21. Acting desperate
22. Asking too many or too few questions
23. Exaggerating or misrepresenting yourself
24. Thinking networking is only about you
25. Failing to find common denominators with others
26. Coming across as inarticulate
27. Selling instead of being a resource to others
28. Being pushy, argumentative, unfriendly or negative
29. Looking distracted or not fully present
30. Taking, taking, taking
31. Coming across as incompetent or disorganized
32. Showing disinterest
33. Looking like you don't know your stuff
34. Bragging
35. Interrupting
36. Being impulsive
37. Neglecting to reciprocate
38. Failing to deliver on what you promise
39. Forgetting to request a business card!!!
40. Focusing on quantity, not quality
41. Over-circulating and trying to talk to everyone
42. Lacking follow-up in a timely manner
43. Expecting immediate payoffs or instant answers
44. Lacking patience in building relationships
45. Forgetting to add new connections to LinkedIn
46. Keeping your network referrers in the dark about your progress
47. Neglecting to nurture your network
48. Turning networking into an afterthought instead of a core priority
49. Failing to reassessing the effectiveness of your networking strategy
50. Giving up!!!

The interview is the final stage before a job offer is made, so you must give an absolute command performance. Success means getting a perfect A+. Anything less and you come in second place. There is often a question behind the question, so answer their underlining concern. Here is my tough questions list. Study them carefully and develop your own tailored responses using examples.

1. Tell me about yourself. - This is the most common first question and it is open-ended which forces you to make a concise well organized and compelling argument about your candidacy. I suggest giving an overview of your education, experience and accomplishments and how it is a fit for this position and the company. Avoid too much personal information. It is your job to spark further interest in you. You'll need to prove early on that you have what the employer needs.

2. Why do you want to work here? - First, research the organization's products, services, mission and any important details. Be sure you send the message that you are looking for a specific job there, not just any job. A sample answer could be, "I love and use your products. The management understands where the company should go, and I want to be a part of its success."

3. What interests you most about this position? - Be truthful and prove your enthusiasm and interest in them. Talk about the fascinating details of the job and why they excite you. You might say, "There are three things that appeal to me the most about this opportunity: 1) the challenge, 2) the direction of the organization, and 3) the room to grow. Let me explain further..."

4. Why do you want to change jobs? - It is unprofessional to bad mouth a former employer or supervisor. Stay positive and say, "I've really learned a lot at XYZ, but the company is losing ground to its competitors, and I'm excited that this job will help me grow."

5. Why have you changed jobs so frequently? - Be honest, but brief, focusing on the positive. A sample response might be, "I regret leaving my last position because it was a good company, but my performance was not the issue. I had a personal and family matter that needed my full attention. This has been resolved. I also learned that it was not the direction I wanted to go in."

6. Why are there gaps on your resume? - Be prepared to explain what you were doing and any skills you developed during that time. Focus on the positive and what you accomplished. Perhaps you might say, "I used the time very constructively to gain additional skills and experience. I also reevaluated my goals and came to this conclusion..."

7. What is your greatest strength? - Your strength should directly relate to what is required to perform the job successfully. You might say, "I am highly organized. For example, I create a To Do List of the top task that I need to accomplish that day, then I stay focused and determined to get them checked off. This approach has helped me to incrementally reach my goals."

8. What is your greatest weakness? - First, be honest and then give specific examples on how you are working to improve them. Avoid something that would be a serious liability. Don't state, "I'm a perfectionist." It's too predictable. One idea is to say, "I have a tendency to say 'yes' to additional responsibility and then get overcommitted." Give an example of how you are working on prioritizing and setting limits. Draw the attention away from the weakness and refocus the interview on your strengths and skills.

9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? - Your goals should reflect what the company has to offer. Do you have a clear direction of where you are going professionally or will you attempt to "find yourself" on their time? Will you job hop after they have invested in you? You could say, "I've done a lot of self-assessment, and what I have learned is that I want to make a commitment to this field and I want to build it here. I am very interested in gaining knowledge and experience to become a subject matter expert."

10. What is an example of a time you failed? - State the experience, your role and then the result. Finally, explain what you learned from the experience. One answer might be, "I did not do enough research on my last employer before they hired me. I learned that it was not a good fit. I have not repeated my mistake, and I have a great deal of knowledge about this new opportunity."

11. What salary are you expecting? - Remember: the person who states the salary first is the loser. The number that is thrown out first is most always negotiated downward. The employer already has a salary range in mind, ask them to give the range then say, "I am within that range, and we can discuss it further when an offer is made." You can also say, "I have no set salary. What salary is usually offered to someone with my qualifications?"

12. Why should we hire you? - Keep your answer direct, convincing and to the point. Go back to your resume and reiterate the top three to five things that make you outstanding. These skills, education, experience and personality traits should be matched to the top needs of the job and organization. You need to show that you have a track record and are results oriented.

13. Do you have any questions? - Demonstrate that you are prepared with three to five questions that are relevant. One answer might be, "Yes, thank you. I do have a few questions. First, your website states that you have a new CEO. What are his/her priorities?"

Dr. Tom's Career Tips: Should You Give Your Facebook Password to Employers?

http://www.news10.com/story/17289952/local-human-resources-speaks-on-facebook-hiring-controversary

There is, in fact, a logical process to the interview. By knowing the particular sequence of the interview, you will perform with greater confidence. Every interview is going to have its own flow, but the following is a sample format for most one hour interviews.

1. Walking in the Door - Arrive no more than 10 minutes early. Go to the bathroom and check your professional appearance. Believe it or not when you walk in the office door, the interview has started. It's like being on stage, your words and actions will be evaluated. Your image begins well before the actual interview. The secretary or receptionist is often the gatekeeper and may give feedback to the hiring manager about the first impressions. Be sure you treat them with respect and enthusiasm. You may be asked then to have a seat and wait. Observe the surroundings and get a feel for the work environment. Collect your thoughts and think about how you want to prepare for the Greeting stage by being yourself at your best. Be sure you stay relaxed and control any nervous habits.

2. Greeting (1 Minute) - Next, your interviewer comes out of their office and meets you for the very first time. Stand up straight, smile proudly, look them in the eyes, shake their hand firmly and introduce yourself with a positive tone. Say, "It's very nice to meet you, (and restate their name)?" This increases your chances of remembering it. First impressions and body language are critical. The interview is won or lost at this stage. By pretending this is your very first day on the job, you will reduce your anxiety.

3. Breaking the Ice (2 to 3 Minutes) - A good interviewer may assume you are a bit nervous. They may open by engaging you in some small talk to put you at ease. This may include such topics as traffic, parking, the weather, etc. Avoid politics, religion or any controversial topics. Notice the surroundings very carefully especially for the types of picture or items that decorate the office. Make a positive comment and connection to them to help you break the ice. By getting the interviewer to like you, this demonstrates your interpersonal skills and ability to get along with others on the team.

4. Interview Expectations (1 Minute) - The interviewer may begin by outlining the agenda and scanning your resume. Be sure you get a sense of how long the interview is so you can tailor your answers to the time you have. If you have any urgent questions or need clarification, then ask. Otherwise wait to ask later. Get settled in and be prepared to respond sincerely in the upcoming stage.

5. General Interview Conversation (15 to 20 Minutes) - Most interviewers like to start with "broad-brush" questions then move into a series of questions about your education, experience, credentials, skills and interest. Give a flawless performance of your key achievements and prove your knowledge of the company. Be clear about the top 3 to 5 things that you want to emphasize in order to convince them to give you an offer. Be sure to listen intently, reflect momentarily and then answer optimistically.

6. Further Probing (15 to 20 Minutes) - The interviewer will now probe further to see if you possess the required qualifications to be successful in the job. You will need to relate specific strengths-based examples from your background that match what they seek, but don't ramble. The interviewer will be attempting to get a better understanding of your style, behavior patterns and potential for a blending with the organization's culture. Expect questions that ask: How?, Why? and What did you do?

7. Asking Questions (10 to 15 Minutes) - The interview is a two-way conversation in which both parties form an impression. Ask intelligent questions that will help clarify your understanding of the job and organization as well as demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. Do not ask about salary until an offer is made. The interviewer may sell the benefits of the position with their answers.

8. Closing (2 to 3 Minutes) - At this stage, the interviewer should be providing cues that it is time to wrap-up. During the final minutes of the interview, be sure you say something convincing that leaves a positive and lasting impression. Summarize why you are interested in the position and why they should hire you - seal the deal! Lastly, kindly ask them, "What's the next step?" Do they need any additional documents such as a list of references, transcripts, writing sample, or application form? When will you hear from them again? Be sure you thank them for taking the time for granting the interview. Request a business card. Be sure to firmly shake hands and smile while maintaining eye contact as you part ways. Give a warm goodbye to anyone else you met at the office.

9. Follow-up - To stand out, be sure to follow-up with a thank you letter or note immediately. If you have not heard by the time they said they would contact you, call to check on the status of your candidacy and reiterate your interest in the job. Reflect on your experience.

Maintaining work/life balance is the hardest thing to accomplish in adulthood. Many people today are too busy making a living that they don't have time to make a life. Don't expect to continue down the same path and get any significant changes in your life. Where you go with your work/life balance should be by choice not chance. Don't focus on what you can't do; focus on what you can do!

1. Ask Questions and Reprioritize

• What are the things that cause me the most stress?
• What memories am I creating? What memories do I want to create in the future?
• What really are my top ten priorities for this year?
• What non-priorities will I say "NO!" to this year?
• What centers me?
• Pursue your passion persistently!!!

2. Manage Time

• Compass & Clock - they point you in the right direction and tell you how much time you have left.
•  Am I spending time doing the things most important to me?
• When am I the most focused or productive?
• How much of my day is reactive?
• When does the office close?
•  Stay in a morning and bedtime routine.
• Schedule "Unscheduled Time" - make an appointment for alone time to reflect, (i.e., "No commitments Saturday from 1-5pm.").
• Set a pace that works for you.

3. Organize

•  What am I really accomplishing?
• What tasks in my life could I eliminate?
• What tasks could be performed less frequently?
• What tasks could I afford to pay others to perform?
• What specific investments will I make in my core priorities this year?

4. Make Decisions

• What 3 things do I need closure on?
• What 3 things will be new initiatives for me?
•  What's the cost of this choice I need to make?
• Will this decision add value to my life or create more stress?
• What sacrifices will I make to achieve my work/life goals?
•  Is what I'm doing today, worth talking about tomorrow?
• When someone makes a request, don't make an impulsive decision, instead stall: "Let me think about it and get back to you."

5. Let Go

• Let go of any toxic relationships or situations that drains your energy or exhausts you. 
• Consult with a therapist to work through any personal issues.
• People are like elevators: Is this person going to bring me to the next level or are they bringing me down?
• Let go of things holding you back (i.e., clutter, paper, negativity, clothing, luxury items, toys, etc.).
• Prune any activities that are not productive: "What can I let go of this year?

6. Implement Action Items

•  Control the impulse to act immediately. Reflect first, and then act.
• Identify and eliminate 3 things holding you back.
•  Implement one micro-goal each day.

• Erase the tape of any negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.
• Visualize how TODAY will be a "Totally Awesome Day"
• Move from a "Scarcity Mentality" to an "Abundance Mentality."
• Live simply, expect less and give more.

© 2012, Dr. Thomas J. Denham, Careers In Transition LLC - Albany.com - Friday, March 2, 2012

I always ask my clients their age.  I don't mean to make them feel bad about how old they are.  But someone that's 55 is at a different stage in their career and life than someone that's 25 or 45.  As a career counselor, I know that a 25 year old client presents dissimilar issues than someone who may be close to retiring and asking themselves the question, "What's next?"  One of the pioneers in the field of career development, Dr. Donald Super argued that people pass through five career stages during their life span.  I write about this because these sequential generalizations often provide a useful timeframe to understand the career transitions you'll face in adulthood.

Within each stage mastery of certain tasks allows people to function successfully within that stage while preparing them to move on to the next task.  Each stage is loosely affiliated with a chronological period and is characterized by work attitudes, behaviors, types of relationships, and the aspects of work that are valued. 

1. Growth - The early years (4 to 13 years old) is a time when the individual first becomes aware of the future.  People start to find ways to develop competencies and to achieve in order to increase control over their life. 

2. Exploration - From the early teens to mid-twenties, people begin to crystallize, specify and implement an occupational choice.  Different roles are tried and various occupational options are explored though school, leisure, part-time work and volunteering.  "Trial jobs" may be tested before more firmly finding a more stable and appropriate fit.

3. Establishment - In the mid-twenties through mid-forties, typically a suitable field is selected and efforts are made to secure a long-term place in the chosen career.  Young adulthood tends to be a time for stabilizing, consolidating, building momentum and moving up.  Obtaining certifications, credentials, and advanced degrees may be the norm.

4. Maintenance - This stage usually happens in the mid-forties to mid-sixties and is characterized by constancy: 1) Holding on (stagnating or plateauing), or 2) Keeping up (updating or enriching).  Continuity, stress, safety and stability tend to be the standard.  Sometimes people feel risk adverse with various career options which may lead to frustration or even  depression.  In middle adulthood we may ask ourselves, "What have I done with my life? or Is this all there is? or even What do I truly want?"  For men, state of health or career accomplishment may predominate.  Women sometimes perceive this period as an opportunity to pursue new personal or professional goals now that their nurturing role has peaked.

5. Disengagement - The mid-sixties is typically marked by decelerating from formal employment to finding new roles with a view to retirement.  Baby Boomers are teaching us that this stage should be more appropriately named "Re-inventment."  They are completely redesigning the notion of "retirement" preferring to work in some form while pursuing new or renewed outside interests.  In later adulthood, there may be a need to assist or mentor younger members of society or seek self-employment.

However, it has limitation due to the rapidly changing nature of work and each person's own circumstances.  Not everyone transitions through these five stages at fixed ages or in the same manner.  I have learned in my private practice it is more common nowadays to move back and forth more frequently from the Exploration to Re-inventment stages. 

For example, before entering the Maintenance stage, many people are asking the mid-life question, "Do I want to do this job for the next twenty years?"  Eventually, they decide to either: 1) Hang on and enter the Maintenance stage, or 2) Let go and change their job, company, or career and then recycle back to an earlier stage in order to move in a new direction.  For others, their career is without boundaries based on skills and abilities that function independent of a set timeline.

Your self-image evolves throughout your life as a result of experience.  You successively refine your uniqueness over time and make adaptation in your career choices.  As we go through life stages our priorities change.  Career ideas that you had at 25 might not be relevant when you are 45 or 55.

So, what career stage do you actually find yourself in chronological terms?  What specific stage do you think you need to be in?  Perhaps this is the time to step back and reflect on where you are.  Maybe you need to return to the Exploration stage and re-evaluate your skills, values, interests, personality traits and core priorities.  At your stage, perhaps you what to find out what else is out there and you want to begin a process of career discovery.  What are the financial and time considerations of the choices you are making at your stage?  What types of planning and preparation needs to be done at each stage both personally and professionally?  Can you list three to five specific issues that you need to address right now?  What are some issues you'll face as you pass through future stages?

These are all important questions that you will need to get clarity on in order to have successful and satisfying career development.  Just knowing that as we age, we will be progressing through career stages, can be insightful, freeing and can have a profound effect on our professional development.  Remember: It's never too late to reinvent yourself!

Copyright 2012, Dr. Thomas J. Denham, Careers In Transition LLC - Published Friday, February 17, 2012

So much of the job search is out of your control. The interview is one of the few aspects of the job search you can control. The interview is a selection process for which you can practice and prepare. There are plenty of unusual horror stories committed by job hunters. The following is a laundry list of the most common things that are deal breakers:

1. Arriving late to the interview or arriving too early
2. Showing up with your own beverages
3. Lack of showering, shaving, washing hair, washing face, brushing teeth, cleaning nails, etc.
4. Wearing too much perfume or aftershave; body odor
5. Dressing inappropriately
6. Giving a limp or a bone crushing handshake
7. Slouching or poor posture
8. Nervous mannerisms
9. Taking too many notes
10. Yawning or having inadequate sleep
11. Lacking goals or a career plan
12. Failing to articulate clearly and concisely
13. Speaking too generally without using concrete examples
14. Demonstrating low self-confidence
15. Mediocre educational preparation or accomplishment
16. Being negative, pessimistic or making excuses
17. Unwilling to start at the bottom
18. Lighting up or smelling like you just had a smoke
19. Lying or bragging
20. Forgetting the name of the interviewer
21. Wearing a Bluetooth or using a cell phone
22. Asking no questions, too many questions or unintelligent questions; not answering the question
23. Interrupting the interviewer or failing to listen
24. Missing energy and enthusiasm
25. Focusing too much on salary and benefits
26. Lacking maturity, tact or polish
27. Inability to relate education/education/skills to the job
28. Bad-mouthing former employers
29. Weak eye contact with the interviewer
30. Failing to demonstrate a sincere interest in the job
31. Being indecisive
32. Talking too much or talking too little
33. Over-sharing personal problems or health issues
34. Lacking knowledge about the job, employer or field
35. Announcing radical ideas
36. Failing to sell yourself and impress the interviewer
37. Forgetting to bring extra copies of your resume, references, writing sample and/or portfolio, etc.
38. Forgetting what you wrote on the resume
39. Bringing someone with you to the interview
40. Chewing gum, tobacco, your nails, hair or a pen
41. Taking a seat before the interviewer does
42. Getting defensive, emotional or crying
43. Being rude to the receptionist or anyone else
44. Coming across as too rehearsed or insincere
45. Sounding desperate
46. Watching the clock
47. Taking over the interview
48. Being overly serious or not serious enough
49. Failing to ask for the job
50. Lacking expression of appreciation or gratitude

Copyright, 2012
Dr. Thomas J. Denham
Careers In Transition LLC
Published on Friday, February 3, 2012

During your career you often hear conflicting messages about the nature of work. Too many people today believe in myths and have excuses that prevent them from moving forward with their career plans. Knowing the truth about these common inaccuracies will help reduce your stress in terms of your long-term career development. Try to be clear and open minded when it comes to achieving success by avoiding these common misconceptions:

Myth #1: The most qualified person gets the job.

Reality: A strong resume is a very important document in the job search. As a career development rule, you build the best resume possible; one in which you are proud. Oftentimes, however, the person who lands the job is the one who makes the best impression, regardless of qualifications. A resume does not land you a job, but rather an interview. Sometimes people with weak resumes land interviews because they excel at networking, and are able to convince the interviewer that they possess the best match of qualifications, "chemistry," and personal attributes for the job. Personal attributes include persistence, enthusiasm, honesty, confidence, and most importantly, popularity. Get them to like you. Don't get overconfident if you feel you are the most qualified person, nor discouraged if you are not a direct match for the position. In the interview, you will need to prove yourself as the best candidate for the job.

Myth #2: My major or degree should be directly related to my job/career.

Reality: The notion that there are no jobs with your degree is false. For example, Carly Fiornia, the former CEO of Hewlett Packard, was a medieval studies major at Stanford University. The old rules regarding career development no longer apply. Pick a major or degree that you love, and make sure you gain relevant experience from your work experience that match your career goals.

Myth #3: A degree guarantees me a good job.

Reality: Some believe that they can go anywhere with a GPA of 4.0. Not true! Employers do look for academic success, however, many employers would rather see a GPA of 3.0 plus work experience. Remember the rule is education plus experience equals employment

Myth #4: If I take this job, I will be set for life.

Reality: People who spend a lifetime with one employer are a dying breed. In the new economy, a job change every three to five years is not considered job-hopping. In fact, demonstrated experience at several employers is an asset, while long-term employment with one firm can be a warning sign of someone afraid of risk-taking or change. Studies show that the average working American will have three to five careers and between ten to twelve jobs during their lifetime. As a result, you will need to make multiple moves to gain new skills and get ahead. Do avoid very short stints - those under one year.

Myth #5: I'm just going to start applying and I'll find something

Reality: Lack of focus is the number one reason people struggle with their job search. If you don't know what the target is it is really hard to hit it. You need to rank your top jobs in the following categories: 1) ideal/dream job, 2) realistic/backup job, and 3) safety. Your career focus should be based on careful self-assessment that takes into consideration your skills, values, interests and personality. Taking self-assessment tests like the Campbell, Myers-Briggs or the Strong are useful. Having the right direction is absolutely critical to job satisfaction.

Myth #6: My family and friends make great career advisors.

Reality: When it comes to jobs and going back to school, people close to you will have many conflicting and strong opinions about what is the best option for you. It is okay to seek a variety of views, but remember that your family and friends are biased and are not trained career counselors. You will want to have someone listen to you and advise you objectively. Ultimately, your career is your responsibility. Trying to please others, such as your friends, family or even what is valued by American Society, is a mistake that will come back to haunt you in the future. Remember: you, not anyone else, must live with your job choice.


Myth #7: I don't need a resume.
Reality: Everyone needs a resume, even if you have a great job and don't have any intention of leaving. We live in uncertain times so continuing to build your resume is a smart career development move. Every 6 months you should review your accomplishments at work and add them to your resume. At that time, identify what the gaps are in your experience and have time to fill them in before you really need to make your next move. Your resume can also serve as a self-assessment tool to help you track what you have achieved and reflect on where you want to go next.

Myth #8: Interviewing is easy if you know how to talk.
Reality: Many people make the mistake of over preparing their resume and cover letter, and under-preparing for the all important interview. What will you say when an employer asks you to describe your greatest weakness or give examples of your top three skills as they relate to the job? Job searching is really about marketing yourself to employers. The best way to do that is to read books on interviewing, research sample questions and answers on the Internet and set up a mock interview with a mentor.

Myth #9: The only jobs available are in the classifieds.
Reality: Most research shows that less than 20% of jobs are ever listed in the classifieds. If someone is looking for a job and the classifieds are their sole source of job leads, their job search will be frustrating because most ads can draw an average of 100 to 300 applicants. It's important to learn the other job search strategies that will complement your classifieds search. At least 50% of jobs are found using the most effective job search technique: networking.

Myth #10: I sent a resume and a cover letter. If they want me, they will contact me.

Reality: Given the volume of resumes that most employers receive, a recruiter will spend roughly thirty to sixty seconds reviewing your resume and cover letter. A passive approach will not work in today's job market; you will need to conduct extensive follow-up and request an interview. If you left a message and you have not heard back, you have every right to call them again. Knowing someone that works at the company and requesting assistance might help you get your resume to the top of the stack.


Myth #11: Money is the most important factor when making a decision about a job offer.

Reality: Wrong! The two most important factors are: job content and your new boss. In addition to financial incentives you should also weigh such essential factors as the relationship with co-workers, typical work week, location, organizational flexibility, and other benefits such as tuition reimbursement and vacation time. Since you will be at work more hours than you will be with your family or anything else, job satisfaction should be a high priority. In addition, many workers today are eager to forego money to achieve a better work/life balance.


Myth #12: I'll start looking for my next job when I really need to.

Reality: Wrong again. You may be happy in your job right now, but that will change. Job satisfaction always starts off in a idealize honeymoon fashion, but over time the job may become routine, boring, frustrating and meaningless. Finding the right career is one of the most difficult challenges in adulthood. It is a time-consuming process that is best done when you don't need a job; not at the last minute. When you have already passed the boiling point, starting too late can only add more anxiety to this already stressful process. It is important to know the warning signs of burnout before it happens.

Myth #13: More education means more marketability.

Reality: This is not necessarily true. The key here is that you match your educational goals to your professional goals, and then couple them with relevant experience. There are plenty of people in the world who are well educated, but lack the necessary experience. Having a "better" degree does not necessarily mean getting the job you want or getting a job that is meaningful. What is important is the right combination of education and work experience, mixed with your ability to sell your personal qualifications in an interview.

Myth #14: The company will take care of me and my career.

Reality: Perhaps true in the 1950s, but the workplace has evolved. In an age of downsizing, the rule is career self-management. Only you will be responsible for your continuing education and career development. Even if you do well for the company, there is no guarantee that the company will guarantee its own future, let alone yours! According to Business Week, the chances are one in three that you'll lose your job at least once during your working life.


Myth #15: I posted my resume to the Internet, so I should hear about a job offer soon.

Reality: The Internet will not solve all of your career problems. Using the Internet should be part of your overall job search plan, but don't be lulled into a false sense of security that it is a silver bullet. Post your resume on three to five of the best job sites and be sure to monitor it as well as checking the job listings on a regular basis. Spend no more than 5% of your time conducting an Internet job search. Again, the rule is networking beats NOTworking.

Copyright 2012, Dr. Thomas J. Denham, Careers In Transition LLC - Posted Friday, January 27, 2012