20 Years As A Career Coach

My Top 10 Tips

I have just hit a major career milestone.  For over 20 years I have been providing career coaching services to people across all different stages of their working life.  The school leaver, the uni student, the graduate, the professional, and most commonly the executive.

In reflecting on the approximately 5000 people I have personally assisted, I have developed my top ten tips for you to manage your career:

Tip # 1 - People spend more time thinking about their next holiday than they do in managing their careers.  Don't be one of them.

Tip # 2 - Getting a new role is still a numbers game.  But before you send out 100's of applications read on....

Tip # 3 - Be very, very clear about what you have to offer and what you are looking for. If you can't articulate this in 30 seconds - you are not yet clear.

Tip # 4 - Networking and researching through people is by far the most successful way to land your new role. Ask for help and be ready to help others - always.

Tip # 5 -  Don't expect responses to your applications. It sadly just doesn't happen these days.  But do take control and follow up your application. Always ring if you can, and make a connection with the person doing the recruiting. 

Tip # 6 - LinkedIn is your friend - let it help you but be cautious who you connect with.  Not everyone is good for your "brand".

Tip # 7 - A career coach can help you sort through the noise and frustrations, see the wood from the trees - find a good one and stick to them - just like a good doctor.  An annual checkup should be a priority and to have an independent support person "on call" is important.

Tip # 8 - Keep scanning the environment and position yourself to remain employable - this should never ever stop.

Tip # 9 - Your reputation is everything.  What are people saying about you? Remember -  it is their reality.

Tip # 10 - Helping others in their career will ultimately help you.  Share your knowledge and ideas with those that ask you - no matter how busy you think you are.

...and here's one for the corporates... 

I'm sorry to say it, but the next working generation seem to be more interested in having their own business - corporates need to recognise this, and find ways to attract and engage them in a whole new way of working. Good talent won't necessarily be looking your way.