Interviews

What Weaknesses…?

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Hopefully, this doesn’t come as a shock to you but – we all have a weakness or two. 

 

Most behavioral interviews include this dreaded question. If you don’t prepare for it – you’ll probably sound like this….

A weakness? Ummm I don’t….ahhh I mean, I am a perfectionist…and yea, that sometimes makes things…umm, take longer.

Well, that was a disaster. <face> <palm>

 

This should and can be an easy question to answer. First, think of an actual weakness or area you’d like to improve in. Second, how can you spin it to sound more positive? Thirdly, describe the weakness and explain how you are aware of the weakness and the actions you take to prevent it or ways you’re working to improve.

 

Here’s an example of a WEAKNESS that I discussed with a job seeker the other day…”I would say that my weakness is that I often have trouble saying “no” to people when they need my help. This often leaves me working late hours, getting burnt out faster or frustrated…and it’s my own fault! So, I’m working on being more aware of my to-do list and priorities for the week so that when someone asks me to help with something I’m able to say “yes” or “no” as well as give them a realistic timeline for when I could get it done.”

 

Having a weakness isn’t a bad thing. This question is to help the interviewer understand how aware you are of yourself and your abilities. If we can’t identify what we’re good at and what we could work on…how do we get better?!

 

Best of luck on your interviews!
-Cafe Career Coach
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Interviews, Job Search

Interviews : Tell me about yourself…

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The first question in a phone interview is often…

 

“Tell me about yourself.”

 

Such a short but loaded question.

 

How do you answer this question in the confines of an often 30-minute phone interview?

 

Just think…with this one question, you can set the tone and can drive the narrative of the entire call.
The person on the other side of the phone only wants to hear a general outline of your experience. Your job is to make sure that the general outline focuses on your experience that is most relevant to their job opening and company.
My first rule of thumb is PRACTICE! Even if it is a phone interview start practicing as early as possible on how you want to describe yourself and your experience in 2 minutes or less.

 

Wait, did you say 2-minutes or less?!

Yes, I did. The call is 30-minutes. If you spend 5 of those minutes talking about yourself and possibly things that don’t matter to the interviewer…You just wasted valuable time you could be discussing skills that you have that they DO care about!
The interviewer can always follow-up with questions after you’ve finished.
Additionally, when you practice these responses your answers become habitual and don’t sound rehearsed. They come across as FOCUSED and CONFIDENT.
I’m reminded of how I had to memorize the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in 7th grade. I spent hours rehearsing to make sure I got it just right.
Now, I’m not recommending you write down a response and memorize it. That would sound robotic and uninteresting over the phone. It is on the other hand ok to write out bullet points, much like speaking points, on a piece of paper to have with you during the call.

 

Remember: the tone of your voice is the main way they’ll sense your emotion (excitement, interest) during your phone interview.
 

As you prepare, think about these 3 things:

 1. Why do I want this job? Why am I a good fit?
 2. As I review my resume, what experiences and skills are most relevant to this position?
3. When I hear myself describe my experience is it interesting and easy to follow? *Practice saying it aloud to yourself or a friend.

 

Best of luck!
-Cafe Career Coach
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Career Advice

So long, Farewell!

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Ready to turn in your 2-weeks notice?! Why do so many of us feel a major sense of guilt, anxiety or fear leading up to the moment we turn in our 2-weeks notice?
Until this point, you’ve provided an incredible service to your employer and the only person that may be upset by the news is your employer. They often get upset for this reason – it’s an inconvenience to them. Yes, in some instances your employer will miss you as a friend and colleague. If that is the case, they’re also going to be extremely happy for you, wishing you well in your next opportunity.
If you’re feeling like you aren’t sure how to approach the situation here are 3 Steps to help you leave your job on a positive note!

 

How-To Tell Your Boss You’re Leaving…
1. Write a letter of resignation. Keep it short and professional. This is not the time to add emotional sentiments. It is, however, appropriate to express your gratitude for the opportunity.
2. Set-up a meeting to speak with your boss privately and hand them the letter signed. Also, email it to them after the meeting. In this email make sure to include any details from that meeting so you have it in writing. If necessary, be sure to meet with someone from your HR team to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
3. Try your best to give your boss/company 2-weeks notice. Some companies may tell you to leave that day, more often, companies greatly appreciate the time to find a replacement.

   

Going the extra mile for an employer that you’re leaving may seem counterintuitive but it can be a game changer. Don’t forget that this employer could be a reference down the road.
To ensure a positive exit, I have always made sure that I was setting up my replacement for success. You can do this by creating an outline of your daily responsibilities by providing the tasks, tools, and people that you coordinate with to complete those tasks. You will be leaving your job on a positive note and spreading that positivity on to the next person. 
Leaving a job isn’t always easy. There will for sure be unknowns throughout the process. Maintain a positive outlook, stay organized and remember that you’re not the first person to turn in their notice. You’ve got this! 
Best of luck to you all in your new adventures!
– C.C.Coach 
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Career Advice

On Edge At Work ?

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Are you always “on edge” at work? Is it due to a lack of communication from management, unclear goals or high-stress levels?
How can you effectively combat communication, goal setting/expectations, and high-stress levels at work? The solution is not always to look for another job – but in some cases its necessary. Before jumping ship, I’d recommend trying the exercises listed below to help you reduce or eliminate the elements that are causing you to be “on edge” in the workplace. Focus on the things you have control over.
In work environments where you feel anxious or are constantly stressed-out the following factors are usually the culprits (and are inhibiting you from doing your best work):
  1. Communication – Effective communication amongst teams and especially from managers is a must for a healthy and effective working environment.
    • You can help to solve this issue by requesting a weekly meeting with your manager and/or team. A time to sync up. Talk about what everyone is working on and what projects are most important. If someone is overwhelmed discuss plans to have some team members that are free to assist them. If you’re the overwhelmed person – don’t be afraid to speak-up! 
  2. Expectations/Goal Setting – Do you know what you’re being “graded” on or what your managers’ expectations are for your role or on a specific project?
    • Start by sending your manager a list at the beginning or end of each week with what you’re working on. By giving them insight into what you’re doing this week or what you achieved this week you’re able to coax them into providing feedback. If they notice that you’re excelling, struggling or working on projects they don’t want you spending time on…you are then able to create the foundation for a productive goal-setting conversation. Once this is communicated make sure that you meet with your boss to review the goals and their expectations. Continue sending the highlights email to keep them in the loop and keep you both accountable.
  3. High-Stress Levels – Some jobs have a high element of stress that can’t be eliminated. Self-care and controlling our reactions to stress are ways to manage stress when it comes.
    • I have several friends and colleagues that swear by exercising before they go to work. It pumps you full of endorphins before your day starts. I enjoy going for a run after work to clear my head. We don’t all have free time to spend and hour to work out…or, we need a solution in the moment while at the office. I recommend finding a mantra, prayer, quote, etc. Anything that can help you calm yourself and regain perspective. I also recommend going for a walk (out of or just around the office) if that’s not an option get-up and grab a cup of coffee/tea. Take yourself out of the stressful situation for a few minutes and go back to it with a slightly fresher head. There’s no magical solution but these have all worked for me and my colleagues in the past.
The solutions and best practices that we just talked about are quicker ways to combat a negative work environment. If you find yourself constantly in a state of anxiety and your job is affecting your health, relationships, and well-being negatively – It is not crazy to consider removing yourself from this kind of work place. You are never stuck. There are always options but you do have to prepare yourself for the process and focused effort required for an effective job search. If you’re not sure how to start your job search check out “5 Job Search Tools: What? How? Why?”.
As always, please feel free to send your career, job search and interview questions to cafecareercoach@gmail.com.
Best,
C.C.Coach
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Interviews, Job Search

What Are Hiring Managers Thinking?

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 When prepping for an interview we often review a standard list of questions, do some company research and possibly look up the hiring managers or interviewers LinkedIn profile to check out their background and identify an icebreaker, like, they love the Celtics and you’re a Lakers fan. HA!
I’m guessing you haven’t thought about preparing for what the hiring manager is really looking to find out about you during the interview…Why is this important? In my experience, it calms you down during the interview process and often prepares you mentally (and emotionally) for those unexpected questions…So that you aren’t thinking to yourself “Why did they ask me that?” “Are they trying to make me squirm?”
While there are some oddball interview scenarios, more often than not, you’re going to be interviewed by someone that is ultimately trying to figure out if you have the skills for the job, if you’re a cultural fit and do you really want to work there and for them? When you think about their thought-process, as they’re sitting on the other side of the table, this way it is much easier to relax and answer their interview questions.

 

I’ve worked with 100s of hiring managers and I have come to the conclusion that they’re all trying to figure out these 3 things about you…
  1. Prepared & Articulate. Do you have the skills for the job? Are you good at articulating past projects and work that you’ve done? Does it seem like you thought about and prepared answers or examples that are directly applicable to the job you’re interviewing for?
  2. Problem-Solving. How do you solve problems? Did you ask questions? Are you bullheaded or will you reach out for help before something goes wrong? Are you good at explaining how you solve problems to a group or to a manager/peers?
  3. Engaged. Are you energetic? Do you actually want this job and to work here? Have you researched the company and did you come with ideas to solve some of the companies problems OR are you curious about the problems they solve or the products/services they provide to the consumer?

 

Don’t forget, when you’re interviewing with a hiring manager you also want to interview them as well. If you’re going to directly report to this person you want to make sure you’d like working for them too! Ask them questions about their management style and what their expectations are for this role within the first month, 6 months and the first year.
If you remember one thing from this post, remember this, the hiring manager is trying to understand your thought-process and what it would be like to work with you and trust you to do work for him/her. When you approach interviews this way it often turns into an enjoyable conversation and less like a robotic exchange of strengths and weaknesses.

 

Best of luck to you all!!! Feel free to send C.C. Coach any questions you may have!
– C. C. Coach
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Job Search

5 Job Search Tools : What? How? Why?

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There seem to be a never ending stream of job search platforms that say they’ll help you “find a job fast” with little or no effort involved. Don’t be fooled! Any tool that you use in your job search will require a lot of work and strategy on your part.
I’ve worked for several years in recruiting, talent acquisition and career coaching…the technology in this industry is finally starting to see some positive changes and we need to change with it. As technology evolves in this industry these job search will tools become more and more niche specific in how they review applicants or profiles i.e. software/tech, healthcare professions, etc…
Most people ask me (and I even asked myself this question), “Which tools work the best? And, how do I use them to get the best results?” It’s not rocket science – the hardest part of looking for a job is the interview portion – so identifying and finding places to look for and apply to jobs is the easy part. You want to make sure that your search is focused and not a free for all application fest on your LinkedIn app while you’re waiting at the DMV or line at the grocery store.
Below I’ve listed 5 Job Search tools that are easy to use and I found effective when it comes to online application platforms. Additionally, at the end of the article, I’ll provide some additional tools to help you increase your odds of gaining traction in your job search.

 

  1. LinkedIn.com (Don’t need Premium membership to be successful)
    • LinkedIn has changed a bit over the years and is somewhat “old school” in the job search world. It’s been around for a while. They are working on fixing one of the main issues on the platform which is intent on both sides (job seeker and company hiring). I can say that through connections and the job search function I was able to make several connections and get interviews without paying for LinkedIn Premium. If you find a job you can apply and then connect with the person that posted the position. The MOST important thing for applying to positions on LinkedIn is that your profile is updated!! If you have an empty or lackluster profile…they’re going to think the same thing about your application. Make sure you have detailed job descriptions, a list of your skills and RECOMMENDATIONS! Having recommendations is key. It’s giving them reference checks before they even ask for them. Also, If you don’t hear back from a company on LinkedIn you can try and go to their company website (don’t apply again) but try and find the recruiters email if listed on the site or send a polished and POLITE email to their “contact us” page. If you still hear crickets, move-on! Due to the intent issue looking for a position is a numbers game. You can’t apply for any position that “looks good” but you can’t be so picky that you hesitate to apply to one or two jobs a week. Find a focused middle ground. Before applying to a company check to see if anyone in your network works at that company. If you have are actually acquainted with them feel free to reach out and ask them if they’d refer you! You could be helping them get a referral bonus if you get hired! Everybody WINS!
  2. The Muse
    • I am a big fan of The Muse! They put out relevant content and are working to make themselves a one-stop shop for your job search. They not only have job postings but they also have options to review online courses and outreach to get advice. The only drawback would be that they may not have as many employers as LinkedIn but the positive to me was that they have different employers! Another plus is that the employers on their platform are obviously staying up with new trends are showing they’re adapting with technology which was a big factor for me during my job search. When searching for a job on The Muse site they give you a few basic search filters which I prefer (location, company size, job level and keywords). Platforms that have you narrow your job search down too much cause you to miss opportunities because you were too specific. Every company is different and may have a different name or title for the same type of work you do! The best feature by far on TheMuse.com job’s site is that they provide a ton of information on the companies that are posting jobs with them! They even have employee profiles for you to review. This is a great way to get a better feel for the company and the people they hire before you apply. It’s great intel for you AND can help you decide if it’s a company you’d like to apply to or not.
  3. Indeed (Don’t need Prime membership to be successful)
    • For me, Indeed was a necessary evil during my job search. They have a large database and A LOT of companies use them. My personal experience with Indeed was that most of the interviews I had were with companies that hadn’t really looked at my information and you could tell they had 10+ other calls lined-up that day. While I did get interviews out of Indeed it required a lot more work. I was often redirected to a companies website to upload my information into their Applicant Tracking System. I’ve also used Indeed as a recruiter. It’s a high volume resource and often delivers sub par results….granted I don’t pay for their premium or prime services so I can’t speak to their track records. The main draw to Indeed as I mentioned before is the number of opportunities. The best part about getting to review so many job listings is that I was able to create better searches for myself and see the different types of job titles companies were using for similar positions I’ve held. Indeed can also be effective for certain industries or types of jobs more than others. I know that in the past, as a recruiter, I was able to connect with some amazing Administrative applicants and environmental technicians. It’s a random mix but that’s how diverse the candidate and job pools are on Indeed. The main lesson of it all is that it’s important to have a diversified job search and using platforms with a wide breadth like Indeed can help you to discover new opportunities or companies that you may not come across on other sites.
  4. Hired.com (great for tech or freelancers)
    • Having worked for Hired.com I haven’t a different viewpoint than others. I worked directly with candidates and can attest to the how much Talent Advocates really do care about the candidates. I’ve never been surrounded by so many compassionate and hardworking people in my life. It is a high volume process but that lends itself to candidates being able to go about the process independently or they can reach out to a Talent Advocate as much as they’d like for help. While the platform at this time focuses mostly on technical and freelancing opportunities they are looking to grow. There are also several competitors in the Human Resources (HR) tech space. I’ve gotten feedback from candidates across the board that have used them all and most give Hired a good review. It often depends on if they got a job or not. This factor usually sways most peoples views and reviews of job search tools and software. Similarly to LinkedIn’s profiles, you can build a profile on Hired. They allow you to show-off your personality and have made strides in making the profile adaptable to different technical proficiencies i.e. designers (portfolios). It’s important to listen to your Talent Advocate if they provide you with feedback on your profile. They aren’t doing it for themselves…they know what works on the platform. They work with 100’s of candidates every month. If you utilize all the resources on Hired.com you’re more likely to have a successful experience. My last piece of advice regarding Hired is to be ready to be transparent. They require this of ALL of the companies and candidates on the platform and yes, that means salary/hourly rate. The main reason is that it’s important that everyone is on the same page from day one.
  5. Angel List (great for opportunities at start-ups)
    • If you’re interested in working for a start-up or a smaller company Angel List is perfect. During my job search, I was really impressed with the companies outreach and how quickly they followed-up. As long as you’re applying to jobs that fit your background and are relevant your odds of hearing back from a company are pretty good. It’s also helpful to have a completed profile on Angel List. If you’re really targeting the start-up world you should make sure to express what you’re passionate about in your work and what you’re looking for in a company. The best thing a company can find out about you is that you align with their company culture and you have the right skill-set. It’s a win-win situation. Angel List similar to Hired is a very transparent platform but does still let you maintain discretion. Only companies that you apply to know that you’re looking for a job. This can be helpful especially if you’re looking in the same city you’re working. Start-up communities are tight knit. Angel List also has a great app just like some of the other tools mentioned (Hired, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc).

 

Surprise! Tool #6. YOUR NETWORK (not online…your personal and business network) – These are people that know you, have worked with you and can meet you for coffee or lunch. Never hesitate to reach out to people and ask for their opinions, is their employer hiring, do they have any recommendations of people for you to connect with?
You have incredible resources at your fingertips! The possibilities for new opportunities are endless. If you do your research, stay focused and are consistent in your job search practices you will be unstoppable.
Please feel free to reach out OR comment if you have questions.
Best of luck to you all in your job searches!!!
– C.C. Coach

 

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Career Advice, Job Search

Time to Look for a New Job?

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Thinking about looking for a new job?

 

Have you been sitting at your current job asking yourself
…“why am I still here”?

 

Are you wanting to start your job search but aren’t sure where or how to start?

 

Here are 4 tips to get you started >>>
1. If you’re contemplating a job search first ask yourself, “ Why am I unhappy or unfulfilled at my current job?” Then, write a pros and cons list.
2. Think about the following characteristics of a potential employer and what they may have to offer. This will help to identify what is truly important to you in your job search or career change.
  • Size
  • Industry
  • Stage: Start-up, Established, etc.
  • Company Culture & Environment
  • Location: Commute or Relocation
  • Career Pathing & Opportunity for Growth
  • Full-Time, Part-Time, Freelancing, Consulting
  • Stability
  • Autonomy (flexible working hours, remote working options, etc)
  • Salary
  • Benefits
It’s completely normal to have your preferences change throughout a job search. As you learn about new companies and opportunities your outlook can broaden which is one of the most exciting parts of a job search.
3. Once you’ve listed out your pros and cons make a list of your negotiable and non-negotiable requirements for a new job. (*Note your non-negotiable’s can limit your job pool so make sure to really consider their worth. This is not a “want” list this is a “must have” list.)
4. A job search is not the time to embrace your shy side. Reach out to trusted mentors, former colleagues and friends to discuss your job search or career change. Feedback from people that know you or have worked with you in the past can be invaluable. Make sure that you’re not just talking with people that will tell you what you want to hear. It’s important to speak with people that will be honest with you and challenge you.
**Make sure that if you’re in the middle of a job search or are contemplating one that you do not vocalize this in your current workplace. Do your best to keep your job search confidential but keep in mind that it is possible that your current employer could find out. It’s rare but that’s why it’s good practice to keep your job search quiet and amongst close and trusted friends/family.
If you have questions regarding this article or other job search and career-related topics please reach out!
Good luck! You’ve got this!
– C.C. Coach
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Career Advice, Interviews, Job Search, Uncategorized

Top 4 Tips for Salary Negotiations

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Most people view conversations about money or their salary as awkward. It shouldn’t be!!  
There is no need to feel uncomfortable asking for a raise or for additional compensation in an offer. You have every right to ask…and the have the right to say “no” or counter-offer. Negotiating can be an enjoyable and empowering process if you enter it with the right mindset and information.

 

Do you have a performance review coming up?
Did you just receive a job offer?
These are two scenarios where you may have the opportunity to break out your negotiating skills. 

 

Here are 4 tips to help you navigate >> how-to-ask for a raise >> negotiate a job offer
  1. Build your case. Why do you deserve a raise, higher salary or additional benefits?
    a. (Asking for a Raise) Make sure you have a list of all of your accomplishments from the previous weeks, months and years. You are creating the narrative for why you deserve a raise. This information will help your manager see your increased responsibilities, your increased value-add to the team and your eagerness to continue with the company as a major contributor.
    b. (Negotiating a Job Offer) Congrats! You received a job offer and it’s great but…everyone has told you “you should always negotiate for more” OR they made an offer below your asking salary. Entering the negotiating process with facts to back up your request is imperative. Review your experience, the job description, and your interview notes. After you analyze this information create a list of your top 5 reasons you deserve a higher salary. If you’re not looking for a higher salary you can still negotiate for a signing bonus, vacation time or relocation expenses.
  2. Be mindful that they can say “no”. Have a counter-offer and counter “arguments” prepared beforehand. For example: If the company won’t raise the salary on your job offer you could ask for a signing bonus (make sure to clarify before or after taxes amounts).
  3. Get rid of all of your negative thoughts. If you’re frustrated with your boss or company do not take-it-out on them while you’re asking for a raise. It is after this conversation that you can assess if the raise is really what you were seeking or if it is time for you to consider other employment options.
  4. First and foremost make this a positive conversation. Start out the conversation with upbeat comments about your work, team, and company. If you’re told that you cannot receive a raise or additional compensation. Take a deep breath and ask:
    a. What is your main reason for making this decision?
    b. Can we set-up a meeting 2-3 months from now to re-review my proposal for a raise (or additional compensation? And, what actions should I take between now and then?
Make sure to always thank the person or company for their time and consideration. Successful negotiations require a balance of humility and confidence.
Best of luck to you all in your upcoming negotiations!
– C.C. Coach
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Career Advice, Job Search

7 Steps: Navigating A Career Transition In 2017

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Have you recently decided that you want to take on a role in a different department at work? Are you sick of your current job or industry and want to make a major career change?
I’ve provided 7 Steps below that will help to get you on the right track. Career transitions aren’t always easy but if you are determined to make a change for the better…then no setback or hurdle will stop you!

 

  1. What is that you want to do? Is what you want to do lucrative? If not, could it be? It’s great to shoot for the stars but it’s also important to make sure you’re making a somewhat calculated risk.
  2. Once you’ve narrowed in on what you want to do, ask yourself “Self, who do I know that works in this industry?…or that department?” If you don’t know someone directly, do you have a friend that might know people? What I’m getting at is…utilize your network! Don’t be afraid to ask people for insights, guidance and “inside scoop.” You can also utilize your social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Google+. Get creative!
  3. Now that you know a few people and have gotten some stellar advice…what are you going to do with this new found calling and information? CREATE A PLAN. How are you going to attack this new goal? I recommend making a first week, first month, 3-month, 6-month and year goals list. What do you want to accomplish at each of these milestones? This is a great way for you to see your progress incrementally. Also, I’d recommend doing a daily journal. It’s therapeutic and a great way to track your progress from a personal side. We all go through ups and downs!
  4. Have a mentor, “hype person” or close friend to be your go-to during this period. They can hold you accountable as well as pick you up when you’re feeling down.
  5. Gain experience and the skills needed to succeed in your new role or field of work. If you’re looking to change departments or roles at work, make sure to learn as much about the position as possible from someone in the role and be sure to do some research on your own. If your looking to make a major career change and need to acquire a brand new skill or credentials it can be helpful to see if there are “bootcamps”, workshops, courses or training sessions to help you gain the right qualifications. Many of these courses are online! It’s helpful to do some research on which schools or companies offering the courses/training are the most credible in that industry and will be worth your time and money.
  6. Once you’ve completed your research and training it’s time to either speak to HR at your current company about a new role OR start a job search with your new skills! If you’re looking for a new position make sure that your resume is updated and all of your past work history gives a clear picture (to the employer) of your career trajectory, interests, and your story. This will help employers have a better understanding of why you’re making a change. Also, make sure that you’ve practiced your response for why you are making this big change and help inspire the recruiter or hiring manager with your story!
  7. At this point you know what you want to do, you have built a small but mighty network, you have a master plan and you have a mentor or friend to keep you on track, AND you’ve acquired some amazing new skills to give you an edge…What’s next you may ask?…It’s time to execute your plan!
I’ve listed a SAMPLE PLAN below (1st Week – 1st Month). It’s a real life example that I provided to a candidate I worked with last year. He was a math teacher and wanted to transition into becoming a Software Developer.
SAMPLE PLAN:
Week 1:
  • Review current skills and credentials.
  • Research roles/positions that you would like and document the requirements for the position. Make a list of all of the qualifications, certifications or experience needed.
  • Narrow down the skills that you’re most interested in acquiring within your first year from that list.
  • Identify if training or a “coding bootcamp” would be necessary. If necessary, sign-up for classes (in classroom or online) that align with current work schedule.
  • Create StackOverflow and GitHub accounts to show sample work as you’re learning new (software) languages and skills.
First Month:
  • Begin attending networking events (i.e. Meetups) that align with the skills you are building. At this point you are a few weeks into your training/courses and should feel comfortable talking with others about your current studies and work.
  • Network with companies that are building technical solutions for education. This is a great way to marry your two skills and bring the depth of experience from your years of teaching.
  • Set-up two coffee meetings in the first month to sit down and learn from someone that is a software developer or works within a software development team.

 

Congratulations on leaving your comfort zone behind and challenging yourself!

 

It takes a lot of courage to take on a new position or start a new career. My hope is that these steps will help get you get started on your journey to making a change for the better!

 

Please feel free to send your career questions to cafecareercoach@gmail.com
Best of luck!
– C.C. Coach
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Career Advice

Top 5 Ways To Stay Positive This Week

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Having trouble staying positive this week? We all have those weeks at work that seem to never end and nothing goes our way…
How can you turn that frown upside down & go from having a bad week to a GREAT week?!
Try one or ALL of these 5 Ways to Stay Positive and soon you’ll be spreading positive vibes to your co-workers, friends, and family!
  1. Go for a walk! Depending on your work schedule try and go for a peaceful walk (before work, at lunch, or after work) where you can enjoy your surroundings and listen to the world happening around you. This is a great way to get some positive endorphins pumping and take time for yourself.
  2. Listen to an uplifting, educational or motivating podcast. When I’m overwhelmed at work or need someone else’s positivity to rub off on me…I’ll listen to a podcast by Smart Passive Income or Hidden Brain (NPR). Find a podcast or audio book that works for you. It’s a great way to learn something new and get inspired!
  3. Turn up the volume! Sometimes a walk, podcast or book won’t cut it. We all have days where the only thing that will lift our spirits is blaring our favorite song or bands album while we’re on our way to work (or at our home office). I’m a huge fan of Spotify’s and their compilation playlists life…”Your Daily Mix” and “Release Radar.” They’re a sure-fire way to get you pumped and feeling positive!!
  4. Call A friend. Do you have a friend that is your “hype girl” or “hype guy”?! Maybe it’s a friend, sibling, parent, etc…Give them a call! Why not give someone the opportunity to make your day? Then, you can pass along the favor to someone at your office. Pay it forward!
  5. Treat yo’self! You deserve it. We all work hard and sometimes we just need to take a minute, slow down and remember to take time and enjoy life. Find a positive jolt in a fancy coffee, dessert or dinner. I usually treat myself to a cappuccino from my favorite French cafe in town.
No matter how bad your week is I guarantee doing one or all of these things will change your mood and perspective on the week. I hope that this inspires you to be positive and to spread happiness to others. Our jobs, job searches, and lives are full of positive and negative experiences. Let’s dwell on the “positive” and learn from the “negative.”
Wishing you all an amazing week!
– C.C.Coach
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