Your Career Plan

Dream a Little Dream

2012-01-09T10:57:00.004-05:00

Long ago there was a song with a title I believe was Dream A Little Dream. I'm not quite sure why that thought occurred to me today, but it did. I can't quite recall who sang it, although I believe it was a woman, but that is not really the reason why I mentioned it. For some reason, as I was thinking about what I could write in my next blog post, that song came to my mind.

I think the phrase was dream a little dream of me, but maybe it was "with me" and that's the tip we're going to go with for today. As winter continues to unfold before us, I encourage you to dream a little dream with me. Spend a little time sitting quietly and thinking about your life. This is a new year and its bound to include new opportunities I think it's easier to recognize an opportunity as such if it is something related to a dream, a wish, or a plan you have. But if you don't spend time day dreaming, it is less likely that you will be able to tap into your heart's desires. I believe that applies to your work, as well as your love life, and other aspects of your life.

So set the stage for some quiet contemplation. That may mean a quiet room without interruptions. It could be that you need some noise so a quiet spot with some nice soothing music in the background may be better for you. Others may grab a few minutes sitting in their car before they drive off for the morning commute. It could even happen in a few stolen moments during your lunch break. I don't believe there is only one way to set the stage, just that you need to make some time to dream about what you would like to attract in your life. What do you want to create or to otherwise cause/allow to happen for you in the not-too-distant future? The more clearly you can picture it, the better able you should be to create plans to bring it about.

So you should at least have paper and pen with you in your quiet spot so you can jot down, or have some means of recording, thoughts that come to you. From there you can sort through the pictures and words and begin to identify what it is you now want to do. We'll talk more about your dream in the next post.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions, including a career or job change, coping with a job loss, preparing to return to work or to school, or planning retirement or non-retirement. She works with individuals in person and via the telephone to assist them to develop and implement plans for their life's changes. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

How Will You Start 2012?

2011-12-20T14:36:00.004-05:00

I recognize that time is flying by for most folks and this time of year some of you may barely have time to take a deep breath, let alone think about what you will do in the new year. But I encourage you to take a few minutes during these busy days to think about what you would like to accomplish. What do you hope and plan to do, at least in 2012 and possibly beyond. Sometimes we must come up with ways of doing things differently if we want to get different results from our plans. So if you have gone the route of New Year's Resolutions that were not fulfilled before, then think of what you might do differently this time around.

Before we get too far along with developing plans, we need to be clear on what our goals are. Those may be goals related to your personal life or your work life, or your spiritual life, or other aspects of who you are, but you need to be clear on what you are hoping to do. Once you have clarified your goals, you can begin to develop plans. If it is a goal that is similar to one you have had before but did not meet, then you need some different plans to reach that goal. If it is a new goal, then you have the opportunity to think about what would be achievable that would move you closer to your identified goal.

It seems that for many people, they do not achieve their goals because they spend too much of their time and energy working at things that are not directly related to what they want in life, that is, related to their purpose or mission in life. The more stray activities and miscellaneous clutter you can remove from your life, the more opportunity you will have to achieve what you set out to do without jumping over various obstacles. That is not to say that there may be no obstacles, but you are more likely to be able to see ways around or through an obstacle when you are focused on what you are trying to achieve. So take the time up front to clear your thoughts and your calendar for things that have meaning or importance in your life.

Once you are clear on your goals, it should become more evident what you need to do to achieve them. The more details you can include in your goals, the more likely you will succeed at each step along the way. Include time frames and/or checkpoints to help monitor your progression and increase your chances of success.

Happy New Year.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career or job change, planning for retirement or non-retirement, coping with a job loss, preparing for return to work or to school, and other life changes. Mary Ann has been working with adults in transition for over 20 years and assists individuals to develop solutions to their life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/. To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

What Does Winter Solstice Mean For Your Career Plans?

2011-12-15T14:32:00.003-05:00

This year the Winter Solstice occurs on Thursday, December 22. This day is the shortest day and longest dark/night of the year. It is also thought of as a time of rebirth or reversals.

So what does that mean in terms of your career plans? My last post encouraged readers not to put their job search on hold during the holidays. But this post includes folks who are not in the midst of a search as well as those expecting to start a job search in the near future. Perhaps you are one of those people, similarl to many I have seen in my practice, who are not at all happy with their work and/or their employer, but have no idea what they would do differently or where. These folks are beyond being undecided they are saying essentially that they are clueless.

For those folks, you might use this coming time of rebirth to think about what you would rather be doing - and that may be work or it could be volunteer activities or other community involvement that would bring satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment to you. Some people start by writing down things they are currently doing, or have done in the past, that they were good at and enjoyed. That's a good place to start. I also encourage you to make a list of things you have actually done that either you were no good at or you really didn't like doing. In that way, you are less likely to have very much of that latter group of things in something you undertake now, if you keep those items somewhere in your head or on a notepad.

If you already have career plans, this could be a good time for a check up - see if you are still on tract - or to dust off those plans and remember what you said you would do for your career. As life gets busier, and right now our days really are a bit shorter, it is fairly easy to get off track or to stray from good intentions. Take this opportunity, before the end of another year, to decide or to recall what you will do for you and your career.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for adults in transition; including a career or job change, planning to return to work or to school, coping with a job loss, preparing for retirement, and other life changes. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone to assist them in identifying solutions to life planning issues. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/. To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Don't Put Your Job Search On Hold

2011-12-12T10:23:00.003-05:00

If you are currently in the midst of an active job search, you may be tempted to put those activities on hold during the holidays. I would encourage you not to do that. You may need to cut back a bit, just so you have the opportunity to enjoy some time with family and friends, but if you put it away entirely, it may be hard to pick back up after the holidays. Besides, we do not know what will open up with the beginning of a new year.

So, if you are searching, you might use some of your time to catch up on your reading. You should have done some research on potential employers and the industry in which you want to work. If you have not done so, I would encourage you to take some time for reading. You can find information on the Internet in a variety of sources, but I would probably start with a search by industry type or company name. If you have not checked for a website hosted by your potential employer, you should do so. If you can not find that, then look for information based on the particular industry type - you are looking for trends or other hints that may indicate the industry is anticipating growth or at least not preparing for a decline. There may even be names of individuals mentioned that you can link to through your LinkedIn account or other networking activities. Your reading can provide some topics for you to use in your outreach efforts.

It is also a good idea to check for a professional association affiliated with the occupation you are pursuing to see if there is a link to their organization on Twitter. If not the actual occupation, then maybe you can find people who are part of the association who are active on Twitter. You may be able to find a thought leader you can follow and submit some responses to items they post. This can help to expand your visibility. If nothing else, you can search through Twitter just to see who is out there and try to identify someone you want to follow.

If you have been searching for a job for a while, this may be a good time to review your marketing materials. It may be that there are some ways in which you could tweak your resume or basic cover letter to make it more enticing to potential employers. Consider how you are doing in interviews. Do you need to improve the questions you have been asking or the answers you have been giving?

It may be that everything is in order and in tip top shape and you don't feel you need to improve in those areas, then you might just spend some of your regular search time during the holiday season looking for or trying to think of other people you might connect with. This can also be a good time to update your references, etc. on how your search is going and thank them for their support.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't think it is a good idea to take "off" the month of December from your job search. Think of some things you could do that would be beneficial so that you will be ready to gear up after the beginning of the year.

Happy Holidays.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career or job change, planning for retirement, coping with a job loss, preparing to return to school or to work, or other life changes. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone to assist them to find solutions to life transition issues. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

BE GRATEFUL

2011-11-17T14:27:00.002-05:00

Next week we will celebrate Thanksgiving. A time when we should think about and appreciate the many things for which we are grateful - or should be grateful. Sometimes it may be hard to think of what that might be, but if you can read this, then that is one thing for which you can be grateful - there are many people who are not capable of reading or who do not have access to a computer on a regular basis or who do not have sight or the instruments to allow them to "read" from the screen.

From there, you can think about what you have to be grateful for - it may be that you have a job that at least pays the bills or that provides health insurance for you and your family and allows you to put food on the table. Even though the job may not be what you want and even though the job may be "making you crazy", there are those who would suggest that in this day and time, you should be grateful you have it. I do know a number of people who are out of work and have been for more than 10 or 12 months. And many of them can still name the things for which they are grateful. So being grateful is actually a state of mind. We can choose to gripe and moan about our situation, whatever it may be. Or we can be grateful - even if for the little things in life. That does not mean that you do not want things to be different, but for now, appreciate what you do have and those things for which you could and, probably should, be grateful.

I am grateful that I have the ability to string together several sentences that seem to make sense. I am grateful for the capacity to communicate via this medium. I am grateful that my mind is still functioning and I can think of things to write about. There are so many more things for which I am grateful and, particularly at this time of year, I like to remember the big and the small things that I appreciate in life and express my gratitude. You may want to think about doing the same thing.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and coaching for life's transitions; including a career or job change, planning to return to work or to school, preparing for retirement, coping with a job loss, and other changes. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone to assist them through a change guidance system. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). To learn more about her services, please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Are You a Worker Who Is Concerned?

2011-11-08T14:40:00.002-05:00

In today's world of work, there are a number of workers who are concerned - about where their organization is headed and/or how they fit into that future picture. Perhaps there are rumors of a merger or buy out or possibly shutting down an office. Maybe you have heard that there will be a new office opened, in the near future, that will handle the same kinds of tasks done at your location. There could be a number of different concerns. If you are one who is concerned, I encourage you to think about the basis for your concern and determine if you need to develop a plan for working on it.

Start by writing down the facts that you know. If you have no facts, then write down your beliefs or what has caused you to be concerned. You may need to spend some time thinking about little signs that you have noticed over the past several months, perhaps. Maybe you heard the tail end of a discussion between two managers that caused you to wonder what was up. Perhaps you have noticed a change in the form or frequency of communications from management. Whatever indications you have that something is not right - write those down.

Then you must decide how you can get more information to clarify the realities of the situation. Do you have a co-worker who is a confidante? Are you comfortable discussing a variety of issues with your supervisor? Is there someone in Human Resources that you can talk to who will give you some answers? Try to determine where and how you can get some real data. You may just decide to add up what you were able to write down initially and determine that you would be better off taking an active approach to make a change yourself.

It may be that there would be something else within your organization that would be more stable and would suit you. It may be that the potential coming change will not impact you or your work and you are OK where you are. It certainly may be just odd circumstances that caused you to be concerned and there really is nothing out of the ordinary to be concerned about. Or it may be that you want to begin thinking about where else you could look for work. Sometimes although people may see the "handwriting on the wall", they choose to ignore it until they receive confirmation of the change that is now underway.

As a professional career counselor, I can talk with you about your concerns and help you evaluate what may be real. We could also discuss possible options for you to consider. If you are concerned, I encourage you at least to identify why you have those feelings or thoughts. From there you can decide what direction you want to take.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career or job change, loss of job, retirement planning, planning to return to work or to school, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone to assist them through her change guidance system. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

What Would You Rather Be Doing?

2011-11-01T10:59:00.004-04:00

If you often sit around and think, "I would rather be doing _______" I wonder why you aren't doing _______. In the case of work, I wonder why you are still doing the work you are doing instead of the work you would rather be doing. Often the answer to that is that you don't actually know what you would rather be doing, you just know that you no longer (or maybe never) enjoy your current work.

If that is your situation, I encourage you to think about what you would rather be doing. Would that alternative involve working more with people, or possibly less people involvement? Would it involve working more with your hands - doing something with some particular tools - or less with your hands? Or maybe you would like to work more with numbers or if you are fed up with counting things, you might want less work with numbers or data. Those provide some good starting points. Most jobs include some of working with people, some working with things (using your hands), and some working with data or numbers. In most cases, those activities are not divided equally in a job, but more of one than the other two kinds of involvement.

Once you have figured out which kind of activity (people, things, or data) you would like more of in your job, you can then begin to look at jobs for which you are already qualified that would involve that. Or if you are prepared to continue your education or obtain more training, what could you qualify for that would be a better fit? You should also consider the kinds of skills you would like to use, what would be a good fit for your personality, and which kinds of work would not conflict with your major work values. But those pieces can be sorted through as you identify potential jobs. Those might be jobs with your current employer or with another employer, if you are ready to leave.

I encourage you to start this process by thinking of what you would rather be doing. From there you can develop a description of the kind of work that you would like to pursue - if not now, in the not-too-distant future.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career or job change, preparing for non-retirement, planning to continue your education or return to work. She works with individuals in person and via telephone to assist them in finding solutions to life planning issues. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/. To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

The World of Work

2011-10-27T11:16:00.004-04:00

In today's world of work, many things and practices are different than they were 25 years ago. In some cases, they are different than they were just 8 years ago. The other day my grandson asked me how old my son was when he got his first cell phone. I told him an age I thought was appropriate - but it was older than 20! So my grandson was not expecting that answer. As it turns out, he thought he was old enough to have one.

At any rate, the onset of things such as cell phones is one instance where things have changed dramatically in the last 10 years. I'm thinking the world of work is another one of those things. It was not so long ago that a job seeker could look through the Sunday paper, find some ads they could respond to, send in a resume - or go to the employer's location to submit an application - to be considered for employment.

In today's world, you should still look through the newspaper to see what kinds of jobs are advertised, but if it has been a while since you looked there, you may be surprised by what you find. In addition to looking at ads in the paper, you should certainly look online. Not only are there some sites that you may want to post your resume to, and some you want to check regularly for notices, you should also launch a plan to include some informal searching for possible job opportunities through networking.

I encourage my clients to use a multi-pronged approach to the job search. I don't believe you can depend on just one method to uncover possible job opportunities. Additionally, you should divide your search time proportionately based on which sources are likely to provide more leads. So, although you should look through the paper, that should not take the majority of your search time. The same applies to looking for online opportunities. Since networking is more likely to provide some actual leads, that is where you should spend the majority of your search time. Also, if you have the opportunity to do so, make sure you add some lead time to complete your search. These days a job search may easily take more than 12 months. Develop a good plan and keep at it.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career or job change, coping with a job loss, preparing to return to work or to school, planning for non-retirement, and other life planning issues. She meets with clients in person and via telephone to assist in finding solutions to their issues regarding such transitions. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services. To contact Mary Ann, please call (513_ 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

So What Do You Do When Your Plan Fails?

2011-10-04T14:14:00.004-04:00

What do you do when your plans do not work out? Maybe it hasn't happened to you, but I know there have been a number of times in my life when my plans didn't work out the way I wanted. If you have not had that experience, congratulations. If you have, then you know that can be a frustrating experience. Or perhaps you have some other way to describe it - infuriating, problematic, or just plain troublesome, etc.

How you cope with that situation says a lot about you. If you begin to take your frustrations out on others, that would be one way to handle it. Or you could sit in the corner and mope. Or you could take it in your stride. There is some saying about "The best laid plans..." and I think it ends with, "often go astray" or maybe that is just how it ends for me.

The other day I was in a shop and saw a little plaque that talked about how you cope with Plan B. So many times when our original plans don't work out, we don't know what to do or what to think. But if you start by creating a Plan A and a Plan B, at least to some extent, you may not be so thrown off base if Plan A doesn't work out. Of course, planning may not be your strong suit to begin with, so the thought of developing two plans may really make you cringe. But if you are going to develop a plan, I think it is good to think about an alternate, just in case you don't initially get what you had planned. Your Plan B would not have to be quite as detailed as your Plan A, but even having a rough draft would mean that you could just dust it off and fill in some blanks to get started on it. And that advice applies to many aspects of today's life - including finding a job.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career or job change, planning for retirement, coping with a job loss, planning to return to work or school, or other life changes. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone to assist them in developing solutions to their life planning issues. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Tracking Your Search

2011-09-08T09:33:00.004-04:00

If you are currently looking for a job, I encourage you to track your search so that you can increase your chances for a successful landing. You will need to identify organizations that are potential employers for someone with your background and interests. It is important to do some research on those organizations. There are many websites available for you to do some reading about various organizations. You also want to talk to some people who know something about the field of work you are pursuing and/or the organizations on your list.

Keep track of the people you contact and the method and dates of contact. Be sure to make note of when you said you would follow-up so that you can do so in a timely manner. You may want to create some type of worksheet or database to keep track of each person's full name, title, employer, mailing address, phone number, email address, and their preferred means of contact. You also want to make note of dates and method of each contact. As you network and get referrals to other individuals, you also want to make note of who made the referral.

You should also keep track of potential employers you contact and/or submit applications or resumes. Obviously you want to be sure to follow up with them as appropriate and should not depend on your memory to keep track of all those details. You would want to keep the same types of information on potential employers as you did for your networking and other contacts. In addition to preparing your resume, basic letters, and yourself for the job search process, it is best to also set up a system to keep track of all these search activities.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career or job change, planning to return to work or to school, coping with job loss, preparing for non-retirement, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone to assist in finding solutions to life transition issues. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Your Job Search Toolkit (part 7)

2011-09-06T10:00:00.000-04:00

For several weeks we have talked about parts of your job search toolkit and how you should pack it. You can see that conducting a job search today is different than it was, even 10 years ago. As always, you should select individuals who will serve as references for you. It is important that you select your professional references from those individuals who will not only speak well of you, but who should be able to relate to the folks who may be inquiring about you. Be sure that you confirm their willingness to serve as a reference, don't just assume that they will. When you contact them regarding your need for a reference source, you should also verify that you have their correct contact information and current title. I think it is a good idea for all of your references to have a copy of your current resume, so they know what you are looking for and what you're saying about yourself. You should have a list of your professional references prepared so you can finalize it to share when asked by an employer. Adding a statement on your reference list about how each person knows your work can add to your overall worth.

A networking script is also needed for your search. It probably should include your Position Statement, and possibly your Departure Statement, depending on how well the contact knows you. If you were referred to that contact by someone else in your network, you should include who the referral came from when you make the contact. I think your script should also include asking if this person knows anyone else you should contact and whether you can use their name when you do. I encourage my clients to make a list of everyone they know before they begin networking and include their phone number and email address, at least. It may also be helpful to include some notation about how you know each person.

With all this information, you will need some kind of system to keep track of your search related activities. It is good to have a method of tracking your networking activities so you don't contact a person too frequently or too seldom and your means of contact. You will want to have a system for keeping track of contact you make with potential employers so you can follow-up when you said you would and with whom you said, etc. These days a job search could be a full-time job. If you are not currently working at all, you will need to step up your search activities. No matter what your other circumstances, you will probably need to add some patience to your toolkit because a search can be quite draining.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career or job change, preparing for return to work or to school, coping with job loss, planning for non-retirement, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone assisting them in finding solutions to life planning issues. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Your Job Search Toolkit (part 6)

2011-08-23T10:45:00.000-04:00

Although we have talked about several pieces for your Job Search Toolkit, your plans for a job search are not yet complete. Additionally, I encourage you to prepare a professional bio, identify your target companies/organizations, select professional references, develop a networking script and list of contacts, and create/purchase a record keeping system.

The professional bio should be prepared to highlight achievements related to your current career direction. It should be brief, typically no more than one page, and should be written in third person. This document could be used in some networking meetings and possibly in contacting potential employers. Instead of peddling your resume everywhere, a professional bio can be used when you talk with people about what you are looking for, as it will give them concrete examples of your experiences. If you are approaching a potential employer about how your background may be beneficial to them, a professional bio can be a good representation of you. You may also wish to share a copy with people who will be serving as professional references for you and others who may be able to put in a good word for you with people they know.

A professional biography (bio) is a brief (one typed page) description of your work history. Obviously, you would not necessarily include every job you have held, only those that are most relevant to the kind of work you are currently seeking. The points on your bio should be linked to your accomplishment stories. You should also include some tangible results from the accomplishments you include. It is good to include any quantifiable data that relates to your accomplishments, as well. Find appropriate action words to use in describing what you have done.

Once you have clarified the kind of work you are looking for, you should put together a list of preferred potential employers who could benefit from your skills and talents. Those would be the organizations that you should research fairly well to learn about them as you try to find a niche you could fill for them. You will want to find out not only their location and primary contact information, but also names of key people related to your desired position. You would also want to research potential needs they may have or problems you could help them address. We will address the remaining pieces for the toolkit in the last blog post for this series.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a job or career change, coping with an empty nest, planning to return to work or school, non-retirement planning, coping with loss of job, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in-person and on-line to assist them to find solutions to their life transition issues. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Your Job Search Toolkit (part 5)

2011-08-18T11:30:00.000-04:00

In preparation for job interviews, you should also prepare, or at least think about, experiences and activities from your past that would demonstrate your skills and strengths to share with an employer. It is a good idea to write out some stories of your accomplishments. You should be able to come with at least 5 or 6 stories from your background that would be appropriate to share. These accomplishments can be from previous work experiences, volunteer or community activities, but should be relevant to the kinds of work you are currently pursuing. Obviously, if you are considering different types of work for your next move, you may need some different stories to suit the different industries or work environments you are seeking.

In addition to preparing your accomplishment stories, in this job market, it is to your advantage to have an online presence. You should have an email address (not through your employer) through which you could be contacted. The email address should be a decent name, not some "cute" nickname, etc. These days it is also a good idea to have a Professional Profile on LinkedIn. You should use it only for professional information and networking. If you have a profile on Facebook or other network, I encourage you to check to see what information is there and remove anything you would not want a potential employer to see. Employers are actually checking the online presence of candidates - sometimes even before they invite them in for an interview. As far as that goes, it is a good idea to Google yourself so you can see what else is out there about you.

LinkedIn can be very beneficial in your networking activities but you should be willing to share information, as well. Find some groups you would like to belong to and follow their posts, offering a reply or comment, as appropriate. Maintaining your contacts through LinkedIn can also be advantageous even after you start a new job.

Although I encourage you to find job posting sites that are appropriate for you to follow in your search, I also encourage you to monitor the amount of time you spend on line. It is very easy to get involved in browsing and reading, but it is not necessarily a productive use of your time.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career or job change, planning for non-retirement, coping with a job loss, preparing to return to school or to work, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and on-line to assist them to find solutions to life transition issues. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Your Job Search Toolkit (part 4)

2011-08-09T11:12:00.000-04:00

These days a job search requires the individual to be prepared for a variety of interview situations. Employers or their representatives are probably conducting more phone screening interviews than they used to do. Those are often designed to "weed out" candidates who are not the type of employee the employer is seeking. It may involve clarifying parts of your background or more of a personality screening. At any rate, no matter what the format, an interview should be prepared for in advance. You may be invited to meet with a search committee and/or someone from Human Resources and that will likely happen before you actually get to meet with someone from the actual hiring department and before you meet your potential boss.

It is OK to ask what type of interview or format you will be involved in. This allows you to get your mind ready for what you may face. It is always a good idea to think about what kinds of questions you may get. There are a variety of sources online that offer typical interview questions, if you'd like to review those. In addition to the typical questions, you should think about what you would want to know, if you were in the position of employer, and how you would answer those questions. You should also prepare some questions you can ask. They should be designed to demonstrate that you know something about the organization and its products/services.

As part of your preparation, you should think about what you consider to be your individual attractive factors - those things about you that make you a strong candidate and hopefully make you more qualified than others who apply. What skills/experiences do you possess that other applicants may not? Are there particular traits you possess that may make you more attractive to a potential employer? Why would they want to hire you, instead of one of the other hundreds of candidates who likely applied for the job? Those are questions you will want to answer in preparing for your interviews. Hopefully in your research on the organization, you were able to identify a need they have that you could help them address. All of these pieces could be part of your individual attractive factors.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career or job change, coping with a job loss, preparing to return to school or to work, planning for retirement, and other life planning concerns. She works with individuals in persona and via telephone to assist them in finding solutions to their life transition issues. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Your Job Search Toolkit (part 3)

2011-08-09T10:54:00.000-04:00

We have reviewed the three main formats for resumes for your job search toolkit. Today, we will talk about your Position and Departure Statements. Although I suggest you prepare these statements in advance, ideally they will be something you can repeat without having it sound like a memorized speech. So I do encourage you to practice your statements, once you have written them.

When I talk about a Departure Statement, I'm referring to a brief statement that explains why you left/or are planning to leave your previous position - your departure. This could be particularly beneficial when your reason(s) are not within your control, but when well written, could also help explain situations where you were "at fault".

Your Departure Statement should be brief - about 30 to 40 seconds - and should be positive in tone. It should include why and how you left your previous employer or why you are seeking a new position. It should reflect that you have a clear idea of where you are headed professionally, and that you are prepared to do what you need to do to get there. It could be used when you are networking or looking for leads to potential employment opportunities and may be appropriate to share in an interview when asked why you are looking or why you are available.

A Position Statement is also known by other names, including an Introductory Statement or an elevator speech. This statement should also be brief - about 30 seconds - and be positive in nature. It should address your individual attractive factors (to be covered in a later post on toolkits), your professional reputation, and the kind of industry and position you are looking for.

The Position Statement is also very valuable when networking and can be crafted as a response to the frequently asked interview question, "Tell me about yourself." It could also be used when you unexpectedly meet someone in a professional situation you would like to introduce yourself to. This statement should also reflect your knowledge of who you are, professionally, and what you are looking for, which should be a reasonable goal, based on your background.

Obviously, if you are currently looking for more than one type of job, you would need to adjust your statements accordingly, so they are appropriate for what you will share otherwise about your background.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career or job change, planning for retirement, coping with a job loss, preparing to return to work or school, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning concerns. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone to assist them with finding solutions to their life planning issues. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Create Your Job Search Toolkit (part 2)

2011-08-02T10:53:00.000-04:00

In the last post we talked about a basic chronological resume for your job search toolkit. Today, we'll talk about the other resume formats - functional and combination (sometimes referred to as chrono-functional). If you choose to design a functional or combination resume, their formats are fairly similar. Instead of listing your work experiences in reverse chronological order, like you would for a chronological resume, you identify 3 to 5 broad skill areas which you have used and would like to focus on in your next position.

Of course, you would still begin with appropriate contact information about you, no matter which format you choose. Your resume could still have a Summary or Professional Profile section that could be written as a sort of paragraph or just a bulleted list. The idea for the summary is to give the reader a few highlights from your background that will entice her/him to read further. This should also include action words that are directly related to the kind of work you hope to do next.

For your work experience, you would create 3 to 5 headings that represent your experiences (your functional skills), whether paid or volunteer. So a person in business might use headings of Marketing and Communications, Inventory Control, and Management and Supervision, for example. Then under each of those headings you would have brief statements that represent experiences you have using that skill. The statements could be work from a combination of job titles and/or companies or from volunteer or other professional activities. So the skills and experiences that you want to showcase that are related to marketing and communications, for example, would be listed under that category.

The primary difference between a functional and a combination resume is the amount of information provided for each of your employers. In a truly functional resume, you would simply list the name of each employer, dates of employment, location of the job, and your job title. In a combination resume, in addition to that information, you would also provide a brief statement (or statements about your responsibilities in each job. In either format, if the name of the employer may not easily be recognized, it is a good idea to include a brief statement regarding the nature of the company - it's primary focus.

You will need an education section no matter which format you choose. If you have volunteer experiences, you may wish to include a section to list those organizations or companies, as well. Additionally, you may wish to include a section on professional activities or organizations in which you are actively involved.

It is generally believed that a combination or functional resume provides more flexibility, and perhaps visibility, particularly for individuals who are making a career change and not staying in the same field in which they are currently or were most recently working. These formats are also preferred by many individuals who have a gap in their work history. On the whole, I believe most employers still prefer the chronological resume format, but if your background would be represented by one of the other formats, you may wish to try that and see what responses you get. Because, no matter which resume format you choose, if it does not result in positive responses, you want to make some adjustments to it and try again. In the next post we will discuss other items for your job search toolkit.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice, providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, preparing for retirement, returning to work or to school, coping with a loss of job. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone assisting them to find solutions to their life transition issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Create Your Job Search Toolkit

2011-07-21T10:39:00.003-04:00

In today's job market, the job seeker must be prepared to use multiple approaches to landing a new position. It is no longer sufficient to create a standard resume, peruse the want ads in the local paper and send your resume in response to an ad. These days a search is much more demanding and, in most cases, more difficult for the job seeker.

Don't get me wrong, I believe you should still look through the local paper for want ads. One thing you will find, if you haven't looked at that section lately, is that, in general, there are not as many ads as you may be used to seeing. Additionally, many of the ads are looking for general workers or job seekers with very specialized abilities. Because most jobs that are filled are never advertised anywhere, it is important not to spend a disproportionate amount of time on a method that is not likely to produce many results.

Your job search toolkit should include a number of things, but today we are going to start with a resume. Although most people suggest you revise your resume, even if only slightly, for each position for which you apply, you need to come up with your basic resume template. These days there are still three basic formats for resumes: chronological, functional, and combination. The chronological is still the preferred format for many employers, and that is the design that requires you to list your positions in reverse chronological order.

No matter what format you choose for your resume, it would generally begin with your name and your contact information. You name should be typed so that it stands out from the rest of the information. Depending on how you will deliver the resume, you may choose not to include your home address on it, but you should include your cell and/or home phone number, and your email address. Again, be sure that the outgoing message on your phones is a professional sounding one and that anyone who might answer the number given can take a message and handle the call in a professional manner. If you list two phone numbers, you should indicate which is which. Also, be sure that the email address is one that is basic or professional sounding.

In a chronological resume format, whatever position or title you hold now, or your most recent position, would be listed at the beginning of your experience section. Before you jump into listing your experiences, I would suggest that you insert a summary of sorts for the section after your contact information. Your summary may be just a listing of areas of expertise, technical skills, or could be some significant highlights from your work history. It should not be too long, but provide sufficient information to get the attention of someone reading it.

Generally your experience section would come next. The exception may be for individuals who are just graduating - in that case, you may wish to list your education next. That is particularly helpful for those who do not have work experience related to the position they are seeking. Your current or most recent position should contain statements about the skills you demonstrated and tasks for which you were responsible. To the extent possible, all your statements in your experience section should begin with an action verb. Any figures that you can include which help to document your accomplishments is a good idea. You may use sentences or just bulleted statements for your experiences. Each position should include the title you held, the name of your employer, and dates of employment. In some cases, you may wish to include the city where you worked and/or a brief statement about the nature of the employer you worked for/the industry it is in.

You would repeat this same process for every position you have held - going back about 15 to 18 years. You would only consider including a position from further back than that if it is directly related to the position you are currently seeking. Generally 15 or so years of work history is sufficient.

Education is often the next section on a chronological resume. You generally list your most recent education first. The exception might be if you have completed some type of certificate program more recently than you received your degree. Unless the certificate is directly related to the work you are now seeking, you may need to list it after your degree. For each degree you have completed, list the name of the degree, your major area of study, the name of the institution, and generally the date you received the degree. (If you graduated long ago, you may wish to leave that date off.) If you were recognized for your grades/honors, you generally want to include that as well. If you provide your grade point average (gpa), you should include the scale on which it is based; so if you have a 3.8 on a 4.0 scale, you would indicate both numbers. You would also include that same basic information on the previous degrees/programs completed. The exception is that you do not need to include high school, unless you do not have a college education.

You may wish to include a section on professional activities or organizations to which you belong and/or a section for your volunteer activities. These can be particularly beneficial if they are related to the kind of work you hope to do or the kind of industry in which you hope to do that work. It is not appropriate to include information about your personal status and you no longer need to include the statement, "References available upon request." We will talk about the other resume formats in the next post.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, planning for retirement, coping with an empty nest, or planning to return to work or to school. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone to assist in developing plans to cope with the individual's transition. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

How Current Are You?

2011-06-27T10:14:00.001-04:00

In today's world, job seekers must be current - in attire, approach to the job search, and in their use of technology. For some who have been in the world of work for a number of years, that may be easier said than done, but it is important to get up to speed.

The basics refresher - The clothes you wear, not only for interviewing, but networking also, should be clean and fairly conservative. Of course some professions who require creativity provide a little more flexibility in what is appropriate. But in general, men or women should dress as you would for work when you go to networking meetings and a little better than you would for work when you go in for a job interview. For women, it is appropriate to wear no more than one pair of earrings and no other visible piercings. A little color in your attire is generally good, but something on the conservative side would be good.
Although some of today's fashions are a bit much for some older job seekers, women or men should also not wear something that was appropriate in the 80s. So men's jackets and slacks or suits should also be current. Shoes should be polished and comfortable to walk in - and that applies to both genders. I suggest you carry a briefcase that is not too bulky or just a portfolio. Women who carry a briefcase should not also carry a purse.

In today's job market, the large majority of jobs that are filled are never advertised anywhere, so it is important to spend the majority of your search time networking. Some time should be devoted to print ads and/or online sources, but monitor your time appropriately. You also need to be able to apply for jobs online, whether it means uploading or posting your electronic version of your resume or filling out an online application. Along those same lines, you should include your cell phone number and/or email address on your resume and in your cover letter. These items indicate that you are at least fairly current with technology. Of course, for the job search purposes (including networking), you need to make sure your email address is not some goofy or cutesy sounding address. You also need to make sure that your outgoing message, whether on your home phone or cell phone, is something that is professional sounding. Additionally, if it is possible that someone else will answer calls placed to your home, make sure they will be able to speak in a professional manner and take a complete and accurate message. If that is not the case, you may wish to include only your cell phone number. In either case, label which number is which when you include them on your resume or correspondence.

It is also recommended that you have a profile on LinkedIn. It is true that many employers are checking online persona even before they invite candidates in for an interview, let alone before they make a job offer. Having a profile on LinkedIn is another way to indicate that you are at least somewhat comfortable with technology. Although Facebook is not considered as professional a site as LinkedIn, it is possible that a potential employer will check for a Facebook page for a candidate. So be careful about what is posted out there if you have a Facebook page. As an additional thought, sometimes you can introduce yourself to people because of LinkedIn connections.

So, if you are in, or about to conduct a job search, make sure your resume, wardrobe and knowledge of technology are current. That puts you in a better position to compete for the opportunities that are/or will soon be available.

Mary Ann Davis (M.A.) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, planning for retirement or non-retirement, coping with an empty nest or loss of job, and returning to work or school. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone assisting them to find solutions to their life planning issues. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Use Your Resume to Think about Your Life (part 3)

2011-06-21T13:07:00.000-04:00

After you have written about where you are headed and were able to create a mental picture of that scenario, if that picture is not appealing to you, or you get a cold feeling when you envision it, then you want to work at creating a different picture. I suggest you begin by looking over your historical resume to find things you did, time you spent, that was enjoyable or satisfying. Some people need to go back fairly far into their past to find some things to consider. Go back as far as needed. If, unfortunately, you do not really remember a time when you were involved in activities (job or otherwise) that brought satisfaction, enjoyment, or stimulation, then you may need to work from a different approach.

For those who do remember something, from whenever in their past, follow the suggestions from the second part on this topic. Write as much as you can about what brought you satisfaction or enjoyment or made you excited about what you were doing. Would those things still create the same feelings? If so, is there a way to get back to those days?

If not, then you probably start at the same point as the folks who weren't really able to come up with anything from their past that fits with what they want now. That is, review your historical resume, again. Look for pieces of projects or activities that brought enjoyment or satisfaction. Look for signs that indicate what you would rather have been doing - again, whether in your job or in your outside activities. After you have reviewed it, you may want to spend some time just day dreaming about what your new situation could be and what could be included. Think about the kinds of people you would like to work or interact with, the kinds of things you would like to use in your new situation, and the kinds of data/information you would like to work with and how you picture yourself using it.

Once you are able to create your new picture, write it out as a goal statement. Then work on filling in the details - the objectives you will need to achieve to get you to your goal. In developing your plans, it is good to include as many details as needed to help you be clear on where you are headed. It is also good to include time frames or target dates for completion of each objective. If you will need to continue your education to achieve your new goal, figure out where and how you will manage that. If you need to develop some additional skills, also be creative in figuring out how to make that happen. The more details you can include in your plans, the more likely you will be able to bring them into reality. It is always a good idea to have a Plan B. It does not necessarily need to be as detailed as your Plan A, but should contain enough information that if you do need to resort to it, it will be fairly easy to dust it off, fill in some holes, and proceed.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, planning for retirement or non-retirement, coping with an empty nest or loss of job, or preparing to return to school or to work. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone to assist them in finding solutions to their life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Use Your Resume to Think About Your Life (part 2)

2011-06-16T12:05:00.001-04:00

Once you have written about your current situation, you would begin work on your previous situation or your previous job and start the writing process again. Be sure to consider if there were other work-related or outside activities that you were involved in and write about those too. Continue that remembering and writing process, going back as far as you can - hopefully to your first job and early activities. Be sure to include your educational and learning activities.

Once you have the basics written down for your historical resume you should set it aside again, to see if other memories surface. Add those thoughts to what you have written, then begin to put your notes into a readable form. Although they do not have to be complete sentences, there should be enough written so that you can remember what you were involved in and whether or not you enjoyed it or found it satisfying.

Then you can begin to focus on where you are headed. Based on the current direction in which you are moving, what's next? Is there a job you were preparing for, or planning for, that would be a natural progression from where you are? Is there something else you hope to do in your outside activities? Again, write down thoughts about the next step, or next turn, or next path. Include as many details as possible. Try to remember what you had anticipated or hoped for at each turning point on the path so far.

Then you can review what you have written about where you are headed. Is that where you really still want to go? Can you create a clear picture - on paper or in your mind - of what that will look and feel like for you? If you have a clear picture, how does that feel? Does that give you a warm, content, or hot/exciting feeling or is it more of a cold reaction?

If you feel warm or hot, that is good. Write down as many details as you can about that picture. The more you can write, the more likely you will be able to bring it into reality. If you recalled what future you were working towards, are there things you have been able to check off on your earlier plan? Are there new things you need to add to help create that plan. If you have not already done so, it is a good idea to add some time frames to when you should reach each step in your plan. In the next post, we will talk about having a cold or neutral feeling about the picture you have created.

Mary Ann Davis (M.A.) is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, planning for retirement or non-retirement, coping with an empty nest or loss of job, planning to return to work or school, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone to assist in finding solutions for issues related to life transitions. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Use Your Resume to Think About Your Life

2011-06-14T10:22:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I meet with a person who says they are not happy with their life, but are not sure what they want/need to do differently. In many instances, I suggest they review their resume to think about their life - where they have been, where they are headed, and where they want to go. Many of us don't really think about those questions unless we feel our job is not secure or have decided we want a different job or line of work. I encourage my clients to review their resume every year or so, even if they don't anticipate conducting a job search. I also encourage them to create a historical resume.

When I talk about a historical resume, it is one document that includes every job you have ever had in life and at least a little information about what tasks you did and skills you used and preferably what values it met. It would also include volunteer work and other outside activities you really enjoyed or found satisfying. Most people I have worked with don't already have a historical resume, so they start one. For some folks that is a more difficult task because they have been working many, many years with changing responsibilities, or have had many different jobs over their working lives. Please keep in mind, a historical resume is for your reference only and is not shared with potential employers or recruiters.

It usually helps to start with where you are right now. If you are working, write down your job title or primary focus, the name of your employer, and a few statements about the work you are doing. Try to use as many action words/skill statements as you can in describing your job activities. Additionally, write down any outside activities that you are involved in. Also use skill statements in describing those activities and include values that are met in doing those activities. If you are not working right now, you should still write about any other activities you are involved in. This could be volunteer activities, things you do just for fun or socializing and things with the family. It can include hobbies, learning activities, physical activities, spiritual activities, travel, etc.

Generally it helps to write down what you can - without trying to form complete sentences. You may want to work on this over a few days - setting it aside from time to time to allow other thoughts/memories to come to mind. We'll address adding to your historical resume in the next post.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, preparing for a return to work or school, planning for retirement or non-retirement, coping with an empty nest or loss of job, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone helping to find solutions to problems related to life transitions. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

How Well Balanced Is Your Life Wheel (part 5)

2011-06-07T13:58:00.000-04:00

The last several posts have addressed the various aspects of your life wheel - the occupational, physical, social, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual spokes. A related topic has to do with play and relaxation. No matter what age you are, I think you should still make time for play and relaxation in your life. I'm not suggesting that you take up a new sport or game, but find ways to have fun.

It may be that you enjoy dancing, well do it - even if its just in your own living room - or take a dance class. Maybe you used to love to bowl or shoot pool - get with some friends and get back to it - even it if means using a lighter ball or cue. When was the last time you went to a matinee to see a comedy or an animated feature? Think of things you enjoy doing and make time for them.

Laughing truly is one of the best medicines for your overall health. Particularly at those times when you're feeling down and out, you should seek out family/friends who have a positive outlook on life to spend some time with. It is too easy when you are already feeling low to sink even lower if you are around negative people. Listen to some upbeat music or watch a funny movie. Look for ways and people to help brighten your day.

When was the last time you went on a picnic or a nature walk or visited the zoo? When was the last time you sat and gazed at the stars or strolled through a garden? Appreciating nature can also be a good way to relax.

I also think it is important to take time to appreciate the good things you do have in your life. Sometimes we get so caught up in what is wrong with our lives, that we don't recognize what is right. Taking the time to be grateful for what you have in life, including good people, can help you recognize that perhaps even despite the current situation, there is some good for which you should be grateful.

Mary Ann Davis (MA) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, planning for retirement, loss of job, coping with an empty nest, preparing to return to work or school, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone helping to find solutions to problems related to life transitions. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

How Well Balanced Is Your Life Wheel? (part 4)

2011-05-31T09:49:00.000-04:00

The last several posts have discussed your life wheel and this is a continuation of that theme. The remaining spokes on your life wheel are the emotional and intellectual - your heart and your head, so to speak. Your heart certainly needs tending to on a regular basis - it can be a very fragile part of our existence. The emotional spoke on the life wheel helps us to keep in tune with how we are really "feeling", but only if we pay attention to the signals. Our emotions are simply that, signals regarding what you are experiencing. Sometimes it is very easy, even obvious, to know what we are feeling, other times the true emotions may be hidden. I encourage you to pay particular attention to your emotions during times of transition or high stress.

It may be beneficial to practice relaxation techniques or meditation to help keep the emotional spoke on your wheel in balance, but particularly so if you are experiencing a great deal of stress. Writing in a journal can also be helpful as a coping mechanism. Other activities that can aid the emotional spoke on your life wheel include developing plans, talking things out, physical activity, spiritual activity, and/or social activity.

As far as the head is concerned, or the intellectual spoke on the life wheel, you need activities that help to keep your mind active and clear. Besides stimulating work, hobbies, doing crossword or jigsaw puzzles, researching, writing and reading are all activities that can help to keep your mind active. Of course, learning something new or engaging in stimulating conversations/discussions are always good ways to keep your mind working.

Writing in a journal can help not only the intellectual and the emotional spokes, but could also benefit the spiritual spoke on your life wheel. Some people realize their new career direction through writing in their journal. Another activity that can be beneficial to your heart and your head is researching and writing about your family's history. Whatever you choose, finding creative outlets can certainly benefit the emotional and intellectual spokes on your life wheel.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, planning for retirement, loss of job, coping with an empty nest, preparing to return to work or school, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone helping to find solutions to problems related to life transitions. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

How Well Balanced Is Your Life Wheel (part 3)

2011-05-24T09:18:00.000-04:00

In the last post, we discussed some of the concerns people have had regarding the occupational spoke on their life wheel. But not all problems and not all the joys in life are because of work. Today's post will discuss the physical, social and spiritual aspects of the life wheel.

For the physical aspect of your life wheel, you want to include some physical activity, at least on a weekly basis, although more frequently would be better. The physical activity you choose should be appropriate for you and something you enjoy enough to keep at it. So, although I would love to ride a bike, it has been so long since I rode, that at this stage in life, I might do more harm than good for my body. In addition to keeping physically active, you should be sure to eat healthy and get a sufficient amount of sound sleep. Some people find that if anything is off/out-of-balance in any aspect of their life that their sleep is immediately effected. So they may have a fairly immediate signal that all is not well - although they still may have to figure out what is wrong.

The social spoke on your wheel encompasses the social - not-work related contacts - that you maintain. You may have some acquaintances that are just that and others who are truly friends. On those days when you're feeling down and don't really feel like 'faking it', your true friends will understand and will offer to help or, at least, to listen. If you are between jobs, resist the temptation to hide out - you need to continue to have social contacts. The same applies to those who are in retirement. Retirement should be from work, not from life. You really need to maintain some relationships through retirement in order to maintain the social aspect of your life wheel.

The spiritual spoke on your life wheel could include spending time appreciating nature, meditating, reading, or other spiritual activities. This allows you to tap into your beliefs/your source of strength. Even when things are going well in your life, you should still devote some time to the spiritual aspects of life. So often, it is when things are not going well that we draw on our spirituality, which can certainly be a source of inspiration and consolation, but I would encourage you not to reserve that just for the difficult times in life.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, planning for retirement, loss of job, coping with an empty nest, preparing to return to work or school, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone helping to find solutions to problems related to life transitions. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

How Well Balanced Is Your Life Wheel (part 2)

2011-05-14T09:26:00.000-04:00

In the previous post we posed this question and discussed some of the issues related to your current work situation and your life goals, as part of the Occupational spoke on your life wheel. In addition to looking at the work you are doing, or have been doing, you want to consider whether or not you are using the skills that you most enjoy using. Certainly, many jobs have changed over the last several years, along with the multiple changes in technology. If your job no longer requires the skills you really enjoy using, you may need to determine if there are other situations in which those same skills would still be needed, or if those skills would be used in other occupations. In some instances, the skills may not be much in demand - or at least not in the kinds of jobs in which you could make a decent living. Again, are there ways in which you could still apply those skills, or is it time to read the writing on the wall that those skills are now outdated?

Also, it may be a matter of personality clashes or personal conflicts with your co-worker(s) or supervisor(s) that cause you to be unhappy with your current work situation. If that is your situation, again, I encourage you to consider whether the situation is manageable or whether you need to start preparing for a change. You also need to consider whether your current career goals fit with your life and your plans. If you have not done so, you should visualize some aspects of your work future and determine if your current path will contribute to your achieving your career goals and life plans.

I believe it is important to look at the source(s) of your frustration/unhappiness with the occupational spoke on your life wheel, if that is the case. The topic of your life wheel will be continued in the next post. You also want to be sure that during your working years that you make time for other spokes on your life wheel. Individuals who don't do that tend to have a much more difficult time coping with retirement. For many, that is because without their work, they feel as though there is nothing left in their lives.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, planning for retirement, loss of job, coping with an empty nest, preparing to return to work or school, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone helping to solve problems related to life transitions. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

How Well Balanced is Your Life Wheel?

2011-04-19T10:05:00.000-04:00

If you are feeling frustrated or out of sorts, but aren't quite sure why, you may want to consider how well balanced your life wheel is. A life wheel covers the various aspects of one's life - the occupational, physical, spiritual, social, emotional, and intellectual pieces that fill your days, weeks, and years. For many of my clients, it is the occupational spoke on their life wheel that is out of whack - or that throws all the other pieces out of alignment. They are no longer (or maybe never were) satisfied with aspects of their work or they have grown to dislike something(s) about their work situation. So we try to identify a change that would address those concerns.

For one thing, you want to be sure that your work fits in somehow with your career goals and life plans. Think about what you want to accomplish during your life and what you would like to contribute to the world. At least in some small way, what you are doing should be helping to get you where you want to go or add to making this the kind of world in which you want to live. If this is not obvious in your work situation, then you should look for ways to add that to some other aspect of your life.

Certainly if there is no longer a good fit between you and your work, that can make you miserable, or at least more tired than you need/want to be. If that is your situation, I encourage you to spend some time and energy breaking down the situation, to see where the problem(s) lies. It could be that your day-to-day tasks have changed and no longer involve enough of the things you enjoy doing or find stimulating or challenging. In that case, I encourage you to consider if there are ways you could return some of that joy or replace some current tasks with others that would be more satisfying.

In reviewing your current work situation, it could be that the organization/your employer has switched gears and it's values are no longer in line with yours. If that is the case, I encourage you to consider if enough of your work values are being addressed to make you feel needed and comfortable. If not, then you may wish to prepare to launch a new job search or to discover a new career direction or find other ways to satisfy some of the values that are most important to you. In my experience, it is often the values piece that causes individuals to search for something different in their work lives. I will continue with the occupational spoke of the life wheel in the next post.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, planning for retirement, loss of job, coping with an empty nest, preparing to return to work or school, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Are You Always 'On Call'?

2011-04-12T14:09:00.001-04:00

I have noticed more people driving or walking around with one of those headsets or actual cell phones up to their ear. Putting the legal issues aside, that is probably not sensible. Granted, some of those calls or messages really are emergencies and some may be pertinent to where the receiving person is headed, but I can't believe they all are.

We seem to have become a nation of people - many of whom are always 'on call'. If they are not making or receiving phone calls, they are sending or reading text messages or email. With the advances in technology, you don't even have to be at home or on a computer to do that these days. I am not trying to suggest that technology is a bad thing, but that some people might want to consider cutting back on their frequency of use.

Unless your job absolutely requires you to be tuned in all the time, I encourage you to ease back on your connectivity. You do not have to be always 'On Call'. I get the feeling that some people think because they can be in constant contact, that they should be. That is not my approach to life, or what I call 'living'. All the technological gadgets are nice, but they should have a place in your life that is something less than 24/7. If you have to check email while your coffee is brewing and before you eat breakfast, that probably not good. If you can't drive from home to work without making or receiving a phone call, that is probably not good. If you can't/don't carry on an actual conversation with a person - in person, that is not good. If all those contacts are work related, then you need to think about what kind of pay you get for all of the hours you spend at work and/or doing work-related activities, including checking your messages, etc. when you are not actually 'at work'. In many cases, the pay does not come close to being appropriate for the amount of time devoted to the tasks that fall in your work-related realm.

Think about the amount of time you spend connected to those gadgets and compare that to the amount of time you spend actually connecting with people - not just communicating, but actually making a connection in person or via actual telephone conversation. Do you like the ratio that you came up with, or is it very lopsided? If you don't like the numbers you came up with, resolve to do things differently. Make this the year when you stop being constantly 'on call'.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice, providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change, job search, planning for retirement, returning to work or school, non-retirement planning, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Ms. Davis meets with individuals in person and via telephone. Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Volunteering

2011-04-11T13:23:00.000-04:00

I have referred to volunteering in previous posts, but wanted to make a point of addressing it today. This week, April 10 through 16, 2011, has been designated as National Volunteer Week in the US. That gives us an opportunity to express gratitude to all of those individuals throughout the country who volunteer in one way or another. If you are among them, please accept my thanks, as well. But as a career counselor and coach, I can also tell you, and from personal experience that volunteering can also be an excellent way to fulfill some of your own dreams or objectives. I was talking with a friend several years ago and mentioned a major I had in college (one of several) and that I was discouraged from pursuing it. She suggested a way that I could still do something related to that interest, if I wanted to, and she suggested an organization I might work with who could use someone with my abilities and interests. I thought about it, researched it, and volunteered. Now, five years later, I am still volunteering and I can honestly say, I still love the work I do as a volunteer. I do enjoy it enough that I do it without financial gain (pay)! I have encouraged clients to consider doing volunteer work in order to gain some experience in a particular type of industry or to hone their skills for a certain kind of work they would like to pursue. Also a volunteer, you generally have opportunities to sort of try things out to see how it fits for you. Whether it is working in a different industry or doing a different set of tasks, if you can try it out as a volunteer, there is generally less risk or less at stake than trying it out as an employee - particularly if it does not work out very well. Many of the clients I have worked with are looking for ways to bring some additional fulfillment to their lives and I encourage them to consider volunteering. Not only can volunteering be a good way to develop some skills and current experience in a particular area in preparation for a job change, it can also supplement your life/work on an ongoing basis. Sometimes a person doesn't feel like they can make a job or career change, at least not in the immediate future, but would like to be able to apply some of the skills they don't currently use in their work. Or a person whose interests are not being satisfied in their work situation might find a volunteer job that fulfills at least some of those desires. A person who has values that are not being met in their work may find an opportunity to volunteer that allows them to feel they are doing something to address some of the things that are 'close to their heart'. Volunteering doesn't usually have to be a full time job; the parameters vary depending on the circumstances. Many factors will vary depending on the type and extent of assistance you can provide and what the organization/agency/family/individual needs. If something is missing from your life, it may be that there is an opportunity to volunteer to help fill that space. Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change, job search, retirement planning, returning to work or to school, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). She meets with individuals in person and via telephone. Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services. To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com. To contact

Coping with the Job Search Roller Coaster (part 2)

2011-04-05T09:52:00.000-04:00

In the last post, I talked about some issues related to conducting a job search in today's job market. We know that for most people, conducting a job search in a tight labor market is not an easy or fast process. Don't assume that everyone else has landed a new job in 2 or 3 months. These days, it could easily take 9 to 12 months, or longer to land in a new situation. If you have trouble coming up with leads or organizations to look into, you might try networking. To prepare for networking, start by making a list of everyone you know. Include not only the obvious family members and friends, but include others like your doctor, dentist, or instructor at the gym, other parents at your kid's soccer games, the person you chat with at the store or post office, etc. It may help to write a statement to help you in your networking efforts. Something like, "I want to do _____but I am having trouble because _________." Fill in those blanks as they relate to your situation. Then begin sharing your statement with people from your list and ask if they have any thoughts regarding it or suggestions for you. We know that most jobs that are filled are never advertised anywhere. So you should not spend all day looking through want ads or web sites. Since it is estimated that only 15 to 20% of job openings are advertised, you should not spend more than 15 to 20% of your job search time looking through ads. You should plan your time so that you do some networking or job search activities every day. Whether it is meeting with contacts or calling someone from your list, drafting letters, sending thank you notes, etc. For many people, it helps to create a daily schedule and set aside time to work on job search activities. Keep in mind that persistence is necessary when your search gets stalled - don't become a victim of discouragement. If you find you need help keeping motivated, identify at least three people you can call upon to help you refocus and get re-energized. If you feel your goal is too overwhelming and you can't seem to get started - identify three things you can focus on first - even if they are small things. It is important to keep all aspects of your life in perspective. Some people refer to this as 'counting your blessings'. So think of the things in life that you do have that you should be thankful for. Also, make sure you keep your life wheel as balanced as possible. Reward yourself for your efforts, for your abilities and your strengths. Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a job search or career change, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, coping with loss of job, preparing to return to work or to college, non-retirement planning, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services. To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Coping with the Job Search Roller Coaster

2011-03-29T09:24:00.000-04:00

A job search requires you to get 'psyched up' to update/write a positive resume and cover letter and to continue to pump yourself up as you prepare for networking and interviews. If things don't work out as you hoped, there is somewhat of a let down. But you can't afford to spend time feeling down because you must continue on with your search. Even in good economic times, a job search can be an emotional roller coaster because of the uncertainties. You get excited about the possibilities and at least somewhat disappointed or disheartened if it does not work out. In these times, that cycle may be repeated several times. Rather than letting that frustrate you over and over again, it is best to find ways to cope with that job search roller coaster. One of the difficulties some people face have to do with their situation and coping strategies they apply to it. No matter the reason you are conducting a job search, you should develop strategies to help you cope with that change. Dr. Nancy Schlossberg, author of Overwhelmed: Coping with Life's Ups and Downs, discusses coping with change and suggests you consider whether or not there is anything you can do to change the actual situation. Can you brainstorm a plan to help you make a change? Can you negotiate - perhaps when the change will happen, for example? Is there positive action you could take before the change actually takes place? This may have potential, even if you would be leaving your job involuntarily. Secondly, is there anything you can do to change how you view the situation or change? Instead of thinking of it as 'the end of the world' could you view it as providing you with an opportunity to do something different? Even if you can't view it as a positive, if you can think of the change as a neutral event in your life, that will help you to cope with it. Also, you are encouraged to find ways to take stress in your stride. Find ways to release some of those emotions, apply relaxation techniques, play, find some creative or physical outlets for your stress, etc. Although I have identified this post as related to a job search, the same suggestions apply to other transitions in life. We will address more on this emotional roller coaster in a later post. Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice, providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change and job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, non-retirement planning, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person or at a distance via telephone. Ms. Davis is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services. To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Identify the Skills You Possess That You Enjoy Using

2011-03-22T11:57:00.000-04:00

Sometimes when I talk to people about the kind of work they want to do and skills they would like to use, they have a difficult time identifying their primary skills. Generally speaking, skills can be developed and improved by using them repeatedly in a work situation, but also in volunteer, community, and family or personal activities. In many cases, people enjoy doing things they are good at. In some instances, you may be good at a particular skill, but you no longer want to use it on a regular basis. That is OK, too.

Skills have been categorized in different ways, but probably the most basic method is to think in terms of working primarily with people, with things, or with data. Although most tasks involve some combination of those skills, we can think in terms of these as primary skill sets.

If your primary skills involve working with people, that would generally mean you have the interpersonal skills to interact with others - whether one-on-one or with groups. You probably enjoy talking to and helping others, persuading or training or advising others. Your next steps would be to determine which of the 'people' skills you most enjoy using.

If your primary skills involve working with things, that would generally mean you have the ability to work with your hands - whether using fine motor skills, or working on large objects. You are probably good at maintaining or fixing equipment and machines, and finding out how things work. People who are good with things use a variety of tools and equipment. If this describes you, you probably have the ability to follow written instructions and the ability to build, repair, and/or maintain things. Many "things" people are good at operating machinery or tools, large or small. Again, determine which "things" skills you most enjoy using.

If your primary skills involve working with data, that would generally mean you have the ability to work with information - generally with numbers or other pieces of information. You may be good at handling details, storing and retrieving information, and problem solving. Again, you determine which of the "data" skills you most enjoy using.

Whether you are looking for employment or volunteer opportunities or even identifying new hobbies or classes you want to take, knowing the skills you possess, that you enjoy using, could be helpful. In some cases, you may need to learn a new skill to be fully marketable, but that could be relatively easy, if it builds upon other skills you possess.

In addition to some formal interest inventories, there are probably several an online quizzes or surveys to help you identify your preferences for working with data/information, people or things. One simple tool is available at http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca. It is sponsored by the Canadian Government. Choose the 'Skills and Knowledge Checklist' button. Following completion of the survey, you would receive a list of occupations that represent your primary preferences. You can also think about things/activities you are good at that you have enjoyed and create your own list of preferred skills.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and on-line. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Still trying to Figure Out What To Be When You "Grow Up"?

2011-03-14T10:36:00.000-04:00

Many times people have said to me, "I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up". Generally, the individual is already what we would consider grown. In most cases, the individual is someone who has several years of work experience, but that is not the kind of work they want to keep doing.

If you feel the same way, maybe you should take some time to figure out what you would like to do. It can seem like an overwhelming task, particularly without any guidance, so it usually helps to break it into smaller pieces. You may begin by thinking of career dreams you have had and starting a list of possible career directions. Don't eliminate possible jobs because of pre-conceived notions you have about what the field is like, without getting the facts. Just brainstorm and come up with a list of potential occupations, to get you started.

Some people find it helps to complete some self-assessments to identify interests, abilities, and other personal preferences. Formal assessments are available that will provide a report with potential occupations that may fit with your interests and skills. There are also assessments that will help you to clarify your personal strengths/personality type, or your values, as they relate to work, or other personal preferences.

Although I recommend a formal assessment, if that is not feasible, it may be helpful to do some informal self-assessments or reflect upon your work-related preferences. Set aside small blocks of time to work on those so that you can work your way through it.

Create a list of occupations from your brainstorming or from the assessment results. Review that list and identify any that you need more information on. You may want to read about some of those potential occupations that you are not familiar with. Then you can determine from those potential occupations if there are any you would want to prepare for or pursue. Perhaps then you will have figured out what you want to do, now that you are grown up.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice, providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a job search or career change, retirement planning, or other life transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

What Is Your 'Dream' Work?

2011-02-25T16:36:00.001-05:00

I read an article not long ago that talked about writing a story to describe what your next job would be like. I encourage my clients to do creative writing to help them with many thought processes. Sometimes we get so caught up with what is going on in our heads, that we don't think abut what's going on in our hearts. For most decisions, you need to consider both - your head and your heart.

As you consider my topic for this post, what is the work that you dream about? I know you may be thinking that work is work and if you could just get a job, you would be happy about that. As I mentioned last time, it is possible for work to be more satisfying than the day-to-day grind it may have become. Although you may be inclined to think that work is just work, try to avoid that temptation. As a matter of fact, many career professionals and others believe that the more details you can fill in on what you would like your next job to be like, the more likely you are to find it. That is partly because as you consider more details, you are more likely to think of ways or places where you could bring that picture, your dream work, into reality.

So, even if you don't actually write a story that describes your dream or ideal work, I suggest you at least write down, in as much detail as possible, what that work would be like - in an 'ideal' or 'dream' situation. Think about whether you would be working primarily with people, primarily with data, or primarily with things,. If you would be working primarily or secondarily with people, consider what those people would be like - their qualities and characteristics. Also would you work with them as co-workers or would they be your customers/clients/students, etc. In many cases, you may have co-workers and customers or clients.

Consider what age group you would prefer to work with - as customers/clients/students and whether or not they are people with disabilities, or other issues/concerns/presenting problems, and other general descriptors you would prefer; things such as level of education or training, if appropriate. The idea is to write out a description of who your "average" person to work with would be like. Next time I will write more about your dream work.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Why Do You Work?

2011-02-07T15:33:00.000-05:00

So, why do you work? Oh, I know, because you enjoy eating, having a place to rest, wearing a warm coat, etc. But beyond providing for the basic necessities of life, why do you do the work you do? If your work only provides a source of money and you get little or no satisfaction from it, I would say you are being underpaid.

Your work and your job should also provide you with some sense of satisfaction, a sense of making a contribution to making this a better world. Ideally, your job should feel like an adventure. You should look forward to going to work - at least on most days not mind going to work.

If this doesn't describe your situation, I would ask if you have considered changing jobs. If not, is that because you think if it were enjoyable, they wouldn't call it "work"? So many people I have talked to are just "marking time". They have been in their job so long that they hate to leave their employer and if they can just hold on, or hang in there another ___ number of years, they can retire and then do what they want to do. Part of the problem with that thinking is that not everyone is able to hold on and, sometimes involuntarily, their jobs are gone. Another problem with that thinking , at least from my point of view, is that life is too short to spend it wishing, hoping, and waiting for something that may or may not ever come.

So, if you have been just "holding on", I encourage you to start thinking about what kind of work you would do if you could afford to work for free. What could bring you joy just thinking about your work/your contribution? What gifts do you have to share with the world? Once you begin to picture that, then you can begin to figure out how to make that picture a reality.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change, job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, non-retirement planning, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her website at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Ambivalence Often Comes Before Change

2011-01-29T09:48:00.000-05:00

If you are considering making a change in you life, particularly if it may be a fairly significant change, but you are not ready to make the change, I encourage you to look for signs of ambivalence you may be experiencing. As long as things are working for you in your life, you are not likely to be truly motivated to make a change. Except for involuntary changes in our lives, we need to have an amount of willingness to make change happen. Initially you may consider making a change but decide that whatever the situation, it is not really that bad. In that case, there is little motivation to change.

Thoughts of change may creep into your mind even when you are busy doing other things. As thoughts of changing increase, or you move into more dissatisfaction or discomfort with that part of your life, you will eventually get to a place where you are ambivalent about it. So you might begin to consider what your life would be like if you made some changes. Generally, at that stage you begin to recognize that there could be some benefits to making some changes. Until you can begin to see that there could be some benefit, you are not likely ready to undertake the change; that is, you are not yet sufficiently motivated to follow through.

Over time, you may begin to see additional benefits or would see increasing value to changing. As you move through those feelings of ambivalence about making a change, if it still seems to represent what you want, or at least a step in the right direction, you are likely to be ready to develop and implement a change plan. You could then put your plan into action with a fair amount of confidence that you are ready to make the change you desire.

If, however, you find the ambivalence has given way to reluctance to make the change, you are probably not ready to do so. You may want to rethink the situation or consider other possible ways to make some changes that would be beneficial for you.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, non-retirement planning, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Renew Your Job Search Energy

2011-01-04T15:20:00.000-05:00

If you are currently conducting a job search, it is important that you take a little time to renew your energy so you can continue the search with a new enthusiasm. Hopefully, you did at least some renewing during the holidays, but I know that can be difficult to do. If you did not, then I suggest you revisit your job search goals to remind yourself of what you are looking for and why. Spend a little time day dreaming about your new situation and what your life will be like when you achieve it. Put some details into your daydream to help give it full color. Sit back and enjoy how good you will feel when you have landed in your new work situation.

Once you have that picture clear in your mind write down things that need to happen for that to become a reality. It might require you to stop procrastinating and update your resume or write out a draft for your cover letter. Maybe you need to pick up the phone and call some of the people on your contact list that you didn't want to bother during the holidays. Maybe you do some research to locate companies/organizations where you could find your dream work scenario. List all the things you can think of that you need to do. That may include reminding some contacts of phone numbers or connections they were going to provide for you. When you have written everything you can think of, put it aside and take a 20-30 minute break.

Taking a walk is a good way to clear your mind or sort through your thoughts. Others find a short drive does the same for them. Maybe spending a little time to catch up with someone else is the break you need. After your short break, revisit your list. Add any other activities that should be included and put in some estimates of how much time each task might take and which ones need to be done early in the search and which ones should be tackled later on. Set that aside for today.

Tomorrow, as soon as you have the opportunity or could make the time, revisit your list. Again, add any tasks that you omitted and write all of your activities/tasks in on a calendar or make a timeline chart. Don't be overly generous with the amount of time you assign each part of this project, but also, don't be unrealistic. If you can only work at this in bits and pieces, allow for that in your schedule. The idea is that you will then have a detailed project plan with time lines and you can build in some checkpoints to check your progress on the completion of major pieces. Then as you begin to complete each of your tasks, you can see how it fits into your big picture. That should help to keep you going through what might be a long and arduous search.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, non-retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Counseling Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information about her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Think About What You Want in 2011

2011-01-02T12:44:00.000-05:00

If you have been considering whether or not to make a job or career change, you may want to spend this winter preparing for a change for later this year or early next year. Think about whether or not you want to stay in your current line of work, with the same organization, or something different.

If you would like a different line of work, you should make sure you know about the qualifications for that work and whether or not you are ready for it or need to spend some time preparing. At some point, you will also need to update your resume, if you have not already done so. As you review your resume, think about the experiences you want to emphasize to demonstrate your qualifications. Although, in general, people only go back 15 to 18 years in listing their work experiences, if you have experiences from earlier than that which are relevant to your new direction, try to find a way to include some of that information in your resume or cover letter.

You may also need to update your references. At the very least, you need to contact the people who have been references for you and update them on your latest plan. That includes confirming that they are still willing to serve as a reference for you. Once you have updated your resume, they should receive a copy of that as well. With those pieces in place, you should be able to identify the organizations you plan to target. You can begin networking with the focus on your target organizations.

If you have read many of my blog entries, you probably know I recommend writing out a plan, with time lines, that you can follow and track your progress toward achieving your new goals. Keep in mind, these days, it may take 12 to 18 months to land a new position. So it would be good to allow sufficient lead time to get to where you want to be.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to mailto:YoOurCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Another Set of New Year's Resolutions

2010-12-20T15:39:00.000-05:00

As we approach the end of 2010 some people will begin to think about resolutions they plan to make for the new year. If this is a new idea for you, this message should still be helpful. If you have frequently written out a set of resolutions that have seldom been kept or realized, then this entry is particularly for you.

I have been guilty of writing resolutions sometime between Christmas and New Years and not looking at or really thinking about them again until maybe Easter or Memorial Day. Well, by then, many months have gone by and that generally decreased the likelihood of my actually fulfilling my resolutions for the year. Certainly some people resolve to quit smoking or to lose weight or to start exercising and those are good ideas because they would represent improvement in your life style. Others plan for changes in their routine or life roles.

Whether you are considering relatively small or fairly large changes in your life for 2011, it helps to do more than just think about what you plan to do differently. You should certainly write down your ideas/plans and it is best to include specifics or steps you will need to complete to reach each goal. You should also include some time frames or dates by which you should complete each step or review your progress. Having some realistic plans are one way to increase the likelihood that this year's resolutions will not be on your list again next year.

Good luck and Happy New Year.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Keeping Active in Your Job Search During the Holidays

2010-12-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

I have talked with several people recently who were considering putting their job search activities on hold during the holidays. Although it may be tempting to do, it is probably not the best move to make. Even though the economy is still sluggish and many employers have not actively begun to fill vacancies, there is every indication that at least some jobs will become available after the new year, if not sooner.

The best opportunities still will most likely come from someone you know who knows someone in an organization that has decided to fill some positions in the near future. Even that does not mean you should stop looking at the want ads or selected job sites. Although the majority of your job search time should still be spent networking, etc., you should still check the obvious places for notices of job vacancies. Think about organizations/companies you would be an asset to and see if anyone you know knows someone who knows someone who works there. Perhaps they can put you in contact with that person so you can network with them also.

Some employers have advertised temporary positions during the holidays. Although that may not be ideal, it may be worth considering. In some instances, some of those temporary jobs may develop into something more permanent. At least that would give you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and value to the organization. In that event, the organization may find a way to make you an offer for a more permanent position.

So enjoy the holidays and all they mean to you, but if you are looking for work, I encourage you to continue those activities as well.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

November is National Career Development Month

2010-11-15T14:36:00.000-05:00

The week of November 15 - 19, 2010 has been designated as National Career Development Week, during this special month. This is an opportunity to celebrate you as you celebrate with us. I have been a member of the National Career Development Association for about 20 years and during that time I have met many people who say they could use some help developing their career. Many of those people have successful careers but feel they could be doing something more enjoyable or more fulfilling with their lives.

Sometimes those needs can be addressed by activities in which they are involved outside of work. Other times, those needs go unmet until/unless the individual consciously decides to make some changes. It is very easy to get 'caught up' in a title or position and be reluctant to let go of that in order to find more satisfying work. That is where you need to determine what is more important to you and decide what could serve as an appropriate direction for you to pursue.

If there is something missing from your life, I encourage you to figure out what could fill that void. It may mean finding some volunteer activity in which to become involved. It may mean making some changes in your work situation to add a bit more of what is missing. It may also mean making a change to a different employer or into a different line of work. If you could benefit from some guidance through that process, remember, it is National Career Development Month and there are career counselors who could provide assistance in your search.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and on-line. Mary Ann is recognized as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/.

To contact Mary Ann, please call and leave a personal and confidential voice message at (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCcareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Interviewing for Information (part 3)

2010-11-04T10:35:00.000-04:00

My last entry provided some potential questions to ask as you conduct your interviews for information. There are just a few additional tips I would like to share with you. Not only should your interviews be scheduled in advance, but it is also a good idea to send a confirmation/reminder message to your interviewee. If you don't have their email address, it is OK to leave a voice message. Either way, that message should be sent at least 24 hours before your schedule meeting time, although a little more notice would be good.

In keeping with your professional approach to this process, you should also prepare your questions in advance of the meeting. Many people think about what kinds of questions they are seeking answers to as they are considering who they can or should ask. Depending on the individual's current position and background, there may be some questions they can't answer or at least not with the foundation of information that would be most helpful to you. So consider what you want to find out as you think about who you can ask to interview with you.

Also, as you are considering your questions, it is very important that you not ask things that could easily be answered by reviewing their organization's web site. (This point also applies to the questions you ask in employment interviews.) These days, almost every organization has a web site, some more sophisticated and detailed than others. You may be able to access it just by entering the company's name and adding ".com". Generally, if that doesn't work or if you aren't sure what that address is, you should be able to find it by doing a title search on line. It will also be more helpful if you write your questions so they don't have a straight "Yes" or "No" answer, but would indicate you would like the interviewee to share some of their insight.

Naturally, you would send a thank you note to your interviewee as soon after the interview as possible. It can be an email message, but a neatly handwritten note and sent via post mail is a very nice touch. It is good to include some comment about your discussion, perhaps a point you had not considered or some advice specific for you/your situation. If you have already been able to contact a person they referred you to, you may want to indicate that in your note as well.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and on-line. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Interviewing for Information (part 2)

2010-10-24T11:11:00.000-04:00

Last time I wrote about Interviewing for Information as a resource in your career decision-making. It is important that you approach those meetings, whether in person or by phone, in the same professional manner as you would an employment interview. You should, of course, prepare your questions in advance and have them written down (or typed and printed). One reason to consider typing them is because, depending on your handwriting, it will probably leave a better impression. Long ago, I was meeting with a young man who was interviewing me and he had written his questions out - only he had a hard time reading what he had written. I guess he had written them rather hurriedly and used some abbreviations that he couldn't quite remember, which of course, did not impress me.

So, some questions to consider for your informational interviews:
1. How would you describe your "typical" day?
2. What are the biggest obstacles you face in trying to do your job?
3. Which skills do you use most often in your work?
4. What personal traits are most helpful to you in doing your work?
5. How did you begin your career in ________?
6. Are there particular suggestions you have for an aspiring _______?
7. How extensive is your interaction with ___________?
8. If you had it to do over, would you pursue this same field, or go a different direction? Or prepare for it differently?
9. Do you see opportunities in this field increasing - or is this field limited in terms of the kinds of organizations where one could work?
10. What is the typical educational background of people in this field? Are there specific experiences that would make me most qualified to work as a _________?

Other good questions can be worded to indicate you have done some homework - for example, I read where the National Association for __________ is involved in ____. Is there ___(local activity...)____? OR, I saw where the __________ meets on the second Tuesday of the month. Are those meetings open and do you think it might be beneficial for me to attend one?

Generally, you would also want to ask if they can recommend one or two other people you could talk to regarding your interest in that field. It is also a good idea to ask if you can use their name when you contact anyone they suggest.

Depending on the amount of time you have been given, you may only have the opportunity to ask a three or four questions, but it is better to have more questions than you will need. That also gives you the flexibility to ask some different questions depending on the direction the interview takes.

In my next blog entry, I will add some additional comments about interviewing for information.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and on-line. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Interviewing For Information

2010-10-14T10:23:00.000-04:00

Interviewing for information is a wonderful way to learn more about an occupation that you are considering. Whether you are deciding on a major in college, planning to make a career change, or looking for volunteer ideas, I encourage you to do some research, including informational interviews. As I mentioned in last week's blog, I do encourage you to do some reading first so you have at least some basic information about the occupation(s) in which you have interest, but reading alone will not usually provide the same sense about the work that you could get in informational interviews.

When you interview for information, your goal should not be to get a job offer, but to learn more about a particular occupation. In an ideal situation, though, it may allow you to make a connection with a person who might work for a prospective employer or someone you would otherwise like to add to your network of contacts. The purpose of interviewing for information is to do just that, talk to someone who has information that could be useful to you - information about a particular career/occupation, a particular industry, or a particular organization. You may have an opportunity to discuss your transferable skills with someone who is doing the kind of work you would like to do. It can also serve as a test of your interviewing skills, in preparation for a job search.

Of course, you will need to identify people in the line of work in which you are interested. It may help to ask people you know if they know anyone you might wish to interview. Generally, your initial contact is through a letter introducing yourself, explaining what you would like, and indicating when you will follow-up. Some people prepare a script to help them through the follow-up and you want to be sure to prepare your questions before the interview. If at all possible, you would like to meet the person at their place of work and have at least 15 to 30 minutes to talk.

Following the interview, you should send a thank-you note to the individual. If the two of you made a real connection, you may offer to keep in touch and let them know how you are progressing. It is also a good idea to review your performance to determine if there is anything you need to do differently next time.

Look for my next blog entry for some potential questions you may want to ask when you are conducting your interviews for information.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person in Cincinnati and on-line. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

What Do You Know About the World of Work?

2010-10-05T13:32:00.000-04:00

I have done a fair amount of academic advising during my lifetime and yet I continue to be surprised when I ask a student about their major and why they chose it. More often than I would expect, students do not have a great deal of knowledge about what they could do in the world of work with their major or what the work they are preparing for is really like. Some of the clients I work with in my counseling practice have the same kind of response when I ask why they chose the major they selected.

So, when I am working with my clients who are looking at making a career change, in addition to doing a self-assessment, I encourage them to do some research on the work they plan to pursue or are considering. I believe it is vitally important if you are considering a job or career change, to consider how much you know about the kind of work you choose to pursue - preferably before you begin to prepare for it. There is a reference book published from the government called the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT). The DOT contains brief descriptions on approximately 20,000 jobs. Obviously, that is more jobs than any one needs to know about, but it would probably be good to be pretty comfortable with the amount of information you have about the kind of work you are planning to pursue - especially if it requires continuing your education or obtaining other training. Another publication I refer clients to is the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). It has only a few hundred occupational clusters, but much more information than the DOT on each of those clusters. Since it comes from the Department of Labor, it does include some national salary figures, as well as brief descriptions of the work, companies who employee people to do that kind of work, and more.

Both of those books are generally available only in the Reference section of the library, but both are now also online. You can access the information from the DOT through O*NET at http://www.onetcenter.org/. The online version of the OOH is available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov/. How much information you want to have depends on you, but it is good to have some sense of general requirements for the position and demands of the job, as well as availability, average salary, whether or not jobs are fairly available within your travel distance, and if the demand for that type of work is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable. Much of that information could be found by doing research - reading books or online at one of many sites with job information.

I also encourage my clients to do some informational interviews where they talk to people who are doing the kind of work they would like to do. If it is possible to visit a person's place of work, that is even better, but at least having an opportunity to get a sense of the job from someone else's standpoint could be helpful - and getting viewpoints from a few different people would be even better to have. You would tap some of your networking resources to set up interviews, but look for the next blog entry for more on informational interviews.

By comparing what you know about you with what you know about the world of work, you can look for areas of overlap and are more likely to be able to plan for a new career direction (or first career direction) that will be a good fit for you. With actual information related to your decision, you do not have to make so much of a guess, but would have some basis for making decisions about your career direction.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Could Career Coaching Benefit You? (part 5)

2010-09-30T09:27:00.000-04:00

This entry is the final post in this series. In addition to the various ways that a career coach could benefit you that I already discussed, a coach is someone you can talk to about other issues that relate to your career decision, or inability to make a decision. They can discuss potential obstacles in your path and help you identify ways to overcome them.

Consider these questions:
1. Are you planning to or would consider relocating?
2. If you have a spouse/partner is he/she currently working and willing to relocate?
3. If you have already begun a job search, are you OK with the pace of your activities in your search? Or have previous job searches gone about as you had anticipated?
4. Do you have a disability that would not effect your work performance, are you confident about how disclosure of it might impact your search?

If you have read the entire series and answered the questions posed in each, you may see that there are many ways a career coach could benefit you. For almost all of the questions, if your answer was "YES", then you are pretty confident and should be able to manage your job search on your own. Although, you may still want to talk with a career coach or counselor about a specific aspect of your search.

If your answer was "NO" to many of the questions, it may be that you could benefit from the assistance of a career coach (or a career counselor). A professional can help you address issues or concerns you have about making a change and help you sort through fact from fiction abut today's world of work.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling or life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCarerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Could Career Coaching Benefit You? (part 3)

2010-09-13T10:42:00.000-04:00

In part 2 of this series, I talked about the basic written materials you will need for a job search. Obviously, those materials should be designed to attract the attention of a potential employer. Although it is a good idea to check your newspaper and identify an on-line site or two where you may want to post your resume, you will not want to depend on those advertisements for the majority of your job search efforts. In today's market, the large majority of jobs that are filled are not advertised, so you must supplement that search with your own marketing campaign.

You will want to identify organizations that have your target position(s) or may need someone with your qualifications and background. Much of that research is conducted by talking to people that you know and other people they know. Your career coach can help you prepare to conduct informational interviews and to prepare for an active marketing campaign.

Obviously, you must still be prepared to handle the job interview process as a professional. If it has been a while since you conducted a job search, you may be a little concerned about how you will perform in an interview. These days, many initial screenings are conducted via telephone and more in-person interviews are conducted in a small group, not just one-on-one interviews. So, although you will need to prepare your written documents, you should also be prepared for the interview process.

Consider these questions:
1. Are you able to speak clearly and present a professional appearance?
2. Are you able to talk about yourself and your accomplishments without
sounding as though you are being boastful?
3. Are you comfortable and able to maintain your "cool" during stressful
interviews and group interviews?
4. Are you comfortable with your negotiating skills?

Again, your career coach can provide assistance and guidance as you market your skills/background and prepare for interviews. S/he can also talk with you about what might be a reasonable request in negotiating.

Check back for continuing entries on this topic.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Could Career Coaching Benefit You? (part 4)

2010-09-13T10:11:00.000-04:00

This is the fourth segment of a series, Could Career Coaching Benefit You? One area of a job search that many people don't think about is their references. Many employers still ask for references from job candidates and it is important that you have professional references to provide. A career coach can help you identify people to serve as your references, if needed, and help you communicate with them so they will be of most value in your search. They can also share suggestions for ways in which you should "take care of" your references.

In today's job search, your references could be a very significant part of your background. It goes beyond asking a co-worker or your former supervisor to serve as a reference. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Are your references the RIGHT professionals for you to use?

2. Do you and your references understand their role in your search?

3. Do you know how to improve the performance of your references when
they are talking about you to a potential employer?

4. Can you make the reference-checking process easier for your references?

A coach can also help you adjust to your pending (or current) transition and assist you through the decision-making process to select your next direction. S/he can also assist you to determine the feasibility of your new goal(s) and help you develop a plan to achieve them. Consider these questions:

1. Are you considering making a change in your profession, career path or industry?

2. Have you identified your transferable skills?

3. Are you concerned that you might be 'stuck' in your current industry or profession?

4. Do you know if you have the skills needed for your desired direction?

Having appropriate professional references will add to your overall marketability, but you must help prepare them to take on that task. Once you determine the direction in which you would like to take your career, then you can decide which individuals will be the best references to use for the search. Your career coach can help you with the preparations for your search and can provide support, encouragement, perhaps information as you work through your decisions.

Check back for the final segment in this series on career coaching.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Could Career Coaching Benefit You? (part 2)

2010-08-31T17:52:00.000-04:00

This post is the second in a short series of entries about career coaching. When many people think about what a career couch might do, they think about help with preparing for interviews. That is one area where you may or may not need a lot of assistance. Some people are just more comfortable with communication than others. If it has been years since you conducted a job search, you may find it very helpful o discuss today's interviewing processes and typical or frequently asked questions.

But before you get to the interviewing stage, you will need a basic resume, cover letter, and other letters. There are individuals who will create a resume for you, for a fee. A career coach generally will be able to review your written documents and may recommend changes to enhance your presentation. Also, having another person review your documents is always a good thing, as you may have missed a typo or other error.

Additionally, you may need to consider these questions:
1. Do you already have a current, up-to-date resume?
2. Do you know how to create a cover letter that generates interest in you?
3. Do you know how to revise your resume to fit different situations/positions?
4. Do you know how to market yourself to organizations that have not advertised a position?
If not, it may be that you could benefit from some of the services offered by a career coach. This topic will be continued in the next entry.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourcareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Could Career Coaching Benefit You (part 1)

2010-07-25T14:20:00.000-04:00

Career coaching is a relatively new field. There have been other types of coaches for years and you can probably think of some of the more famous ones, but in the last few years, there has been a niche created for career coaches. If you are considering conducting a job search or need some input regarding managing your career, you may benefit from the services provided by a career coach.

This is the first in a four-part series of entries regarding the benefits of career coaching. As with other kinds of services, the extent of assistance provided to you by a career coach may vary, but in general, they can assist you with identifying who you are, clarifying your goals, and determining the fit between them. Some of the activities a coach may assist you with include gaining a better understanding of your skills, values and interests; identifying and researching occupations and industries of interest to you; and helping you determine the kinds of work activities that do and do not appeal to you or fit with your qualifications.

Additionally, the following questions may help you decide if you could benefit from some help:
1. Do you know "who" you are - professionally?
2. Are you clear about your career objectives?
3. Do your skills and qualifications match your objectives?
4. Do you know the industries in which you are interested and will be focusing your search?

Your career coach can also help you to develop a job search plan and the tools you will need to carry it out. Marketing is a very large part of a successful job search today and a coach can help you select the best marketing strategies to use. A coach can also be very valuable in helping you prepare for networking; which is also vital in today's job search.

Additionally, the following questions may help you decide if you could benefit from some help:
1. Do you understand that the job search process is similar to the sales process?
2. Do yo understand that YOU are the product you are selling and that you must effectively merchandise and promote that product?
3. Do you know how best to optimize your networking contacts and results?
4. Do you know which job advertisements to respond to and which to ignore?

Your career coach can help you determine your best job search strategy and the possible benefits of the various marketing strategies.

Check back for the continuing entries on this topic.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Identifying Your Transferable Skills

2010-07-06T12:18:00.000-04:00

In the last post I talked about writing stories that demonstrate your transferable skills. Those stories, or information within them, may help you in responding to questions from a potential employer during an employment interview. Several people have suggested that, although they have stories they have written, or could write, they are not sure about how to identify which of their skills would be considered transferable. In general, transferable skills are those that, although they were learned and/or developed in one particular setting/work situation, they are also applicable to other work situations or settings or for other purposes.

With the growth of the Internet, there is a great deal of information available fairly readily, that used to require more digging to uncover. One option is to do a search and just type in your computer application search box, "transferable skills'. It should return a list of sites that have information related to various skills. Some have lists of the "preferred" skills or the ones most frequently sought after by employers. A few sites that I believe are worthwhile to visit include Ohio Learns, the University of Southern California Office of Student Affairs, and the University of Toledo.

Ohio Learns includes a Self Assessment: Transferable Skills Survey in their Student Services tab. Although my guess is it is intended for people who are looking into educational opportunities, it likely could also be used in your employment assessment. You could go to their home page at www.Ohiolearns.org and find the assessment or you could enter through www.ohiolearns.org/get_a_plan. Scroll down the page to the list of "Tools" and select the 'Self-Assessment Surveys'. The skills survey allows you to determine your level of ability - none, enough to get by, some, or strong ability - in five broad skill areas. After you respond to the survey, your feedback includes the two or three top skill areas you identified. Their site also includes an Interest Survey and Values Survey.

The University of Southern California Career Planning & Placement Center has a page with brief descriptions of 9 broad transferable skill areas. It can be found at http://careers.usc.edu/docs/handouts/Transferable_Skills.pdf.

The University of Toledo Career Services office has a checklist of more specific transferable skills with brief descriptions of each. That can be found at www.utoledo.edu/utlc/career/pdfs/transferable_skills_checklist.pdf.

Whether you check out one of these pages, find another site, or use/create your own list, I believe it is important and helpful to identify your transferable skills. It does not matter so much where you learned or developed a particular skill. So your list may include some work-related skills and some skills used in volunteer activities, or skills you have developed in your home or community activities. The key here is to identify the skills you possess that could be used in other situations.

Knowing your transferable skills can be a clue to your next career if you are considering a change. And if you are in the midst of, or plan to make a career change, I believe it is vital to be able to identify and share those skills that would be needed in your next work situation. Not only should you be prepared to discuss some of your transferable skills in a job interview, it could also be a boost to your self-esteem to review your skills - especially during those times when you are not feeling particularly needed or valued.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Your Accomplishment Stories

2010-06-08T09:37:00.000-04:00

As a counselor, I believe that writing can be a very beneficial activity for a number of reasons and situations. As a career Counselor, I encourage my clients to do writing as they consider their next career direction and as they prepare for job interviews. This blog entry addresses writing in preparation for job interviews.

I mentioned last week in the "Interview Questions" blog entry that I encourage my clients to think about their past and write five or six accomplishment stories. As they encounter various questions during job interviews, there will likely be opportunities to share at least pieces of some of those stories as answers.

Before you begin to write, you will want to think about the various accomplishments from your life - these may all come from work-related situations, but could also involve volunteer or community activities or personal/educational goals. So think of things from your past in which you take pride; preferably things you enjoyed or found challenging, but you learned something from the experience. They need to be situations that would be appropriate to share and you should have been the 'main character' in the story.

You will want to create five or six stories which demonstrate transferable skills that you enjoy using and/or personal traits which would be beneficial to a potential employer. The stories do not have to be very long, but should include specifics about what the situation or problem was, how you got involved, what you did, and some results or outcomes. You may need to mention other people who were also involved with you. It is a good idea to include something about why you are proud of that particular accomplishment or what about the story would be appealing to a potential employer.

Not only could those stories be ideas you may want to share during an interview, but they can also serve as a boost to your self-esteem. Sometimes during a job search your self-confidence may take a dip as you are unsuccessful in landing a job you really wanted or have contacted people and don't seem to see any real results yet. Remembering a time when you felt good about what you have done can work wonders for your mood and emotional health - no matter what the reason you remembered.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Do You Know Yourself?

2010-06-01T10:25:00.000-04:00

As I talk with people who are thinking about making a job or career change, I ask what they know about themselves. Some people feel they have a pretty good sense of who they are, their likes and dislikes, and various work preferences. Others may think about it for a moment then reply - frequently with some story - about how they have not really thought about those aspects. Perhaps they didn't even choose a major in school, but just followed along a path suggested by a parent, teacher, or sibling. Often they were hired by an organization that either sought them out or they met at a college or career fair. They didn't really think about their career preferences or aspirations; what came along seemed pretty good, so they went with that.

For some people, that approach seems to have worked well, or at least was OK for a while. Others have never really been very excited about what they have been doing, but it was a way "to make a living". When I suggest that before they can make an informed decision about next steps, we really need to have some information about them, many of these folks are not surprised and most are excited about the opportunity to do just that. I think that being comfortable with what you know about yourself is an important step before making any big decision and many small ones. That certainly applies to career decision making or even just changing jobs in the same career field.

I encourage my clients to consider not only their interests and skills/abilities, but also their personality type or traits, strengths, and values. There may also be particular things about life right now that they would also need to take into consideration, as they are making career decisions. That would include things such as ability or willingness to relocate, to continue their education, or to work a different shift, amount of travel, etc. There may be other factors you would want to keep in mind for your particular situation.

So, in addition to doing a self-assessment, you will want to make note of the other factors that impact your decision. How you do your self-assessment also depends on a number of factors. Some people just start with a notepad or a blank word document on their computer and start writing in things that they know about themselves that would be relevant for a career decision. Others buy or borrow one of many self-help books on careers that include some type of assessment and some choose do do an assessment on line. Many career counselors, including myself, offer career assessments to clients who would like to do more of a structured informal or formal assessment. Depending on a number of factors, a variety of assessment tools and information may be available through a counselor.

Whatever assessment method(s) you use, it is important to have a pretty good picture of who you are before you get into making a decision about your next direction. Many people find that having a guide through the process can be very helpful. If you have an interest in talking about the process, I would be happy to do so. A self-assessment is the first step in becoming clearer about what you may want to do next with your life and your career.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an e-mail to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Employment Interview Questions

2010-06-01T10:04:00.000-04:00

As you prepare for employment interviews, you should include preparing for the questions you may be asked in an interview. Of course, there is no way to know exactly which questions you will get, but you should think about the kinds of things a potential employer may want to ask you. After you have determined questions you may get, you will also want to prepare your answers to those questions. The idea is not to memorize your answers, but to have an idea of what you plan to include in your responses.

Frequently one question you may be asked is something similar to "Tell me about yourself". This is not an invitation to tell your life story. Your response should be brief and include relevant highlights from your background, such as specific accomplishments and/or recognitions.

Another question that I frequently asked when I conducted employment interviews was, "Why do you want to work here?" This gives you an opportunity to share something you have learned about the company and something else about you that would be beneficial to them.

As an interviewee, I was frequently asked to share what I was most proud of from my experiences. I typically used an example from my working life, but if nothing comes to mind from your background, you could use something from another aspect of your life, such as volunteer experiences or something about your education.

Additionally, these days, more employers are asking behaviorally-based or situational questions. This may take a variety of forms, but basically, they are something like, "Tell us about a time when you __________________". So, depending on how the sentence ends, you would want to respond with an appropriate story about an accomplishment related to that situation. they may ask about something positive such as , "... led a group" or "... learned a new task", etc. But it could also be about a negative experience, such as, "...failed to meet a deadline" or "experienced failure" or "were frustrated at work". To the extent possible, you will want to share something that was not a huge negative. More importantly, I believe, is your ability to demonstrate how you were able to turn a not so pleasant situation into something positive or a learning experience.

I encourage my clients to think about their past and write five or six accomplishment stories, in preparation for their employment interviews. That way they don't have to try to recollect things from years ago, but just from recent memory when they wrote their stories. I will talk more about your accomplishment stories in the next post.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Your Interview Questions

2010-05-17T20:33:00.000-04:00

If you are about to begin, or are in the midst of, a job search, you should be prepared for interview questions. In addition to thinking about your answers to the possible questions an interviewer might ask you, you should also be prepared to ask questions of the interviewer.

Some questions could be the same ones you ask of each interviewer you meet, others would need to be specific dependent upon with whom you are speaking in the organization. Many organizations now have committees do the initial screening interview. Those committee members may or may not be in positions directly related to the position for which you are interviewing. So you will need some general questions you can ask, as well as more specific ones for those who may know more about the responsibilities of the position in which you are interested.

Create questions to ask that indicate you know something about the organization and the industry. Current trends and their impact on the organization are good to ask about. These days you can look on line for information to help you prepare for your interview. Of course, some of that research should have been done before you contacted the organization.

So in your job search, prepare for the many phases of the interviewing process. Once you have created your questions, you may want to write them down in case you don't remember them during the interview. By having your questions written down in a notebook, you can refer to them, if you have a momentary lapse of memory.

The job search can be a fairly stressful process, so the better prepared you are, the less stress you may experience. Being prepared for the possible questions you may get in an interview and creating your own questions can help increase your confidence through the process.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

What Are You Waiting For?

2010-02-04T10:35:00.000-05:00

Sometimes when I talk with people about their work and career direction, their response is something like, "Well, I used to want to ______" or "I thought about _______". Those types of responses prompt me to ask "What are you waiting for?" Often they are not sure, but their sense is that they are either comfortable where they are or they are not really sure that is what they want.

Change, planned or unplanned, can be stressful and can be very scary, so sometimes we decide not to make a change. Unfortunately, I have also talked to many people who had not planned to make a change but were forced into it by their employer - through cutbacks, layoffs, and shut downs. Our sense of being 'comfortable as is' is tenuous at best these days. Preparing for "what if" can add a sense of some security in that you would already have a plan in place - if you happen to lose your job. Sometimes the 'what if ' plan is so attractive, they decide to launch it anyway.

For those who are not sure that what they have dreamed of is what they still want, then we can work at clarifying that picture and gaining more information and insight about that particular dream. Doing some informational interviews and reading research can help increase your knowledge base. Comparing what you know about you and what you know about a particular line of work can then be done based on some fairly solid data. Some people are able to do some volunteer work closely related to that dream work or shadow someone who is in that area. Both of those opportunities allow you to sort of 'try on' a different type of work. Be creative in coming up with ways to learn more and, if possible, 'try it on before you buy it.' If you already have a plan, at least partly developed, it can make an unplanned transition easier to cope with.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Are You Stressed Out By Your Job? (part 2)

2009-12-21T12:17:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I encourage you to try writing as a way to express your feelings and relieve some anxiety. Writing, as a form of stress relief, can serve several purposes or take different forms. You can write in a journal - sort of like your personal log. It can serve as a good release of pent up emotions. It can also help you to keep from sharing inappropriate reactions with family, friends, and coworkers at inappropriate times.

You can also write plans. Short term, medium range, and long-term goals should be written down and should include as much detail as is reasonable. You can write out plans for your working life as well as personal, family, or life plans.

You can also do creative writing. Perhaps you would write short stories, poems, plays, or articles. Depending on a variety of factors, you may write just for your own enjoyment or expression. Or you may decide to submit something you have written to a newspaper, magazine, etc.

Some people choose to do historical writing. They research their family history and write it down. There are websites that will help you do some genealogical work to trace your family history, if you would like. It could be beneficial for you and your family. Adding dimensions to your family's roots can also help to increase your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Some people use their writing time to work on career related planning and papers. If you do not have a historical resume, I encourage you to create one. Your historical resume is strictly for your own purposes. It is typically a chronological resume and includes all positions - paid, unpaid, or volunteer jobs - that you have held. Each job should be described in enough detail to remind you of what you did and pieces you may wish to recycle to use in your next job - whenever that may be coming. Working on a historical resume can also be a boost to your self-confidence and self-esteem as you look at what you have accomplished thus far in life.

Whether you decide to do some writing or find other ways to help you cope with and/or relieve stress, it is important to find healthy outlets for stress you experience.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Writing Your New Years Resolutions

2009-12-21T11:20:00.001-05:00

As we approach the end of another year, you may be thinking that you should create some resolutions for the new year. Or maybe you remember the previous resolutions you made that were not completed - or perhaps not even begun. Well, if you have been putting off a job search because you felt the timing was not quite right, perhaps now is the time to develop a plan for a career change in the New Year.

Generally you should begin with identifying or remembering what you know about yourself - your interests, abilities, personal traits, and values that are important to you. Then you should do some brainstorming to identify potential occupations that may fit with what you know about you. Don't just think about people you know or people you see on TV at work, expand your vision of your future and maybe spend some time daydreaming of what kind of work you would like to do next.

Since you are very likely to consider a career change again during your work life, you do not have to completely remove attractive options from you list - just prioritize them. Some may just be put aside for the time being.

If you decide that you do want/need to make a change, then you can decide if you just need to change your employer or your location; other times, you find you need a career change. Whatever decision you reach, begin planning now and determine to make your New Years Resolutions a reality in 2010.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Are You Stressed Out By Your Job?

2009-10-29T15:44:00.000-04:00

In today's world many people are experiencing more stresses on the job. There are many sources of this stress - actually too many to mention, but the stark reality of a potential involuntary job loss, is very high on the list these days. As companies continue to downsize and others consider 'right sizing' their employee base, many employees are concerned that they may be 'let go'. Dealing with that possibility can certainly contribute to stress.

Additionally, if an organization does execute staffing reductions, then some of those employees will become unemployed and that may become a stressful situation. In many cases, the employees who still remain with the company face the likelihood of being expected to get all of the work done with fewer resources - human and financial. This situation also may add to an employee's stress. And in many instances, the remaining employees may also be concerned that their jobs may be next to be cut. So they have additional stress that is typically not experienced by those whose jobs were already eliminated.

So if you are stressed out by your job, it is important for you to recognize that you are not alone. Just as importantly, you need to find ways to cope with that added stress. For some, keeping in mind that you are not alone in the situation can be helpful. You may wish to find ways to communicate with fellow employees in positive ways to provide emotional support for each other.

Some of the general suggestions for coping with stress include keeping physically active (exercise), getting sufficient rest and sleep, and eating a healthy diet. Beyond that, I encourage you to maintain a positive attitude, listen to motivational or positive messages or music, and read positive, uplifting materials. Don't forget to add some fun or joy to your day. You need to laugh on a regular basis. If you are a spiritual person, rely on your beliefs to give you strength. I also encourage you to try writing to express your feelings and relieve some anxiety.

[This topic will be continued in the next Web Log.]

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Ohio, designated as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor, and a Distance Credentialed Counselor. She has been working with adults in transition for over 20 years. She provides coaching and counseling with individuals in person through Yager & Associates' Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati and via telephone through Your Career Plan.

Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com, call Mary Ann at (513) 665-4444 x3, or send an e-mail to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Celebrating Career Development Month 2009

2009-10-29T15:01:00.000-04:00

Each Year November is designated as National Career Development Month by the National Career Development Association of the American Counseling Association. As a career counselor, I am proud to be a part of that celebration. Throughout the year I work with individuals and groups who are considering, or are in the midst of, making career decisions and plans. The planning process seems to be simpler for some and more complex for others, but always a worthwhile endeavor.

We know that even the term 'planning' is distasteful to some people and interesting to others. Some get excited as we make plans for something new, others really dread planning and the details that should accompany it.

When I started counseling, I would explain to my clients about the four steps in career planning - know yourself, learn more about the world of work, make a decision, and develop and implement your plans. We then gradually moved to referring to it as 'managing your career' and I now suggest a 6-step process - starting with the same four steps, but adding set up checkpoints (to check your progress) and repeat as needed. No matter how you refer to it, it is no longer a one-time process. These days people are changing jobs and careers much more frequently than we used to. So you may find that you need or want to make a career or job change in the near future. Think of it as being the manager of your career - the author and director of your play that is your life. Or create another analogy to help you think about the process. The steps are important, even if you only need to review the first one. If you find you could benefit from some guidance through the process, please don't hesitate to find a counselor who can provide the assistance you seek. I encourage you to expand your vision of your future!

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Ohio, a Master Career Counselor (MCC) as designated by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor, and a Distance Credentialed Counselor. She has over 20 years of experience assisting adults in transition. She meets with individuals in person through Yager & Associates' Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati and via telephone through Your Career Plan.

Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com, call Mary Ann at (513) 665-4444 x3, or send an e-mail to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Are You A Person Who Is Wondering About Their Future?

2009-08-19T14:46:00.000-04:00

In today's economy, many people are concerned about their future as an employee of XYZ Corporation or ABC Agency. If you are someone who is wondering what tomorrow brings, it would be better to use that energy and time taking some positive actions instead of just "wondering".

To begin with, if you do not have a resume, or your resume is not up to date, that is where you need to start. even if you do not need to (or have to) look for a different job right now, I think it is always good to have an up-to-date resume. For one thing, if you have been working for very long in in the same position, you are likely doing some tasks that you did not do when you started. The best way to keep track of your accomplishments and job changes is to have it written down. Not only does that mean you will be closer to a 'ready' resume, if you need it unexpectedly, but it can also be a boost to your esteem to remember what you have accomplished over the last few years.

Of course, many people use the opportunity provided to them to look for a different line of work. Some of the people I have worked with whose positions were being eliminated were actually ok with the opportunity. Maybe they had been unhappy for some time, but did not feel a real push to do anything about it. Having their position eliminated gave them an opportunity to create a work experience that was more in line with their current interests and skills. Other clients decided to continue their education and needed a resume to go with their application to graduate school. So, I update my resume at least once a year, whether I need it or not.

Additionally, if you have not really thought about what you would like to do next, you can use this time to think about the kind of work you would like to do - if given the opportunity. I generally encourage my clients to consider their interests, skills and abilities, values, and personality strengths in considering what type of work would be a good fit for them. If you need some help doing an assessment, that is certainly available.

Once you have clarified what you know about your self, then you may need to learn more about the world of work. New jobs are being added to the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (published by the Department of Labor) practically every day. Doing a little research to learn more about some of the job titles that exist can be helpful. Additionally, you may need to know whether the kind of work you want to do next is likely to be readily available or hard to find type of job.

By doing some of that research and assessment now, you can begin to clarify what you would like to do next and develop a plan to get there - on your time schedule perhaps, not your employer's.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), designated as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, and a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). In addition to over 20 years' experience as a career counselor and coach, she also has years of experience as a college academic advisor. She provides career coaching and counseling for life's transitions in person at Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati and at a distance through Your Career Plan.

Visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com. Contact Ms. Davis at (513) 665-4444 x3 or YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Taking Care of You During a Job Search

2009-08-18T15:07:00.000-04:00

It is always important to take care of yourself, but that is especially true during a job search. Any transition - whether voluntary or not and whether you really view it as a good change or not - can be stressful. The difficult thing about a job search is that your attitude and emotions often show through in your contacts with potential resources and employers.

If you have not dealt with anger regarding your transition, I cannot stress how important it is for you to do that. Unresolved anger is one of those emotions that has a way of creeping into everything you say and do. You can not afford to have anger seep into your job search communications. Additionally, unresolved anger is just not healthy - it takes a toll on your mind and body.

It is fairly easy to grow weary of an extended job search, but you can not let that show. It is important that you demonstrate that you are an active, healthy potential employee with energy to undertake some new projects or help develop new strategies to solve the company's problems. Additionally, if you are unclear on your career goals, that comes through in your communications. So even if you have a goal and one or two back-up plans, you want to express excitement about that current goal - whether the job you are applying for fits with your first or 3rd choice.

Additionally, if your self-esteem has taken a beating through your transition, it is best to work on building that up, preferably before you launch a job search. Just as anger is an unattractive attribute in a job candidate, so is low self-esteem. Even when you are able to put up a good front most of the time, your lack of self-confidence may be evident in your writing, but is very likely apparent in interviews. Your in-person communications will likely reveal that you are not 'on top of the world' or at your best.

During a job search, you need to be able to demonstrate that you are a capable, competent individual who will be a valuable asset to any organization. Of course, I believe counseling can help, but I would encourage you at least to talk with a personal confidant and/or a spiritual/religious person to help you work through your unhealthy emotions and get your feelings in balance. So deal with your emotions related to your transition in a healthy way and be better prepared for a successful job search.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), designated as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, and a Distance Credentialed Counselor with over 20 years of experience providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She meets with individuals in person at Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati and at a distance through Your Career Plan.

Visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/, call Mary Ann at (513) 665-4444 x3, or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Keeping Active in Your Job Search - Especially in a Slow Economy

2009-08-18T14:37:00.000-04:00

I have talked with several people recently who are having a hard time keeping active in their job search. They started out energized by the possibilities, but along the way, they have lost steam. They have looked through the want ads, although there isn't usually much there, they have posted their resume to a few sites, and they have looked at job sites but they are just not finding much in advertised jobs. In this economy, it does seem that "no one is hiring" but that is not entirely accurate.

In actuality, many employers are hiring, some of them are the same companies that have recently reduced their staff. The thing is, they are hiring people who can solve some of their problems, help them reduce costs, or find ways to increase their sales or business income. As a job seeker, you should be prepared to help a potential organization recognize the value that you would bring and in which way(s) you could help them.

I encourage my clients to continue to network to identify potential employment opportunities they may be able to pursue. It is still primarily a matter of knowing someone who knows someone who can provide you with a way "in" to a potential hiring organization. I also encourage my clients to do some research to learn more about those organizations that may offer potential employment and develop a plan for how they could present their value to those organizations in a meaningful way.

This is certainly not the time to be shy about what you could do for an employer. Although that is not to say you should be overbearing. But you should be able to identify ways in which you could help with some of their problems and provide some supportive statements relating previous successes in similar situations. You should develop at least a few accomplishment statements to share with potential employers that demonstrate how you have been successful in the past. Networking may get you in the door, or on the phone, with a potential hiring manager, but you must be able to communicate your value.

Don't lose heart, but you may need to allow more time for your search. Ideally, you can conduct your search while you are still employed, but if not, you need to take advantage of the additional available time to step up your search activity. And keep a positive attitude - it shows!

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), designated as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, and a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). In addition to over 20 years' experience as a career counselor and coach, she also has years of experience as a college academic advisor. She provides career coaching and counseling for life's transition in person at Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati and at a distance through Your Career Plan.

Visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/. Contact Ms. Davis at (513) 665-4444 x3 or YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Register for Essential Career Workshops 2009

2009-05-07T15:35:00.000-04:00

To register for the Essential Career Workshops 2009 conducted by Ms. Davis, please print this page, complete it and mail it, along with a check or money order payable to 'YCP' for the appropriate registration amount, to:
MARY ANN DAVIS, LPC
YOUR CAREER PLAN
P. O. BOX 44065
CINCINNATI, OH 45244-0065

PLEASE REGISTER ME FOR THE ESSENTIAL CAREER WORKSHOPS DESIGNATED:

______ SELF-ASSESSMENT & CAREER EXPLORATION (June 22)

______ PREPARING YOUR RESUMES & LETTERS (July 13)

______ INTERVIEW PREPARATION (July 27)

______ JOB SEARCH & SELF-MARKETING TECHNIQUES - (August 3)

Please print:

NAME:

_____________________________________________________________________________

PHONE NUMBER:

_____________________________________________________________________________

E-MAIL:

_____________________________________________________________________________

If you would prefer to pay with Visa or Master Card on-line through Pay Pal,
be sure to include your e-mail address above and initial here ___________________.

For more information and cost for the workshops, please read the blog on this site "Essential Career Workshops 2009". You will receive confirmation of your registration by e-mail or telephone (if no e-mail address provided).

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of career counseling experience assisting adults through life transaction. Ms. Davis has worked with individual and groups to do career assessments, prepare for the job search or continue their education. She has also assisted individuals to clarify their personal goals and develop plans to achieve them.

Essential Career Workshops 2009

2009-05-07T14:33:00.000-04:00

Summer 2009 Mary Ann Davis, Licensed Professional & Master Career Counselor will offer a series of Essential Career Workshops. These are designed for individuals who plan to make a career or job change and those who want/need to be prepared in the event of a job change/loss. There will be four workshops, all will be on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 PM in Evendale, Ohio. Each workshop focuses on a different aspect of career and job search basics.

SELF-ASSESSMENT & CAREER EXPLORATION - JUNE 22
* Assess your traits
* Identify your Personal Attractive Factors
* Explore today's work world
* Review factors in career decision making

PREPARING YOUR RESUMES & LETTERS - JULY 13
* Review details on preparing resumes, cover letters & other correspondence
* Discuss problem solving strategies for handling difficult situations

INTERVIEW PREPARATION - JULY 27
* Discuss the interviewing process
* Refresher on interviewing skills & strategies
* Review obstacles to interviewing confidently and discuss techniques

JOB SEARCH & SELF-MARKETING TECHNIQUES - AUGUST 3
* Review traditional and creative job search approaches
* Outline steps of a creative job search
* Planning your self-marketing strategies

The cost for any one workshop is $40.00. If you register for two workshops on the same form, the cost is $75.00 for two workshops, and if you register for three or four workshops on the same form, the cost is $35.00 for each workshop.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

If you have questions or wish to receive information about my private practice coaching and counseling services, please send an e-mail to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com or call HCCC at (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message.

To register for these workshops, please refer to the blog "Register for Essential Career Workshops 2009" and print the form. Mail the completed form, along with your check or money order payable to 'YCP' to -
Mary Ann Davis
Your Career Plan
P. O. Box 44065
Cincinnati, OH 45244-0065

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of career counseling experience and assisting adults through life transitions. Ms Davis has worked with individuals and groups to do career assessments, prepare for the job search or continue their education. She has also assisted individuals to clarify their personal goals and develop plans to achieve them.

In addition to being a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio, Mary Ann is a Master Career Counselor (MCC), designated as a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC), and a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). In addition to conducting these workshops, Ms. Davis meets with clients on an individual basis for career counseling, coaching, and life planning. She has been an associate with Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati since 1996 and recently launched Your Career Plan (YCP) - an on-line service for career coaching and counseling.

Still Trying to Figure Out What To Be When You "Grow Up"

2009-02-21T11:09:00.000-05:00

Many times people have said to me, "I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up". Generally, the individual is already what one would consider grown. In most cases, the individual is someone who has several (or many) years of work experience, but that work is not what they want to keep doing.

If you feel the same way, maybe you should take some time to figure out what you would like to do. It can seem like an overwhelming task, so it usually helps to break it into smaller pieces. You may begin by thinking of career dreams you have had and starting a list of possible career directions. Don't eliminate possible jobs because of preconceived notations you have about what the field is like - without getting the facts. Initially, just brainstorm and come up with a list.

Some people find it helps to complete some assessments to identify interests, abilities, and other strengths and preferences. Formal assessments are available that will provide a report with potential occupations that may fit with your interests, abilities, and other personal preferences. There are also assessments that will help to clarify your personal strengths/personality type or your values, as they relate to work.

Although I recommend a formal assessment, if that is not feasible, it may be helpful to do some informal self-assessments or reflect upon your work-related preferences. Set aside small blocks of time to work on those so that you can make progress.

Review the list of occupations you created from your brainstorming or from the assessment results. It is generally helpful to read some information about some of the potential occupations that you are not familiar with. Then you can determine from those potential occupations if there are any you would want to prepare for or pursue. Perhaps then you will have figured out what you want to do - now that you are grown up.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Do You Have A Spot In Your Background?

2009-02-01T13:26:00.000-05:00

A spot in your work history can be caused by a variety of things - some innocent and some accurate information, in addition to some genuine problems. In general, the best thing to do about a spot in your work history is to recognize and acknowledge it for what it was. If you have a longer than average absence from the workforce, that will cause a spot on your employment history. If you have changed jobs more frequently than average, that will cause a spot on your employment record. If you were fired, that may be a spot. There are many, many things that can cause a spot or blemish in your employment history. If you are, or will be, conducting a job search, you should prepare for how you will respond to questions about the spot in your employment history.

Keep in mind, although your resume does not have to include everything you have done in life - and the longer you have worked, the less likely that you would need to, but an employment application requires you to accurately list your complete employment history. In addition, you should be prepared to respond to questions about the blemish in your history in an employment interview. It is important to remember your best response is to be honest and straightforward as you explain briefly what happened. If appropriate, you may explain how things have changed so that the issue is no longer a problem or how it was eliminated, and return to the focus of the interview.

Many people find it helps to write out a response to possible questions about a problem area. The intent is not to memorize a statement, but to become comfortable with how you will explain what happened. It may help you to write out several possible responses to questions or try different responses on a tape recorder. You may not need to give a lot of details about what happened, but it is important to be able to respond to the questions of a potential employer in a direct manner. If you are uncomfortable with your response, it is more likely that they will be too. If you have a spot in your background, you may want to discuss your approach to it with a counselor who can help you sort it out and figure out an appropriate and comfortable approach to discussing the issue.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Experiencing Loss

2009-01-15T14:38:00.000-05:00

We often think of the grieving process as starting when we lose a loved one. This is certainly true, but we may also grieve other losses. Certainly we may grieve for the loss of a marriage if we get divorced, or the loss of a friendship if something or someone comes between you and a close fiend or relative. We experience other losses as we continue to mature and some of those transitions may also initiate a grieving period.

The loss of our status as a 'parent' may cause us to feel loss - when all the children are away in college or married. For some individuals, the loss of youth causes bouts of feeling blue or out of sorts. Similarly, the change in our standing or status in the church or community may cause us to grieve. Although all of those experiences may be planned for, and some celebrated, it does not mean that you may not experience feelings related to the change, the loss.

Additionally, the loss of a job, involuntarily or not, often causes us to grieve. This is a particularly difficult situation, because it generally comes at a time when we should be upbeat and actively planning our next career steps. Some people have the luxury of taking a little time off before starting a job search and that may allow them to more fully experience their loss and grieve that which is no more. But many people find they need to move into something as soon as possible and conducting a job search can be very hard on the individual in those circumstances.

Of course, just as people experience loss differently, they most likely react differently to their grief, as well. Not only that, but even the people who truly grieve the loss of their job may experience different accompanying feelings.

Often when we are going through the grieving process, it is not a continual state, so there may be periods when we are not immediately aware of our loss and feel almost 'normal.' Then something may happen that triggers our memory and we are reminded of our experiences. Over time, the period of feeling 'normal' should increase until it is only occasionally that you truly feel your loss. That is the wonderful thing about time, it can do wonders for the healing process. But it is important that we allow ourselves to grieve our losses and time to do so - it is a natural part of living.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Imagine What You Would Do

2008-12-22T15:30:00.001-05:00

Imagine what you would do if you didn't have to work to make a living. That is, after you are tired or bored with sleeping until noon every day or whatever thoughts you have about using that free time. What would you do with your time if you could do whatever you wanted?

The answer(s) to that question offer clues to things you would enjoy as part of your work. If you are doing something you enjoy and would do by choice, then it doesn't feel as much like work. That is one reason why many career assessments are designed to help you identify your interests. So if you have not considered what you would spend time doing, I encourage you to do so. It is usually helpful to create a list without deciding if you possess the ability to do it first. Later you can narrow the list to meet any parameters/limitations that exist.

There are people who have generated some ideas about career directions that they had never considered just by doing some daydreaming. Others were reminded of some career dreams they had forgotten. Still others may recognize a recurring theme - occupations they had considered or thought about before but, for various reasons did not pursue. Whatever the results of your daydreams, you will probably be able to have a few career options to consider.

I encourage people I assist to do some reading to find out more about what is involved in a career before deciding whether or not to keep it on an active list. Once you have created a short list of potential occupations you are seriously considering, then I suggest you do some informational interviews. If you are not familiar with the term, I am referring to talking with people who are doing the kind of work you are interested in. Preferably the meeting would be at their place of work - this will give you (as the interviewer) an opportunity to ask some questions and learn more about that particular occupation or field. Conducting informational interviews can give you a better sense of what may be involved in that line of work to help you in deciding if that sounds like a good fit for you. But, it all starts with some healthy daydreaming!

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Are You Hiding Some of Your Talents?

2008-12-22T15:00:00.000-05:00

I have talked to a number of people who are considering a career change because their current work doesn't allow them to use enough of their talents. If you are a person who feels they are not using their talents in their work, but don't feel like now is the time to make a career change, there may be some other options for you to consider.

First of all, you do need to identify the talents you possess that you would like to be using. For example, are you a creative person working in a job that doesn't allow for any creativity? Or perhaps you have great communication skills which go unnoticed and unused. Whatever it is, you need to start by identifying what you would like to be doing differently. You should also think about ways in which you could use those talents.

Some people decide that there are ways they could use some of those untapped talents in their current job or at least with their current employer. In that case, they would need to consider how they could make a proposal to their employer to make the desired adjustments in their work. If that is your situation, you may wish to speak with your manager to discuss possible ways in which you could be more fulfilled and help the organization by using more of your talents. Some people find they have time to work at a part-time job that addresses some of their needs and could fill a void. In that way, their primary work situation does not change, but it gives them an opportunity to use some talents they are not using otherwise.

Other people determine that they should look for opportunities outside work to put their talents to good use. That may include volunteer activities through a church, social service agency, or other community organization. Volunteering doesn't necessarily have to be for a large number of hours, often it can be scheduled at times that fit your availability, and some activities could be done from your home. At any rate, volunteering could be a great way to utilize some of your otherwise untapped talents. That could bring benefits to you as well as to others and possibly your community.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions: including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Do You Need to Take a Step Back?

2008-11-25T12:27:00.000-05:00

Not long ago I bought a little souvenir magnet that reads, "Step back and leap farther". When I look at it I smile because I am reminded of the many times I have done that. It is often not easy to take a step back and we may not be convinced that it will allow us to leap farther, but I encourage you to consider that as an option. So often we feel that we must continually be moving forward and upward to be considered successful. There are times when it may be more efficient and helpful to take a step back, or to the side, to get in position to be able to move forward - just as track athletes preparing for a high jump take a step back before they begin their run toward the bar.

If the path you are on does not seem to be getting you where you want to go, you may want to consider if you need to take a step back. Sometimes when I talk to people who are considering a new occupation, they indicate some reluctance to "start over" in a new field when they have gotten so far in their current area. In those instances, I encourage them to consider their options to determine if they really want to continue along their current path. Sometimes people who are relatively close to retirement decide their new direction can wait a few more years when the transition will be less complicated. Often people who are in mid-careers struggle with their options. "Starting over" in a new occupation, or even a new organization can mean a reduction of income and/or benefits. But it can also mean the start of a new, and often more rewarding, life. Only you can make those decisions.

In any case, I encourage my clients to think about what their real options are. If the current job is slowly eroding their self-confidence or contributing to poor health, is it really worthwhile to stay? Or would it be better in the long run to make a change in work? Sometimes by just reviewing why we work, we can become clearer on which factors are the most important after all.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or a job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

National Career Development Day

2008-11-18T14:33:00.000-05:00

The National Career Development Association celebrates National Career Development Month each year in November and Wednesday, November 19, 2008 is National Career Development Day this year. The theme for this year's celebration is "Inspire your career; develop your dream."

In today's world of great economic uncertainty, it could be fairly easy to lose sight of your dreams or to even remember to dream. Certainly we are about to go through some changes as a country and perhaps on a personal level, but one thing I would encourage you to do is to continue to dream. Many people are looking at working longer in life and, if there is something you have wanted to do, work wise, there probably are still opportunities to pursue some of those dreams.

So, whether you are 16 or 60, spend some quiet time dreaming about your career direction and how you would like things to be. Have you wanted to go back to school to study a particular subject, or prepare for a different career? Perhaps you have dreams of starting your own business. Maybe there is a totally new line of work that you would like to pursue. Whatever your dream entails, if that is what you want to achieve, try to create a plan that will allow you to take the steps necessary to get you from where you are to where you want to be. Once you have developed a plan in your mind, you need to write it down so that you can look at it, add or delete steps or actions as necessary.

The more clearly you can picture or visualize your dreams, the more clearly you can plan to achieve it. Include as many pieces as you can in developing your plan. If the steps you have developed are too large, break them down into smaller, manageable actions that you can achieve. Try to take some action every day, or at least each week, that will relate to your goals. Even if they are just small things, it will help you feel you are moving in the right direction if you accomplish something from your plan. As you begin to see some progress, that should help to keep you energized and working toward your goal.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Visit her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Never Say "Never"

2008-10-10T13:39:00.000-04:00

If you would love to do a particular type of work, but have thought, "They would never hire me." or "I could never get that type of contract for work.", maybe you should reconsider. Granted, there are some things that you are not qualified to do and others that you would not likely be able to qualify to do, but there are many occupations that may fall within the realm of possibilities. One of the phrases I use frequently is, "It depends". If you are in your 30s and would like to become a doctor, your likelihood of succeeding depends on a number of factors, but that may still be possible. However, if you are in your 60s and want to be a doctor, and you have no bachelor's degree, it may be less likely to be achievable, but may not be entirely out of the question - depending on a number of other factors. I recently read a story about an individual who graduated from a college of medicine at the age of 61. Another story referred to a 66 year old who was recently hired as a consultant with a major firm. Other individuals have received their GED years after they left high school and have been admitted to college, even though they previously doubted any of that could happen. So, it depends - and part of that uncertainty has to do with how much desire you have in achieving your goal. Another factor has to do with how much work you are willing to undertake to achieve your goal.

Realistic opportunities to some career changes depend on a number of factors, but it is important that you not let your career dream dissipate without giving it due consideration. If you have not gathered actual information about your career dream, that is the place to begin. You would not want to make that decision without information, and base it only on what you 'think' is involved or required. Do some reading to see what the educational or training requirements are and other skills or experiences needed for the type of work or other activities you would love to do. Then, if you have not already done so, you should talk to some people who are doing the type of activities/work you dream of doing.

You can look at what is required for your dream work and compare that information to the skills and abilities you already possess, as well as your values and interests. Then you can decide if it is still what you want to pursue now, save until later, or postpone indefinitely. If you decide that now is the time, you should then develop an action plan to get you to your dream.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing counseling and coaching for life's transitions; including carer change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Tips for Written Communication

2008-10-10T12:34:00.000-04:00

If you are looking for work in today's world, your written communications are a very important part of your search. Obviously you need a well-written cover letter to send with your resume when you apply for or inquire about a position. Your cover letter should be no more than one page in length and should be neatly typed and error free. You should find a creative way to begin your letter and explain why you are writing. If you are responding to an actual advertisement, you should try to match your qualifications to those required in the ad. You should also include what you would like to happen next or how you plan to contact the employer.

You should also have a marketing letter. This would be used to send to networking contacts - either with or without a resume. Depending on your contact, the letter may be not quite as formal as a cover letter, but it should still be very well written, neatly typed, without errors. You should have a letter you can send to your networking contacts that you do not know personally and a slightly different one for people that you do know.

Of course, you will want to send a thank you note to individuals you have met - either for a formal job interview or for a networking meeting. A thank you note does not have to be typed, if your handwriting is legible. It is also acceptable to send a thank you note as an email. Either way, it is still important that the note be well written and error free.

At some point, unless you are starting your own business, you will need to send an acceptance letter to your new employer. After you have been offered a position and finalized the details of your employment, it is good to send an acceptance letter. In addition to formally accepting the position offered, you should include your start date and any agreements made regarding the terms of your hiring and employment. If you are offering or accepting contract work, your letter will also outline the details of the agreement or those should be spelled out in an attachment.

It is a good idea to send a follow-up letter to your networking contacts to let them know of your new situation. In most cases, that can be accomplished by sending a hand-written note or an email. In each instance you should keep a copy of your correspondence; that gives you a record of who you contacted and why.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Are Your Dreams Just Dreams?

2008-09-13T17:10:00.000-04:00

When you dream about how your life could be different, does it bring a smile to your face? Are you thinking of how it could be better or are you counting your blessings because you have come a long way or have had a pretty easy life? If in your dreams or daydreams, your life is different and better than it is in real life, then you have begun to create a new reality. But your dreams will be just dreams and nothing more if you don't take some actions.

To begin with, you should write down your dream that you want to create. Write it as a goal statement and include as much detail as possible. My belief is that as long as a dream is still just in your head, it remains a dream. Once it is committed to paper (or a computer screen) then it can become a plan.

After you have written down your goal statement, then you can begin to develop plans of action to take you from where you are to where you want to be. Again, include details and time frames in your action plan. It is often during this state where we begin to put up thoughts of why our plans won't work out the way we want. There may be a little voice in your head telling you why the plans won't work out or why your dreams won't come true.

I encourage you to pay some attention to those voices or thoughts, but only to serve as a type of reminder to check your details. It is very natural to have second thoughts, but don't let the uncertainly of your new plans keep you from implementing them. Once you have set your plan into action, then you must act as though your goal has already become a reality; as others have said, then you "fake it 'til you make it." The idea being that you begin to act as if your plan has come into being and you begin acting as if your new circumstances or situation already exists. But it all begins with a dream!

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Assess Your Risks

2008-09-01T17:42:00.000-04:00

Some individuals I have worked with explained that they knew they were not really happy in their work situation, but they were not sure if they should consider leaving. If you are trying to decide if you should stay with your current job or employer or change jobs or leave the organization, I encourage you to assess your risks - on both sides of the issue.

Think about the risks that may be involved if you leave your current situation. Since nothing is certain and there are no crystal balls, it is hard to determine if things would be better or just different in a different situation. You should consider in what ways you would like your work to be different and consider the likelihood that those differences are realistic or just a day dream. You should also consider those that things that you would like to be the same or similar to your current situation.

Also, think about the risks that may be involved if you stay in your current situation. Again, since nothing is certain and there are no crystal balls, it is hard to determine if things could be better or at least different if you stay. Since you are willing to consider leaving, you should also identify the reasons you are having those thoughts. Is it just because you wonder what else is out there or are there things that are problematic for you in your current situation?

In addition to assessing the risks if you stay or leave, I also think it is important to identify whether or not you feel that you are utilizing your skills and personal traits and whether or not your values are appreciated or able to be demonstrated in your current situation. Sometimes people can find other ways to put their skills and personal traits to good use, but if there is a conflict with their values or personal strengths, that becomes ever more difficult to cope with. So what is it for you?

Once you have considered the significant factors related to your situation, then you can think about the options you have. In some cases, people decide to pursue something different with the same employer. Others decide to look for similar work but in a different organization. Some decide they need a complete change - employer and work. And, of course, some people decide their current situation is OK, at least for now. Whatever the decision, it should have been given careful consideration and not made in a moment of heightened frustration.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling or life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Assess Your Risks

2008-08-10T12:57:00.000-04:00

Some individuals I have met with explain that they know they are not really happy in their current work situation, but they are not sure if they should consider leaving. If you are trying to decide if you should stay in your current employment situation or leave, I encourage you to assess your risks - on both sides of the issue.

Think about the risks that may be involved if you leave your current employment. Since nothing is certain and there are no crystal balls, it is hard to determine if things would be better or just different in a different work situation. You should consider in what ways you would like your situation to be different. You should also consider those things that you would like to be the same or similar to your current work situation.

Also think about the risks that may be involved if you stay in your current employment situation. Again, since nothing is certain and there are no crystal balls, it is hard to determine if things could be better or different if you stay. Since you are willing to consider leaving, you should identify the reasons you are having those thoughts. Is it just because you wonder what else is out there or are there things that are problematic for you in your current work situation?

I also think it is important to identify whether or not you feel that you are utilizing your skills and personal traits and whether or not your values are in sync with the values of your employer or in your current situation. Sometimes people can find other ways to put their skills and personal traits to good use, but if there is a conflict with their values or personal strengths, that is more difficult to cope with. So what is it for you?

Once you have considered the significant factors related to your situation, then you can think about the options you have. In some cases, people decide to pursue something different with the same employer. Others decide to look for similar work but in a different organization. Some people decide they need a complete change - a different employer and work. And, of course, some people decide their current situation is OK, at least for now. Whatever the decision, it should have been given careful consideration and not made in a moment of heightened frustration.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Non-Traditional First Year Students (part 2)

2008-08-03T19:15:00.000-04:00

As a non-traditional adult entering college, you will probably be required to take some type of college placement test. This may include testing in math, writing, reading, and typing. You may need to brush up on your math and other skills, as many, many adults do. There may be basic courses you can take to assist you. Basic computer skills are also needed to succeed in college. Again, if you do not have those skills, find out what courses, training, or tutoring may be available to you.

You will also want to find out about other student services and college policies. You want to learn about and obtain a student identification card, student parking decal (if needed), email services, etc. Be sure to ask questions if you don't understand something.

Please keep in mind, if you did not complete high school, and have thought about college you can still earn a GED and be admissible to many programs, but you will want to find out about any prerequisites for your particular program of study. A prerequisite is a course or condition that must be met or completed before you can move to the next course or phase. In the case of course prerequisites, there may be a course (or courses) that you must successfully complete before you can take the next course in the series or sequence. So, in addition to learning about any prerequisites for your program, you will want to learn about course prerequisites and make sure you take your courses in the proper sequence.

You should also know that many colleges offer students the opportunity to earn college credits for learning that occurred outside the college classroom. Prior Learning Assessment, as it is often called, can be an efficient way to earn credits toward your college degree. The most frequently used method is testing through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP Exams). These are standardized tests that cover a variety of topics and students who pass a CLEP EXAM test receive credit for the class(es) that are equivalent to that particular test.

If you would like to go to college but have no idea what you want to study, you may benefit from some career counseling. You may want to complete some self-assessments to help in generating ideas about areas of interest or an occupation you may choose as your career goal. Certainly some adults go to college because of the opportunities to learn and the personal satisfaction that comes from the experience and not specifically for career enhancement.

Going back to school, particularly as an adult, can be intimidating, but do not let that keep you from trying. As one client suggested, "I will be 50 on my next birthday whether I take classes or not, so I might as well give it a try and see how it works out." You may be surprised to know that many adults become academic overachievers. Failure is not the result of being less than successful at something that you try; failure results when you do not try.

Ms. Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including carer change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Non-Traditional First Year Student (part 1)

2008-08-03T18:51:00.000-04:00

It is late summer and most parents are preparing to resume the routine of getting the kids ready for school, or perhaps, preparing to send their offspring off to college. Many parents and other adults are also thinking they had planned to return to school this fall or enroll in college for the first time, and now, they are running out of time. If you are one of the individuals who has considered continuing your education, now is the time to move into action. Many colleges allow non-traditional (adult) students to apply and enroll in the summer for fall classes. Often we think of colleges as requiring admissions and tests to be completed in the winter or spring before enrolling. That is true of many institutions or programs within colleges, but not all of them. There may still be time to get in for the coming academic year.

If you have been thinking you would like to start or return to college, it does take some action on your part now. Check out the colleges in your area to find out about programs they offer. You will also need to find out about admissions requirements - generally you will need to have your high school transcript sent and, if you have attended a college previously, that transcript will need to be sent as well. If you have not completed high school and have a GED, those records will need to be provided to the college Admissions Office. If you have not completed high school and do not have a GED, you will need to do that before applying to college.

There is probably an application and/or admission fee you will need to submit along with the application. The process of becoming officially admitted to a program is referred to as 'matriculation'. Once you are matriculated in the program, that sort of 'locks in' that set of requirements for your program. So even if the requirements for your degree/program change the following year, or the next, you would still be expected to complete the requirements in place when you matriculated, as long as you have continued to enroll in courses for your program.

Many colleges offer an orientation program, which provides basic information needed to begin your college education. If not, make an appointment to meet with an Academic Advisor to discuss the requirements and any options for your program and first course(s) to take.

You may also wish to talk with the Financial Aid Advisor to find out about financial assistance in paying for college. Unfortunately, most federal or state grants and other awards are distributed before summer. You may also want to ask the librarian at your local library for assistance in locating information about other sources of financial aid. The College Blue Book, The Directory of Financial Aid for Women, and the Directory of Financial Aid for Minorities are reference books available at most libraries and contain information about other grants, scholarships, etc. If you decide to apply for a student loan, I encourage you not to borrow more than you really need. Also, I suggest that you not pay any agency for searching for sources of financial aid for you.

More information on adult students and college will be included in the next post.

Ms. Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Are You a Person Who Doesn't Have a Current Resume?

2008-07-15T10:31:00.000-04:00

For many people, creating a resume is a one-time thing - maybe they wrote one when they graduated and looked for work. Some people didn't really create one then and have not ever written a real resume. I encourage you to create a resume - even if you are not planning to make a job or career change in the near future. By having an up-to-date resume, you have one less task to accomplish if/when you do need to make a change. I believe it is also important to have a historical resume - one that includes your prominent accomplishments and all of your work experiences, but that will be the topic of a different blog post.

To create a resume, it usually helps to write down some specifics about your current or most recent position first. If you are currently employed, you should write down your title and major responsibilities and your accomplishments. To the extent possible, include quantifiable terms to help describe your accomplishments; e.g. the percentage of increase in productivity, sales, etc. for you or your unit; the amount of reduction in expenses, missed work, etc. You will also need to identify some action verbs to describe your work and accomplishments and include transferable skills that you demonstrated.

Depending on how long you have been in your current job, you would write a similar description of the job you had before that. Repeat the process so that you have covered the last 15 years or so of your work life. You would want to include the name and address of your employer and the name of your supervisor.

You should also think about other activities in which you have been involved over the last 15 to 18 years. This could include work and non-work related activities, such as community or church boards, significant committee work, volunteer work, etc. The idea is to identify other ways in which you have demonstrated your transferable skills, particularly those skills you would like to continue to use.

Your resume would also include information about your educational background and training. Write down specifics of your education, if you have earned a degree that is related to the kind of work you do, you may want to list the degree before the institution where you received it. Generally, you would not include your high school information if you have a college degree, unless you are a recent graduate. If you are working on a college degree (even on a part-time basis) you may want to list the degree you will receive and include the notation, "In Progress". Training that is relevant for your current career goal should also be included.

By getting these pieces of information written down, you will have that much more together if you need to prepare for a change in work. In today's world of work, change is much more frequent. You also need to know that in many cases, you need a resume if you apply for graduate school.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Creating a Combination Resume

2008-07-15T10:08:00.000-04:00

Some people who feel a functional resume format is a better way to present their background than a traditional chronological resume format prefer to use a combination resume. As the name implies, it is a combination of the chronological and functional resume, combining some formatting from both types of resumes. If you are inclined to use a functional resume but believe it would be to your advantage to include some information regarding your work experiences, the combination resume format may be the solution.

The primary difference in creating a combination resume is that you would include some statements about your accomplishments or responsibilities with each job title under your work experiences. In that way, you would present more of a connection between your job titles and the skills used and your achievements in that position. The combination resume format would still highlight three or four of your functional skill areas that relate to your current career goal. You would still select the functional or transferable skills that you possess to focus attention to your accomplishments. Action verbs should be used for your headings, so things like directing, supervising, planning, communicating, programming and other headings, as appropriate for your background should be selected. Under each of those skill areas, you would include responsibilities and achievements from your current and previous experiences - paid, volunteer, or community work - statements that help to demonstrate your use of that skill. Also, instead of simply listing previous job titles and names of employers (as you would in a strictly functional resume format), you would write a few statements related to your accomplishments in each position.

You may wish to create a few different versions of your resume and share them with people you know. You would then ask each person for feedback as to which they feel is a better presentation of your background - as it relates to your current career goals. If you have a couple of different directions you can go for your next career move, you may need to focus on different factors from your background. In that case, it may be helpful to have each resume focus on a particular career goal.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor i private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issue. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YOurCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Writing a Functional Resume

2008-07-01T14:23:00.000-04:00

The last blog I posted talked about creating a standard chronological resume. Many employers prefer that format because that is the format with which they are most comfortable and familiar. If that format provides a good representation of your background, then I encourage you to use a chronological format for your resume - or at least one version of it. For many people, the chronological resume does not give them the flexibility they want in presenting various aspects of their background. If that is your situation, you may want to consider creating a functional resume.

A functional resume is one that highlights three or four of your functional skill areas that relate to your current career goal. The advantage to a functional resume is that it allows you to emphasize the skills you want to use and to downplay the job titles that you have held, and that perhaps do not directly relate to your current career objective. A true functional resume includes only a listing of former job titles and employers, without details about the responsibilities performed in each job title. Your overall responsibilities and accomplishments that relate to your current career objective would appear in your functional skill areas.
Due to the nature of the functional resume, it is often used by people who are changing careers or for job seekers who are re-entering the workforce after a period of absence.

A functional resume will still begin with your name and contact information. Whether you include a Job Objective or some other type of summary is up to you. Many people include a Skills Summary including several statements related to skills they possess and hope to use in their next job. The most significant part of writing a functional resume is in selecting the functional skill words to use as your headings. If you need a list of words to work from, that is available. Obviously, you should select functional skills that fit with your accomplishments and other strengths. Under each heading, you will list your accomplishments from your various experiences - work, volunteer, school, or family. You can include activities from non-work/non-paid activities in addition to your work history, if appropriate for your current objective.

In a true functional resume, you would provide only a basic list of your job titles, dates of employment, and names of employers. Your education and/or training and other skills, if desired, would be presented in the appropriate spaces, just as in the other resume formats. If you have a draft of a resume and you wish a meeting to review and discuss it, that can be arranged. Beyond correcting any grammatical or formatting errors, there are two primary suggestions I offer to my clients about their resume. First is that it should be something they feel comfortable with and presents quality highlights of their relevant background. Secondly, they should not spend an inordinate amount of time trying to make their resume - whatever format is selected - perfect.

There really is no such thing as a perfect resume. And even if you create one that appears "perfect" for one job, it is likely at least a little less than perfect for a different job. So start with something that is acceptable that you can give out. Then, as the need exists and time is available, you can make revisions. The goal is to get positive responses to the resumes you give out. If that is not happening, then you either need to adjust your resume and, or your approach in using it.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Creating a Chronological Resume

2008-06-13T12:54:00.000-04:00

In today's world, there are several options for the format in which you write your resume. This week's article will cover the basics about the chronological resume format and future articles will cover other formats. All resumes begin with your name and contact information as the Heading. How much contact information you include is dependent somewhat on how the resume will be delivered. Generally a printed resume will include your full name, address, and a phone number where you can be contacted; although some individuals prefer not to include their home address on the resume. Make sure that the phone number you list will be answered by an adult or with a message that sounds professional. You should not include any personal information on your resume, such as age, number of children, marital status, etc.

The traditional chronological resume often includes a Career Objective. If you choose to include an Objective, make sure it is not so specific that it eliminates you from being considered for related positions, but not so broad that it reads like you will take any job. The Objective should be adjusted for each kind of position you pursue. It is a good idea to include phrases about some of the skills you want to use in your Objective. For some occupations, you may use a job title as part of your objective, but generally, a title is not included unless you are responding to a specific ad. The Objective should give an indication of the level of the position you are seeking; that is, entry, mid- or upper level, etc. It should also include the kind of industry or business in which you would like to work; that is, hospitality, finance, sales, human services, etc. Your Objective should also include a statement about one of two of your major strengths related to your career objective.

Following your Objective, you should list your work experiences, and your job titles should be listed in reverse chronological order, so that your current or most recent job title is listed first. For each job you list, include the job title/position you held, the name and city of employer, and the dates of employment. You don't have to include the month you began working there, but at least the year you started and year you ended in that position, and your major accomplishments. Include any duties or responsibilities that relate to your current work objective.

Your Educational Background should also be included. If you just recently completed your education or training, that may need to be listed before your Work Experiences. If you have received a degree, you will want to list the level of the degree, followed by the major and the year it was completed. On the next line, you should list the name of the institution you attended and the city and state where it was located. Some people choose to list the institution they attended before listing the major and degree received. That may be helpful if the institution may be more impressive to a potential employer than the degree you received. You may only need to list your most recent degree, but if an earlier degree is more directly related to your objective, you may wish to include that too. You may wish to include other sections, such as additional skills or training, volunteer activities, professional recognitions, etc. You should evaluate each section in your resume to determine that it is appropriate for your goal and that including it would add to your overall qualifications.

Putting a resume together can feel like a big task. The important thing is to get started. It is usually easier to edit something than to stare at a blank screen or sheet of paper. Once you have written a draft of your resume then you can begin to edit it or obtain some assistance in making your resume as clear and concise as you can.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Writing a Resume - Basics

2008-05-31T10:38:00.000-04:00

If you do not have a resume, you need to have one - even if you are not currently planning a job search. If your last resume was created several years ago and hasn't been updated, you need to do so. Start by determining the information to be included in your heading. Do not include your work phone number unless it is OK to receive calls there. If the resume will be posted on the Internet, it is suggested that you do not include your home address. Personal information (date of birth, social security number, race, age, number of children, marital status, etc.) should not be included in your resume.

Then write down the information you would need to include in your resume. List each job title you have had and the name of each employer and their address (at least the city) where you worked. If you remember the names, write down the name of each supervisor you had with each job. Also write the tasks you performed and your accomplishments. Then write information about volunteer or community activities in which you have been involved. Again, list the name and address of the organization and the name of your supervisor and their job title. Write out the tasks you performed and any accomplishments - from whenever they occurred in your work history. On the first draft, don't worry so much about wording, just get the information written down.

Write out the details of your educational background and/or training, including the name of the institution/organization, dates, degree or certificate received. You would also include licenses or special certifications you have received, as well as memberships in professional organizations. If you have attended college, but you didn't complete a degree, make a list of the courses you completed that relate to your current career goal or current work. Include work-related seminars or conferences you have attended. If appropriate, you should also make a list of presentations you have made, articles you have written, or other professional-related accomplishments.

Although the additional sections on your resume are not required, you may want to write down information about work-related recognitions or honors you have received and community or volunteer organizations in which you are/or have been involved. You may also need a section for special skills. Generally your hobbies or personal interests would not be included on your resume unless you know that information would be to your advantage.

My next blog will go into more details about preparing your resume for a job search.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Why Do You Need a Resume?

2008-05-24T14:15:00.000-04:00

A resume is one of the important tools for a job search and other self-marketing campaigns. It can also serve as a reminder of your skills and accomplishments. Even if you are not looking for different work, a resume is requested for some volunteer activities, honors for which you are being considered, applications to graduate school, and some small business opportunities. If you are planning to make a career or job change, a well-written up-to-date resume is a necessity.

Your resume should give a potential employer a brief synopsis of your work history and related work experiences. It should also include the training or education you have completed and skills you possess. Your resume should provide information about the kind of work or position you are seeking, in addition to what you have to offer a potential employer. Although your resume does not have to include everything you have done in life, all the information included should be accurate.

Ideally, your resume will be written in a clear and concise way so that prospective employers get an accurate picture of your background. It should also be clear about the direction you are currently pursuing. Your resume should include a number of action verbs (key words) describing your accomplishments and activities.

If you have never written a resume, it is a good idea to write on for historical purposes. In that case, you would include all the jobs you have held, all volunteer or unpaid work experiences, and training and education you have received. Having that information in one document can save time later if you decide to change career directions.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of your job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty next, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

TO contact Ms. Davis, please call (513Z) 665-4444 x3 and leaved a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

A Reminder for High School Students and Their Parents

2008-05-07T09:34:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder - it is not generally wise to wait until senior year to start thinking about college. Many colleges open admissions to new students early in the calendar year, although some very selective programs begin reviewing applications earlier than that. Certainly it is possible to get admitted to many colleges later in the year, but not all. Generally the most competitive programs admit a limited number of new students for the coming academic year.

Most colleges also require test scores from the ACT and/or SAT to consider a student for admission. So that testing should be done in a timely manner in order to have scores available. High school counselors should have information about college preparatory/admissions tests, so even if information is not offered, students should ask for it. Both programs have preparatory or practice tests that can be taken prior to taking the actual test.

Additionally, students applying for financial aid should do so as soon after the beginning of the calendar year as possible. Generally, the student applying for financial aid needs to include information about their and their parents' income taxes from the previous calendar year. So, if you are applying for aid for this coming autumn, the tax returns filed recently would be needed and for the 2009-2010 academic year (not the coming school year), you will need information from the 2008 income tax returns. In addition to federal and/or state aid that may be available, the student may want to check for other sources of financial assistance. There are a number of organizations and groups that offer scholarships, grants, etc. to students who meet their criteria. In general, you have to reapply for most forms of financial aid every year.

All of that requires some advance planning and preparation. One last word of caution - if you need to take out a student loan, I encourage you not to borrow more than is actually needed to cover tuition, etc. You can reduce some of the stress associated with a college education by planning ahead and taking some action on a timely basis.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

When the Job Search is Unexpected

2008-05-04T16:11:00.000-04:00

Work was going ok, but all of a sudden, Judi was told her job had been eliminated. Terrance was not excited about his recent work assignments, but it was a job - until his boss told him there wasn't enough work to keep him on. Murray had been thinking of making a career change for some time, but was comfortable in his routine. When he received the news that his job was being eliminated, he had to admit that he was rather happy, but very scared about finding work at his age. These stories, and many others, have different details, but the bottom line is the same - these people were thrown into a job search unexpectedly.

Some of the people I have worked with said the news caught them completely by surprise. Other clients said that initially, but after thinking about what might have gone awry, they realized there were little signs of trouble at work, but they had ignored them. Either way, an unexpected job loss can make it difficult to prepare for a new job search. Aside from updating their resume and remembering interviewing and other skills needed for the search, there is the whole issue of preparing your mind to cope with the unexpected circumstances in which you find yourself when you are suddenly out of work.

In a job search, as with so many activities in life, you need the right mindset. It is difficult, if not impossible, to portray self-confidence when you are angry, disappointed, or low on self-esteem. No matter the reason why you are looking for work, it is important to portray confidence in your ability to learn the specific tasks of a new job and to apply the knowledge and skills you possess. If you need a boost to your self-confidence, there are some things you can do. If needed, make or buy a motivational tape and listen to it. Some people create or find inspirational messages and write them on post-its. Those can be placed around the house and inside the notebook you take to interviews and networking meetings. You may also talk to family members and upbeat friends to get a boost. Talking with a counselor can also help you sort through your feelings and regain your confidence.

Many people are able to take advantage of the unexpected change to pursue work that is more in line with their real desires and career goals. Although you may need to take a little time to adjust to the sudden change, you should soon be able to start planning for your new career direction. Keep in mind those things you can offer an employer, including your work-related skills and personal traits that are desirable to an employer and the knowledge and experiences you possess. Undertake your career change with confidence and a well thought-out, detailed plan to achieve your goal.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, continuing education, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Are You Helping a Teenager Prepare for the World of Work?

2008-04-29T19:10:00.001-04:00

In today's world, the whole arena of work is different than it used to be a few decades ago; so it requires a different preparation to cope with that world. Young people have their whole lives ahead of them and as exciting as that may seem, it can also be a very scary, uncertain thing. The youth of today will almost assuredly make several job and/or career changes during their lifetime. The better a person is at doing that, the less stressful those transitions become.

Depending on the student's current grade level, there are things that could be done to begin preparing for the world of work. Students in the 7th or 8th grade could be learning more about occupations that exist. Even if they are not sure that college is in their future, it can help to include some college preparatory work in high school. The middle grades are also a good time to begin exploring the world of work, the kinds of activities they enjoy, and their hobbies.

High school students should consider including a foreign language, if available at their school; additionally, four years of math and English are required for admissions to most baccalaureate programs and many associate degree programs. Students entering high school who have identified their career preferences will want to learn the other courses they should be taking to position themselves for their preferred major. Even if the student decides not to pursue college right after graduation, they will still have that in their background. All indications are that in the workforce in the next 5 to 10 years, a baccalaureate degree or specialized training will be required for workers to have any chance of earning a decent wage; so it is best to do whatever is possible in preparation for that.

Another thing to keep in mind is that interests and priorities do change, so the best plan is to have a flexible plan - ideally one that would allow the student to go more than one direction or into more than one job, or alternative career from the same major.

The basic thing is that students should not wait until their senior year to begin thinking about what the next stage of their lives may include.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Selecting People to Serve as References

2008-04-03T18:36:00.000-04:00

If you are planning to conduct a job search, you should identify a few people to serve as professional references for you. Generally, you need to have 3 or 4 references and at least two of them should be familiar with your work - directly. If necessary, you can include one personal reference - someone who can speak to your personal characteristics. Your professional references should be able to share insights into your work-related strengths with a potential employer.

People who you have worked for or with are potential references, although you should select those who would be most likely to say positive things about you and sound professional in doing so. You should always check with the potential references to make sure you can list them. While having the discussion, you should also make sure that you have their correct contact information and current job title.

When you create your list of references for a job search, you should list each reference with their title, employer, and contact information. You should also include a statement about how they know your work - or your working relationship with them. You generally don't need more than four references and if you only have three names, that is generally okay too.

Students who are graduating that don't have three work-related references may choose to ask a professor to serve as a reference. Ideally, it would be a professor who teaches in your major field of study, although it could be someone with whom you worked on a class or research project or study.

Once you have identified your references and verified their contact information, you will need to type your list. Use a simple heading - References for _________. You may want to list them in the order of significance or they could be listed in alphabetical order. You should carry a clean copy of your references with you to each job interview.

During the job search, you will want to keep in contact with your references to update them on your search. Obviously, when you do accept a job offer, you will want to send a thank you note to your references and let them know where you will be working, what you will be doing, etc.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Check out her web site at wwww.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

April is Counseling Awareness Month

2008-04-03T18:14:00.000-04:00

The American Counseling Association, the prominent organization for counseling professionals, came into existence in 1952 when four independent organizations (The National Vocational Guidance Association, The National Association of Guidance and Counselor Trainers, the Student Personnel Association for Teacher Education, and the American College Personnel Association) gathered in order to provide a greater voice for the profession. The organization and its members have made great strides in reducing stigma that was involved in seeing a counselor. Recently there have been movies and television shows involving counselors or therapists. Although they are often comedies, it does still indicate we are more comfortable discussing concerns with a professional who can provide insight, reassurance, and/or support in coping with life's circumstances.

Today there are a number of counseling specialities, including career work. A career counselor can assist you by listening to your concerns about your ability, or inability, to make decisions that relate to your work and/or career or to implement related plans. They can also discuss how your career impacts other aspects of your life. If needed, career counselors can also assist you with career assessments and the interpretation of the resulting information, to help you identify personal traits, qualities, skills, and interests and relate those to potential career options. Some career counselors can also assist you with components of a job search.

If you have concerns that you have not been able to work through or you are in the midst of or planning a career change, you may consider talking with a counselor. The Greater Cincinnati Counseling Association (found at http://cincinnaticounseling.com) or the American Counseling Association (www.counseling.org) can assist you in identifying counselors in various specialities located in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a confidential and personal voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Are You Facing an Involuntary Job Change?

2008-03-26T15:55:00.000-04:00

Many of the people that I have talked to recently who are facing or are in the midst of an involuntary job change admit that they have mixed emotions about their situation. On the one hand, they often have disliked their work for a while, but just stayed with it. On the other hand, they are also very scared because of what the transition means. For many people, a job change is a significant event and even when the original job was no longer a satisfying one, it can still be a hard change to cope with.

If you are making an involuntary job change, there are a few things I would encourage you to keep in mind. The first is that such a forced change can cause an unexpected emotional upheaval or roller coaster. Just the uncertainty of what will come often brings an unsettled feeling. Beyond the obvious financial concerns, a significant aspect of our sense of self may be shaken. You may wonder - 'Who am I if I am not doing ______ work?' 'How do I greet people who ask, "What do you do?" or 'Who will hire me at this age?' These can be very challenging questions to consider.

I would encourage you to remember there are other questions you can consider in these circumstances. For example, 'What can I do now that I have this opportunity to redirect my life?' or 'What did I want to do when I was younger that I haven't done?' or 'What dreams have emerged at this stage of my life?' Although these can also be 'scary' questions, they can lead to more productive thinking. Involuntary, and voluntary, job losses can be complicated transitions to cope with and many people need external supports to assist them in working through the transition. There is no shame in seeking the help you need.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing career coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email message to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

What Is Keeping You From Following Your Dream?

2008-03-25T16:12:00.001-04:00

As I meet with people I sometimes ask if they have 'dreamed of' becoming something or doing something that they have not yet done. Often the answer is 'yes', followed by a sigh or a chuckle. Other people seem to feel they don't even remember their 'dream job'. If you fall into either of those categories, my question to you is: What is keeping you from following your dreams?

Now, some people admit their last 'dream job' or 'dream activity' was so long ago that it is no longer appropriate. So you may want to disregard those dreams. But think about those other things you wanted to do. I encourage you to make a list of those dreams. Spend some time thinking, then writing them down, then dreaming some more. Come up with your new (or old) list of dreams.

Once you have created your list, then you can go through it to see if there are any dreams that fit together or could be combined. Some people prioritize their list so they can determine where to start. Wherever you want to start, start with a blank sheet of paper and across the top write out one of your dreams. Then start writing down things you would need to do to make that dream a reality. On a separate sheet of paper, write down any obstacles that may keep you from achieving your dreams. For each item you list as an obstacle, see if you can identify ways around it, through it, or over it. If you need some help with that part, you may want to ask some friends to brainstorm with you. The idea is to figure out how you can actualize your dreams and be prepared for any obtacles that may try to prevent it.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing career coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email message to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Planning to graduate? Prepare now for a job search

2008-03-10T16:09:00.000-04:00

If you are completing your education and planning to graduate soon, it is not too early to begin preparations for a job search. Obviously, you need to have at least a basic version of your resume and a draft of a cover letter. You can then adjust both documents based on the job you are interested in/applying for. You should be contacting people to serve as references for you. You will need to create a list of references with their contact information.

In addition to the written preparations, you should also think about your wardrobe. You will need a decent suit to wear to interviews and a few different shirts or blouses to wear with your suit. Although a strict business suit may not be required, you should be able to dress a little better than you would if you were already working where you have an interview. Women should wear a conservative blouse - so that it is not too revealing. Your jewelry should be modest, if you wear jewelry. Men should have a nice shirt and tie that is not too wild. Of course you need a nice pair of shoes that are polished. You should plan to wear shoes that are not too flashy and are comfortable to walk in.

Unless you need to carry samples of your work, e.g. for design or art students, you would not necessarily need a briefcase, although that can be a nice touch. You do need a portfolio type notebook where you can write your questions and other information you need for the interview and carry an extra copy of your resume, your work history, reference sheet, etc. It should also include pens and blank paper in case you want to write something down.

As you get closer to interview time, you will want to check your personal appearance. Some of the haircuts and hair dos worn today may not be appropriate for a working professional. If you have body parts pierced or tattoos, you should consider whether it is appropriate to have those visible during an interview. You should also typically limit yourself to no more than one pair of earrings.

The idea is that you should present yourself to potential employers as a capable, competent professional - as if you were already working in your desired field. Some smaller companies have a more relaxed work environment than many large corporations, but you are generally better off to go conservative. It is usually better to be a little overdressed than to appear too casual in an interview. Of course, there are some exceptions - depending on the industry in which you will be interviewing, but for the most part, it is better to take a conservative approach.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice, providing career coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Check out her Web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.
to contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Time To Apply To Colleges

2008-02-26T10:01:00.000-05:00

ANNOUNCEMENT: High school Seniors who plan to enroll in college in the fall who have not already applied for college admission, now is the time to do so. Many colleges are already in a position of selecting those individuals who will receive major financial assistance for their college education, but for most programs, there are still opportunities to be considered for admission.

Although, in general, colleges will review applications and consider candidates for admission into the summer, some of the highly competitive programs may be closing their admissions very soon. So, this should signal the time to begin some action. Also, please be aware that in many cases admission is a two-tiered process. There is admission to a college or university, but there may be a second layer of admission - to get into a particular program. For example, Architecture, Engineering, individual music programs, some computer majors, and others, will require the applicant to meet another group of admissions criteria, beyond what is required to be admitted to the institution. If the student has not done so, now is the time to meet with a guidance counselor to talk about applying for college.

Although some colleges admit all first year students to a general program, many of them require students to declare a specific major at the time they apply for admission. That means that the student should have a pretty good idea of what they plan to study in college and in most cases, that means they need a career-related goal. It is not always an easy decision, but one that students are often required to make.

Many of the high school counselors have access to career-related assessments that may assist the student in identifying a career direction and can offer other resources to assist in the process. Ideally, the student will be able to identify a major that would provide a good foundation - at least in that first year - for a number of different career directions. Additional assistance is available, if needed.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice, providing coaching and counseling or life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Career Management in Today's World

2008-02-22T14:08:00.000-05:00

Today's world requires a more proactive approach to your career decision-making and planning. The most effective people make decisions based on data and you need data to help you in making your career decisions. Begin with information about yourself - keep in mind the kinds of activities which interest you, the skills you enjoy using, your personal traits and strengths, and other factors that impact your satisfaction with your work and work setting.

You will also need data about the world of work so that you make your decisions based on reliable information and not just your hunch or guesses. Your particular circumstances will determine some of the kinds of information you need; but you will want to have knowledge of the kinds of activities involved in an occupation you are considering, as well as the education or training requirements preferred or required. You may also want to know about the kinds of companies that hire people to do that kind of work and whether or not the occupation is expected to grow, decline, or remain stable over the next several years. Most people also want to know where a particular occupation may lead - potential advancement or other opportunities or career directions.

After you have gathered your information about yourself and the world of work, you will look for areas of overlap and start there to make your decisions. After you have made a decision, you will need to develop your plan to achieve your career goals. With some planning and follow-through, your career goals will become realities.

Mary Ann Davis, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x 3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Use Winter to Prepare for a Spring Job Search

2008-02-22T13:49:00.000-05:00

This winter, plan to do something different: prepare the ground now for your spring planting. I am not referring to your garden, but to your potential job change. Winter Si the perfect time to do some readying. Explore occupations you have considered or just read about different industries and their growth areas.

A few of the more popular and easy to access Internet sites include O*NET at http://www.onetcenter.org which is sort of the online version of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT). O*NET has information on hundreds of popular job titles with a brief piece of information about each one. The Occupational Outlook Handbook OOH) also contains information about occupational clusters. You can read detailed information about hundreds of occupational clusters at www.bls.gov. Find out about the kinds of work involved, the educational background or training needed, the kinds of industries or organizations that hire people to do that kind of work, and more. You can even find information about average salaries in the U.S. in those occupations listed. Both the DOT and OOH are also available at most libraries in the Reference Section.

In addition to learning more about the world of work, you should reflect on your personal career-related preferences so that you are clear on the kinds of activities you enjoy doing, the skills you enjoy and want to use or need to learn, and other personal factors that relate to your potential satisfaction with your career direction. Of course, if you would like to complete some formal or informal assessments to identify or clarify your career-related interests, activities, values, and other personal traits, that service is available.

Although you may not want to start a new job campaign right now, winter is the perfect time to create a well-developed plan for your next change. You should also update your resume, if it has been a while since you dusted it off or updated it. That way, when the trees begin to bud and the early spring flowers bloom, and you are more energized; you can take full advantage of those days by taking action to achieve your new goals.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x 3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Have You Often Thought of Owning Your Own Business?

2008-02-15T19:08:00.000-05:00

Do you have an entrepreneurial dream? Many people think of being an entrepreneur but dismiss the thought for one reason or another. If owning a business has been your dream perhaps now is the time to seriously consider self-employment; in today's job market, it can be an attractive option. Career and job research indicates there are fewer jobs being created or available in major corporations and the majority of new jobs will be in medium or small companies, including privately owned small businesses.

But before you make a decision about owning a business, it is wise to do some reasearch - just as you should before making any career decision. Not only should you research the type of enterprise you are interested in and how you could enter and compete in that industry, you need to determine if you have the characteristics, traits, and skills needed to handle running a small business. You also need to look realistically at your financial situation. Most new ventures need time to begin to generate more income than expenses.

Many people decide to start their enterprise while they are employed, full or part time, which allows them some time to grow the business before they are dependent on the income from the business. Most new ventures need time before they realize true profits. Other people develop a business from a hobby and stay with it as a means of adding satisfaction to their lives.

If you are interested in learning more about running a small business you may want to look for classes or seminars that would give you information and suggestions about being an entrepreneur. There are other resources available throughout the community for those who are thinking of becoming a business owner; including the Small Business Development Center and the Service Corps Of Retired Executives.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.

Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Is It Time for a Job or Career Change?

2008-02-15T18:46:00.000-05:00

Are you looking to make a change in your work life? Do you find yourself thinking, "There must be something better"? Maybe you feel you would like more challenging work. Sometimes you can satisfy the desire for a change by looking within your current organization. It may be that you are working in an organization that you really like and is a good fit for you. Sometimes just making a small change in job responsibilities can make a difference in how you feel about your work. Is there something you could propose as a change to your responsibilities? Perhaps you have talents that you have not had the opporutnity to use, or other skills you possess. Look around for ideas that might help the organization to increase revenue or customers, or to reduce expenses. Are there tasks currently outsourced that you would be able to take on? Be creative in thinking about how things could be improved.

If you would like a different kind of work, or work in a different area, you may not want to leave the organization, but may want to look for other opportunities within that organization. If that is your situation, consider talking to your supervisor or Human Resources Department about other positions within your organization.

Also keep in mind if you aren't looking for a new employer, or there isn't really a way to fit your other talents into your work, you may need to find ways to apply them in areas outside of the workplace. Many people find satisfaction and enjoyment in using their skills and talents in volunteer work or other activities in their community.

Most people find their lives, in general, are more fulfuilling if they are using their talents and best skills in some way. Perhaps this type of change will work as a solution for you.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.

Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Coping with the Loss of Your Job

2008-02-09T15:32:00.000-05:00

Loss is one of those areas that people must cope with, at some time or another, in a variety of areas in their lives. Some people have experienced many losses at once or in a short peroiod of time, while others have experienced less significant losses over a longer period of time. If you are facing or coping with a job loss, you may be experiencing feelings you did not expect. Whether your job loss came suddenly, unexpectedly, or had been planned, it is still a loss and can require some time to adjust to it and the differences it will make in your life.

Some people have been quite happy about the loss of a job they didn't like, but the reality of the change can still have a dramatic effect on your emotions and overall well-being. We know that the same type of loss may affect different people in diffeent ways, but most would agree that you often need time to gain an understanding to cope with a loss - and, in the case of a job loss, that often comes when you do not have the luxury of time because of the need to generate income.

If you are not coping well with the loss of your job, you may need to take a different approach. Start by thinking about your situation - do you describe your situation as an 'opportunity', a 'challenge', or a 'blessing'? Or do you believe it is a 'tragedy', a 'travesty', or a 'crime'? If you believe you have been treated unfairly, which may or may not be true, that belief can keep you from moving forward. Even in those instances, it is to your advantage to view the situation as neutral or positive - circumstances that can lead you to something better if you are open to possibilities.

I have worked with a number of people who were forced into a job change and those who viewed it as a good thing, or at least as a neutral event, managed to work through their feelings more easily than those who continued to resent the forced change. The unfortunate thing about anger is that it usually shows through - either in your writing or in an interview or other discussions. Obviously that could be a real hindrance to finding out about and landing a new job.

If you need assistance coping with a job loss, please seek it out. Resolving those issues can save you job search time later.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions, in person or at a distance. She has assisted individuals through various transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, and grief work. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.

Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Don't Let an Old Resume Hold You Back

2008-02-09T15:04:00.000-05:00

Over the years I have talked to a number of poeple who were considering changing jobs but hesitated, either because they have never created a resume, or because it has been too long since their last one. There are many people who delay looking for a new job or changing careers because they don't feel like they want to deal with creating a resume.

In some respects, basic resume formats are the same as they have been for years, but there are some new types of resumes, particularly the electronic version. Before you worry about that; however, you need to start putting your basic information in writing. You should write down every job you have had in the last 10 - 15 years at least, and write a description of each job, including skills demonstrated, tasks completed, and any tools, technology, or machines used. Also write some statements about accomplishments or achievements in each position held. You will also want to write some statements about what you enjoyed in each job. Also list your education - what level of education you have completed, if you have a degree, your major or focus of courses you completed and/or any job related training you have received. It is also a good idea to write down the skills and traits that you possess that you want to use, that will be beneficial to a potential employer.

Once you have gotten that far, you will need to decide the format you want/need to use. Although there are several different resume formats that are acceptable, it is in your best interest to use the format that you feel best presents your background and demonstrates why employers should be interested in your qualifications. There are many resources available to help with resume updating - books, on-line resources, and people. Your completed resume should be a strong representation of you, but a resume is also a work in progress. If you send out some resumes and don't get the responses you had hoped for, you may want to do some fine-tuning to it. But the important thing is to start on it; once you have some things written down, you can make adjustments, as needed. Another benefit to working on your resume is that reading some of what you have done can give you some ideas about things you enjoyed that you would like to add or continue to have in a work situation; it can also be a teriffic boost to your self-esteem.

Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions in person and at a distance. Her work includes discussions on a variety of life transitions, including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, and grief work. She is recognized as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; certified as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor.

Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Updating Your Resume

2008-01-25T17:17:00.000-05:00

If you don't have a current resume, whether you are actively pursuing a new work situation or not, you should have one. If you have not updated your resume within the last two years or so, it may be a good idea to do so. Even if you have not changed jobs in the last two years, it is very likely that your work responsibilities have changed.

Begin by writing your current responsibilities and any significant accomplishments since you last updated your resume. Write your accomplishments in quantifiable terms, to the extent possible. So you will want to identify ideas or suggestions you made that were implemented, new programs yo initiated, etc. Also write down any savings that resulted, i.e. reduced expenses or increased revenues, etc. include other changes that have taken place, e.g. the number of people you supervise, the budget you handle, etc.

Also determine if you have been involved in new activities, professional or community organizations that may be beneficial to include in your resume. Also make note of any work-related training or education you have received or completed since your last update. Think of others things that have been important in your work that may not be apparent or clear on your former resume.

Then review your additional information to determine what would be appropriate to include on your new resume - keeping in mind that your resume should be written with your current career goals in ind. If you have a new career direction you plan to pursue, write and revise your resume to fit that direction. If you do not have a plan, just clean up what you have written and add it to your original resume or replace some of the text. If you have several versions of your resume, you may want to label the revised version so you can remember the date you updated it or mark it as "in progress". Even without a new direction in mind, you will have a document that can be adjusted, if needed, when you do have a new direction to pursue. It is usually easier to adjust wording than to create new phrases. etc.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing career coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC).

Check out her Web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.