We have more to do now in our personal and professional lives than ever before. We are ruled by haste and urgency; we race from one thing to the next. The result: we feel fragmented and often depressed. There is so much mental clutter in our minds that it is sometimes hard to even start. Achieving balance comes from regularly answering a series of questions. Here is my ten step plan: 1. Become Aware - The very first st...

Just about everyone needs a mentor at some point in their career. A mentor is a trusted seasoned professional who guides a less experienced individual in his/her development through listening, instruction, advice and encouragement. This can also include being a coach for better career decision-making. The mentor can be someone internally or outside the organization that has overcome obstacles on the road to success. Oft...

Having multiple careers is an ever increasing trend. The average American may have two, three or even five careers during their lifetime, but even more extensive array of jobs. In the world of work, the terms “job,” “occupation” and “career” are often used interchangeably. However, there are some major differences that need to be clarified.JobA job is a position with specific duties and responsibilities that are regularl...

Most of my clients don’t know what they want to be when they grow up, and often say to me, “I just don’t know what I want to do.” The very first step is Self-assessment. It’s the most ignored part of the entire career development process, but required for an effective job search strategy. It begins with an extensive and written inventory of your “VIPS” (Values, Interests, Personality Traits and Skills). The goal is to b...

Failure to prepare for an interview is the number one reason candidates do not get an offer. It’s important to know the different types of interviews you may encounter. When you schedule the interview, ask them, “Can you tell me a little bit about the structure of the interview?” Any information they give your can only help you alter your style and techniques to effectively present yourself and your qualifications. In a...

1. Being Negative – Number 1 is not having a positive, upbeat and enthusiastic attitude. Evict any thoughts that are excuses, self-defeating, limiting, or roadblocks. Forget about what’s not working. Focus on what IS working for you. Put out positive energy. Key to your success is staying mentally and physically fit with a good diet, exercise, sound sleep and a dose of fun.2. Insufficient Reflecting – STOP and really t...

The #1 barrier to achieving career success is you. You are standing way of your own success with negative distortions. I am often my clients’ best cheerleader, while they act as their own worst enemy beating themselves up with criticism, self-doubt and worry. I listen patiently and hear them offer up their dominant thoughts from the dark side. Thoughts come and go so frequently that we rarely think about how they impact...

I have been climbing mountains across this country for more than 30 years. There are plenty of analogies between climbing to the top of mountains and climbing to the top of your career. I recently returned from a successful summit of The Grand Teton in Wyoming. It was the most difficult and dangerous ascent of my career. Here are some lessons from the top.1. Pick Your Peak Carefully. Be sure where you want to go is in...

When it comes to packaging and marketing your background, you have three main choices: 1) a resume, 2) a CV (curriculum vitae) or 3) a bio (career biography). There are some significant differences. You will need to determine the reader’s preference - do they want something short, something more detailed or a promotional document.Resume - a one or two page bulleted list of your professional information used to apply for a...

A resume is a critical component in the job search, but choosing the most appropriate format to sell your background can be a real challenge. First, carefully analyze the job opening and then approach the process from the hiring manager’s perspective to determine what style is best.1. Chronological – This is the most traditional, popular and preferred style of resume writing where the education and experience are listed in...