Welcome to a brand-new year, ripe with opportunities for professional growth and transformation! As we step into 2024, let's channel our aspirations into 10 actionable steps, aligning our career goals with the evolving job landscape.
 
1. Reflect & Realign
In this dynamic job market of 2024, self-reflection remains pivotal for career growth.

First things first, take a moment to reflect on your career goals and personal values.

What do you truly desire in your career?
 
It's like setting your GPS coordinates; you need to know where you're headed. Reflect on your skills, strengths, passions and values, and what sparks that fire within you professionally. This self-assessment is your compass.
 

• What ignites your passion?
• What work environment brings out your best?

 
Consider the emerging industries and skills in demand. Online courses, industry reports, and networking events can help you understand evolving market trends.
 
Identifying these aspects will guide your job search, ensuring alignment with your aspirations.
 
Hint: Keep a career journal. Note down your strengths, achievements, and areas for improvement. Research job trends in your industry of interest and align your career aspirations with these insights.
Tip: Regularly revisit and update your career journal. Continuously explore new industry trends and adapt your aspirations accordingly. Remember, reflection is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
 
2. SMART Goals: Your North Star
2024 brings forth a landscape where adaptability and strategic planning are crucial.
 
Now, let's talk about setting goals. Set clear objectives and timelines, considering the evolving needs of industries and employers.  Make them SMART - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
 
For instance, instead of saying "I want a better job," try "I aim to land a management role within my current company within the next 12 months”.
 
See the difference? It's crystal clear and actionable.
 
If you need assistance with this consider my “Your Career Pathway toolkit”, which is available to purchase from my website priced at £25.00  to craft SMART goals that align with market demands.
 
Hint: Break down your goals into short-term and long-term objectives. Regularly review and adjust your goals to stay aligned with the changing job market.
Tip: Break down complex goals into smaller tasks. Track your progress regularly and celebrate milestones achieved. Adjust goals as needed, keeping them challenging yet attainable.
 
3. Map your route - Define Your Ideal Job
Navigating an ever-changing job market requires a flexible yet focused approach. Creating a roadmap is key.

• Break down your big goals into smaller, digestible milestones. Think of these as pit stops along your journey. Each accomplishment gets you closer to that ultimate destination. Plus, ticking off these milestones feels like unlocking achievements in a video game – incredibly satisfying!
• Outline the key elements of your dream job, encompassing responsibilities, company culture, location, and compensation. This clarity will empower you to make informed decisions, streamlining your job search towards opportunities that resonate with your aspirations.
• Identify skill gaps and seek opportunities for upskilling or retraining to stay competitive.

 
Hint: Network with professionals in your desired field to understand the skills and experiences valued in the current market. Use this insight to refine your roadmap.
Tip: Engage actively in professional networks and seek mentorship. These connections provide insights into industry demands, helping you fine-tune your roadmap as you gather real-time information.
 
4. Obstacles are Detours, Not Dead Ends
Embracing change is key in a dynamic job market. Expect roadblocks, detours, and the occasional pothole. They're part of the journey! Embrace them as learning opportunities. Adapt, learn, and keep moving forward. Sometimes, the most beautiful scenic routes are the unexpected ones.
 
My 1-2-1 consultancy services focus on resilience and adaptability. If you would like my help book an appointment via my calendar.
 
Treat challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, building your agility in adapting to market changes.
 
Embrace failure as a stepping stone towards success.
 
Hint: Stay open to feedback and be willing to learn new skills or explore different career paths.
Tip: Foster a growth mindset. Embrace challenges as opportunities for personal and professional development. Continuously seek new experiences and feedback to enhance your adaptability.
 
5. Fuel Your Motivation
Staying motivated amidst market changes is challenging but crucial.
 

• Celebrate your wins, no matter how small.
• Treat yourself to something nice when you hit a milestone.
• Surround yourself with positive influences, be it supportive friends, mentors, or inspiring podcasts.
• And don't forget to visualize your success – it's a powerful motivator.

 
Tune in to my podcast "Your Path To Career Success" for insights and success stories from industry leaders. Additionally, my 1-2-1- consultancy services provide personalised support, keeping you motivated despite market fluctuations.
 
Hint: Create a vision board or a career roadmap visual to remind yourself of your goals. Celebrate small wins along the way to maintain enthusiasm and momentum.
Tip: Find a support system that keeps you motivated. Share your successes and challenges with them. Also, regularly update your vision board or roadmap to maintain focus and motivation.

6. Update Your Professional Brand
Imagine your CV and LinkedIn profile as your personal storyboards, showcasing not just your experiences but the essence of who you are professionally. Sprinkling them with your achievements, big and small, adds colour to your narrative. Think of each accomplishment as a brushstroke painting a picture of the value you offer.
 
When it comes to LinkedIn, it's not just a platform—it's your professional spotlight. Seeking recommendations isn't just about validation; it's about inviting others to vouch for your expertise, adding depth and credibility to your story.
 
Remember, your professional brand isn't just about facts and figures; it's about the impact you've made and the value you can bring to a potential employer. So, let your profile reflect the vibrant, multi-dimensional professional that you are!
 
I provide personalised 1-2-1 support, offering expert guidance to refresh CVs and LinkedIn profiles.  However, if you're facing challenges writing your CV but aren't able to or prefer not to invest in a professional CV writer, my 'Create your own CV' toolkit offers comprehensive guidance and tools to assist you in crafting an impactful CV and is available from my website.
 
Hint: Use power words and action-oriented language on your CV and LinkedIn to emphasise impact.
Tip: Consider seeking endorsements or recommendations from colleagues or supervisors who can speak to specific projects or skills.
 
7. Skill Up for Success
Think of skill-building as your career's power-up. Take a moment to identify any missing puzzle pieces between where you are and where you want to be professionally. These skill gaps aren't roadblocks; they're opportunities for growth.
 
Investing in yourself through learning isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about embracing a journey that keeps you ahead in the game. Picture it as adding new tools to your belt—the more skills you gather, the more versatile and powerful you become in your field.
 
So, why not make it an adventure? Explore online courses, dive into workshops, and immerse yourself in industry events. Every new skill learned isn't just a line on your CV; it's a testament to your dedication to continuous improvement. You're not just keeping up; you're thriving and standing out in a competitive job market.
 
Hint: Look into industry-specific skills that are in high demand for your desired role.
Tip: Create a structured learning plan with milestones to track your progress in acquiring new skills or certifications.
 
8. Research & Tailor Applications
Imagine you're not just applying for a job; you're finding your professional home. Take a moment to peek behind the curtains of potential employers. It's like getting a sneak peek into their world—a world where you might soon be making a difference.
 
Researching these companies isn't just about ticking a box; it's about finding that perfect puzzle piece fit. Think of your application as a tailored suit—it's not just about looking good; it's about feeling like it's made just for you.
 
Showcasing how your skills resonate with their values and work culture isn't just a strategy; it's your chance to say, "Hey, I belong here, and here's why." It's like crafting a story where you're the protagonist perfectly fitting into their plot.
 
So, take a deep dive into their values, culture, and mission. Let your application echo not just your skills, but your enthusiasm and alignment with what they stand for. When you personalise your approach, you're not just another applicant; you're the perfect match they've been looking for in a sea of candidates.
 
Hint: Look beyond the company website—check recent news, blogs, or social media for insights.
Tip: Customise your cover letter to address not just your skills but also how you resonate with the company culture or values.
 
9. Ace the Interviews & Negotiations
Approaching interviews is like stepping onto a stage where you're the star performer. It's not just about answering questions; it's your chance to narrate your success stories, highlighting your achievements like trophies on a shelf.
 
Imagine each question as a puzzle waiting for your problem-solving prowess to shine through. It's your time to showcase not just what you've done but how you've conquered challenges, armed with your skills and experiences.
 
Now, imagine sitting across from your potential future employer—this is where genuine interest takes centre stage. Aligning your responses with the company's recent achievements isn't just a tactic; it's your way of saying, "I'm not just here for any job; I'm excited about what YOU are doing."
 
And speaking of preparation, imagine having your personal coach backstage, helping you fine-tune your performance. That's where my 1-2-1 interview coaching support comes in—think of it as having a secret weapon, someone to guide you, polish your approach, and boost your confidence.
 
Finally, when the offer comes knocking, it's not just about the numbers; it's about making sure your priorities align. Effective negotiation isn't just a conversation about salary; it's about ensuring that this next chapter aligns perfectly with your goals and aspirations.
 
Check out my podcast episode on negotiating multiple offers which is available to listen to on all major podcast platforms.  Search for “Your Path To Career Success”.
 
Hint: Practice behavioural interview questions to articulate your experiences effectively.
Tip: Research the typical salary range for the role in your location and industry to have a baseline for negotiations. Don't rush; take time to consider offers and negotiate respectfully.
 
10. Ready, Set, Go!
Now that you're equipped with a roadmap, determination, and a sprinkle of motivation, it's time to kickstart this journey! Take that first step, then the next, and keep that momentum going.
 
Flexibility, adaptability, and market insights will be your strengths as you navigate through this dynamic job landscape.
 
Consistency is your turbo boost; keep moving, keep progressing.
 
Remember, this isn’t a one-time trip. Revisit, revise, and recalibrate your goals regularly. After all, career growth is an ongoing adventure.

Hint: Stay proactive in your career development. Network regularly, stay updated with industry news, and remain open to seizing new opportunities as they arise.

So, here's to a new year, new career, and the boundless opportunities ahead. Buckle up, stay focused, and enjoy the ride. You've got this! 🚀✨
 
#CareerGrowth #2024Strategies #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerGoals2024 
#ProfessionalGrowthTips #SkillsForSuccess #thecareerowl #YourPathToCareerSuccess

Welcome to the festive season of professional growth and career development! As the holidays approach, it's not just about decking the halls and spreading cheer—it's also an opportune time to unwrap the gift of career advancement. Join me on a transformative journey through "24 Days of Career Cheer," where I've curated a unique advent calendar packed with daily tips, insights, and actionable steps to elevate your professional path.
 
Just like the excitement of unwrapping a new gift each day, I invite you to unwrap the possibilities of enhancing your career over the next 24 days. From laying the groundwork with foundational strategies to honing essential skills and culminating in practical application techniques, this holiday-themed guide is designed to infuse your career aspirations with joy and purpose.
 
Whether you're seeking a fresh perspective, aiming for career growth, or simply looking to fine-tune your professional toolkit, this list has been crafted to spark inspiration and guide you through a holistic approach to career success.
 
So, grab a cup of cocoa, cozy up by the fire, and embark on this festive journey as we unwrap invaluable insights and illuminate the path toward a brighter, more fulfilling professional future.
 
Let's spread the cheer and unwrap the potential of your career, one day at a time!
 
Days 1-8: Foundations and Planning
 
🎄Day 1 - Self-Reflection:
Spend time thinking about what brings you joy at work.
Assess your values, interests, and skills that align with potential career paths.
 
🎄Day 2 - Goal Setting:
Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) career goals.
Break down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps.
 
🎄Day 3 - Skill Assessment:
Identify skills crucial for your desired career and evaluate where you stand.
Create a plan to acquire or improve these skills through courses, workshops, or practice.
 
🎄Day 4 - Networking:
Reach out to former colleagues or professionals in your industry.
Join industry-related online groups or attend networking events.
 
🎄Day 5 - CV Refresh:
Update your CV with recent achievements, skills, and experiences.
Tailor it for specific job applications, highlighting relevant accomplishments.
 
🎄Day 6 - Online Presence:
Optimise your LinkedIn profile with keywords and a professional summary.
Share industry-related articles or content to showcase your expertise.
 
🎄Day 7 - Research:
Explore potential employers or industries you're interested in.
Gather information about company cultures, values, and growth opportunities.
 
Day 8 - Mentorship:
🎄Reach out to potential mentors who inspire you or possess skills you admire.
Consider joining mentorship programs or seeking advice from senior colleagues.
 
Days 9-16: Skill Development
 
☃️Day 9 - Learning Resources:
Research online courses, books, or podcasts related to your desired skills.
Set aside dedicated time for learning each day or week.
 
☃️Day 10 - Time Management:
Use productivity tools or techniques like the Pomodoro Technique.
Prioritise tasks and allocate time blocks for focused work.
 
☃️Day 11 - Communication Skills:
Practice active listening and work on clear and concise communication.
Join public speaking groups or workshops to improve presentation skills.
 
☃️Day 12 - Leadership Traits:
Identify leadership qualities you admire and aim to cultivate them.
Take on leadership roles in projects or volunteer activities to gain experience.
 
☃️Day 13 - Adaptability:
Embrace change by seeking new challenges or responsibilities at work.
Reflect on past experiences where adaptability was key and what you learned.
 
☃️Day 14 - Emotional Intelligence:
Practice empathy and self-awareness in interactions with colleagues.
Learn techniques to manage stress and emotions effectively.
 
☃️Day 15 - Problem-Solving:
Practice solving problems using different approaches or methodologies.
Analyse case studies or real-life scenarios to sharpen your problem-solving skills.
 
☃️Day 16 - Creativity:
Engage in creative exercises or hobbies outside of work.
Brainstorm innovative solutions for common workplace challenges.
 
Days 17-24: Application and Growth
 
🎅Day 17 - Job Search Strategies:
Customise your job search approach for different roles or industries.
Utilise job boards, company websites, and professional networks effectively.
 
🎅Day 18 - Interview Preparation:
Practice common interview questions and develop concise, impactful responses.
Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors for feedback.
 
🎅Day 19 - Professional Development:
Enrol in workshops, webinars, or courses relevant to your career goals.
Attend industry conferences or seminars to expand your knowledge base.
 
🎅Day 20 - Feedback:
Request feedback from colleagues or supervisors on your performance.
Actively listen to feedback and implement suggestions for improvement.
 
🎅Day 21 - Career Resilience:
Reflect on past challenges and how you overcame them.
Develop strategies to bounce back from setbacks in your career journey.
 
🎅Day 22 - Work-Life Balance:
Evaluate your work-life balance and create boundaries to maintain it.
Prioritise self-care and hobbies outside of work for a balanced lifestyle.
 
🎅Day 23 - Negotiation Skills:
Learn negotiation techniques for salary discussions or project collaborations.
Practice assertiveness and confidence in professional negotiations.
 
🎅Day 24 - Reflection & Gratitude:
Reflect on the progress made throughout these 24 days of career focus.
Express gratitude for opportunities, mentors, and achievements of the year.
 
If you are looking for some career support in the New Year book a slot in my calendar  Calendly - Kathryn "The Career Owl" 🦉as I am now booking spaces for January 2024 onwards.
​
#HolidayCareerTips #CareerResolutions #thecareerowl #YourPathToCareerSuccess

In today's dynamic job market, career changes have become more common than ever before. Whether you're pursuing a new passion, seeking better work-life balance, or adapting to industry shifts, making a career change can be both exhilarating and daunting. The anxiety that often accompanies this transition can be paralysing, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome it and embark on a successful new career path.
 
In this blog, I'll provide you with some valuable tips and techniques to help you navigate the process of changing careers whilst minimising anxiety.
 
Self-Reflection and Clarity
Before diving into a career change, take time for introspection. Identify your motivations, values, skills, and long-term goals.

• Define your ideal career path. What excites you? What aligns with your passions and strengths?
• Create a clear vision of your desired destination to reduce uncertainty.

 
If you need some additional support with this my Planning for your Future Career Toolkit  is available to purchase from my website priced at £25.00 and is full of useful information to reflect on your career to date and shape what you are looking for from the next step in your career.
 
Research and Information Gathering

• Conduct thorough research about your target industry and job roles.
• Network with professionals in your chosen field. Their insights and experiences can be invaluable.
• Stay updated on industry trends, certifications, and educational requirements.

 
Skill Enhancement

• Identify the skills and qualifications needed in your new career.
• Pursue relevant courses, certifications, or workshops to bridge skill gaps.
• Leverage online learning platforms and resources to acquire knowledge.
• Take a look at sites such as Free courses - OpenLearn - Open University, Free Courses & Training | reed.co.uk The Skills Toolkit – Free digital courses to help you progress in work and boost your job prospects or Free Courses in England Online – Free Online Courses in the UK.  Alternatively sites such as Udemy, Corsera, LinkedIn Learning, FutureLearn and Reed Courses are worth exploring. 

 
Networking and Building Connections

• Attend industry-related events, conferences, and meetups to expand your network.
• Reach out to mentors or professionals in your desired field for guidance.
• Join online forums or LinkedIn groups to connect with like-minded individuals.

 
CV and Branding

• Revise your CV to highlight transferable skills and relevant experiences.
• Craft a compelling LinkedIn profile that showcases your career change journey.
• Develop a personal brand that communicates your unique value proposition.

 
These are all services I offer on a 1-2-1 basis.  If you are interested in the support book a slot in my calendar via Calendly - Kathryn "The Career Owl" 🦉.  I do also have a DIY CV Toolkit where you can create your own CV with documented support from me and is available to purchase from my website priced £25.00 DIY CV Toolkit - THE CAREER OWL.
 
Mock Interviews and Practice

• Prepare for interviews by conducting mock interviews with friends or career coaches.
• Practice answering common interview questions, emphasizing your transferable skills.
• Showcase your adaptability and enthusiasm for the new role during interviews.

 
Financial Planning

• Evaluate your financial situation and create a budget to manage potential income changes.
• Consider setting aside an emergency fund to ease financial stress.
• Explore part-time or freelance opportunities during the transition phase.
• I have created a monthly Finance tracker to support you with budgeting.  This can be found on my website Free Resources - THE CAREER OWL

 
Mental and Emotional Well-being

• Acknowledge and accept the natural anxiety that comes with change.
• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, or yoga.
• Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist to cope with emotional challenges.

 
Set Realistic Goals and Milestones

• Break your career change journey into achievable steps and milestones.
• Celebrate small victories along the way to maintain motivation.
• Stay adaptable and open to adjustments as needed.

 
Perseverance and Patience

• Understand that a career change may take time. Be patient with yourself.
• Embrace setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
• Stay committed to your vision and keep moving forward.

 
Overcoming career change anxiety is a journey that requires self-awareness, preparation, and resilience. By following these tips, you can transform your career transition into a smoother, more manageable process. Remember, change is an opportunity for growth, and with determination and the right strategies, you can successfully navigate the path to your new career.
 
#CareerChangeJourney #TransitionTriumph #NewCareerPath #EmbraceChange #CareerSuccess

Receiving multiple job offers is an exciting position to be in, as it signifies that your skills and qualifications are highly sought after.
 
However, choosing the right opportunity can be a daunting task. Balancing multiple job offers requires careful consideration, as it involves weighing various factors such as salary, benefits, work-life balance, growth potential, and cultural fit.
 
In this blog, I will explore some essential tips to help you make an informed decision when facing multiple job offers.
 

• Clarify your priorities:

Before delving into the details of each job offer, take some time to reflect on your career goals and personal aspirations. Identify what matters most to you in a job, such as salary, work-life balance, career advancement opportunities, company culture, location, or specific benefits. By clarifying your priorities, you'll have a solid foundation to evaluate each offer against.
 

• Evaluate compensation packages:

While salary is not the sole determinant, it plays a significant role in decision-making. Compare the compensation packages of each job offer, including base salary, bonuses, incentives, and other perks. Consider the long-term benefits, such as retirement plans, healthcare, stock options, or tuition reimbursement. Additionally, assess the potential for future salary growth and advancement opportunities within each organisation.
 

• Assess growth and development opportunities:

A key aspect of any job is the potential for personal and professional growth. Research each company's career development programs, training opportunities, mentorship programs, and chances for skill enhancement. Evaluate the scope for career progression within the organisation and determine if it aligns with your long-term goals. Consider which job offer provides the best platform for continuous learning and advancement.
 

• Consider work-life balance:

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is vital for overall well-being and job satisfaction. Analyse each job offer's expected working hours, flexibility in scheduling, remote work options, and vacation policies. Determine if the company culture promotes a supportive and inclusive environment that values work-life balance. Remember to consider the commute time and how it may impact your daily life and personal commitments.
 

• Research company culture and values:

A positive work environment and cultural fit are crucial for long-term job satisfaction. Dive deep into each company's values, mission statement, and corporate culture. Consider factors such as the organisation's leadership style, team dynamics, employee engagement initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration. Evaluate which company aligns with your values and where you believe you will thrive professionally and personally.
 

• Seek insights from employees:

Reach out to current or former employees of the organisations you're considering. Use professional networking platforms or leverage your personal connections to gather insights about the company's culture, work environment, and overall employee satisfaction. Their firsthand experiences can provide valuable perspectives and help you make an informed decision.
 

• Trust your intuition: While it's essential to analyse facts and figures, don't underestimate the power of your gut feeling. Pay attention to your instincts and how each job offer resonates with you. Consider the excitement, enthusiasm, and sense of purpose you feel when envisioning yourself in each role. Trusting your intuition can guide you towards the opportunity that feels right for you.

 
Balancing multiple job offers is a fortunate yet challenging situation. By clarifying your priorities, evaluating compensation packages, considering growth opportunities, assessing work-life balance, researching company culture, seeking insights from employees, and trusting your intuition, you can navigate this decision-making process with confidence. Remember, the best job offer is the one that aligns with your values, fulfils your career aspirations, and brings you joy and fulfilment in the long run. Good luck with your decision!
 
#JobOfferDilemma #CareerCrossroads #ThePerfectFit #JobDecisionMaking #BalancingOpportunities #CareerChoices #CareerGoals #WorkLifeBalance #CompanyCulture #GutFeeling #MakingTheRightChoice

Many of my clients come to me with one or all of the following

• Fear of dreaming
• Fear of failure
• Fear of upsetting
• Fear of conflict

 
In today's competitive job market, it's essential to be able to sell yourself effectively to potential employers. Whether you're looking for a new job or trying to advance in your current one, presenting yourself in the best possible light is critical.
 
Selling yourself can be challenging, especially if you don't want to come across as pushy or inauthentic. Effectively allowing your inner gremlin (the What Ifs) to rise up and stop you from taking action on, or completing, a particular phase of a project.
 
Here are my tips to help you sell yourself:
 
1. Be clear about your value
The first step in selling yourself is to understand what you bring to the table. What are your strengths, skills, and accomplishments? What makes you unique and different from other candidates? Identifying your value proposition will help you focus on your strengths and communicate them effectively to potential employers.
 
If you need any further assistance with this my Planning for your Future Career Toolkit is available to purchase from my website priced at £10.00.
 
2. Develop your Personal Brand
Your personal brand is how you present yourself to the world, and it's essential to have a clear and consistent brand that aligns with your values. Weave this across your CV/Resume, online profiles such as LinkedIn, Job Boards, and personal interactions (such as Networking). Make sure that all of these elements are consistent and highlight your strengths and accomplishments.
 
3. Network
Networking is crucial in today's job market, and it's important to build relationships with people in your industry. Attend industry events, join professional organisations, and connect with people on LinkedIn. Building a network will help you stay up-to-date on industry trends, and it may lead to job opportunities down the road.
 
4.Be Confident
Confidence is essential when selling yourself. You need to believe in your skills and abilities and communicate that confidence to others. Practice your interview skills and prepare for common interview questions. When you're in an interview, be sure to speak clearly, maintain eye contact, and be confident in your responses.
 
5.Focus on Results
When discussing your accomplishments and skills, focus on results. Employers want to know what you've achieved and how you've contributed to your previous companies. Be specific and provide concrete examples of how you've made a difference.
  
6.Be Authentic
Finally, it's important to be authentic when selling yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not, or you'll risk coming across as insincere. Be true to yourself and your values, and employers will appreciate your honesty and authenticity.
 
In summary, selling yourself is all about understanding your value proposition, developing a personal brand, networking, being confident, focusing on results, and being authentic. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to presenting yourself in the best possible light and landing the job of your dreams.
 
#banishyourinnergremlins #authenticity #personalvalues #sellingyourself #personalbrand

Wearing different hats through taking on lots of different responsibilities, shifting between our home lives, office environments and social activities etc. can lead us to create an impression that we believe we should be portraying.
 
Do you feel that you leave part of yourself at the door when you walk into a work environment?
 
Do you change your style to suit your manager or your fellow colleagues?
 
Is your organisations’ culture expect you to perform and behave in a certain way?
 
Many clients I have worked with over the last few years often state the same things when we first start working together … they don’t feel able to truly show themselves either at work or during an interview.
 
As Henry David Thoreau said “Be yourself – not your idea of what you think somebody else’s ideas of yourself should be”.
 
Being true to yourself through your thoughts, words and actions and having these three areas match each other is critical in an interview.
 
Whilst it is normal to try to create an “interview persona” as you think this will allow you to “fit” in with the organisation or with the interviewer you are only setting yourself up for a fail. 
 
Of course, it is important to strike the right balance between being professional but also remain true to yourself.
 
So what do you need to do to ensure you remain authentic throughout an interview process?
 
Demonstrate the real you
An interviewer is assessing whether you would be a cultural fit for their department and the wider organisation.  Putting a false mask on distorts this image and may lead to you struggling with your fit with the team should you end up being selected for the role and is often the reason why people end up leaving.  You wouldn’t want to work for somewhere that makes you question your personal values so why would you work for somewhere that does?
 
It can be quite exhausting too if you are trying to portray a different image.  Instead focus on showing your “why” in terms of your strengths, skills and expertise, whilst gauging whether the organisation is truly for you.
 
Remember to think back to your research that you completed during your interview preparation how would you fit into the organisation?
 
Weave your personality into your responses to interview questions.  Think about how you handle situations e.g. focusing on solutions rather than seeing a problem as a mountain to climb, having a positive attitude to situations etc.
 
An interviewer wants to know how you would react in certain situations.  They don’t want to select you for the role only for you to sink very quickly.
 
Keep your nerves under control
Try and get yourself into a positive mentality before an interview.  Remember an interview is a 2-way process not an interrogation.  It is perfectly acceptable to take a moment before responding.  Think about how you want to come across, try not to show your nerves.  Adrenaline that is realised during strange or awkward situations can be tamed.
 
You don’t need to put on a mask during an interview, show the real you!
 
Preparation is key!
You want to make a good first impression but don’t try too hard.  When you are preoccupied with giving the “perfect” answer you often fail to demonstrate to the interview your true personality. 
 
It is important not to over-rehearse for your interview.  If you recite a “perfect” answer you run the risk of sounding like a robot and missing the point of the question, indeed you could go off on a tangent which could actually lose the interview.  To avoid this happening, write down the key pointers for each competency using bullet points to help jog your memory.  This will then allow you to create a natural response during the interview.
 
Focus on why this opportunity is for you
What is it about the opportunity that sparks an interview or joy for you? It could be the mission, values, people or projects.  Weave this into your interview to show that you have a real passion for the organisation and your true self will naturally come through.
 
Don’t try to be perfect!
Employers are much more interested in someone who recognises their development areas or acknowledges any past mistakes rather than a candidate who pretends that they are perfect.  Afterall we are all human and no-one can be perfect!
 
In conclusion,
 
Give yourself permission to be your authentic self.  Show an interviewer that you understand the role, the organisation and that you genuinely are interested in the role.  Use the interview as an opportunity to show what you would truly be like to work with.
 
#authenticity #interviewtips #interviewing #benatural

Do you find yourself constantly reviewing something over and over again in your mind? Questioning sometimes simple situations or events until you lose all sense of perspective and end up stuck in a recurring pattern of worry but without finding a means of resolving or concluding your thoughts.
 
We’ve all been there, me included!
 
It is perfectly normal to sometimes dwell on a problem.  However, if it is beginning to stop you from enjoying work or life then you need to really think about the cause of your tendency to overthink things. 
 
So here are some signs that you might be an overthinker…

1. Obsessing over past mistakes in your head.
By constantly reminding yourself of past mistakes might make you reluctant to volunteer for future challenges or take on additional responsibilities which could have put you in the limelight and raised your profile within your organisation or with clients.  Your past doesn’t define your future and everyone makes mistakes.  Use these experiences as a means to grow by learning from them and find solutions/steps to prevent them from happening again.  To be truthful if it happened in the distant past you are probably the only one to remember this.

2. You aren’t confident in your abilities.
Continuously acting with the mindset of “you can’t do it” can lower your self-esteem and confidence and make you feel you somehow received the role you are in by chance and are not entitled to this role (often known as imposter syndrome).

3. Obsessively wondering what your colleagues and/or boss might think of you.
It is natural to want to know what people are thinking about you and to form good and lasting working relationships with your colleagues and boss.  However, you might not get continuous feedback or engagement from others which might lead you to worry.  Just remember though that they might be busy or focused on their tasks at work which can make them appear unfriendly but genuinely don’t mean to be.

4. Waste time trying to reach perfection.
If you find yourself spending hours upon hours continuously reviewing your work and what you do can actively lead you to become less productive in the long-run. 
 
In conclusion, what can you do to stop overthinking?
 
The key is to remember that you are not alone in this and there are a number of things you can do to help yourself.

1. Find a trusted colleague or friend that you can chat through your thoughts and develop solutions that help you to become less worried and anxious.  Chances are they will be able to reframe things and may tell you that you are imaging any negativity and therefore stop worrying about things.
2. Reflect on whether your current role truly meets your needs and wants. You might feel that you ‘should’ like what you do and then feel at ‘fault’ for not enjoying it.  Maybe considering a change of direction may give you the boost you need.  My “Planning for your future career” toolkit will help you reflect on what you want from a career.
3. Try to find the root cause of your worries and develop solutions to fix these.  Sometimes outside forces can have a knock-on effect on all aspects of your life.  Recognising if these have had an impact on your confidence will help you gain some perspective.
4. Take time out from things (even a coffee break) helps you to reframe things and make better decisions.  Encourage yourself to think positively about all of the good things that have happened before letting the negative ones in.

 
If you want to discuss how you might overcome your worries and concerns about your career pathway and what might be holding you back contact “The Career Owl” today and find out how I can help you.
 
#overthinking #mistakes #confidence #negativity #reflection 

The journey to finding your dream career may not be a smooth affair and it is hard not to take it personally or feel discouraged when you are hoping for a ‘yes’ but hear ‘no’, especially when you have spent a long time preparing your application or for an interview.  
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Rejection can often strike at the very core of your confidence and be viewed as a sign of failure, a feeling that many of my clients and myself have experienced, particularly as our world and the way that we live, work and play has changed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

​Whilst it is perfectly acceptable and understandable to wallow for a minute or two you should use this as an opportunity to deconstruct your failures and extract all of the learning points thereby creating stepping stones to build on your core strengths, address development points and ultimately find a job that suits you best. 

As Aristotle stated “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light” and with the right mindset you can turn rejection into a career development opportunity, keep your spirits up and provide you with SMART solutions for handling future applications.

The tips below may assist you in how can you overcome this and move things forward.

• Ask for detailed feedback – a great way to learn is to request feedback from the recruiter.  Be humble not defensive when you speak to them.  Accept the feedback and learn from it.  You want the recruiter to remember you positively and reach out to you if another job opportunity comes up in the future that fits your skills, experience and abilities.

• Review and reflect – if you can get feedback from the recruiters use this and your thoughts to truly reflect on why you weren’t successful, did you really give those awesome concrete examples during an interview? Can a recruiter see in your CV how you would add value to an organisation?.  If you find yourself constantly downplaying yourself take a step back and truly think about what makes you different and what you have achieve in your career so far? Ask your friends, family and network contacts for feedback too on what makes you different?

• Identify learnings and build a personal development plan – what do you need to do differently?  What are your development needs? Can these be easily overcome? What can you do to fix any gaps in your performance so that they don’t occur next time?

• Be philosophical – sometimes things are out of our control, other candidates might have better suited the needs of the organisation.  Remember that it isn’t just you that got rejected, the majority of people who applied for the role also didn’t get it. 

• Be prepared to refine or change the direction of your career search – take a look at other similar roles in different industries or a change of career if the roles available don’t meet your personal needs and circumstances.

• Build resilience – you need to try to develop a thick skin and recognise that things happen for a reason and that it might take time to find and secure your dream job.  Overcoming obstacles along the way will increase your chances of landing the right role, learn from it and get ready for the next role.

Remember, whilst a job rejection might seem like the end of the world, never let your inner driving force down, keep pushing yourself, learn more about yourself and improve yourself for the future. 

Mahatma Gandhi wisely said “The future depends on what you do today.” — Your dreams can and will come true, it might take you a while, but you will eventually get there if you plan the steps to achieve.

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