Career Talk JDR » Ideal job

Am I in the Right Job?

Jill Herrin — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:03:00 +0000

There are tons of self-help books and tests to determine which career you are most suited for. Personally, I still like “What Color Is Your Parachute,” which has been a New York Times bestseller each time it has been updated and revised. There is also a pretty cool quiz you can take: http://quiz.ivillage.co.uk/uk_work/tests/career.htm

However, to really get the most out of your career and enrich your life, you must build sustainable relationships with your co-workers, bosses and customers, no matter what your chosen field is. If you truly care about your products/services, and are passionate about your responsibilities, then you will carry them out with a great attitude – every day! People who treat each new day as a blessing and privilege are fulfilled even during the most menial parts of the job and daily grind. Get in early, dress your best, and accomplish more than expected out of you; this way you will go home pleasantly fatigued and not worn out and cranky!

Attitude is contagious; everyone loves being around people who think, work hard and are great inspirers and accomplishers. We inevitably learn from others and those that wake up each day with a mission of being excellent are a joy to watch. If you are not one of those people, then you are probably in the wrong job!

Ideal Job- Part 2- Keeping

Jill Herrin — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:18:17 +0000

Remember from Part 1, that an ideal job- IJ, is a position working for a company that you believe in. In order to really believe in a company, you must believe in their products, the people they employ and also, their ethics…among other things.

If you show up each day and do just enough to get a paycheck you will ultimately lose that job. If you complain how hard everything is or how wrong things are, you not only bring yourself down but you will also be let go. If you love your job and feel you are in an IJ now but need to make more money, do not ask for a raise. Instead do the following:

1. Figure out the things that you are really good at and continue to improve on those skills to generate more or even better results. Make sure these contribute to more sales or reduced costs. You don’t have to be in sales to generate customer revenue. Better processes can speed sales cycles and finding less expensive ways to do things can increase profits.

2. Apply these skills to make more money or cut costs above and beyond what is expected for you to do and/or is done by others.

3. Take credit for your accomplishments, but be sure to recognize those that also contribute positively to the bottom line success of the company.

4. Always keep your company’s products and services in mind whenever you talk to people and brag a bit about what a great offering they have. This should be done subtly and sincerely; pick an appropriate time and do this when you can, as sales often come in via indirect methods and something you say could influence a revenue generation for your employer that will help you solidify your IJ and will continue to pay you more.

5. Be a leader and inspire others. Be adaptable and embrace problems as a challenge to be overcome. Present solutions and deliver results. Change and self-renewal are how people and companies thrive and grow. Be self-assured and display competence and intelligence along with a certain amount of wit and humor. Arrogance and brashness are unappealing on a regular basis.

Ideal Job- Part 1- Finding

Jill Herrin — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:11:00 +0000

Companies run on people; people create processes to make work efficient and profitable. Put yourself in a position to help your company make money (sell more product or service); or reduce cost (lower expense equals higher net profit). All companies expect you to bring in 5x your salary – make sure you far exceed that to keep employed.

Work only for a company that you believe in. Their products, the people they choose to employ and their ethics must all align with your beliefs. We will call this your IJ-ideal job.

Job Search:

If you are unemployed or unhappy in your position, take the steps to find an IJ. Work as a temp or consultant until you find your IJ. Let a professional recruiter be your agent (never look for a job while being paid to do another job). Be sure to find 1-3 recruiting firms that have long-term results representing people with your skills. We will call these your PR -partner recruiter. The number of PRs needed depends on the scope of your search in terms of breadth of positions and geographic parameters.

Network with everyone you know to find a potential IJ. Once a lead is found, pass the info to your PR to present your qualifications. If they are unable to get you introduced and/or interviewed, they will let you know and help you find someone that works there to get you in the door. Pass all position and people leads to your PR. So, what’s the reason for doing this? If that PR fills the position or places the person, you may get a referral fee (some people make excellent secondary income by regularly doing this); but whether they do or not, your PR will work extra hard to find you your IJ. Doing this all the time will help to ensure a steady stream of possible IJs. Be sure you create that partnership where you both help each other! Your PR won’t be to get you in to every company, but they can probably find out and tell you how to do so. As you are trusted partners, it will be a win/win whether or not they place you directly as they will have ongoing revenues from your job and candidate leads.

In economic down- times, businesses shrink their Human Resource and internal recruiting departments so the people remaining don’t have time to review and screen all candidates. They don’t advertise all their openings and temp/contract posts for the same reasons. However, all companies laying off and downsizing still need great people to keep them in business!