Today's job market is a challenge. How many unemployed people thought they would be working by now? Today, we seek guidance on everything from personal trainers to spiritual to Feng Shui advice and beyond. There is so much advice out there by the so-called "expert's" on the "how to" of getting a job. How do you decide which one is best for you? As a Job Ready Strategist, I strongly recommend the following:
1. Find and ask some one who has successfully utilized the services of a "job coach".
The key word here is, "successfully". What is the point of utilizing the services of a job coach who can't help you secure employment? One size job coach does not fit all unemployed. It doesn't matter how good they say they are, it matter's how good those they helped get employed say they are.
2. Make sure that he/she does this full time and not simply a hobby.
Would you trust something as important as your health to a part time doctor? Why would you trust someone with your employment health that does job coaching on a part time basis?
3. Make sure he/she is readily accessible.
Who needs help from someone who is never around when you need them most.
4. Find some one with good listening skills, who is understanding and patient.
The job coach should listen and act accordingly to your needs not theirs. They need to understand and show patience with the emotional roller coaster you're riding.
5. Choose some one you are comfortable with.
The job coach is there to share their expert advice. This is what they do. They should provide comfort, encouragement, motivation and most importantly, hope.
6. Do you trust their advice?
Is the advice you are receiving making sense? Is it sound? Does it seem canned and scripted? Does it sound right? Is their way the only way? Do you find yourself saying, huh? If you are not getting specific answers to your specific questions, maybe it's time for a second or third opinion.
7. Does he/she think outside the box?
It's good to get straight, simple and sound advice from your job coach. In today's job market you also want some one who can get creative and share new and innovative techniques that have been proven to work. Information, advice and techniques that used to work yesterday do not necessarily mean they work in today's job climate.
8. When you have gone through all these steps, the very best advice and most important one I can share with you is, listen to your little voice with in.
Remember the old saying, if it sounds to good to be true, it is.
The importance of employment is right up there with family and health. When you make the decision to work with a Job Ready Strategist, you want to make sure you choose one that is right for you. I trust and hope these eight steps, helped.
Look for future articles on the "how to" of developing a business plan of action on seeking and retaining employment.
REMEMBER: YOU CAN'T CHANGE DESTINY OVER NIGHT BUT YOU CAN CHANGE DIRECTION OVER NIGHT...THOUGHTS, COMMENTS, QUESTIONS...CONTACT MICHAEL CORITSIDIS, LONG ISLAND'S JOB READY STRATEGIST at: doit2001@hotmail.com