Brenda's Blog

As posted on CareerSuccessRadio.com's "Career Success Expert Panel" page: http://careersuccessradio.com/2010/05/what-does-australian-experience-mean-q12-career-careerradio/

The Question:

What is the real meaning of ‘Australian experience’? I’ve recently migrated and everybody keeps telling me that I do not have it. I am an IT support professional, with 8+ years of experience in building and managing IS systems and networks. I really do not see the difference between an IS in Australia and/or in Europe or the US. So, I would like to know what is behind the phrase. Thank you. –Zoran M.

My Answer/Suggestions:

Hi Zoran,

When companies request experience in their country, I suspect (as I don't know the details of your situation) it’s because they want to ensure that you are familiar with their geographic, societal, and work culture, as well as the current, local related labor market information, employment policies, nuances in the local industry, etc., etc.

Here are a few suggestions:
• Network, network, network! (Through social media, local IT events and associations, etc.
• Research the local industry to learn about any differences and how you can offer contribution and innovation.
• Conduct information interviews/research meetings with people currently doing what you do there in Australia. Ask for suggestions of how to break into the local industry. Talk to local employers to gain their expert feedback.
• Talk to those who directly suggested you gain Australian experience, and let them know you’d like to follow up. Ask for their input, suggestions, recommendations, and referrals.
• See if you can do a volunteer project to gain local experience and references to add to your resume/portfolio.
• Update your electronic portfolio and LinkedIn account accordingly. Blog and micro-blog about your expertise (sounds like you have great experience), related Australian experiences, how you are contributing to your industry, relevant Australian industry news and innovations, etc.
• If you are not getting interviews, make changes to your resume and networking strategies. If you are getting interviews, but not the jobs, change up your interview strategies. "If there is no change, there is no change."

Hope these suggestions are of assistance Zoran and best of luck with everything,
Brenda

Brenda Blackburn

Personal & Professional Development Facilitator

Certified Employment Counsellor

Certified Life Skills Coach

http://www.brendablackburn.com

http://careercommuniqueradio.ning.com/profile/BrendaBlackburn
http://www.twitter.com/brenblackburn

As posted on CareerSuccessRadio.com's "Career Success Expert Panel" page:

The Question:

How do I know what career path is for me, when the job I’ve been doing has been so boring? I have a Bachelor’s in Commerce-Business Economics but I feel that I have wasted 5 years. — Margaret F

My Answer/Suggestions:

Hi Margaret,

What is the position that you have been doing for the last five years? Is it in Commerce/Economics also? What are the elements that you dislike and that you enjoyed?

Without knowing more details, from your comment it sounds as if there is a disconnect between your last position and your personality style. I would suggest doing solid inner research before doing external research on occupational options.

Many people choose a career simply because it sounds good, compensates in correlation to their expectations, or because they feel they “should” pursue it. However, that method of decision-making and selection rarely leads to fulfillment. To ensure your decision is built on a solid foundation, you need solid internal research of who you are in this moment, what service you want to provide, what gift you want to share, and what contribution you want to make.

Here are some Career Exploration activities I would suggest on route to choosing a career path:

1) Self-exploration

* Self-discovery, evaluation, and reflection during the process
* Personality assessments, including your personal style, as well as whether you need an extroverted or introverted position (in terms of energy give & take, not stereotyping)
* Determining the interests that you're passionate about
* Values assessment: identify, own, and act on
* Skills assessment: the skills you would love to do (even if you don't possess them at the moment), your competencies, and not the skills you no longer wish to use.
* What type of environment would you like to work in? People, work culture, busyness, etc.

Here is a link to some no-cost online assessments: http://www.workshoppersonline.com/assess.htm
(Note: this site was created by Marion Tansey, a very respected local employment program Manager.)

That process will give you ideas of what careers may be more in alignment.

2) Labour Market Information Research

Then, the next step is to research to obtain Labour Market Information. What are the trends? What is the supply and demand? Any courses required? What is the salary? Etc.

For a sample of Labour Market Information sites (Cdn.): http://www.workshoppersonline.com/labour.htm (Look for similar information as related to your geographic location.)

3) Occupational Research—Online

Then, the next step is specific Occupational Research on the career of interest. (Explore your top career of interest fully, before deciding on it or to research another.)

For a sample of Cdn. related sites, see: http://www.workshoppersonline.com/research.htm (Look for similar information as related to your geographic location.)

4) Occupational Research—In Person

After finding information online, next talk to people who are employed in your occupation of interest, as well as employers in the industry, to find out the most current, local information.

For a sample of related sites, see: http://www.workshoppersonline.com/research2.htm

Lastly, if you would like more related information, please feel free to check out:
• my article on How to Follow (or Find) Your Passion and Purpose, http://tinyurl.com/23roouu
• sample Information Interview (or research meeting) Questions, http://tinyurl.com/285czkf
• my article on Information Interviews (supplement with social media networking): http://tinyurl.com/154lrh

Hope this is of assistance Margaret and best of luck with everything,
Brenda

As posted on CareerSuccessRadio.com's "Career Success Expert Panel" page:

The Question:

What’s the best way to minimize a gap in employment? Thanks. — M. King

My Suggestions:

Hi M.,

In order to best minimize a gap in your employment history, I have a couple of questions and correlated suggestions.

1) How long is the duration of the gap?

* If the gap is not too extensive, you can ensure that all dates (i.e. years only) on a combination-style (“functional” & “chronological”…in that order) resume/CV are placed on the right hand side. The eye reads down, from left to right, so put the strongest information on the left (i.e. Job Title, Organization, Location, Accomplishments, etc.), rather than the years, which you do not want to draw any more attention to.

* If the gap is extensive, consider using a “skills-based” or “functional” resume (as opposed to chronological) with relevant categories, in priority order according to each specific position applied for. Be aware however, that a lack of dates will have to be addressed at some point…in your cover letter, interview, etc., so feel confident in how you approach this.

Note:
• The resume styles mentioned, as well as answers to tough interview questions can be searched on Google.
• Consider going to a local employment service provider for resume and interview assistance. (Here in Canada we have free government funded employment services, for those who are currently unemployed or underemployed—working 20 hours/week or less.)

2) What transpired during the gap?

Did you have experiences during that time that could be utilized on your resume’s employment history? (i.e. Raising a family, assisting with a spouse or family business, care giving, volunteering, mentoring, travelling, etc.)

What were the transferable skills gained, that could be utilized in the jobs you are applying for?

In experience lies growth: How did you grow in that time and how can you relate it in a meaningful way?

Best of luck with everything,
Brenda

On today's (June 28/10) Career Success Radio show, the theme and ensuing question posed was, "What is my favourite strategy to help people find or follow their passion and purpose?" I'll share here and expand on what I talked about briefly on the show (along with the many guests of the "Global Round Table"). (The recorded show is available at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/careercommunique).

Keith asked me to reiterate a bit about me and my professional experience in this field:
My background has been facilitating Personal Development and Career Development workshops with government funded employment centres in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley areas of South West B.C., Canada for the last 15 years. (The last few years have been as a freelancer/contractor, which has been amazing!) These centres provide employment services/programs for people who are unemployed or underemployed (meaning working 20 hours per week or less). In addition, I do private and corporate facilitation, which I started prior to being in the career field.

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To paraphrase Ryan Ray, (wonderful guest speaker on the show), he mentioned that sometimes unemployment can lead to amazing opportunities, which I completely agree with. So often in our work-life it's like we've been running on a treadmill, with little time to stop, get off, re-examine and evaluate where we're at and if it's still where we want to be. While transition and unemployment can initially feel frustrating and challenging, it can also be a time of great self-renewal and opportunity.

The question: "What is your favourite strategy to help people find or follow their passion and purpose?"

The answers:

For people wanting to follow their purpose there are a few strategies:

1) Reframe negative thinking. What are the negative thoughts holding you back? Are you practicing positive affirmations or negative self-talk and sabotage?

In addition, sometimes our dreams and passions may not always seem rational to us. Our analytical mind comes up with "what-ifs" and tries to rationalize ourselves out of doing the very thing we'd love to do. Being still enough to listen to your intuition and exercise some "right-brained", creative thinking can be extremely beneficial.

Sometimes you might be thinking, well, my idea is simply not realistic so I may as well forget it. However, we have to look at the difference between being realistic vs. being practical. To give you an idea of what I mean, here's a quote I love from Richard Nelson Bolles, author of the bestseller, "What Color is Your Parachute":
"One of the saddest lines is 'Oh come now--be realistic.' The best parts of this world were not fashioned by those who were realistic. They were fashioned by those who dared to look hard at their wishes and gave them horses to ride."

2) Uncover any negative emotions (i.e. FEAR, doubt, worry, embarrassment of what others will think, etc.) and face them square in the face and then let them go. When you have negative thinking and/or negative emotions, what actions do you think that will lead to? You got it....probably negative in some form or fashion! Negativity begets negativity, so how can you turn it around? It's amazing how easy it is to get on a negative bandwagon, and how challenging it can be to stay positive while exploring a move to follow your passion. So that's my challenge to you! Reframe negative emotions with more positive ones. If you're not there yet, a great start is to feel hope...that will lead the way. And this isn't something you practice/do for a little bit and then give up or think, "Why bother?" You have to be persistent! I think fear and doubt can be complete dream killers. Do you want your dream dead? Or alive? It's up to you. It's your choice.

3) Take positive, intuitive, and creative action.

What can you do to bring you closer to creating and living your dream RIGHT NOW? (Whether your positive action is emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual. Any of them is good! Go with what you feel. Let your intuition and your creative illuminations be your guide.)

What small steps can you take to put you on the right path, facing the right direction....RIGHT NOW? Reading this blog posting this far is a step. Following your intuition is a step. The people, places, emails, internet pages, media, mail...everything, that you are drawn is for a reason. Pay attention to everything you are paying attention to! If it feels right and good, and is reaping great results, keep doing what you're doing. If something feels wrong, take a positive shift. Find a support network, even a buddy or two, to talk with as you are transitioning. Connect with people who are unconditionally supportive and who cheer you along your journey of life-changing, evolved, and positive steps.

For people wanting to find their purpose:

I would suggest all of the above! :)

Then, after having had a good workout of your right brain, I would suggest next exercising your left more, by taking stock of who you are and what you love to do, at this very moment in time. These assessments can be of your personality, values, needs, wants, purpose, passion, meaning, and skills (those that you do well and those you would love to use, or would enjoy if you could.)

To help in this process, many assessments can be found for free on the Internet, as well as in the library or local employment centres. (Please note, this is written from a North American perspective.) For one-to-one paid support there are a lot of great, qualified career coaches around the globe, who provide service by phone, virtually, or in-person. (Due diligence task: always check credentials.)

From there, you can do research on the various occupations of interest through research of the industry, related companies, media coverage, job descriptions, visits, etc. Utilize social media, as soon as possible, to share professionally relevant information with others and build relationships with potentially partnering individuals, hiring companies and interesting, inspiring people in general! Network, network, network. Tweet, email, phone. Get out there and talk to real live people. Conduct information interviews. Go to relevant conferences. Learn about about your dreams and passions from other people who are living them. Ask if they would mind sharing with you how they began their journey. The results can be inspiring and fascinating!

Learn about your local labour market and what the current demands and supply are. Where are any gaps in supply (service or product)? In what areas does the demand/need meet your passions? How can you fill gaps and needs with your passions and pursuits?

Create the new story of your life. Create it while you're living it. Live your passion!
Brenda

Join me and special guest, Keith Keller (coming all the way from Australia for these events!), as we present Social Media Savvy on Sat., Sept. 18th/10. Keith is a Social Media Job Search Specialist, Career Change Coach, Founder of Career Journeys Australia, and Co-Host of the widely acclaimed Career Success Radio.

The morning is for Career Development Practitioners. As Career Development Practitioners it's our job to stay on top of trends in our field and stay ahead of our clients' needs regarding up-to-date strategies. Now, more than ever, the use of social media is quickly becoming the norm for career exploration and job search, as well as for career maintenance, advancement, and business growth in many fields. Whether skeptical or not, we must move forward with technology and demand, by role modeling and sharing knowledge to aid in client self-sufficiency and career success. (All materials...facilitation guide, slides, etc. are provided on a USB...all included in the price!) For more information and registration: http://www.brendablackburn.com/events/smss/index.php

The afternoon is open to the general public. Whether you're looking for a new career, a new job, or new business ventures, you'll want to use up-to-date strategies. Now, more than ever, the use of social media is quickly becoming the norm for career exploration and job search, as well as for career maintenance, advancement, and business growth in many fields. A great deal at only $47 (Early Bird rate!) For more information and registration, see: http://www.brendablackburn.com/events/smss/job-seekers.php

(Limited seating.)

Hope to see you there! :)

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