Development and Career Coaching Tips for Success
1. Know Your Strengths
So many people I work with on the career coaching side of my business don’t know how to communicate what they do best. When I ask someone what they get paid to do, most answer “Human Resources”. That is such a vague answer. Be specific with your response. What do you really do well and how does that translate into solving a problem within the industry you are seeking to work?
If there is one tip I can provide you to assist you in beginning to identify clues for this answer, I would tell you to take the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment. Seriously, I wish I had known this earlier in my career. It would have allowed me to:
1. Get focused on what I am truly good at doing,
2. Identify what energizes when I am doing it.
3. Spotlight where I am most productive when I do it.
ACTION ITEM: Find the assessment here
ACTION ITEm: Take a Discover Your Strengths Workshop
2. Find a Mentor (Who you surround yourself with matters)
You are a combination of the five people you spend the most time with — what does your equation look like? If I didn’t take the time to seek out the right mentor for me, who knows where I would be today (probably doing the same thing). Who do you aspire to be? Start connecting with these individuals and asking for their advice or mentorship.
Volunteer everywhere you can. Serve others in the area you want to work within to gain experience and relationships.
ACTION ITEm: Join a committee of SHRM for your local chapter or a non-profit that you want to be involved in and serve
3. Invest In Yourself (Coaching & Development Programs)
Just as you would invest in a 401k, you should invest in your personal development. The more you put into it, the more dividends you will get on the return. This is something that takes time, and YOU must begin the process. I have been laser-focused on investing in myself over the past five years. Keep in mind, it takes time, patience, accountability, and plenty of work.
ACTION ITEM: What skill do you want to develop that you already do well (stay in your strengths)? Find a coach, program, or class you can take to
further develop it.
4. Connect, Connect, Connect
A great place to begin is the alumni of your university. You already have one thing in common — you went to the same school! Start there and reach out to alumni who work within the industry you are seeking to work. Make an introduction to get the conversation started:
I found your profile on LinkedIn when I was looking for fellow UCF Knights who specialize in Human Resources. I’d love to learn more about your experience at Organization X. Would you have time for a phone call or for answering some questions over email?
Best,
Kelly
ACTION ITEM: Create a target list of Human Resources professionals who are part of your alumni association or who work for companies you want to work for. Connect with them.
5. Connect With Recruiters
I spent 20 years of my professional life recruiting. It’s fair to say I know the hiring process well. Not all jobs are posted and many are found through a confidential search. Finding good recruiters who will be an advocate for you and who have relationships in the industry you are seeking is paramount. There are plenty of companies I used to recruit for who do not post jobs on social media or job boards. Instead, they go to specific recruiters where they have an established relationship. Someone who knows the culture of their company and the upcoming needs they have or are confidentially seeking.
ACTION ITEM: Call the company you want to work for and ask if they work with any specific recruiting firms for hiring.
Envision what you can be. Then go be whatever that is. -Kelly Merbler