Not Your Mother’s Job Search

An excerpt from Karen Kilian’s eBook ‘Success After 40’ by contributing writer Cynthia Gregory.

Looking for a new career opportunity is fraught with challenges.  If you’ve been out of the workforce for a while, got down-sized or out-sized, or simply want to change directions and start something new, it can feel scary to get out there again. But here’s the thing: everything you want is outside of your comfort zone so get used to being uncomfortable if you want to create the life of your dreams.

In my work coaching amazing clients I’ve found that even if they’re on the top of their game and looking for new opportunities, a lack of confidence can stop them before they start.  I’ve seen too many unqualified people land high quality gigs to believe it’s all about talent.

I believe you are in charge of your career path, not your future employer. If you can’t find a coach to help you build your strategy, take a couple of these tips to heart before you start your search:

• It’s not likely that your dream job is posted on the internet or anywhere else. According to CNBC, up to 70 percent of all open jobs are not posted. This means that to land your next fabulous role, you have to get creative.
• When it comes to building a resume, so many women I know discount their leadership skills. Volunteer work counts. Unpaid work counts. When you were a full time mom, did you manage schedules? Then you have time management and logistics skills.  Did you manage your household finances? Then you’ve got budgeting experience.  Never discount your important contributions. . .paid or not.
• It is a fact that 60 percent of successful jobs searches were found through networking. Think about all of the people you know:
  • Are you active in schools or other community systems?
  • Do you belong to service organizations like Rotary?
  • Do you keep in touch with your college friends?

If so, you’ve got a deep and rich network to leverage on your behalf. Create a one-page profile (*not a resume!) of your skills, abilities, the kinds of jobs you’d like to do, and the kinds and sizes of companies you’d like to work for.  When you’ve got a solid profile, send it to your top ten “influencer” friends and ask them to share with their network if they know anyone who is looking for good talent. This is a good exercise in negotiation, which by the way, is a transferable skill.

Cynthia Gregory is a certified life coach, published author, and career rebel. Also, a member of Sonoma Women at Work, look her up on LinkedIn (LinkedIn.com/In/gregorycynthia/) or go to cgregorycreativity.com.

Also included in Success After 40 is the one-page profile template from Cynthia.