Branding is all about representing yourself to the public in a way that you hope will positively promote your business or service. Either way, no matter your industry, the outside world will still brand you in one way or another. Related: 14 Things That Impact The Quality Of Your Personal Brand Think about singers and actors in Hollywood - they constantly have to reinvent themselves in order to fit the mold of what is trending and stay relevant. Madonna has been the queen of reinvention when it comes to musical acts for the last 30 years. Presently, Miley Cyrus - whether you lover her or hate her - has done a marvelous job of shedding her sweet and innocent Hannah Montana image to the over-the-top, risque, ‘molly-popping’ Miley. The same goes for Taylor Swift. Although her reinvention has been much more low-key than Miley’s, it has not been any less effective. Of course, not all of us need to go from respectively professional to getting undercuts and random tattoos, but there are many benefits to upgrading yourself every now and again.
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Alex Simon
Alex Simon is a career reinvention coach and speaker. Often referred to as “a master at breaking into sexy and exciting careers”, he has promoted world title fights, managed Indy 500 race car drivers, worked for a Wall Street giant, and is the subject of Starsuckers, an award-winning documentary on the pursuit of fame. Check out his website, follow him on Twitter, find him on YouTube, or add him on LinkedIn!
Fresh-faced graduates receive the same advice from every podium speech they hear before going up to the stage to pick up a piece of paper they spent four years earning and haven’t started paying for: Do what you love, be happy, always wear sunscreen, and success is about building a network around you. What if your network isn't going to help you? QUIZ: What Kind Of Networker Are You? So, you go about building a network of friends, colleagues, old professors, or high school teachers. And of course, you gravitate towards like-minded folk. People in your industry or who have helped you understand that what you’re doing is what you want to do for the rest of your life. People who will remind you the degree that probably put you in debt for the at least the next fifteen years wasn’t a waste of time. But then you hit a moment, three years down the line, or five, or maybe twenty. And you realize you aren’t happy. This isn’t what you wanted, and it took trying the career that you’re in for as long as you did for you to realize it. And sometimes that happens. It’s in our nature to change. Sometimes that change is big, and the job we want and the job we’re in are two completely different things. And at that point, you need to scrap the majority of that network you spent years building to pursue something new and fresh. You need to build a new set of like-minded people in the career you want to go into. It may feel like you’re 23 and awkward all over again, but if this new career is what you want to do, the process is worth it.
<h3>Build A New Network</h3>
One of the greatest obstacles to changing careers - or change in general - is that we get trapped by the strictures of our social circle. That social circle includes your network.
If you’re a lawyer, the network you’ve built for yourself over the years undoubtedly includes other lawyers.
The lawyers in your support system will probably ask you why in your right mind you wouldn’t want to be a lawyer. They love it, so you should love it, too. You were happy a month ago - nobody can change their mind that quickly. And if you’re in a career that is tedious, mind-numbing, and dull, your support network will be even more vocally against your realization; misery loves company, after all.
The people that you’ve spent years spiderwebbing between can’t help you learn, grow or understand life in your new career because they don’t know it themselves and the knowledge they have is the same as yours: slim to none.
You need to get away from the yes-men and parallel thinkers that your current network is made up of to find people in your field of interest and work with them.
<h3>Your Old Network Knows Someone</h3>
You’re not quite starting at the bottom of the ladder when taking those steps towards a new career.
Outside of delicious holiday dinners, this is one time your extended family can be quite helpful - that uncle who seems to know everyone will probably know someone who is in the industry you want to go into.
And while you may need to scrap the people in your network, don’t burn bridges. Their own network could put you in touch with the perfect person.
Nothing will be of more help than talking to a real person who has firsthand experience in the profession that interests you. Ask around for anyone in your circle that knows someone - or knows someone who knows someone; use six degrees of separation to your advantage.
You need to find a way into the industry any way you can. Attend any type of event related to that industry and let people know your intentions. As crazy as it may seem, tell anyone who’ll listen what you want to be doing in their industry. Don’t hesitate to mention your own interest in what they do.
While industry events can be extremely useful to you, blanket events like the ones put on by the local Chamber of Commerce are likely not worth your time - a lot of the foot traffic at those events are people who are doing nothing but selling themselves. They’re probably not interested in helping you out.
Time is your new precious commodity. When working to break into a new industry, spending your time wisely is critical. Like in-person events, recognize that social networking sites can be massively helpful, but also a massive waste of time if not used well.
Use the social network that works most effectively for your networking purposes, whether it’s Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or something else entirely.
Spend time researching people in your desired industry with whom you have something in common - did you attend the same university? Work for the same company in the past? Have the same babysitter growing up? Live in the same city? Be fearless and reach out to people whom you share a common link with. While it may feel like reaching out to a cold contact, common ground warms a connection quickly, and you’ll have something to talk about in the beginning.
During my unhappy career as a financial advisor for Wall Street giant Morgan Stanley, I went to an Indy car race and noticed that a former middle school classmate of my brother was racing in it.
That second, I decided I would be working in the racing circuit someday and knew he would be my way in. I introduced myself, and exactly one year later, I was a P.R. Director in the Indy Racing League.
<h3>Your Network Isn’t About You</h3>
These connections you build are your new network. Each relationship is intrinsically unstable at the beginning because you initiated it, asking for a favor. While asking for a favor is a way to build trust within your professional network, you need to strike a balance between give and take to maintain the relationship.
When I met my new race car driver acquaintance, two weeks after our first meeting I drove all four hours from Tampa to Miami, and told him I just happened to be in town for work; I asked if he’d like to go have lunch.
There was no work. I went there just to meet him. Eventually, a friendship grew and a few months later a working relationship started.
While not everyone has the ability to drive eight hours in a day to create a nonthreatening situation and meet up with a person, smaller ways of creating balance in the relationship so you don’t come across as a potential competitor are as effective.
Things as simple as taking someone to lunch or buying them coffee are enough to make someone share their knowledge. People love talking about their successes and have great nostalgia for the lessons they’ve learned.
Most importantly, listen - you’re not this person’s rival, you’re there to learn from them.
You won’t learn anything while you speak, and most of your connections spend their days listening to other people. Be humble and grateful for the experiences they’re sharing with you.
You’re building a network around you that will be invaluable through this career change and into your new career. Be the person that people want to help: respectful, humble, and confident.
Create relationships not just for the immediate take but for the long term benefit to you both, and you’re on your way to a successful new career.
<i>This post was originally published at an earlier date.</i>
<h3>Related Posts</h3>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/networking-stigma/#!bJQ3wY">6 Ways To Beat The Ugly Networking Stigma</a>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/networking-event-tips-successfully-attend/#!bJQ213">Top 5 Tips To Successfully Attend A Networking Event</a>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/has-your-network-abandoned-you-10-tips-to-win-them-back/#!bJQ3xF">Has Your Network Abandoned You? 10 Tips To Win Them Back</a>
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<h4>About the author</h4>
Alex Simon is a career reinvention coach and speaker. Often referred to as “a master at breaking into sexy and exciting careers”, he has promoted world title fights, managed Indy 500 race car drivers, worked for a Wall Street giant, and is the subject of Starsuckers, an award-winning documentary on the pursuit of fame. Check out his <a href="http://www.alexsimon.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">website</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/alexsimontv" rel="nofollow noopener">find him on YouTube</a>, or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcsimon" rel="nofollow noopener">add him on LinkedIn</a>!
<i>Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts </i><a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/ContentDisclosure.pdf" rel="nofollow"><i>here</i></a><i>.</i>
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In a recent article I was reading, the author explains the concept of the Permission Paradox. In plain terms, it is the contradiction of not being able to get a job without having experience, but also being unable to get the experience needed to land the job. This isn't just relevant to those entering the workforce for the first time, but also to those looking to climb the corporate ladder or changing careers. Because of this ironic statement there needs to be some exceptions to the rule that will allow you to land the valuable interviews you need in order to get your dream job. One of the keys to overcoming the Permission Paradox is understanding that when you apply for any job you will be evaluated along two different lines: your potential to add value in the future and your track record in the areas most specific to the job.
<h3>It's All About Marketing Yourself</h3>
As discussed in some of the previous chapters in this book, it's quite important to know how to market yourself. Think of yourself as a product that needs to be sold, how will you present it and what will your catch phrase be?
<strong>1. Write The Winning Resume</strong>
Unfortunately, before you can 'wow' the employers with your awesome interview skills, you have to land the interview to start with and this will depend on your resume. The toughest part of a job search is to be an impressive candidate on paper without sounding over the top. It's about finding the right balance between showcasing your skills, being clear on your goals and presenting your achievements.
The first step you will take in landing your interview without any industry experience is to get the structure of your resume right.
<strong>Introduction</strong>
You might have loads of experience working but in a field that isn't relevant to the job that you are applying for. In this case, it wouldn't increase your chances of success by rambling on about your experience in real estate if you in fact want to become a software developer.
Find a way in which your previous experience can be linked to your goals in the desired industry. It would also be wise to mention your career change in your introduction so that you don't come across as someone that leaves out crucial information. This way they will also be able to view the rest of your resume by keeping your switch or lack of experience in mind.
<strong>Work Experience</strong>
Many times, the requirements and job expectations are just a prospective employer's ultimate wish list. You might feel under-qualified or intimidated when you read the job advertisement, but remember that the description you are looking at is structured to finding the ultimate employee, according to the employer. Yet, they will probably take whoever comes the closest to this description and it's highly unlikely that one individual with have it all.
Not every company will take the time to read through every little detail of your resume. They will be speed-reading and scanning the points most relevant to the position they are hiring for. In that case, you should be structuring your resume in such a way that your possible experience relevant to the position stands out.
<strong>Education</strong>
Even if your studies aren't relevant to the industry you want to enter, it still shows that you are driven and focused on reaching your goals. Sometimes, the Human Resources personnel might consider you as a possible candidate just because you were in the same school - you never know your luck.
<strong>Goals and Vision</strong>
In this section, you need to convince your prospective employer that giving you a go will be worth the effort.
As mentioned earlier with the Permission Paradox, there are ways in which you are being evaluated and one of those is your potential value. Showcase this value by demonstrating that you have the right attitude, curiosity within the industry, great communication skills, enthusiasm, and a good work ethic. This will add to your overall score and it's crucial to increasing your chances of landing an interview.
<h4>2. Get Internship Experience</h4>
There may be no better way to demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to a job for which you are marginally qualified than to offer to work for a short period on an unpaid trial basis.
This might sound rather tedious, especially if you've already been working for more than 10 years, and changing careers feels like starting at the bottom. Your chances of landing an interview, however, will most definitely increase if you've done an internship or two within this field.
It doesn't matter how long the internship lasted, it is about showing that you are willing to sacrifice your time and energy in gaining valuable experience within a particular field.
(For a great example on how an internship led me to an incredible job at a sports agency, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Ur5UkWnXc" rel="nofollow noopener">view this video.</a>)
<h4>3. Build Industry Connections</h4>
In the world of business, I'm sure you've heard the saying: “It's not what you know, but who you know." Even though this doesn't seem too fair, it is very much a reality.
<blockquote>“The best way to make it to the top of the resume pile is to network. Your goal is to have someone hand the resume to the appropriate person and say, 'I think we need to look at this person.'"
- Susan Ruhl, "<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/ways-get-job-interview/">Top 10 Ways To Get A Job Interview</a>."<br>
</blockquote>
Especially when you don't have any experience within a particular industry, it would really help to have an industry connection put in a good word for your.
<h4>4. Create Interview Opportunities</h4>
Without industry experience you might be having some problems landing that particular interview at your dream company. Why not take your chances by contacting other companies and suggesting an interview? This might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you have the right attitude and do your research accordingly you could even 'create' the position you are after.
A great way to find out about possible open positions is via social media. Follow the brands and companies that you want to work with and check for clues and 'we're hiring' posts to get in on the action before these jobs or positions are posted on career portals.
By building a relationship with a company via social media channels your name will be more than just a number when they view your interview application. If you have a relationship with the brand, your chances automatically increase to land that coveted interview.
<h4>5. Be Assertive</h4>
A great way to set yourself apart from your competition is to go after it is what you want.
Although this seems risky and you might come across as being overly ambitious, you will most definitely create curiosity. It's about getting yourself in the position to land an interview, so do what you have to do.
Don't be afraid to contact the hiring manager. After applying for the position you could just send a follow-up email or make a quick phone call to introduce yourself and notify them of your application. The worst that could happen is that they turn you down - and then you would be exactly where you started - which is where you were without an interview; so why not take the risk?
If you know your strengths lie in your sales ability and persuasion skills, then make use of those strengths to set yourself apart and land the interview.
As you can see, there are many ways you can land an interview without having much - or any - experience.
Every career I've ever had, I entered without having any experience. Some of these include professional boxing promoter, Public Relations Director for an Indy 500 race car team, financial advisor for Morgan Stanley, record-breaking real estate agent, and on and on and on. It's doable, I promise you.
<i>This post was originally published at an earlier date.</i>
<h3>Related Posts</h3>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/job-interview-secret-acing/">The Secret To Acing A Job Interview</a>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/say-thank-you-letter/">What To Say In Your Thank You Letter Besides 'Thank You'</a>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/interview-cheat-sheet/">Interview Cheat Sheet: 8 Tips For A Flawless Interview</a> <h4>About the author</h4>
Alex Simon is a career reinvention coach and speaker. Often referred to as “a master at breaking into sexy and exciting careers", he has promoted world title fights, managed Indy 500 race car drivers, worked for a Wall Street giant, and is the subject of Starsuckers, an award-winning documentary on the pursuit of fame. Check out his website, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/alexsimontv" rel="nofollow noopener">find him on YouTube</a>, or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsimongroup" rel="nofollow noopener">add him on LinkedIn</a>!
<i>Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. </i></div>
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Changing careers can be daunting. Not only do you have to carefully consider everything in leaving your job behind, but you have to calculate the steps needed in order to progress into an alternative career or industry. Related: 4 Secrets To Changing Careers In Your 40s Deciding to change careers is the first step in the process, but alongside the decision come a variety of administrative responsibilities. In order to apply for new jobs, you will need the relevant documents: a resume, portfolio, and cover letter.
<h3>Where To Start?</h3>
The first step you will take in tailoring your resume is by linking your past experience with your possible positions in the future. Always keep in mind what the employer is looking for and what they would want to read about you.
This doesn't mean you have to fabricate the perfect resume, it's just about anticipating what the employer would like to know about you and your experience.
Even though you might feel your new career path is worlds apart from you previous position, there are still ways in which you can link and combine the skills to make them relevant to what lies ahead.
<h3>State Your Objectives</h3>
The easiest way to jump the career change hurdle is by being clear and open in your resume and/or cover letter. Don't try and trick the HR or recruiting into thinking that you have vast experience in a particular field when you don't.
Make it clear that you are in the midst of a career transition and mention how your past experience alongside your skills and expertise can tie in with the position you are applying for.
<h3>Don't Use Cliches</h3>
Don't fall into the trap of using resume cliches.
For instance, people mentioning that the fact that they are 'perfectionists' is a weakness. Or using phrases such as 'hard-working,' 'team-player,' or 'hands-on.' Every Tom, Dick, and Harry out there has used them, and it will only damage the credibility of your resume.
<h3>State The Important Facts First</h3>
Those hiring new employees don't necessarily read every word on the resume.
That's why you need to list your information and facts in a way that is easy to 'digest' for your prospective employer. Structure your resume in such a way that all the headings are relevant and the most important facts relating to your new career are listed first.
<h3>Make Use <del></del>Of Action Verbs</h3>
Accomplishments that outline your unique contribution are great. If at all possible, use action verbs such as 'collaborated,' 'designed,' 'planned,' 'developed,' 'initiated,' 'sold,' and so on.
Not only will this show that you are influential within a company, but action verbs will show your proactive approach in the working environment.
<h3>Work With What You Already Have</h3>
If you've been in the workforce for quite some time and now you are changing careers, you don't have to make use of your college resume anymore. Your professional portfolio and resume will now be most relevant.
Some skills are beneficial to any job, for instance, leadership, communication, negotiation, independent learning, management, problem solving, and so on. Just make sure that you do have examples of where you practiced each of these skills and ideas of how you could do so in your future position.
Even if you don't have experience in the field you are about to enter - you have life experience and alongside a positive attitude and willingness to learn this is vitally important to prospective employers.
<h3>Monkey See, Monkey Do</h3>
Many candidates tend to just make a few small adjustments on their resume, hoping for the best. By not knowing what you are getting yourself into, you might be wasting both your and the company's time.
Do some research about the ultimate resumes in your new career field. You could even have a chat with someone you know in the industry, especially if it's a senior, and pick their brains on the current expectations.
The more you know, the better your chances of ultimately representing yourself as the ideal candidate for the job.
<h3>Showcase The Natural Progress</h3>
Structure your resume in such a way that you don't come across as a job hopper.
Showcase the natural progress from one industry to another by combining your skills, expertise, and interest in your resume. The best advice would be to find an underlying theme or practice that connects all your different experiences and base your new summary, cover letter, and resume upon this premise.
<h3>Your Extensive Knowledge</h3>
The best way to convince them of your interest in the industry is by sharing your extensive knowledge even though you might not have first-hand experience.
If it's in any way possible, show them the numbers! The idea is to back-up your claims of expertise with actual instances where your work has resulted in a positive change within the company. If you were a social media expert, give them the actual numbers of how much your audience increased while you were responsible for those tasks.<h3>Update Your Cover Letter</h3>
Your cover letter is important to show your understanding of the position and its requirements. It shows that you've done your research and you understand how your experience, interests, and background can possibly tie into the position.
In the case of a career transition, you cover letter will also mention that you are changing careers or entering a different field. Be open about your past, present, and ideal future.
<h3>Include Your Online Representation</h3>
Online representation could be seen as an add-on to your current resume. These days, companies don't just stare at a few pieces of paper to get to know you as a possible employee. They do research. As in social media research – on you.
Before applying for a job, 'Google' your own name and see what comes up. It's very interesting and might even tell you more about yourself than you were aware of.
Your online reputation speaks of your most obvious, or well-optimized habits. For instance, if you claim to be a resource within a certain industry but when you search those keywords alongside your name and nothing comes up, this will take away much of your credibility.
At the end of the day, it's about making your mark both on the print version of your resume as well as your online representation.
Apart from promoting yourself, your expertise and interests on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+, you could sign up for online portfolios such as About.me, Contently, and Visualize.me.
Your online representation will do the talking, even if you are not sure what to say. Of course, not all companies rely on your online reputation, but having this intact might benefit both the company and your career.
<i>This post was originally published at an earlier date.</i>
<h3>Related Posts</h3>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/career-shift-reasons/#!bOyxjh">3 Very Real Reasons You Should Make A Career Shift</a>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/new-midlife-crisis/#!bOywQd">Welcome To Your New Midlife Crisis</a>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/career-transition-tips/#!bOyxcHF">5 Tips For Navigating A Career Transition Successfully</a> <h4>About the author</h4>
Alex Simon is a career reinvention coach and speaker. Often referred to as “a master at breaking into sexy and exciting careers", he has promoted world title fights, managed Indy 500 race car drivers, worked for a Wall Street giant, and is the subject of Starsuckers, an award-winning documentary on the pursuit of fame. Check out his website, <a href="https://twitter.com/alexsimonlive" rel="nofollow noopener">follow him on Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/alexsimontv" rel="nofollow noopener">find him on YouTube</a>, or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcsimon" rel="nofollow noopener">add him on LinkedIn</a>!
<i>Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts </i><i>here</i><i>.</i> </div>
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If work was beer, would your draft be bubbling and full of fizz or stale and bitter? Related: 5 Dynamic Ways To Reinvent Your Career Path Just because your career isn’t turning out the way you expected, it doesn’t mean you have to accept it. This article will explore ways in which you can transform your tedious day job into something that is full of purpose and drive. Here are nine ways to reinvent a stale career.
<h3>1. Practice Lifelong Learning</h3>
One of the best pieces of advice someone can give you is to never stop learning. Ever.
With all the materials, courses, and guides available online we really have no excuse to become stagnant and bored with our daily lives. We are able to access a variety of information that can cause growth, not only in our careers but also in our personal lives.
Learn some extra skills every month. It doesn’t even need to be related to your current career; try something completely different and see how it makes you feel. They key is to make sure that whatever you learn makes you want to learn more and continue the growth process.
<h3>2. Decide On A Timeframe</h3>
Although some of us are dreamers by heart - myself included - we tend to keep dreaming instead of waking up and taking action.
When you are trying to spice up your career and escape the comfort zone you need to push yourself in doing so. Instead of procrastinating for the future, implement a plan for the present.
Decide on certain goals you want to reach and establish a deadline for these goals.
<h3>3. Find Your Nemesis</h3>
Many companies have those individuals that seem to have an unwritten rule of competition. Think of Harvey Spector and Louis Litt in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1632701/" rel="nofollow noopener"><em>Suits</em></a><em> - </em>I know, I know, it’s a pretty silly show, but bear with me. Even though Harvey isn’t directly competing with Louis, the idea of it inspires Louis to improve and grow within his own career.
Find your ‘Harvey’ at your company and aspire to reach your full potential by working at their level.
(My “Harvey” was a guy named Kenny and he is the inspiration behind <a href="http://www.kennygottheboot.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">www.kennygottheboot.com</a>, since I eventually took his job.)
<h3>4. Throw Yourself In The Deep End</h3>
Being bored at work can easily lead to feelings of depression and low self-worth. If you are not working on a task or project that you find inspiring you won’t be giving it your all. If you’ve been practicing the same career for quite some time, it might be time to push the envelope. Don’t settle for the mundane and be satisfied with doing the same thing day in and day out.
Speak to your boss about growth opportunities and new developments within the company and enquire whether you can become involved. It might take some time to prove yourself in this regard. If you are still a junior at your company it would be the ideal time to show that you are willing to push yourself and improve during pressure situations.
I used this exact strategy years ago to go from an unpaid intern to Vice President of a sports agency within a period of 12 months. I took the job of a guy named Kenny, who was just coasting along. He is the inspiration behind <a href="http://www.kennygottheboot.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">www.kennygottheboot.com</a>, where I give away my career reinvention secrets. Check it out!
<h3>5. Interview Yourself</h3>
One of the best ways to figure out who you truly want to be is by interviewing yourself, or asking a friend to do this for you. Imagine you are on a talk show (Kimmel or Fallon) in the future and think about how you would want to present yourself. Think of questions that will give you a clear idea of your purpose. Visualize your future self and answer the questions accordingly.
Even though this might feel like an awkward exercise - it will give you a clear idea of the person you want to become and help you in planning the steps and methods to get there.
Many times your career turns stale because you don’t have a future goal in mind, talk the small steps in becoming the person you ultimately want to be.
<h3>6. A Little Help From Your Friends</h3>
We might think we have a clear idea of who we are - but that is only a one-sided perspective. Make use of your support system such as your (true) friends and family to help reinvent your career. They will be able to give the outsider view on your growth and accomplishments. You don’t necessarily have to - or want to - follow their advice, but you can take it into account when making important career decisions.
Sometimes you might even have a friend going through the exact same thing, and this makes for a great accountability partner in reaching your respective career dreams.
Think of this step as a “career intervention” that might lead to reinvention.
<h3>7. Find A Career Coach</h3>
The first step is to admit you have a problem, right?
Sometimes we know that something is wrong in our lives, but we don’t know exactly how to define it. Your chosen career plays a tremendous role in your well being.
Just as a psychologist will help you with your psychological well being, a <a href="http://www.alexsimon.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">career coach</a> can help you figure out your career goals, financial situation and how to find the work-life balance. <a href="http://www.alexsimon.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Click here</a> to learn more about how a coach can help.
<h3>8. Join The Right Networks</h3>
Study other professionals - dead or alive - in order to find your own success.
We now know that we don’t need to make all our mistakes ourselves in order to learn from failure.
We can listen to what has worked for others and join industry specific discussions (see <a href="http://www.liknedin.com/in/alexcsimon" rel="nofollow noopener">LinkedIn</a>).
In order to reinvent your stale career, talk to those in your industry and find out what they would do or what they have done in similar situations.
<h3>9. Take Time To Help Others</h3>
Helping others can do wonders for your sense of self-worth.
Even though your job might feel monotonous you might have skills that others want to learn. Take time to help those on lower levels and inspire them to become successful.
Once you’ve started building these relationships with others, you might end up inspired to try growing within your own career as well.
There you have it! Follow these steps to bring back the fizz into your career and you’re sure to come out on the other side feeling incredibly refreshed.
<i>This post was originally published at an earlier date.</i>
<h3>Related Posts</h3>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/career-change-40s/">4 Secrets To Changing Careers In Your 40s</a>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/second-guessing-your-career-choice/">Are You Second Guessing Your Career Choice?</a>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/tips-planning-career-change/">5 Tips For Planning A Career Change</a>
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<h4>About the author</h4>
Alex Simon is a career reinvention coach and speaker. Often referred to as “a master at breaking into sexy and exciting careers”, he has promoted world title fights, managed Indy 500 race car drivers, worked for a Wall Street giant, and is the subject of Starsuckers, an award-winning documentary on the pursuit of fame. Check out his <a href="http://www.alexsimon.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">website</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/alexsimonlive" rel="nofollow noopener">follow him on Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/alexsimontv" rel="nofollow noopener">find him on YouTube</a>, or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcsimon" rel="nofollow noopener">add him on LinkedIn</a>!
<i>Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts </i><a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/ContentDisclosure.pdf" rel="nofollow"><i>here</i></a><i>.</i>
<span class="credit">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/" rel="noopener">Shutterstock</a></span>
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Everywhere you look, experts say you need a mentor to succeed. Immediately, we picture a Yoda-like figure who will guide us on our road to wherever it is we wish to go. But, shortly after that, most of us realize we don’t have access to anyone that masterful or knowledgeable. Related: Mentoring Vs Managing: Does It Have To Be One Or The Other? Well, my personal approach to mentors is somewhat unusual, but it eliminates the problem above. I believe a mentor is an individual - or resource - that guides and educates those less experienced within a particular industry to become more accustomed to and confident in their roles. I believe mentors can also come in the form of resources, not just physical, living persons. So yes, everyone can access to mentors. In case you were wondering, the word ‘Mentor’ is actually derived from a character in Homer’s The Odyssey where he serves as a friend and council of the main character Odysseus. Despite what you think, the chances are great that you’ve had some form of mentorship in your life. Some friends might have been a source of guidance throughout your life without you realizing it. Defining a mentor already showcases the importance of them, no matter which category of your life you need assistance in, their presence can do wonders for your personal and professional growth. Just in case you’re not sold, here are some reasons why you should invest your time and in some cases, money, in a mentor.
<h1>Why You Should Have A Mentor</h1>
One of the greatest things about mentors is that they allow you access to other important people within your field. Although this should always be a give-and-take relationship, and your mentor hopefully gains satisfaction from your relationship, it can be very time consuming.
In order to make the most of the relationship both parties need to determine what it is that they want to get out of the agreement and how much their are willing to put in.
Mentors can do a number of things for your career. They can help you build your resume, guide you on a project, and help you identity resources, including referring you to other mentors and important people in your field.
Apart from gaining invaluable experience in learning from your mentor your relationship adds to your overall credibility. Having someone that knows your business-mind, skills, and capabilities can be highly beneficial in a work environment, especially if you have a mentorship program within your company.
If you work as a freelance professional, a mentor could really boost your career, especially if you choose someone that is way ahead of you. Successful people don’t mind sharing their methods and tips and, quite to the contrary, they often want to educate others.
<h1>Different Types Of Mentorship To Consider</h1>
We are all different and don’t necessarily have similar needs when it comes to the type of guidance we want.
Some might prefer having in-depth conversations with their mentors for hours on end, while others would rather do some academic research or make use of other self-help resources.
<h3>Formal Or Informal Mentorship</h3>
Within companies, the mentorship programs are mostly formal.
This is where a mentor works through a certain program advised by management. Within these mandatory mentoring relationship the meetings are scheduled, tracked, documented, and evaluated based on clearly articulated goals and milestones.
On the other hand, informal mentoring relationships are formed on a spontaneous level where the mentee is motivated or inspired by a certain individual and feel the need to learn from them.
<h3>The Life Coach</h3>
This is an individual that you consult with for personal growth. They could either have a human resources or psychology background to assist you in finding your balance.
This mentor is someone that will have an objective input and opinion on what is going on in your life. This type of mentoring relationship mostly happens face-to-face, although there are alternative options that are becoming much more popular, such as Skype, phone, or some other online method.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Ur5UkWnXc" rel="nofollow noopener">(Want my secrets on how to get promoted fast? Watch this video)</a>
<h3>The Peer-To-Peer Support</h3>
Even though mentorship is about learning from someone more experienced, it can also be practiced with your equals. Think of it as a support system of like-minded peers with the same goals and vision in mind.
This type of mentorship is mostly informal and can take place during office lunches or casual coffee dates.
<h3>The Self-Help Mentor</h3>
Some individuals prefer to educate themselves with self-help materials. Not everyone is a fan of putting their feelings into words and they don’t necessarily know how to express themselves on a verbal platform. The wonderful thing for those that prefer self-help mentoring is that there is a world of resources waiting to be explored.
The self-help mentor takes the form of books, eBooks, manuals, articles, checklists, software or websites that provide proven formulas or step-by-step advice on how to grow professionally.
<h3>The Leader</h3>
This is the individual that has an executive or senior title. Their status within their company boasts of success and influence and such a relationship would be highly beneficial.
This type of mentorship is likely to take place in a formal fashion unless you have a more relaxed relationship with the individual.
The leader types are willing to sacrifice their valuable time and resources in order for the entire organization to grow.
<h3>The Inner Mentor</h3>
Some of us might have enough drive and discipline to take mentorship into our own hands.
Although this is an option, it would be best to practice this method in combination with another type of mentorship relationship.
With regard to the inner mentorship, you rely on your life experience and intuition to guide you. Pick apart your career highs and lows in order to determine your true strengths and weaknesses.
This is not an easy feat, as you will have to be able to be truly honest with yourself and approach the exercise in a logical and practical manner while fully trusting your instincts.
<h3>Social Media Gurus</h3>
In the past, it wouldn’t have been as easy to reach out to those you admire. These days, even the most influential people have some form of social media presence.
Although it might be a long shot, you can approach your idol or prospective mentor via these channels. They might surprise you.
This mentorship method is ideal for those that work independently and don’t necessarily have access to company leadership programs.
<h1>How To Approach a Mentor Relationship</h1>
<h3>Know What You Want</h3>
In order for you to make the most of a mentorship opportunity, you have to clarify what you want out of it.
Specify the role you need your mentor to play and what your expectations are. What is your main objective? Do you need your mentor to help you on an academic or technical level or are you merely looking for someone to help with your networking ventures?
If the only thing you’re sure of that you want is a new job, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/alexsimontv" rel="nofollow noopener">click here</a>.
<h3>Open Communication</h3>
Apart from determining what you want, you will have to communicate in a clear manner to make sure you and the mentor are on the same page.
Communicate your expectations and agree on the level of commitment both parties will engage in. Establish how much time and availability you would need to reach your goals and plan ahead what would be discussed during your meetings in order to reach your goals.
As you can see, mentorship can come in various different forms, all of which are able to facilitate your goals and objectives if used in manner intended.
Find out what works best for you and follow that route or several of the mentoring routes mentioned in this article.
Either way, mentoring relationships are one of the fastest ways to achieve success.
For more career advice in video form, visit my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/alexsimontv" rel="nofollow noopener">YouTube Channel.</a>
<em>This post was originally published on an earlier date.</em>
<h3>Related Posts</h3>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/to-find-a-mentor-be-a-student/">To Find A Mentor, You Must Be A Student</a>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/mentors-grads-dream-job/">How Mentors Can Help Grads Get Their Dream Job</a>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/valuable-mentor-how-to/">How To Be A More Valuable Mentor</a>
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<h4>About the author</h4>
Alex Simon is a career reinvention coach and speaker. Often referred to as “a master at breaking into sexy and exciting careers”, he has promoted world title fights, managed Indy 500 race car drivers, worked for a Wall Street giant, and is the subject of Starsuckers, an award-winning documentary on the pursuit of fame. Check out his <a href="http://www.alexsimon.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">website</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/alexsimonlive" rel="nofollow noopener">follow him on Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/alexsimontv" rel="nofollow noopener">find him on YouTube</a>, or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcsimon" rel="nofollow noopener">add him on LinkedIn</a>!
<i>Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts </i><a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/ContentDisclosure.pdf" rel="nofollow"><i>here</i></a><i>.</i>
<span class="credit">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/" rel="noopener">Shutterstock</a></span>
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Are you in your 40s and thinking of changing careers? You’re not alone. And you’re certainly not crazy. Related: Career Transition For Middle-Aged Professionals In fact, if there’s ever a time you can - and should - reinvent yourself, that time is now. Below are four ways in which you can start a transition into something better than your status quo.
<h3>1. Stop Making Excuses</h3>
You’ve become accustomed to the fact that your 20s were the years where you figure out what you want to do with your life and then suffer through your choice for the rest of your life.
Wrong!
You are most definitely not the first person that considered changing careers in their 40s and there are many stories of people just like you, succeeding against the odds.
Now, once you’ve stopped denying that you are unhappy with your current job, you are thinking up excuses why it’s ridiculous to switch careers.
It’s never too late to make choices that will benefit your health and wellness. Yes, a career you love will benefit you in all aspects of your life, including your health and wellness.
<blockquote>“Statistics indicate that 56% of all U.S workers are currently interested in switching to a new career, and it’s not surprising that midlife workers have had a big impact on this number”.
<p>- <a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/mid-life-career-change-challenges-rewards/#!bNM1ay">CAREEREALISM</a></p>
</blockquote>
If you already know which career you want to change to, you are luckier than most confused career individuals. Don’t try and jeopardize the journey ahead by making excuses such as:
<ul class="ee-ul">
<li>This is not the right time.</li>
<li>My children need to finish school first.</li>
<li>What will my partner think?</li>
<li>I’m not qualified.</li>
<li>I don’t know where to start.</li>
<li>I’m too old to change careers.</li>
</ul>
Though these might seem relevant at the time, it will only lead to more procrastination with a choice you know in your heart you want to make. And if you feel 40 is too late, how will it be when you are 50 and still unhappy with the job that you are doing? During your interview, your prospective employer will be able to pick up whether you are holding yourself back or making excuses and this will reflect on your being less ‘flexible’ rather than open-minded and eager to develop.
<h3>2. Take A Leap Of Faith</h3>
For some, a career change can sound just as daunting as jumping out of a plane or swimming with sharks, but it’s mostly the fear of failure that holds us back. Doing the same job and managing the same lifestyle has become the comfort zone and anything different feels like the end of the world.
In order to really become satisfied with the life you are living and the career you are building, we have to take some chances. With every change there comes a fair amount of risk. Once you’ve analyzed the possible risk factors - and have distinguished between real and false fears - you might be able to gain control of the change.
Taking this leap of faith into the unknown of a new and challenging career can help you rediscover your true passion and purpose.
The odds might always seem against you, and running back into the comfort that was your previously lifestyle might sound much more appealing than restarting the steps of your career-ladder, but it will be much for satisfying than being stuck in a job that you hate.
<blockquote>“Doing something that suits your strengths and sense of purpose reduces bad stress and promotes a sustainable, healthy life balance”.
<p>- <a href="http://pathfinderscareerdesign.com/career-change-at-40-45-50/" rel="nofollow noopener">Pathfinders</a></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>3. Take Your Experience With You</h3>
One of the greatest benefits of switching career in your 40s is most probably the fact that you have a world of experience to take with you. Unlike the post-grad student applying for the job, you will have an impressive portfolio to offer.
Even if you don’t have experience in the career field that you want to switch to, your previous experience is still very much relevant. Apart from the actual skills and responsibilities, your work history will showcase your credibility. It will show the prospective employee what attributes and characteristics previous employees valued in you.
Don’t be afraid to mention your previous achievements; this will most definitely count in your favor. Just because you are switching careers doesn’t mean your past experience is irrelevant.
Before hunting down your new job, draw up a list of your skills, expertise, and experience. If you are making a career shift, you probably want to focus on something that either challenges you more, comes naturally or something that you are passionate about. Organize your strengths and capabilities in such a way that you will be the ‘natural’ choice for the hiring company.
<h3>4. Make Use Of Old Contacts</h3>
Being on this earth for over 40 years probably means that you’ve met quite a few people. Whether it was on a plane, networking events or even at the gym - chances are that you know people in all walks of life.
Make use of all your business contacts to force a path in your new career. Don’t make the mistake in thinking you have to do everything yourself.
Changing careers sounds scary when you don’t know where to start.
If you are making the transition from working as an office assistant to running your own fashion line it will probably not happen overnight. Call up that fashion maven you knew in college and invite them for coffee. Get some caffeine in them and start asking questions.
Feed from those that are already successful instead of assuming that you have to start from the bottom in order to succeed.
There you have it.
Switching careers in your 40s is not as daunting or difficult as you might think. Yes, you’ll need a plan and it might take some time, but after the transition is complete, you’ll be glad you did.
<em>This post was originally published on an earlier date.</em>
<h3>Related Posts</h3>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/career-shift-reasons/#!bOyxjh">3 Very Real Reasons You Should Make A Career Shift</a>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/new-midlife-crisis/#!bOywQd">Welcome To Your New Midlife Crisis</a>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/career-transition-tips/#!bOyxcHF">5 Tips For Navigating A Career Transition Successfully</a>
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<h4>About the author</h4>
Alex Simon is a career reinvention coach and speaker. Often referred to as “a master at breaking into sexy and exciting careers”, he has promoted world title fights, managed Indy 500 race car drivers, worked for a Wall Street giant, and is the subject of Starsuckers, an award-winning documentary on the pursuit of fame. Check out his <a href="http://www.alexsimon.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">website</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/alexsimonlive" rel="nofollow noopener">follow him on Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/alexsimontv" rel="nofollow noopener">find him on YouTube</a>, or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcsimon" rel="nofollow noopener">add him on LinkedIn</a>!
<i>Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts </i><a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/ContentDisclosure.pdf" rel="nofollow"><i>here</i></a><i>.</i>
<span class="credit">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/" rel="noopener">Shutterstock</a></span>
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Asking for a raise is probably as hard as breaking up with your high school boyfriend or girlfriend. It’s something that you know you need to do in order to grow, but you’re not sure exactly when and how to do it. Related: 5 Ways To Get A Raise (Without Asking) This article will explore ways in which you can ask for a raise and help you to get the timing right. (In the rare case that you get denied and decide to quit your job altogether, view this video before handing in your resignation)
<h2>When To Ask For A Raise</h2>
In this case, it’s a bit easier to establish when NOT to ask for a raise. These are the times that it might NOT work out too well:
<ul class="ee-ul">
<li>During a review - this way your boss will have compiled all the reasons why he shouldn’t be giving you a raise and he will be the one with the facts and numbers.</li>
<li>When you are emotional - approaching the conversation when you are angry or sad will definitely not set the right tone for the talk to take place.</li>
<li>During layoffs - they probably had to let someone go because they cannot afford them. Instead of getting a raise, you might just be shown the door.</li>
<li>You already got a raise this year - okay, now you might just be over-eager.</li>
</ul>
<strong>The best time to ask your boss for a raise is probably right after you’ve completed a successful project.</strong> The project details and your influence will still be fresh in his/her memory. If your role in the project is the reason for it’s success then there isn’t a more perfect time.
Also, if you’ve been doing great work overall and haven’t received a raise in over 12 months, you might be able to make a powerful case for one.
<h2>How To Ask</h2>
Here are some tips for asking for a raise:
<h4>Prepare Yourself</h4>
Most of all, this would expect of you to determine your worth. If you don’t know why you should be earning more, how could you sell the idea to your boss?
Before approaching your boss you should look into your industry market. How much are your ‘peers’ in the industry being paid? Are you being realistic with your expectations?
Start preparing your research the minute to realize you're not getting paid enough. Don't wait for your annual review or for your boss to to start the conversation.
<h4>Ease Into It</h4>
Don’t walk into the office throwing numbers and statistics around. This is a conversation that should be eased into. Ask your boss what he/she thinks about your performance and achievements in the past few months. This way you will be able to get an idea of your boss’s general opinion of you, and whether it’s positive or negative.
Since you’ve also done your research you will be able to explain to him why you are such an asset and why you deserve to get a raise. See if you can find a common ground in the conversation where you could introduce the topic.
<h4>Avoid Complaining</h4>
This meeting should be handled in the exact manner that any business meeting would. It’s about listing the facts and not trying to play an emotional or personal card. The last thing your boss would want is more issues. So, don’t start out by telling him/her that you work weekends, barely see your family and are on the verge of a mental breakdown.
Bring solutions to the table, instead of complaints. Remember, you want to keep working for this company - it’s not a “raise or quit” situation, so don’t over complicate things. Using complaints to add to your argument just shows that you didn’t prepare well enough.
<h4>Ask The Right Questions</h4>
When discussing the topic of a raise, ask your boss what their expectations are in giving a raise to an employee. What should you be doing to ensure a raise in the future? If he mentions a lot of things that you’ve already accomplished or are currently doing, you could bring this to his attention. This way he will be thinking that he is giving you a raise according to his standards, not yours.
Raises are about what you’ve done, but they have more to do with what you’ll do in the future. If you’ve only proven to be a mediocre asset to the company, your boss will be hard pressed to give you anything other than what you’ve earned.
Some raise requests might take a series of conversations before they realize. Don’t get discouraged, but make sure that you understand why now is not the right time. Ask what you could change and why he/she thinks it’s not the right time. Ask them precisely what it would take for you to get a raise, then over-deliver. You’ll have a strong case at the next meeting.
For even more FREE salary negotiations and tactics, <a href="http://www.alexsimon.com" rel="nofollow">CLICK HERE</a>.
<h3>Related Posts</h3>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/get-raise-work/#!ZMycy">How To Get A Raise At Work</a>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/how-ask-raise/#!ZMyeX">How To Ask For A Raise</a>
<a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/asking-raise-things-never-say/#!ZMxZ0">4 Things You Should Never Say When Asking For A Raise</a>
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<h4>About the author</h4>
Alex Simon is a career reinvention coach and speaker. Often referred to as “a master at breaking into sexy and exciting careers”, he has promoted world title fights, managed Indy 500 race car drivers, worked for a Wall Street giant, and is the subject of Starsuckers, an award-winning documentary on the pursuit of fame. Check out his <a href="http://www.alexsimon.com/" rel="nofollow">website</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/alexsimonlive" rel="nofollow">follow him on Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/alexsimontv" rel="nofollow">find him on YouTube</a>, or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcsimon" rel="nofollow">add him on LinkedIn</a>!
<i>Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts </i><a href="http://www.workitdaily.com/ContentDisclosure.pdf" rel="nofollow"><i>here</i></a><i>.</i>
<span class="credit">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/">Shutterstock</a></span>
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