job tips

Four Networking Mistakes to Avoid

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A good definition of networking I have seen is “the developing of contacts or exchanging of information with others in an informal way, as to further a career.” While most people would agree with this definition, some may fail to realize that networking is a skill that takes time and dedication to develop. Without ample practice, you can easily commit some common networking faux pas. Here are a few to consider and avoid. It’s amazing how often these actually happen. ...  read more

What to Do if Job Search is Taking Forever

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In this economy, a long job search effort is unfortunately more the norm than the exception. It can be very defeating and job searchers can easily run out of ideas of what to do next. Here are three articles that may help:

  1. Can’t find a job – 8 side gigs that actually make you money
  2. 6 reasons they didn’t call you back
  3. 6 Tips to finding a job after college

Here is a summary of their practical advice and my thoughts

  • Network, network, network – both articles talk about this. Even if you have talked to everyone you know. Go back, be concrete with what you need help on, and follow up. Nurture your relationships over time and I would also add avoid networking faux pas. I will write about one of these in another post. Also try to expand your network by going to new events and meeting new people.
  • Don’t take silence personally and have realistic expectations – as the first article highlights, many reasons that company don’t call back have nothing to do with you – like job disappeared due to budget cuts or they are swamped
  • Make it easy for company to know why you are good fit – do all the work in your resume and interviews to tell them why you are the best fit. No one at the company has the time to do this for you. Also, follow direction. If they want past work samples, do it. If they want you to do math problems, do it. It’s their job opening, they can do pretty much anything that is legal. Don’t complain as that will immediately disqualify you in this tough market. Lastly follow up in a week if you don’t hear from them. Just don’t be a pest.
  • Expand search criteria – to things like part time or contract work. Being more flexible and creative can help you find more opportunities.
  • Have a life at the same time – job search is an emotional roller coaster and can be very depressing. Still go out and have fun. Allow yourself breaks or even plan trips every few months to give your mind and emotions a break.
  • Get help – get a friend to look at your resume or do mock interviews and/or hire a career coach that can give you a professional perspective. But remember, most of the work depend on your effort. Your friends or a coach can only be guides. You cannot expect them to do the work for you. It doesn’t work that way.

Ultimately, hang in there. A job is out there for you. You just have to hang on and do the best you can. Remember “if there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Good luck out there! ...  read more

Use Rules of Dating to Find Dream Career

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Since starting this blog, I constantly receive from friends recommended articles written about career advice. Thank you! Here is an insightful and hilarious one written by Nicole Williams called Rules of Dating can Help You Land a Dream Job. Nicole is the author of the book “Girl on Top,” and this article contains excerpts from this book. ...  read more

Success is about Working Smarter Not Harder

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work smarter not harder

Growing up Asian, we are told that hard work is always what is needed to achieve success.Like a good Chinese girl, I followed that advice and worked my butt off at McKinsey, my first job.Fortunately or unfortunately, I learned quickly that hard work is not enough, and sometimes does not even help. ...  read more

Job Search is Your Job

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“The trouble with unemployment is that the minute you wake up in the morning you’re on the job”. — Slappy White

Job search is the job you have when you are between jobs. Like any other jobs,

  1. It needs to be a full time effort (30-40 hours a week consistently) if you want to achieve any level of success quickly.
  2. It requires a certain set of skills that are developed over time. No one is born good at this, but anyone can learn to master it.
  3. You need to make yourself accountable, since you are also your own boss in this “job.” Consider getting a “boss buddy” (a topic of a future post)
  4. The skills you build are as important as the result you achieve, because the result you achieve (finding a job) is only helpful to this effort, but the skills you learn for job search can help you a life time.

What can you do to fill up 30-40 hours a week consistently you may ask? Well, check out the Job Search Checklist. Good Luck out there! ...  read more

Why this blog?

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I have worked in consulting for over 10 years and used to mentor dozens of people as part of work. Since I got married and had a baby, I decided to achieve more balance in life and work part time as a business strategy consultant.

While I love my life today, I really miss the opportunity to mentor others. I guess this blog is my outlet to still help others in their career. I learned a lot in my career so far – made plenty of mistakes as well as achieved some level of success. I hope to share some of my experience in case they can help you. ...  read more