Let’s face it, competition for jobs is fierce. Today, you have to go the extra mile to attract attention and get an interview. Here are 5 discreet, practical strategies that will put you head and shoulders above the competition. No one has the time to do this for ALL job leads, but when you feel it’s the perfect opportunity, go for the SCORE.

Are you nuts?

Parents, friends, and your significant other are all likely to be shocked and upset if you announce you want a career change at 30. After all, you’ve barely scratched the surface of the student loans for your degree. You’ve already had three different jobs, while your parents would have had ONE by now.

What’s up?

Well, it could be that you have just enough experience to fully understand who you are. You’ve “been there, done that” in several positions, and by now you’re clear about what you DON’T want. Bravo! That’s a great place to start!

Screwdriver or power drill? Which would you use?

In your job search, speed is of the essence. Time is money and every week you are without work, you are losing net worth.

For example: if you make $100,000 a year, divide that by 52 and realize you make $1923 each week. Losing an important interview could set you back thousands of dollars. Missing an important lead could result in another 6 months of searching, or around $50,000.

The year 2023 promises to be a doozy. Inflation is predicted to continue, more layoffs in more industries are forecasted, and general business malaise is expected. That means you might need a career coach for these reasons:

1. You could lose your job.
2. You should be firing up your network.
3. You probably will have to fight for a pay raise.
4. You might want to get out while the getting is good.
5. You want a substantial raise but know you’ll never get it where you are.

I wish you prosperity, not only in your career but also in your family and social life. Life can be tough, so don’t save the good stuff for later. Celebrate, enjoy, and live your best life NOW.

My clients sometimes lean back when I get going on career topics. My passion and enthusiasm is, well, a little over-the-top. Sometimes, I even have to stop talking when I realize I am almost shouting. That’s how strongly I FEEL.

Thanks, Dad.

My father was a huge man in every way. He stood 6’3” and probably weighed 260 at his highest weight. He had a large, booming voice. He cared deeply about family, his faith and politics. It was hard to argue with my father—became his righteousness was also HUGE.

Instead of abruptly leaving a job, “Quiet Quitting” refers to doing what the job requires, no more and no less. Essentially, this means doing just what you were hired to do—no off-the-clock meetings, no weekend work, and no checking emails on vacation.

Some writers speculate that this trend is the result of the trauma all of us have experienced with Covid – losing jobs, friends, and family, losing faith in our institutions, and losing a sense of meaning in our work.

Most people are so shocked by a job loss that their whole lives are turned upside down. They suddenly can’t pay regular bills, they lose their work friends, and they change their sleeping hours. Some even quit dressing and lounge around in underwear or pajamas most of the day.

On June 29, while on a cruise in Alaska, I fell, broke my femur in two, and sheered off the ball at the top. We were in Glacier Bay, a beautiful place I never got to see, because I spent 30 hours in pain in the ship’s hospital.

If you’ve been paying attention, all the news outlets are talking about “scrambling” recruiters who have dozens of jobs to fill because of the Great Resignation.

That’s great news. You *might* get a call from a recruiter – out of the blue – asking you if you would consider applying for a job she* thinks is right for you.

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new website!

The sunk-cost fallacy is a phenomenon affecting millions: we are reluctant to abandon a strategy because we have invested in it, even when it is clear that another option might be beneficial.

It’s a little like having a sentimental old clunker car: You can’t let go because you have already sunk so much money in repairs. It would feel like a waste to abandon it. You’re throwing good money after bad.

Did you ever fall in love with a city? I did. Austin, TX in 1997.

I am still reeling from the December 29 passing of my dear friend and mentor, Lee Moczygemba.

I’m a child of the 60s and I find Beatles music inspiring to this day. One song keeps running in my brain:

87.5% of Viable Job Leads Come from Friends and Family

Want meaning, autonomy and respect?

I know. Interviewing for a job is probably the most confidence-shaking, nerve-racking experience you’ll ever have.

Dear ________, I’ll keep this short because you are trying to get things done so you can enjoy the coming 3- or even 4-day weekend.

The pandemic has caused a lot of us to rethink our lives.