I’m often asked by prospective clients whether seeing a career consultant can really help. Understandably, they’re hesitant about spending money at a time when they may not be making any.
It’s a question that’s always a bit uncomfortable to answer. How do I avoid appearing totally self-serving?
Obviously, I think seeing an advisor is a great way to help job seekers get through a difficult time; otherwise, I would've chosen a different career. Still, I try to be as objective as possible.
The isolation of the job search
My major reason for suggesting a career advisor is an emotional one - search is isolating. You've been separated from your routine, from a part of your identity, and from people you may have liked. Left on your own, you ruminate. You try to interpret every single aspect of the search, i.e. Why is this person not calling back? Why isn't my resume working the way resumes should? Why is it five days since they said they'd call and they had promised three? Have I made the right choice in what I'm seeking? Maybe it's time for a radical change? And, my favorite: Why are so many people so incredibly rude during this process?
You go round and round in these thoughts (among many others about this process), don't get anywhere, and start to over-think every aspect. Some people end up reworking their resumes 10 or 12 times, almost always a colossal waste of energy. Sometimes, the result of all the rumination is to make bad career decisions, just to avoid the anxiety of the process itself.
If you have a significant other or family or both, that will probably add to the stress, no matter how supportive friends and family may be.
The importance of perspective
What's lacking here is perspective, and I think that's where the experienced listener and advisor plays a most critical role. It always amazes me that at the end of a successful client experience, one of the comments I have heard the most over the years is, "You really understood what I was going through." It's not usually about the technical aspects of the transition, even if we spent two or three entire meetings reviewing pitch and networking technique.
Of course, an experienced consultant will be knowledgeable about the (over-hyped) resumes, will help with interview presentation and content, will teach the value of high-touch relationship building, and, I hope, will understand and show the value of social media and social intelligence in the process.
Gaining an advantage
What you’re also looking for is an edge that will help you stand out from all the other job seekers. An experienced consultant can often provide proven strategies that can make all the difference.
As for the money, if it helps, it's worth it. Think about the big picture.
I was a free day cynic - Now not so much
Yesterday, I mentioned that I was cynical about offering the Kindle version of
In Search of the Fun-Forever Job for free for two days. I should have also said skeptical.
And dubious. Can’t help it. That’s just how I think.
I said my publisher, Bacon Press Books, told me I’d be surprised. The truth is, I’m floored.
As I’m writing this, the book is at the number 2 spot on Kindle career and job search books.
Who knew?
I want to thank all of you who downloaded it. And tweeted about it. And told your friends.
It’s still available for free for one more day.
If you’d like to read more job search advice, I post answers to readers’ questions once a week in Ask Ellis.
Free for Two Days on Kindle
Okay, I confess. I don't really understand these free days for e-books. Yes, of course, like most authors, I'd like to see my book, In Search of the Fun-Forever Job: Career Strategies that Work, reach as many readers as possible. And I totally understand that when you're looking for work, money is tight. It's just that I find it hard to believe there are a lot of readers out there who'll download the book when it goes free on June 26-27th.
My publisher, Bacon Press Books, says I'm wrong. Says I'll be surprised.
So, despite my cynicism, we're giving it a try. If you'd like to get a free copy of the book, you can download it
June 26-27th Evidently you don't need a Kindle device to read it, there's Kindle Reader app you can get for free, too.
If you do decide to download it, I hope you enjoy the book
And, good luck with your search.