Skip to content

UXL Blog

“Creating Successful Leaders”

Category Archives: Tips for the Job Hunt

November 21, 2011 Have You Stopped Learning?

By Margaret Smith, Speaker, Career Coach, and Certified Insights Discovery Practitioner

In a recent newsletter a friend of mine posed the following question:
How often are you consciously and intentionally being a learner?

His subject prompted me to think about all of the different places in my life where I learn, and I wondered at whether or not I was learning intentionally and consciously, instead of just out of necessity.

I have always encouraged those I work with to be lifelong learners, and I strive to be one myself. Because of this, I’ve decided to revisit this amazing habit.

Why YOU Should Be a Lifelong Learner:

  • Learning boosts your self-esteem
  • Learning keeps your mind fresh
  • Learning gives you a personal and inner source of fulfillment
  • Learning can make you money because you may advance your professional skills and learn new skills
  • Learning makes you more valuable at home, work, and in your community
  • Learning makes you a more interesting person because you can converse with a variety of people about a variety of topics

Tips for Keeping up the Habit of Learning:

  • Read books: No matter your pace of reading, keep a book with you to fill your unanticipated open time.
  • Engage others interested in learning: Spending time with other learners benefits you because you share knowledge and encourage one another.
  • Look for opportunities to apply your knowledge: Have you studied a second language, but haven’t used it in years? Join a conversation group or sign up for community education!
  • Be more open-minded: try things that you may have previously eschewed. After all, how do you know until you’ve tried it?!
  • Finally begin that project: You know the one, the project you’ve been meaning to get to for the last year that requires you to try something new and possibly develop a new skill.
  • Accept feedback from others: Listen to the advice and observations of those you trust and be willing to change.

Do you have a story about your own lifelong learning? What are some habits you’ve formed to make learning a part of your life today?

Interested in learning more about listening or working one-on-one with a professional career coach to gain a competitive edge? CONTACT MARGARET TODAY to learn about career coaching and UXL’s public workshops!

Tags: , , ,

October 23, 2011 The Most Common Interview Mistakes

By Margaret Smith, Professional Life & Career Coach

Keep these 10 interview mistakes in mind when preparing for and arriving at your next interview and walk away feeling great about your performance and confident in your candidacy.

10 Common Interview Snafus

  1. Arriving late: This may seem redundant, but it still happens quite frequently—make sure it isn’t you!
  2. Talking too much: Avoid panicking and letting yourself ramble. It’s ok to allow for silence from time to time.
  3. Wearing inappropriate dress: Dress one step above the position you’re applying for, and research the dress code vibe ahead of time.
  4. Lacking energy or enthusiasm: If you’re prone to bottom out during a certain time of day, pack a high-protein snack such as a handful of almonds to eat during a break if necessary.
  5. Not preparing for questions: Sit down before your interview and expect the types of questions you’ll be asked.
  6. No planning your explanation of your résumé: Be prepared to defend each bullet point in your résumé during your interview with stories, skills gained, and explanations.
  7. Not asking powerful questions: It’s important to ask powerful questions during an interview to relay your competency and genuine interest in the position you’re applying for. Create these questions by researching the company, studying the job description, and considering what your questions will relay about you and your personal brand.
  8. Failing to prepare a close: What’s your last sentence going to be? What do you want your interviewer(s) to remember? How can you relay this message? Is there anything that you still want/need to know?
  9. Not offering a solo sheet: This is a one-page sheet titled with your name at the top that lists the five positive words that describe you with strong, inspiring explanations. Contact Me Today to Learn More about Solo Sheets
  10. Not asking for the job: Again, it seems redundant, but most of us are so frazzled by the end of an interview, that we forget to restate our interest in the position we’re applying for at the end of the interview.

For more useful tips on the job hunt, cover letters, and your career, contact UXL today!

Tags: , , ,

October 17, 2011 5 Minutes to a Better Cover Letter

By Margaret Smith, Professional Life & Career Coach

You are probably all familiar with the daunting task of writing a cover letter, or perhaps you’re facing the task of writing one for the first time. Either way, the quick and easy pointers I’ve laid out for you below will benefit the quality of your cover letter, and better your chances at landing the job.

Remember: Cover letters are not just a repeat of your resume—viewing them as such will put you at a serious disadvantage.

Your cover letter is an opportunity to personalize your introduction, align your skills to the position being targeted, and get noticed.

The objective is to have the cover letter catch the attention of the reader and cause them to pull your resume from the pile of applicants and place it in the pile of potential interviewees.

Cover Letter Quick Tips:

  • Name, address, and date at the top of the letter
  • Cover letter addressed to a specific person if possible. If individual unknown, send letter to the title of recipient (Production Manager, Technical Director, Human Resources, etc)
  • State your interest in the position
  • Make note of special skills that qualify you for the job
  • Provide contact info and a time you can be reached
  • Thank the contact and close with “Sincerely”
  • Always ask someone else to proofread your letter and resume—don’t miss simple grammatical errors!
  • Sign your letter with either blue or black ink, NO EXCEPTIONS
  • Be concise and to the point (no cutesy statements or overbearing comments)
  • Use the same paper as your resume
  • Avoid using “I” too often or repeating the same words

Interested in learning more about creating an effective cover letter or interested in consulting a professional to ensure that you land that next job opening? Contact Me Today to learn about career coaching and UXL’s public workshops!

Tags: , , ,