Need A Career Coach?
December 12, 2008 by Darlene McDaniel
Filed under Jobs
Career Coach available for the first 25 people who leave a comment below. I am celebrating my 2 year anniversary as a blogger today. I began blogging here 2 years ago and I want to celebrate with my readers. With all of the pressure for job seekers in this economy, I thought I would offer 25 of you the opportunity to pick my brain or share any issue you are having in your job search. I will make myself available for 15 minutes to the first 25 readers who leave a comment below and send an email to me with your availability.
Here are the Rules of Engagement:
1. You will be selected for your 15 minute coach session by leaving a comment below.
2. Your comment should include your first name and a good email address
3. The body of your comment should include whether you are currently employed or unemployed. What question or issue are you struggling with in your job search, and how you heard about Interview Chatter.
4. You must be one of the first 25 people who left a comment (see the parameters for your comment above).
5. Please send me an email: darlingmcdaniel@gmail.com with your availability.
I look forward to assisting you! Please feel free to share this link with friends and family who need assistance with their job search!
Tags: Interview Chatter, Interview Guru, Career Coach Available, 15 Minute Coach Session, Leave a Comment, First 25 people, darlingmcdaniel@gmail.com
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The VC I worked for brought in a managing director who had no experience in our industry or in sales/business dev management. We didn’t get on well and after 2 months of his being there – we parted ways. That was in June. The company I worked for was the first place I worked after college and I stayed for 5 years. My undergraduate degree is in Chemistry but my former job was acquisitions and development for the company. I would like to keep doing the same thing but I’m not sure how to search for or write an appropriate resume for this type of job. I’m also not sure of the pros/cons of using a resume service.
Anywho – I heard about Interview Chatter on Viigo and I’ve enjoyed the posts.
Keep on with the great info!
Thanks!
Justin
Hi Justin! Thanks for stopping by Interview Chatter today!! I am glad you like the blog! I will be contacting you by email later today. Make it a great day!!!
To all my other readers, there are 24 slots left. I look forward to hearing from you!
Darlene
Well Miki Saxon just alerted me to you!. And..Yup, I am not working and I am DYING to go to work! Been looking since April as the position I held went kaput 1 yr ago when the Co dissolved due to a lack of funds. Wasn’t sure what to focus on as I have so many skills (half of which are not even on my linkedin profile, like international & fundraising). My dream job was always with a social entrepreneurial org. I’m a natural community builder since a little girl. It’s in my blood and even in my family.
Being realistic, however, and after listening to CNN’s jobs report on Sundays, the openings now and in the future seem to be in health care and I have a MSW. Thus, I figure I ought to get my license to practice in CA (LCSW). Dilemma: never totally was a therapist as I studied community dev and social welfare mgmt. on a large scale. Still, a license, along with all my other background means never having to face unemployment as long as I live. Major Issue: takes 2 years (min)) to attain and w/ low salary.
Another lovely point, I have had 0 luck finding a paid job in a top nonprofit with a stellar team with which to work and train to prepare for the state boards. They say they are impressed (ha) but they hire someone else. Strange, cuz I have much more Soc Wk exp. than on my linkedin profile.
So, am I focused? Yes and no. I absolutely know what I do not want. And, I know what I want. Have 2 directions: great non profit that pays my bills while working towards my license or a well paying position and future with an org doing something worthwhile in the world. Right now I seem to get interviews in the social work area and no community bldg or action in soc entrep. space.
Thus, I would be THRILLED to receive any feedback (esp. direct leads) related to this most fascinating (in a rather yucky way) piece of my life.
Hi Emily,
Thank you for visiting Interview Chatter tonight! I received your email and will send you a response in the next few minutes. I look forward to speaking to you!!!
Darlene
Darlene: I just quit my full-time (very well paying) job to work at home. I’m in a panic! I know I can write; I need some direction. Of course, I have some ideas, but I would love to get your opinion/expertise. Thanks for the opportunity!
Hi Jean, Thanks for visiting Interview Chatter this morning. I am happy to meet with you. Please let me know about your availability and we will talk.
I just saw this on my RSS feed from Secrets of the Job Hunt. I am a recent college grad (2008) who is unemployed. I had a temporary job for a few months, but have basically been looking for a job since graduation, so almost 8 months! I’ve had interviews but have a hard time closing the deal after that. Also, I find it difficult to network when I haven’t really found anything yet and a lot of job search advice isn’t really geared towards entry-level jobs.
Hi Darlene:
What a wonderful offer! I was a part of a layoff in September and this is the first time I have been unemployed. I have found that my self confidence has taken a hit and experience brain freeze whenever I try to put together cover letters. My interviewing skills are also rusty. It has only been 8 years but I feel very out of date. My background is in administrative support.
I stumbled across Interview Chatter after the layoff. Great topics and information. It helps to know others are in the same situation. Thank you.
God bless for your help for such at time like this.
Hi Kathleen,
Thank you for visiting Interview Chatter! I look forward to speaking to you. Please send me an email with your availability and I will add you to my schedule. You will find my email in my sidebar or in the body of the post above. I will also send you an email. Have a great night!
Darlene
Hi Susan, Thank you for visiting Interview Chatter tonight! I did receive your email with my availability. Please let me know which time will work best for your schedule. I look forward to speaking to you!
Darlene
Hi Pelagie, I know that you heard about Interview Chatter from me. I am glad you came by to visit tonight. I am happy to help you with your job search. Please send me an email so that I can add you to my schedule.
Hello!
I will graduate with a bachelor degree of marketing in July 2009. And now, it’s time for us to hunt a job.
You know, by now, many good companies have sent out their offers, just like Fortune 500 companies. Maybe I am not so qualified with their requirements and I have been eliminated in this round. I really want to get a job before New year. How could I catch the next offers?
I heard about Interview Chatter through my e-mail box.
I am from China! Thanks for this opportunity!
Best regards,
Jelly
Hi Jelly! Thanks for your comment! I am happy to hear that you get Interview Chatter in your email. Yippee!!
I am happy to meet with you. We will probably need to chat online rather than me calling China or your calling the US. I will send you an email and let’s see what we can work out. I look forward to meeting with you!
Hello,
I heard about you from kristin king from inkthinker. I’m a student writer in kalamazoo, MI.
Hi Doug,
Thanks for stopping by. I am happy to meet with you for 15 minutes to discuss your job search. Please another comment that indicates your current employment status. Also, what are you struggling with in your job search. Send me an email and let me know your availability and I will schedule a time to meet by phone. I look forward to hearing from you again.
Darlene
Hi. I heard about you on Kristen King’s Inkthinker blog. What a great idea to give your time!
I am currently freelance writing and have been doing so for about 2 1/2 years now. I’m making more money this year than the previous years, but I still feel like I’m in “feast or famine” mode. I would like some help with setting up a solid game plan for getting more business.
Thanks again for your offer of time. I’ll send my email of availability.
Hi Darlene,
I’m a freelance writer and blogger. I could use some advice about which clients to pursue and which to leave behind.
Thanks!
Hi Darlene:
It looks like there are some spots left, so I thought I’d drop a comment here. I saw your offer via Inkthinker. I am a freelance writer who’s just getting started. I recently moved to Israel from the United States and I don’t speak Hebrew yet. While I’m going to language school (four days a week for four hours a day) I wanted to take this opportunity to up my freelance game.
Currently, I blog for a national tech publication, and write content for an education company that sells a wikipedia-style database to schools across North America.
In the future, I want to jump into magazine writing, copywriting and technical writing. Whatever pays the bills and keeps me self-employed. Any help you can give me in developing a game plan to get there would be great!
Hi Ian,
I am happy to meet with you. There are spots still available. I saw that you sent and email. I will respond to your email very shortly and set up a time to meet with you.
Darlene
Hi Darlene,
I got laid off last month, and am currently working as a freelance writer, editor, and translator. I want to try copywriting, which I just really found out about yesterday. I just really need some guidance to start earning some reasonable money. I’m quickly learning about where I should be going and where I shouldn’t even try to find a gig. I’ve lost a lot of time learning these things, and more details about the profession. I studied lit and did journalism work, but it was very different from what I’m facing now, so I’m nearly starting from scratch! I still don’t even really know where I can look for dependable work, where it’s not just Craigslist ads. It’s been a month since I got laid off. Advice about crafting a contract would be great, too.
You were referred to me by Inkthinker.
I have sent you an email.
Hello Darlene,
I am currently employed, but looking to change location and definitely jump to a different career path. Looking for some advice on how to find a job in a new location and career field, respectively. I found you through a link on bloggingforjobs.blogspot.com — My current HR director’s blog.
I look forward to our discussion.
Daniel
Hi Darlene,
I’m with Ian in that I need to develop a game plan for making my freelance work pay the bills. I am one of the crazies (maybe the only one) who quit my well-paying job to try this – maybe 30 years later, but I’d like to make a dream come true by finally putting myself to the test!
I graduated 18 months ago from grad school, took a few months off to travel and spend time with family, and after the “perfect” job working for a friend’s corporation fell through, I’ve ended up working as a receptionist for my parent’s business. I need help finding direction and landing a first job in the field I want to pursue. I would love to start my own business, but don’t know the first thing about doing that or how to make one thrive in the current economy. I would love to hear your thoughts! Thanks!
Hi Lauren,
I would love to meet with you. Please send me an email with your availability and I will get you on my calendar. I look forward to speaking with you.
Hi, Darlene. Are any sessions still available? I heard about your offer on Inkthinker. I recently transitioned to full-time writing from home. I’ve had some initial success with some recurring blog and trade mag jobs, but would love some advice on where to look for more consistent work and how to focus my writing more. Thanks for doing this…
Zach
Hi! What a wonderful offer. Found you at Inkthinker. I am currently unemployed as a freelancer.
I’ve sent you an email regarding a sensitive subject about customer care and horrific illness – how to handle both at the same time.
Hope to hear from you!
Jill Prather
Hi Jill, Thank you for stopping by Interview Chatter today. I am happy to help. I did receive your email, and I will respond shortly! Have a great day today!
Darlene
Hi my name is Melissa and I an unemployed. I have found myself working in a niche industry, which I can’t seem to get back into at this time and wondering about career change possibly. Just it feels like no one is hiring me now or no one wants to hire me. Ahhh Stressful. I’m 127k in student loan debt for starters.
Hi Darlene,
I probably know your answer, but must ask because protective instinct tells me to do one thing in this situation, but ethics tell me to do another! I was let go from my job in medical sales due to a sexual harrassment issue. I was “the harrassed” for months but did not report it to H.R., a co-worker did. At any rate my boss was fired immediately, I was told I was extremely valuable (and was #1 sales person in my company) but little did I know they marked the calendar to fire me as soon as they were clear from an EEOC lawsuit (301 days later) and did fire me. I’m very marketable but have NEVER had this much trouble landing a job. The few “good” jobs I’m interested in have 500 other great competitors leaping at them as well. Anyway I’m inclined to lie and tell employers I’m still employed. 50/50 chance they will call my former employer and find out but it seems that’s the chance I must take. What employer will hire me under the above terms? Applications read “May we contact current employer?” If I’m currently employed the answer is “No” and that makes sense (if we’re employed we usually don’t want anyone calling our current employer!). Everything else in my background is stellar. I think the chances of a company going back and calling my “current employer” after I’ve allegedly submitted notice, and after they’ve already done my full background check and set a hire date, are slim. I know the rule is NEVER lie but, if I tell them the truth I’ll be deemed a liability. My former employer left me with a “not eligible for rehire” record which has never occurred in my working history. I worked there 3 years. An attorney took my case a few months ago on contingency and I only mention that because I was indeed the victim but unfortunately, when ugly H.R. issues such as this arise, ultimately the victim is viewed as as much of a problem as the predator, and is kicked out.
What is your experience with prospective employers calling “current” employers after an employee has submitted 2 weeks’ notice to the former employer. Is that really something they typically keep up with? They cannot rightfully call the former employer without the candidate’s consent on the Application, or without at least knowing the candidate has had time to put in 2 weeks’ notice, can they? Much thanks for any input you have! Jessica
Good Morning Jessica, Thank you for visiting Interview Chatter this morning. I am sorry about the circumstances you find yourself.
There is a lot I want to say concerning your comment, but let me begin with the simple answer to your question, my recommendation to you and others reading this comment is to assume a prospective employer is going to contact your previous employer. Why? Because based on the other information in your comment, you understand the consequences for lying on an application and you will not do that.
Your situation is not unique from the standpoint, that others before you have found themselves in your situation after losing employment unjustly. These same people found employment. You will too. Having an attorney helps build your credibility when discussing the circumstances that led you back to being unemployed. Leverage that without slamming the perpetrator or the organization.
In other words, stand on your performance record from that previous employer and others you have worked for in the past. Don’t allow the harassment issue to overtake your job search by misbehaving and hoping that a prospective employer will not contact a previous employer. Again, assume they will, so what can you do to ensure that you don’t lose the opportunity to work for a great company? What can you do to compete for a great job without feeling like you have been discriminated against based on the previous situation?
First, contact the old employer and ask them what they will say to prospective employers about you. This is key to knowing how you need to respond to prospective employers about their organization and the circumstances that led to your termination. Second, it is imperative that you make a decision not to dishonor your employment record by lying to get a job. Your dishonesty will find you out. When it does, you now make your chances of landing a job even more difficult. Third, I want to recommend that you re-evaluate your employment situation. What else can you do if you are finding it difficult competing for the jobs you want? How else might you penetrate an organization and get in? There are all kinds of ways to get jobs today, namely networking. Who else do you know, that knows someone, that you need to know that can help you network your way into an organization? If you can come that way, now you have an opportunity to tell your story. Don’t let the harassment situation be the central part of your interview. Find a way to say what needs to be said without sharing all of the gory details. Hiring managers are looking for the best candidate for the job. Highlight your skills and abilities and what you will bring to the organization and minimize the proverbial “baggage” of what happened in the previous organization. your discussion on that situation should be very limited. Give them the bare bones of what happened and move right back into why you would be a great fit for their organization. You must minimize what happened despite how huge an issue it is in your life. I pray that this helps. If you would like to contact to me by phone, please send me an email and i would be happy to discuss this further with you. I pray that the right organization finds you and that you will have an opportunity to continue to do what it sounds like you enjoy doing for a living.
Have a great day today!
Darlene
I agree with Darlene about making sure this situation is not the main focus of the interview. I had a big interview once and was asked to talk about my worst experience at work. I told a little story and moved on, but I always assumed the purpose of this type of question was to find out if candidates held strong negative emotions about workplace challenges. Maybe you do, but don’t let on. You know — never let them see you sweat!
Also, the point about networking is important. The more connection you have going in the better.
Hi Lela! Thanks for stopping by today! I appreciate your comment. Hiring managers are looking for any sign of strong negative emotions. As difficult as it is to resolve issues within us, I know that it is critical to handle and/or manage our emotions so that we don’t “leak” in the next organization with residual, unresolved issues from a previous employer.
I have been laid off unjustly, and once I handled my frustration and anger about the situation, it was much easier to transition back into the job market. It also gave me an opportunity to find a new path and today I am enjoying my new career choice and using my skills and abilities from the old career path.
Hi Darlene,
I ran across this website while doing a Google search trying to find a good answer to my job application dilemma. I am currently unemployed due to layoff but my question is about a previous termination (a very long time ago). I’ve sent an email separately with the details of the situation that I need assistance with. This site has been very helpful in other areas of my job search so I’m hopeful that I can also resolve my “dilemma” as well!
I am currently unemployed and I learned about your website when I Googled, “Coping with being fired,” a string that was suggested by Google based on my search for resources to help manage life after the fact. The issue that I am struggling with is: despite being otherwise successful, I have become separated from employment involuntarily three times now – whether “fired” or requested to resign. How do I overcome being a three-time loser in the interview process?
I have worked as a manager in a high-turnover industry for nearly 18 years with most of my jobs lasting less than 3 years each. I had always managed to find employment and resign from all of my jobs for most of those years – until the last five years. I was terminated from a job in 2005 after three years of service. I was very successful in that position until towards the end of my tenure, my boss insisted upon making changes with which I disagreed – but with which I eventually complied – and the business began to suffer. I took the fall, and was unable to find another job for seven months.
When I finally got another job, I lasted only a year and three months. At the time, I thought I was doing well, but when I got my annual evaluation, my boss had an entirely different opinion. Looking back, I now know that I was not performing to my potential and abilities, and I can accept responsibility for losing my job. I was fortunate enough to get another job month later and I put my heart and soul into it.
The business was a “train wreck” in many ways when I first assumed duties, and over the course of the ensuing year and a half became very successful. Employee issues became a focus over the past six months of my employment, working on improving communication, morale, and employee satisfaction as a result of an employee satisfaction survey, from which we learned that employees had several concerns about the management team. It appeared that progress had been made, until a group of employees began the petition process to organize under collective bargaining, their chief complaint being benefits – the contents of which were completely outside of my control.
My boss, who never visited, appeared at work one day along with Human Resources, and early on in the day, I found myself offered with the opportunity to resign. I was shocked! Though on some levels, I had felt “vibes” that I chose to ignore, deciding to keep plugging away out of loyalty to the business (the employees, the clients, etc).
So now I am a three time loser! I have gone through all of the typical stages of grieving, and have been working on some hard soul searching. I accept my shortcomings, and I have learned VOLUMES from the experiences that I have had.
BUT – how do I translate this into the interview process? I actually *am* good at what I do, and because of the lessons that I have learned, I was able to apply them especially to my last job – but: politics being what they are, I was the one to take the fall.
This is all very complicated, of course, and even a lengthy post is inadequate to fully articulate *everything.* Am I one of the first 25? I have found the website VERY helpful so far, but did not see anything to address my particular situation. I would be very grateful for the opportunity to learn from you. Thank you in advance for considering responding!
Michael,
Of course, Darlene should and will answer you BUT I just wanted to say don’t beat yourself up. I think many people when they leave companies have exited “under pressure” or involuntarily. People generally don’t leave jobs when their bosses and company love them…they quit when there are conflicts, bad politics, etc. and many jump ship because they sense a termination is coming. On another note, I personally wouldn’t tell prospective employers that you were asked to leave unless you absolutely have to (if your record is marked “terminated”). Even still, many companies won’t divulge that information. I worked at AT&T for years and their strict policy, clearly and repeatedly conveyed to employees was: “If you were the best employee in the company, we will ONLY divulge salary, dates of employment and title.”…”If you were the WORST employee in the company, we will divulge salary, dates of employment and title.” Ask your former employer(s) and you’ll know their policy. I would just act VERY positive in interviews, describe to employers how you’ll be an asset to their company, focus on your achievements (you did contribute successfully if you were in positions 2-3 years). Tell prospective employers you were either laid-off, or you resigned because you found a better opportunity. I’ve been unemployed for 6 months, but start a new job tomorrow (Monday). It doesn’t pay as much as my last job, but it’s a job. You may have to take a lower paying position to get by until this job market improves as I’ve just done, but only you know your situation. Wish you all the best and don’t beat yourself up. Darlene will give you some insight on specifics!
I found your site by searching on google. I was fired in October of 2008 and I have not been able to find a new job. I have had many interviews and promised a job but I was not hired. Can you assist me on what I should say when asked if I was fired. I always say I was let go and not fired. Is that perceived as a lie? Also, can you explain how I should answer the question. My manager harassed me from the 1st month of the job.
Hi Ashley,
Thank you for visiting bizzia Careers. If an employer asks you if you have been fired and you say you have been let go, you are mincing words. Let go = Fired. “Is that perceived as a lie?” It is not a perception issue. If you were fired, I recommend that you say “yes” to the question and move quickly to communicating what happened, what you learned and declare your commitment not to make the same mistakes in the future.
As far as the harassment issue, that is a sensitive issue, but very real. It happens. My one question, why did you stay so long? Why did you take so long to report the issue?
Here is a link to a post I did regarding unjust terminations: http://www.bizzia.com/articles/how-to-explain-an-unjust-termination-198/
Here is the link for part 2: http://www.bizzia.com/articles/how-to-explain-unjust-termination-part-2-198/
Please let me know if you have additional questions after reading these two posts.
Darlene