Gain New Experience Without Giving Up Your Day Job

If you are transitioning into a new career, gaining initial experience can be a difficult feat. It’s far too easy to say, “Oh, just get an internship.” Although there are internship opportunities that provide a competitive salary, many do not (assuming they provide compensation at all). For many, particularly those with family responsibilities or who wish to maintain a certain standard of living, a full-time internship may not always be the answer. Here are some alternate ways to gain resume-worthy experience while keeping your day job.

Gain experience on the job. While your current position might have nothing to do with your desired career path, a little creativity can change that. For example, if you are pursuing a bachelor’s in Environmental Science with a concentration in Sustainability you can join the Sustainability Committee at work, or provide a proposal for a sustainability initiative in the workplace. Someone pursuing a marketing career can offer their talent on related departmental projects, share new marketing projects, or reach out to the marketing department and inquire on how you can assist with any projects they may be working on. However, prior to pursuing anything outside your assigned duties, ensure you have a conversation with your manager about your career desires. A good manager will help you nurture your talents if possible.

Join a committee outside of work. Volunteering on a committee not only gives you experience, but can provide you access to networking opportunities as well. Consider your alumni association, church, a non-profit organization, the PTA, a professional organization, or a meet-up group related to your industry of interest. However, keep in mind that you don’t need an official title to contribute and share ideas. Take on roles that will help you shine and sharpen your skills.

Start/contribute to a blog or forum. Personally, I know starting and maintaining a blog is hard work, but if you’re passionate about what you do, it will show. Blogging is not just ideal for those interested in a career in writing or journalism. For example, someone interested in Information Technology can start a blog expressing their point of view of emerging technology, or perhaps start a vlog (video blog) on You Tube providing programming tutorials. In addition, use social media to showcase your work (e.g., Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+, and/or Tumblr). When using these sites, offer your insight on forums, which gives you an opportunity to learn from others, build your personal brand, all while having the advantage of doing it on your own time. The opportunities are endless and so is the exposure.

Take on freelance opportunities. Freelancing gives you a chance to build your portfolio. There are project-based virtual internship opportunities that may provide flexibility around your work schedule to consider as well. However, be prepared to do some pro bono work. Despite the lack of pay, always do your best work, as satisfied clients make the best references.

When doing an internship is not feasible, remember you can start your “YOUternship” on your own terms. Keep your job while you find a way to do what you really love. Now that’s having your cake and eating it too.

Moving Your Career Forward,


Cathy Francois, MBA
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward

P.S. I provide professional and personalized career consulting. Available services include strategic career planning, résumé writing, interview preparation, LinkedIn profile optimization, and more. Click >>schedule a free consultation to learn more.

This article was originally posted on OnlineCareerTips.com

You’ve Done Everything Right and You Still Can’t Find a Job

This post was motivated by readers from my last post who were looking for deeper reasons why they are struggling with their job search. While many where appreciative of the simple reminders, the savvy job seekers were like, “Tell me something I don't know.” Perhaps your resume as been reviewed and revised many times over;  you've gotten interviews, but have yet to be selected; attended career fairs, but came up empty. Well here’s something you can chew on.

You've been stigmatized by long-term unemployment. According to the Department of Labor, job seekers who have been unemployed for 27 weeks or more are considered to be long-term unemployed. However, the concerns with gaps in one’s employment history happen before that. This is a serious national issue, but while Congress tries to figure out how to remedy it, millions are without work. The quickest way to move from unemployment is through self-employment. Consider hiring yourself; consult, sell, serve, direct, rebuild, or create something new. This may be the perfect time to explore business opportunities. And yes, please add it to your resume! Any work experience counts.

Your online presence does not speak well of you. Have you goggled yourself lately? Really, type your name and see what comes up. Examine all your profile and cover photos for any social media network that you’re on because most of them are public. Would you hire you? Perhaps, nothing comes up and depending on your industry of interest that may not be a good look either. Maybe you have a popular name like “Michael Jordan” and you are not really worried about what someone may find. Whatever the case, I recommend that you provide employers with a link on your resume that shows specific information about who you are as a professional, such as one that leads to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio.

You lack a quality network or haven’t used it effectively. I find that people who are well connected and who cultivate their network stay employed or bounce back from unemployment quickly. Who do you know in your industry of interest? When’s that last time you made a new friend? It might be time for you to reconnect with others or reach out to communities in your area or virtually online. Perhaps you may need to consider relocation and reaching out to those in areas with opportunities.

You share too much information with employers. What are you saying during the interview or including on your resume or cover letter that may be a red flag for employers? They don’t need to know whether you’re married or have children, don’t have a car (unless it required to perform the job), that you have many doctor’s visits, what you hated about your last job, specifically why you left a position, and what happened that one time at band camp. I've personally seen resumes and cover letters that divulged information that made the job seeker look like too much trouble to deal with. Do not act as your own barrier to employment; focus on sharing information regarding your skills, knowledge, and experience that may benefit the employer.

You've lost your confidence and it shows. The lack of employment can bruise your ego. I know what it feels like personally, but you have to remember that your talent hasn't been taken away from you and you still have something valuable to offer to the world. Of course you don’t want to appear arrogant, but most certainly appear to be sure of yourself and not at the mercy of the employer. Remember, employers are seeking to hire the best candidates. Walk into an interview believing, “if you don’t hire me, someone else will.”

Whatever your struggle may be, reach out for help, remain persistent, and maintain a positive attitude. Remember you are talented and valuable with or without a job title.

Moving You Forward,

Cathy Francois, MBA
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward

P.S. I provide professional and personalized career consulting. Available services include strategic career planning, résumé writing, interview preparation, LinkedIn profile optimization, and more. Click >>Email me to schedule a consultation. 

Life After Graduation: Paving the Way to a New Career

A friend of mine, who I admire, wrote this profound statement on her social media status, “Don't let one goal end without setting another in motion.” I immediately thought that it was timely advice for many soon-to-be college graduates. Have you thought about your career after graduation? What do you want to get out of your degree? Here are some tips on career planning ahead.

It’s Your Career: Own IT! News Flash: Having a degree in _____(you fill in the blank) is not your instant meal ticket to success. When you hear someone say, “This degree has done nothing for me,” it’s probably a result of poor career planning. Remember in life you’re guaranteed nothing, so be intentional about your next move. Very few people get handed opportunities so create a path to collide with them.

Apply Patience. Your first job after graduation may not be exactly what you always dreamed of, but proper planning will help ensure that it’s at the very least a building block. Most recent graduates obviously lack experience so seek opportunities to gain experience prior to the completion of your program if possible through internships, volunteering, or participating in student professional organizations.

Ready or Not Search Early. Keep a pulse on industry trends and what the market demands so you can prepare and align yourself accordingly. Starting your job search before you’re ready will do just that. It will be easier for you to discover where to look, who to connect with and uncover resources along the way without the pressure of finding something immediately.

Write It Down. Whether you create a formal plan, flow chart, journal, or simply list your goals, writing them down will increase your chances of following through. When choosing your career goal don’t write something down because it sounds good. Ensure that it’s connected with your desire and passion.  Do not let your present circumstances detour you from dreaming big.

If you’re thinking, “I wish I would have gotten this advice earlier,” it’s not too late to implement these tips. Transitioning into a new career? This is for you too. Remember what lies ahead in your career depends on the plan you laid before. Ready or not…set….GO PLAN!

Cathy Francois
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward
http://about.me/cathy.francois

Continue the discussion on Twitter @rezumeforward

Follow on Facebook

Soul Search before You Job Search

My previous blog post was on creating a job search plan to get the job you want. But why go through the trouble of creating a road map when you haven’t decided on a final destination. It’s a plan that will work for most people just as long as you know what want. However, if you’re not sure which steps to take next, whether you’re early in your career or a transitioning professional,  the following tips may be able to help you find your way.

Think Outside Titles. Do remember as a kid people would ask you, “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” There are thousands of job titles out there and by the time they grow up some of them will be obsolete and new ones will develop. When asked that question as a kid, not once I said career coach, account executive or academic advisor. Instead we should ask, “What do I like to do? What am I good at? Think about what you’re recognized for among your circle of friends. Are you the Martha Stewart or computer whiz among your peers? Has anybody said, “I could see you doing….”? Take the time to assess your skills, interest and most importantly your values.

Explore. As a professional in higher education it amazes me how many people decide to enter a career without any real research.  Watching an episode of C.S.I. or Grey’s Anatomy does not qualify as research either.  Consider taking assessments such as those found on CareerPath.com by CareerBuilder to get an insight on what career paths may fit your skill set, personality and values. Research ideal careers even if you’re not sure what you’re looking for because when you seek you shall find your “aha” moment.

Don’t Settle. If you want something just to pay the bills, that is what you’ll get. Stop and listen to your inner voice. Sometimes we do know what we want, but simply don’t pursue it because we think it’s out of our reach. Or is it that we need to reach out to take the next step. What you want to do doesn't have to be popular or easily understood by others. Just know that if it’s your passion and calling, then success is almost inevitable. 

Remember nothing last forever.  Although important, this is not the be-all and end-all decision it seems. Knowing that each job is temporary really helps relieve the stress of making a decision. Besides, you can decide to explore other options and transition to other careers later. In the end do your due diligence; search within and research before embarking on your next job search quest. 

Moving You Forward,

Cathy Francois
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward

P.S. The job search process can be complicated. Thankfully, you do not have to create a plan alone. Let’s team up to create a personalized plan to help you achieve career success today. Email me at cfrancois@rezumeforward.com

Continue the discussion on Twitter @rezumeforward

Follow on Facebook

Creating a Strategic Job Search: Rise to the top like C.R.E.A.M.

Are you ready to start job seeking? Before you start aimlessly applying for jobs, understand that in today’s competitive market developing a strategy for your job search is essential. Here’s a road map on how to create a strategy to get the job you want and becoming like the C.R.E.A.M. (Career Ready Exceptional Applicants of the Millennium) who rise to the top.

Know What You Have to Offer. In order to successfully sell a product, it’s important to know the features and benefits as it relates to the buyer. As a candidate for a position, begin with an entrepreneurial mindset. View yourself from the eyes of an employer and think about the skills, knowledge and experience that you possess that employers would find valuable. Develop an elevator pitch; that’s who you are and what you do in 3 sentences or less.

Optimize Your Resume and Social Media Presence. Your resume is like an ad for your services. Will it immediately attract the attention of a potential employer? Does is clearly state your qualifications, how you will meet employers’ needs and free from errors? It’s important to have a focused resume, otherwise employers will not be able to figure out how you may be a benefit to their company and pass. Make it easy for them.

And let’s not forget your social resume. LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook are tools that companies use to market their presence online to help potential customers find them. You need to do the same to help employers find you. Don’t be incognito about it either (i.e. setting your profile to private or not including a legitimate professional profile picture); these are your media outlets. Sounds overwhelming? There are tools such as CareerCloud to help you manage it all. Be seen, be heard, and be discoverable!

Target Companies. Now that you know your product and created some great “ads” it’s time to search for your target market. Search for companies that are seeking your services and create a plan to connect with them directly (direct marketing). This may include searching through your connections on social media (prospecting) to find out who knows someone in your companies of interest (Jackalope Jobs makes that easy). Ask for an introduction or attend an event where employees of those companies will be present (this is when you use that elevator pitch). Follow your companies of interest on all their social media platforms. This may give you insight into their corporate culture or first dibs on an employment opportunity.

Be Interview Ready. After you've gotten the attention of potential employers be ready to close the sale. There’s nothing like getting a product that doesn't deliver on its promises.  It’s important to research the company in preparing for the interview, but if you have been connecting and following them on social media most of this work has been done. This will make it easier for you to readily match what you have to offer with their needs and share ideas on solutions you can provide.

Not having a proper plan and strategy in place is where many fail in the job search process. It’s like throwing darts without a target and hoping something will stick. Applying a strategy will take you from being a career ready applicant to a Career Ready Exceptional ACHIEVER of the Millennium. Know your value, know what you want and be intentional in getting it.

Moving You Forward,

Cathy Francois
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward

P.S. The job search process can be complicated. Thankfully, you do not have to create a plan alone. Let’s team up to create a personalized plan to help you achieve career success today. Email me at cfrancois@rezumeforward.com

Continue the discussion on Twitter @rezumeforward

Follow on Facebook

How to Apply for an Internal Position without Burning Bridges

You’re at the office browsing through your company’s intranet site and found that the job of your dreams is available. “Eureka” you say to yourself as you hear the soft sound of the heavens opening up, because the stars are finally aligned and your moment has arrived. Pause; you just realized that may involve telling your manager.  Although you may like your current position, you know in your heart that you’ll have greater satisfaction moving on and you don’t want any hard feelings. So how do proceed with applying for an internal position without burning bridges? 

Here are points to consider before applying for an internal position.

Know your company policy. Have you met the tenure requirements? Do you need approval from your manager?

Inform your Boss. If you have a less than hostile relationship with your direct supervisor, I encourage having a conversation about how you would like to career path with the company prior to pursuing internal positions. This also puts them in a better position to put in a good word for you.

Reach out to your connections. This could be your direct co-workers who may have insight or those already involved in your department of interest. And if you don’t have any current connections you don’t have to wait until there’s an open position to form them. Be proactive; introduce yourself perhaps in the break room or at a company affair.

Act like an external candidate. Do not assume because you’re an internal candidate that you’re a shoe in for the position. Prepare like you would for an outside position. Leverage the advantage you have as an internal candidate by freshening up on the necessary knowledge and prepare your best presentation ever. 

Do your best work. While you currently may not be in your position of interest be mindful that your reputation precedes you. Don’t make it hard for your current coworkers (or supervisor for that matter) to say something positive about you.

Making a move forward in your career doesn't always have to involve burning bridges instead see it as an opportunity to create new ones.

Moving You Forward,


Cathy Francois
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward

Continue the discussion on Twitter @RezumeForward
Comment on Facebook

Go From Fired to Hired: Reflect, Learn, Take Action

So let’s get straight to point, no chaser; you’re on the rocks and you feel the burn; you got fired. I’m not referring to those who got laid off due to company restructuring or someone who blatantly assisted with his own dismissal, although you can stay tuned if this applies to you. I’m specifically referring to those who got the proverbial pink slip, the ax, the boot; simply because you were not a good fit for the position you were hired for. Perhaps you meant well, but just weren't cutting it. Getting fired may have left you feeling defeated, embarrassed, sadden or downright mad. Allow yourself a brief moment to grieve, then pick up the pieces, reflect, learn and take action.

Reflect. Guess what, it happened to me some moons ago, so you’re not alone. I was working in a sales position for a major multimedia company and was approached by a much smaller company looking to expand their magazine franchise in the United States. I was impressed. I wasn't even looking for a position at the time and they wanted me to work for them. But hindsight tells me that they interested in my connections and I was reeled in with an offer for higher pay. The informal interview went well and I even made a sale on my first day. Unfortunately, that was my first and only sale and 2 months later I was on the job market.

Learn. Failure teaches us a hard lesson, so take heed unless you want to do a retake. I learned that I really didn't understand what I was getting myself into. Being young, naïve, and overly optimistic I didn't realize how much tougher sales can be when working with a new brand versus an established brand. And essentially, I was hired to do hardcore grassroots direct marketing; not what I anticipated. Remember an interview goes two ways, so while you prepare for potential questions, be sure to prepare questions to ask. Do your due diligence and research as much as you can about the company and the position.

Take Action. Begin making preparations for your next step. Be prepared to answer the question on why you separated with the company. Be honest without giving too many details. Explain that the position or the company was not a good fit, perhaps what you've learned and transition to what you want and how it aligns with the company’s needs. It could sound something like, “I quickly found out that phone sales wasn't a good fit for me and that I enjoy face-to-face sales, which is what attracted me to this retail sales position.” Notice by the end of the statement you just refocused the conversation and plugged in why you’re a good fit. (I’m not a bad salesperson after all…wink.)

And you’re not so bad yourself. Good people get fired all the time, so don’t let the experience kill your confidence. Take the lesson for what is and move forward by taking action and go from fired to hired!

Moving You Forward,


Cathy Francois
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward

Continue the discussion on Twitter @RezumeForward
Comment on Facebook

The Hidden Paycheck : What you need to know before you accept your next job offer

It’s Payday! …at least for some of us. Perhaps your check looks a little weak and you’re seeking new employment opportunities this year. However, when comparing job offers be careful not to just focus on the salary in determining the financial benefits or disadvantages. The following are factors to consider that may make your paycheck bigger or smaller.

Distance. For many this may be an obvious factor, especially in terms of fuel cost and commute time. However, be careful not to dismiss an opportunity solely on the basis of distance. Explore other factors such as the location’s access to public transportation, employer’s transportation benefits, and opportunities to carpool and telecommute which may significantly decrease the cost.

Benefits.  Accepting an offer without knowing the cost of the benefit plans, particularly health, especially if you have a family can be detrimental. I've made that mistake when I accepted a position which appeared to be a pay raise from my previous position. Unfortunately, that stack of cash with the googly eyes I thought I was getting by switching to another company was negated by the high insurance premiums. Also, find out if there are benefits that could potentially lower the cost of things you already spend money on such as child care or pet insurance, which could stretch your paycheck.

Perks. Did anybody say “free lunch?” Did you know that Google provides free breakfast and lunch for its employees? I know, old news for some, but only to make the point that discounts are nothing to sneeze at. It’s estimated that Google pays about $20/day per employee and as the old saying goes, “A penny saved is a penny earned!” I once worked for a telecommunications company and only had to pay $10 a month for my cellphone bill, which saved me $80/month for comparable service at full price. That equates to $960 a year! Now for those of you who are current students or thinking about returning to school, you should definitely inquire about any tuition discounts or reimbursements. This could save you thousands and help give you a competitive edge that’s priceless.

These are factors to consider with your current employer as well, which may prove to be helpful in determining if jumping on another opportunity will be a leap forward or a dive off a fiscal cliff. Either way, look before your leap; there might be a hidden paycheck. 

Moving you forward,


Cathy Francois
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward


Continue the discussion on Twitter @rezumeforward
Comment on Facebook