How did it happen already? My second daughter just graduated college and I have very mixed emotions. Mainly, we’re very proud of her accomplishment, but I’m also wondering where the years went! As college graduation season wraps up soon, it seems natural to talk about career coaching - why hiring a career coach can be the difference between getting the job and NOT even getting an interview.

Let me ask you a couple questions: Would you wire your own home for electricity? Build your own car? Do you cut your own hair? (no “hair” jokes for Kevin now!) Most would say “no.” If it is important, and we want it done right, we hire an expert.

The same principle should apply when job seeking. Your career is one of your most crucial financial investments. If you are actively engaged in a search, underemployed or unhappily employed, it makes sense to consult an expert as you launch your search for a new job.

Most people don’t welcome the idea of a job hunt. It is hard work and may seem overwhelming. Wouldn’t it be nice to have an experienced ally who will help you every step of the way?

As a nationally Credentialed Career Manager, Coach Kevin Tucker has been partnering with individuals like you for the last 25 years. Through the military, as a minister, a human resources executive, and finally as a career and life transition coach; he has continually been able to help motivated individuals find their calling in life! Check out more at www.CCubedCareer.com.

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Today, in our world’s busyness, we often think of the Memorial Day weekend as the start of summer and of course, we must have a BBQ, – now don’t get me wrong, both are great, but neither has anything to do with Memorial Day. Even as a Veteran myself, the day has a different focus.  Simply put, “Memorial Day is to honor those military members who have died, and Veterans Day is to honor all Veterans, alive or dead”.

So in this context, no matter what one’s background and political lean is, without question, we’re indented to these individuals that have made the ultimate sacrifice before us.  They paid the price. Sometimes I ask, “Am I worthy of such a deed?”… now there’s a question to think about.

In our career, the path is often worn because of those before us. They may have opened doors and we only see brick walls. As I coach countless individuals, I encourage them to look at the big picture – how does each piece of the job search connect with each other?

Having this knowledge will help in give you clarity and direction along your journey – and get you the results you need!

As a nationally Credentialed Career Manager, Coach Kevin Tucker has been partnering with individuals like you for the last 25 years. Through the military, as a minister, a human resources executive, and finally as a career and life transition coach; he has continually been able to help motivated individuals find their calling in life! Check out more at www.CCubedCareer.com.

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Well, I must admit, even I was surprised at the feedback from my last post. What I consider a “daily routine” was a pretty hot topic - and for good reason. For more many people, the results of networking are something they’re not expecting.

Let me give you an example. For me, this week was busier then most. I had the typical load of client meetings  and such, but what took it over the top were a few networking meetings, speaking at various events, and even starting a new job seekers networking group! (More info by e-mailing me from the “comments” field below.) But here’s the kicker: as the events kept going through the week (and 2-3 events every day, I might add), people would come up to me and say “Kevin, I heard you speak last night:, or “I have a question on…”, or “were will you be next?” I have maybe 200 new contacts for my network!

Here’s the secret… are you ready? We do it all the time - simply naturally engage others in conversation and be ready for what ever might result! Let me give you an example: On Friday, through networking, I ran into a person that I had had not seen in three years! Well, we spent quite a bit of time catching-up, but then focused on how we could benefit each other in our businesses. It will be a win-win for both of us!

Job searching is the same way. The more focused conversations you can have with key decision makers, the better! Now, sometimes they won’t even be planned, or it’s the “meeting after the meeting” - but the bottom line is that you never know that next person will that can, and will, help you with your next position, feel free to use the contact button below, if you have questions on for me.

Technorati Tags: assessments, career assessment, career coach, career consulting, Coaching, cover letter, disc assessment, interview tips, kevin tucker, kevin tucker" rel="tag"> Success, keywords, life coach, life coaching, negotiating, outplacement services, Passion and Job Satisfaction, resume, success, transition coach, video interview

As you are having a conversation / interview with your new employer, you need to connect you need to share stories and situations that they can relate to - remember they are the one hiring you!

As I was preparing that post, I ran across an article by Meridith Levinson, “Job Seekers: How to Tell Stories to Stand Out” that says it well:

Sensory details provide an essential element of good story-telling, says Hansen, because they help draw in audiences. Just as descriptions of a house’s smell or a character’s clothes make a story more believable, details about a job seeker’s professional experience will make their stories more credible and enticing to hiring managers.

“In a job seeking story, numerical details-numbers, percentages-are really important,” says Hansen. Key details to include in résumés and cover letters and in your answers to interview questions are the size of the IT budget you oversaw, the number of people you managed, size and scope of projects, and percents and dollars of revenue generated or costs cut.

Though detail is helpful, job seekers want to make sure they emphasize the particulars that are important to their audience-the hiring manager. They don’t want to waste precious interview time describing what their employer’s office looks like or the taste of the coffee in the break room.

The Two-Minute Rule

All this talk about recounting stories shouldn’t make job seekers think they need to transform simple, straightforward anecdotes about their professional experiences into epic tales. Rambling responses to interview questions bore hiring managers.

Consequently, Hansen says job seekers’ responses to interview questions shouldn’t run longer than two minutes. She recommends that you draft your stories on paper, rehearse them out loud with friends or family who can provide feedback, and revise them as necessary until you can hit all necessary points in two minutes or less.

Delivery

Even well-structured stories can fall flat if they’re not delivered with emotion. This is particularly true for challenge-action-result formats, admits Hansen, so job seekers should speak about their work with enthusiasm. A job seeker’s passion for his or her metier is infectious and demonstrates another quality that hiring managers find irresistible in prospective employees-confidence.

Well, thanks to Meridith for these thoughts. However it is presented-in conversation or the resume, connecting with the person interviewing you is the key!

As a Nationally Credentialed Career and Life Transition Coach, I help people like yourself get more out of life through their career! Is coaching for you? Learn how career and life coaching can help you personally, can help your company, and can help your church. Check out more at www.CCubedCareer.com.

As many of you know, I’m one for networking - to be able to build your impact through others.

Well, this past week I did just that. I was involved in the Career Management Alliance annual conference and plan to share many things with you in the upcoming days - even a new partnership that I’m working on to make your job share more effective!

Stay tuned, much more to come!

As a nationally Credentialed Career Manager (CCM), Coach Kevin Tucker has been partnering with individuals like you for the last 25 years. Using a faith-based foundation, he has continually been able to help motivated individuals find their calling in life! Check out more at www.CCubedCareer.com.