Why do some people rise and flourish in their careers while others of equal talent flounder and never fulfill their dreams? James M. Citrin, an executive recruiter and–until recently–Business 2.0’s “Talent Monger” columnist, has a few answers to this intriguing question. The factors he and his partner uncovered in researching career success make up the basis for a book, “The Five Patterns of Extraordinary Careers”.
Using data from more than 2,000 in-depth survey responses and 300-plus personal interviews, Citrin and coauthor Richard A. Smith discovered five distinct patterns that repeatedly show up in the careers of the most successful executives. As Citrin explained recently in his final “Talent Monger” column, these people:
1. “Understand the value of you.”

They realize how value is created at work and turn that knowledge into action, growing their personal value during each step of their careers.

2. “Practice benevolent leadership.”

These people don’t claw their way up the career ladder; “they are carried there.”

3. “Overcome the permission paradox.”

They conquer the catch-22 that says, “You can’t get the job without the experience, and you can’t get the experience without the job.”

4. “Differentiate using the 20/80 principle of performance.”

They do their assigned jobs very well, but they also “storm past predetermined objectives to create breakthrough ideas and deliver unexpected impact.”

5. “Find the right fit.”

They make decisions with an eye on the long-term. They also purposefully trek toward roles that fit their strengths and passions.

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.

Technorati Tags: career assessment, career consulting, kevin tucker, self improvement, skills inventory

The quickest way to a hiring manager’s heart is to give them something they long for in a résumé – keywords.  Hiring managers use keywords to quickly identify candidates that have the potential to be a fit for the position for which they are hiring.  The average recruiter or hiring manager takes less than 15 seconds to scan a résumé, often utilizing database technology to determine whether a candidate warrants closer examination.  By using keywords prominently in your résumé, you make their job easier and will ensure that your résumé makes it to the short stack; the ones that get looked at again.

Essentially, keywords will make or break a résumé. They are words and phrases that highlight technical and professional areas of expertise, industry-related jargon, achievements, and other critical information about you.  Many employers today use some type of database software to search and store the résumé s that are sent to them by potential candidates.  Hiring managers and recruiters then search these databases using job specific keywords to assist in the résumé screening process.  By knowing and having the keywords employers are looking for in you résumé, you increase your chances of being invited to an interview.

There are several ways to determine which keywords are best for your career objective but these three may be the easiest:

1. Take a look at ads for open positions in your industry.  These postings will be full of keywords ripe for the picking.
2. What are the words or phrases that you use on a daily basis to perform your job function?
3. Trade journals and industry publications are also a good source for current and upcoming keywords.

The debate rages on as to whether having all of your keywords grouped together in a summary section or sprinkled throughout your résumé is the best course of action.  Usually a combination of the two will do the trick.  However; there is one thing to remember while composing your résumé.  Keywords alone will not get you an interview.  They must be supported with solid and quantifiable accomplishments that convey your skills and abilities.

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.

Technorati Tags: career coach, career coaching, career consulting, human resource management, kevin tucker, resume, resume writing, resumes

Are you on the road to success? Success expert Michael Nicholas (SuccessTriggers.com), says that sometimes people are on the road to success but they don’t realize it, and they stop before the get to their destination, forcing them to start the whole process over, never staying the course long enough to reach any destination.

So the next time you feel like your life is going nowhere, ask yourself if perhaps you really are going somewhere, but it’s hard to see from where you are.

It’s a well-documented fact that as people get older, they often look back on their lives, and have an aha! experience, that can be summed up like this: “Oh, this was where I was coming all along, I just didn’t recognize it while I was busy making my 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.

Technorati Tags: assessments, kevin tucker, life balance, life coaching, self improvement, success

Here are a few nuggets of wisdom to cling to when the going get tough. Wolf J. Rinke, author of The 6 Success Strategies for Winning at Life, Love, & Business, recommends keeping these points in mind:

• Energy and positive self-motivation come from seeking your dreams and doing things you love.
• All people are a composite of strengths and weaknesses.
• If you want to experience your maximum energy, you will need to build your strengths and get rid of your weaknesses.
• To be successful, you must find a job or career that lets you build your strengths.
• Successful people love what they do.
• Figure out which of your weaknesses keep you from reaching your lifetime goals. Get rid of them-and don’t worry about the rest.
• When you pursue what you want to do, you’ll have fun and you’ll feel naturally high.

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.

Technorati Tags: assessments, career coaching, career inventory, kevin tucker, self improvement

Often I hear from my clients that the one area that they feel is holding them back from landing a job is the interview process. They know that their skills and background are solid and they appear to be a perfect match for the position. Overall the face-to-face interview went well, but something just wasn’t clicking. The job either falls into the HR blackhole or they are notified that the position has been filled. Sound familiar?  I want to discuss how to interview with confidence and give you some practical take-a-ways.

Before the interview:

• Research. Become as familiar with the company and position as you can ahead of time. The Internet is an excellent source of information. Do you have any LinkedIn connections with the company? Study the job description and match up your skills and accomplishments with the core competencies your future employer is looking for.
• Know your resume. More than likely, the person interviewing you will have a copy of it in front of them, so anticipate questions based upon the contents of your resume. Think of ways you can expand upon what is written and let the interviewer know you are going to be a great employee.
• Tie up any loose ends. Know where and when the interview is. Make sure you have a way there. Do you need a sitter?  If so, book one now. Are your interview clothes clean and well fitting?  Take care of these details a few days before the interview, not the morning of.

Day of the interview:

• Appearances. Make sure you’re well rested and have had a good meal before heading off to the interview. Take one last look at yourself before you head out the door. You need to look professional and put together. Remember, easy on the fragrances.
• Timing. Arrive early for your interview. If you are kept waiting in the reception area past your interview time, don’t get angry or frustrated-this could be the stress portion of the interview. Be gracious and remember this IS the most important thing you have going on.
• Be enthusiastic!  Make eye contact and be friendly. Answer all questions truthfully and don’t try to bluff when you don’t know the answer. They are not only looking for your responses, but how you respond. They’re also judging how well you will fit in with corporate culture.
• Sell yourself. They know you’re qualified, otherwise you wouldn’t have been asked to come in for an interview. But remember, there is a fine line between selling yourself and overkill. Finally, ask for the job. It’s one way that hiring managers determine your enthusiasm for the position.

Post Interview:

• Thanks!  Thank them for their time. Try to get their business cards or at the very least everyone’s first and last names and positions. Let them know how much you appreciated the interview.
• Snail mail. Write each person a thank you note as soon as you get home and try to get it in the mail on the same day. Yes, e-mails are quicker and easier, but there is nothing like a personal note written in your own handwriting. Offer to follow up in a few days.
• Follow up!  Call the interviewer and ask about the status of the position. Use this opportunity to give yourself one last plug!

Still need help?  Give the me a call and we can talk about ways to polish your interviewing skills or any other area that you feel you need help with.

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.

Technorati Tags: career coaching, career consulting, Coaching, interview coaching, interview tips, interviewing, kevin tucker, skills inventory