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.

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

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. 

Kevin C. Tucker is the founder of C~Cubed Career Consulting and Coaching, is on the board for Arizona Career Development Association (ACDA) and is nationally certified as a Credentialed Career Master (CCM).

What was your first job?

My first job was working at an amusement park in Southern California (I’ll let you guess which one). I operated the world’s highest, fastest and scariest wooden racing roller coaster - well, at the time! I sent unsuspecting victims off for the ride of their life (and a serious case of white knuckle exhilaration). In a warped way, this established my life work of helping others find passion in their lives.

What is the worst job you’ve ever had?

A job that had a boss who was indecisive and I questioned his ethics. For me, and as I coach others, ethics is the foundation of all I do.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Seeing that light in a person’s face when they’ve discovered their passion in life! Many of my clients, for years, have just “gone to work.” As they discover that they can (and should) love the work they do - this is where my joy comes from.

Typically, we’ll start with an assessment (don’t worry, it not like a test!), and the results can be quite revealing. Even clients just getting out of college can see how important alignment with their career and life should be!

What is the most difficult part of your job?

Keeping focused. Just by the nature of working with individuals and their careers, much of the coaching could go in many different directions. Seeing that one’s career touches on everything they do, this is understandable! As he was writing a letter to someone, a guy by the name of Benjamin Franklin once said, “I apologize for this note being so long, I didn’t have time to write it correctly.” What was he saying? Basically, “I didn’t take the time to get focused.” This is key for someone to be in alignment with the direction they should be going.

How long have you been a career coach?

In one sense, my whole career, but with many different titles: military service, a recruiter, a human resources manager/director, a career development adviser, and finally as a career coach.

What advice would you give to people who want to change careers?

Ask yourself this question, “why?” Is there something you don’t like about your current job? The industry? The boss? The company? Do you know what your talents and strengths are? In the assessment that our clients start out with, we compare a person’s present work environment to their ideal work environment - talk about an eye-opening exercise! Many people want to change their career (they say about 80 percent of the people out there are not happy with what they are doing); but for true joy and happiness, you must be aligned with your talents and strengths!

What is the most misunderstood part of your job?

I would say probably how I connect with people. It’s not an exact science; I approach every client’s needs uniquely. We have a program where we partner with individuals to help them discover their true passion for their career; we give them the tools to make it happen including individual coaching and group networking. It’s rather hard to put that into words!

One distinction I’ll often make is that I coach individuals (and companies every now and then); it’s not counseling.

Which professions are in demand in Arizona right now?

The two big ones are hospitality and customer support (call centers) - keep in mind; it takes all levels of various positions in these areas.

Any other advice or thoughts?

Everyone, at all levels, needs a coach or mentor. Think about Tiger Woods - undoubtedly, the best golfer in the world. He takes advice from a coach and reinvents his swing!

Similarly, with your career, having someone with experience and an objective opinion of your situation can only help your focus. Some (coaches) in this industry take different approaches, but with my experience, I work face to face with individuals seeking to make a career change. Let’s face it; most of our communication is face to face. As I work with clients, I call it “learning to read between the words.” Yes, you might get something out of a phone dialog with someone, but the conversation will improve ten-fold by meeting with a coach face to face.

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Well, it happened again. Each time I drive by our local gas station the price of gas has gone up-again…and again…and again. But why? Greed? Economics? Because they can? Who’s to say?

One thing we do know is that we can predict the change. Gas prices or whatever are-and will likely be-constantly changing.

Let’s unpack this in light of the job search. You’re applying for a position that you know is the prefect match for your experience and goals for the future. But, unbeknownst to you, the employer’s needs (and the position) have changed part way through the process-and they didn’t even tell you! Now what? The job you are in the process for applying for could be totally different from what the employer actually is going to hire for.

If you have spent time researching the company, discovering their line of work, and becoming familiar with their industry, you may be able to navigate around this roadblock. Being armed with this information with help you to flex with the employers needs. In this case, as the employer redefines the position, it may end up being even a better fit for you! Once you have this fit, you’ll be able to attack your career with passion and look forward to Monday morning!

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Well? It’s a fair question that deserves an answer. An answer of some thought. I know in my many years as a human resources manager and director, we went through the motions, presuming the candidates would come to us - on our terms. 

Depending on economic times, an employer can get away with this attitude, but when times get tough - truly, why would job seekers come to you and better yet, why would your key employees stay with you? Yes, I’m being bottom-line and open with you here (revealing a bit of my past), but what follows is a solution to this growing trend.

Two thoughts:

First, how does the job seeker see you? What is your responsiveness to them? Contrary to the latest trends out there, do you “allow” them to communicate with you? Do you “allow” them to easily learn about your company? Most employers that I consult with “hide” their contact information and even basically use the phrase “don’t call us, weíll call you”. I challenge you to ask: ì”s there any true communication happening?” Does the applicant just feel like “another number” when they apply to your “black hole”?

And second, poll your current employees. Call it a town hall meeting or what ever you what, but once you give them the freedom to share their thoughts and opinions, you might be truly surprised! I remember at a non-profit I was leading at, comments I heard in this light were “the people are friendly, but this job is not at all what I thought it would be” to “why isn’t ______ talked about or addressed in orientation?” Then take action for positive change with this information. This is your prim-time to keep (or loose) your new employee!

Let me challenge you to let your company’s true “personality” shine through. Is your organization truly an “employer of choice?”, or is this just a catch phrase that corporate is using? 

If you want to stand out from the crowd and be a magnet for key talent, give these thoughts a try! All the best!

Technorati Tags: assessments, career assessment, career coach, career coaching, career consulting, Coaching, cover letter, disc assessment, interview tips, kevin tucker, keywords, life coach, life coaching, negotiating, outplacement services, Passion and Job Satisfaction, resume, resume writing, transition coach, video interview