The Career Encouragement Blog

The true joy in life...

Here's another great quote to encourage you in your work:

"This is the true joy in life - being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances." ~ George Bernard Shaw

Who is idle?

I am in the middle of final projects before this semester winds up next week and I feel like I am droooooowning!  In times like these I draw on my collection of inspiring quotes for motivation.  Here is a favorite:

"He is not only idle who does nothing, but he is idle who might be better employed."  ~ Socrates

Do you have a favorite encouraging quote about work?  Please leave a comment and share!  I'm up to 22 regular readers a day and they would love to hear what you have to say!

To Be of Use

I love this poem by Marge Piercy.  It's inspiring and energizing.  Every time I read it I am encouraged to do a better job of making my work count for something.  What do you think of it?

To be of use
by Marge Piercy

The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half submerged balls.

I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.

I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who stand in the line and haul in their places,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.

The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.

"To be of use" by Marge Piercy © 1973, 1982.
From CIRCLES ON THE WATER © 1982 by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. and Middlemarsh, Inc.

The Relationship Between Informational Interviewing and Networking

The How to (almost) Get the Job blog left a great comment in response to the recent post on Informational Interviewing that deserves further comment. "Almostgotit" says:

What I've come to realize is that we are "networking" all the time,
whether we do it consciously or not.  Scheduling an informational
interview is only the most formal version, I think.  Until recently, I
wasn't fully convinced that this was the way to get jobs, but having
just landed one with folks who got to know me over the past few years,
I'm now a full-fledged convert.

This is a great point.  I absolutely agree that informational interviewing is a form of networking.  One nice aspect of informational interviewing is that it helps you build a network in a non-threatening way.  Because an informational interview by it's very structure acknowledges a power differential (i.e., I am in need of information and you may have some), it does two things:

1. It puts the person you are meeting with in a position to be able to give.  Most people enjoy contributing from their experience and skills - it makes them feel good.  So this is a good thing.
2. It puts you in the position of asking and learning.  This can be humbling, but also very affirming and motivating. 

The result is that with the power differential made explicit by the nature of the meeting, you can now proceed to be productive in the meeting.  Sometimes at more traditional "networking" events, there can be a sort of unspoken jockeying for power (i.e., "You share your Rolodex, and I may share mine.") that makes it difficult to move forward in the relationship building process.  And let's face it, we all know that if you are "networking" and not building relationships, you're headed for disaster eventually.

For more good information on positive networking, check out Jeffrey Gitomer's Little Black Book of Connections: 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to Rich Relationships.  It's a concise guide to building positive working connections with people.  Because it's written in brief, easy to digest sections, you can read a little here and there whenever you need a reminder to brush up your people skills and offer value to everyone you meet!

Job Search Rule #12 - Learn to Conduct Informational Interviews - Part III

Last week I posted twice on the topic of informational interviews (see here and here).  I would estimate that maybe only 1 in 10 job seekers actually try informational interviewing.  I don't have any statistical evidence to prove it, but my intuition and experience tell me that those who effectively employ and informational interview strategy in their job search are far more likely to land well.  The following success stories demonstrate the value of this activity:

Success Story #1

Mariah contacted me a few years ago when she was becoming burned out and frustrated in her position as a Marketing Coordinator at a small office systems supply company.  I asked, as I always do, "What do you want to do?"  Like many folks, she just didn't know. Now let me say at this point, there is no shame at all in not knowing what you want to do in your career.  With the variety of opportunities and choices available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and not sure where to start.  However, there is a problem if you continue for years and years with no idea.  It's important to figure out a plan to get you unstuck.  This is where informational interviews can help. 

I asked Mariah a bit about her education, and her likes and dislikes with her current and past situations.  She told me about a job she once had at a vocational college where one of her tasks was to help students learn basic computer skills so they could complete class assignments.  We started talking about computer training and she mentioned that a company called ExecuTrain had offices in the building she currently worked in, and she had always wondered what they do.  You can guess what happened from there...we strategized about how to get in the door for an informational interview, what to ask and how to follow-up.  She called, secured an appointment and had a great time meeting with the manager. 

Lo and behold they happened to have an opening.  They were impressed with Mariah's assertiveness and self-confidence, so they invited her to interview.  Although they had candidates with more experience, Mariah had built a relationship during her informational session and got the job!  She ended up loving the position - her student evaluations were consistently very high and most of all she had fun.

Of course, this doesn't always happen when you go for an informational interview.  A lot of times the person you meet won't have a job open, but if you build a productive relationship there is no telling what the future can bring.  Read on...

Success Story #2

About 11 years ago I was feeling a bit frustrated in my work.  I was pregnant with my first child and I was just beginning to think about the concept of work/family balance.  In conversation with a student intern at my company (Wendy) I mentioned these concerns.  Wendy told me that one of her faculty members at the U was always talking about work/family issues.  She was an adjunct faculty member who worked full time in HR at a local Fortune 500 company and had 2 children of her own. 

Because I believed so strongly in the value of informational interviewing even back then, I got the instructor's phone number, called her up, and asked if we could meet so I could learn about what she was thinking about work and family in the corporate world.  We met and had a great conversation.  That was it...until over a year later when the same woman called me because she had a position posted in her department and thought of me.  She'd already received several resumes but hadn't found the right fit.  I interviewed and got the job.  It was a great career move for me, and it all started with an informational interview some time earlier.

I've also gotten two other jobs through informational interviews.  It's a strategy that works!

However, we all know that sometimes there isn't even a job down the road for you.  You have a nice meeting, ask your questions, and go away, and you never hear from the person again (even though you follow-up professionally!).  I have had this happen.  However, that doesn't mean that that the meeting isn't useful.  If you can net good information about a company, an industry or a career path that helps you get closer to making a decision about your next step, then you have had a successful meeting. 

Remember, the first measure of success for an informational interview, is did you acquire good quality information?  The second, and equally important measure of success is did you give something in return?  By give something in return I mean did you allow the person you met with to share something valuable and good about themselves and feel like they were making a contribution to your success (believe it or not it is a gift to allow people to do this - anyone with a true professional spirit knows this!).  Making a good professional connection and getting a job lead are third and fourth measures of success to be concerned with.

If you've never done it, I encourage you to try informational interviewing as a means of growing in your career.  It takes courage and effort, but it's well worth it!

What is your "Occupational Theme"?

I love career assessment tests.  Whether the tool is complex or simple, whether it places you in one of  six personality categories, or helps you identify which one of 4 communication preferences you use the most, I think it's always useful to take some time to reflect on who you are and what you can contribute in the workforce. 

Here's a fun one called the Holland Occupational Themes Self Assessment.  It takes just a few minutes to find out if you are realistic, investigative, social, enterprising, artistic or conventional.  Then check the Career Briefs section to see which occupations your personal theme matches. 

How does your salary measure up?

Worried you aren't being paid enough for your hard work?  Check out the Global Rich List and compare your salary to others and see how you rank.

Spring clean your career?

Here's a fun article from the MSN Careers webpage on spring-cleaning your career.  I like the metaphor - it's encouraging and actionable!

Job Search Rule #12 - Learn To Conduct Informational Interviews - Part II

In yesterday's post I wrote about using informational interviews to boost your job search.  Why is this such a powerful tool?  Because:

• So few people actually do it that those who do stand out.  In fact, I would guess that less than 1 in 10 people use this technique in their job search.
• It indicates that the job seeker possesses the traits of ambition and thoughtfulness, both of which will help you perform better in a job search (and make no mistake - a job search is a performance!).
• People who are successful (by this I mean successful in terms of living a worthwhile life of productivity and confidence, not just people who make a lot of money) enjoy telling others how they got there.  When you ask them about their story (instead of trying to tell your own story as you do in a traditional interview) they begin to build a relationship with you.  They may not have an opening for you, but they will think of you when they do.
• You can often get to talk to people at levels in a company that you might never get to meet during a regular interview process based on a job posting.

In order to help you make the most of an informational interview, follow these basic do's and don'ts:

DO

• Come prepared with a list of questions.  Have enough to see you through an hour (even if you only asked for 30 minutes). 
• Have your questions prepared before you even dial the phone to make the appointment.  Sometimes you will catch people at their desk who will offer to talk on the spot - you want to make the most of the opportunity!
• Ask your most important questions first so you make sure you have time for them.
• Research the company, industry, and profession before going in so that you don't ask basic questions and miss the chance to get real information that can help you.
• Keep it interesting!  Ask what they think about current industry trends or a controversial topic in the industry.
• Ask what they think is the best way for you to get started in the company/profession/industry.
• Listen, listen, listen.
• Ask if they can recommend others who can provide you with additional perspective on the industry.
• Attempt to close on time - watch the clock and say, "I want to be respectful of your time and I can see that we have just a few more minutes.  One thing I really wanted to ask you is..."  If they choose to go overtime, that is great for you, but be prepared to end on time.
• Follow-up promptly (within 48 hours!) with a thank you note.
• Follow-up again in a week or two with another thanks and a relevant article.

DON'T

• Don't attempt to wing it.  Come prepared!
• Don't be late or treat the meeting as an optional appointment that you can just reschedule.  Once you schedule time for someone to do you a favor, you need to prioritize it and be there!
• Don't ask if they have any questions for you.  Remember, you scheduled the meeting to interview them!
• Don't contradict them or try to educate them. If you find during the interview that they have a completely different take on the industry than you have picked up in your research or prior informational interviews.  If they say something that surprises you, just say, "So would you support the approach described in the recent [trade journal] article?" or some such thing...
• Don't confuse an informational interview with a job interview.  In other words, don't try to trick them into interviewing you. Believe it or not, people have done this and it smacks of schlock every time!
• Don't offer your resume - in fact, don't even bring it with you.  If they are kind enough to ask, let them know you will send it to them.  Then you can send it with your thank you note later that afternoon.
• Don't forget to follow-up.  People will remember, and you will see them again. 

Sounds like a lot of effort, doesn't it?  It is.  But remember - only about 1 in 10 job seekers are willing to go through the time and effort necessary to schedule, prepare for and conduct informational interviews.  If you are the one, you will stand out from your fellow job-seekers, you will expand your network, you will learn and grow more, and you will find out about more opportunities.

Good luck!

Job Search Rule #12 - Learn to Conduct Informational Interviews - Part I

Informational Interviewing is probably the most successful, yet least used strategy for job seekers and career developers.  An informational interview is when you initiate a meeting with someone who is successful in a particular career and interview them about what they do, what it's like to do it, and how they have achieved success.  Done correctly, it is a powerful and encouraging job search activity. 

One reason I believe so strongly in this strategy is because 2 pivotal career opportunities I had early on were the direct result of informational interviews I had initiated.  When people ask me for help in their career search, I often recommend they put together a plan for informational interviews.  Whether or not they are willing to do this tells me a lot about a person and often impacts whether I can help them.

This is an important topic so I will be writing a couple of postings on it.  In the meantime, check out this great handout on informational interviewing from the University of St. Thomas Life/Work Center.