11/5/09: Top Career Posts this Week
Every week I check dozens of “career” blogs and other online publications, looking for things that will help you find a job, get promoted, develop your skills, and keep everything in perspective and balance. Here’s the pick of the lot for this week. I’m pointing you to items about becoming a star, moonlighting and creativity, helping others tell your story, success for introverts, and acing that interview. I’ve also included a pointer to a new blog on Student Branding.
From the HR Capitalist: Being a Star – Either Put In More Hours Than Others, or Start Eliminating Stuff (But Stop Whining)…
“Being a star – everybody wants to be one, but few want to (or perhaps can) do what it takes to be one. I’m reminded of the fact that most stars become stars because they simply outwork all the people who won’t do what it takes to become world class.”
Wally’s Comment: Despite what you may have heard or read, great success doesn’t happen overnight and it doesn’t happen without hard work. That’s not news, but it is worth hearing.
From the Wall Street Journal: Unleashing Your Creativity While You’re Moonlighting
“It’s no secret that job security is a thing of the past. Taking on part-time work—especially in a creative arena you’ve always wanted to pursue—is one way to earn extra income and begin exploring new work opportunities before it becomes a necessity, says Scott Belsky, CEO and founder of Behance, a New York-based company that develops products and online tools for creative industries. But fitting this extra work into your schedule takes planning. How to get started.”
Wally’s Comment: This post is an interesting twist on the moonlighting issue. If you’re stifled at work or just needing a bit of extra income or even looking for a new career, here are some ideas about how you can do it.
From Andy Robinson: Does Your Network Have Clarity on What You Do for a Living?
“How well are you “branded” amongst your network of connections – friends, family members, individuals with whom you share outside interests, vendors, clients, colleagues, former colleagues?”
Wally’s Comment: We tend to think that the people who know us well also know what our brand is. That’s not necessarily true and it can lead to missed opportunities.
From the NY Times: Success Isn’t Only for the Extroverts
“THE year was 1989, and I had just joined one of the world’s financial powerhouses as a marketing manager. My progression of jobs entailed planning, writing, editing and producing marketing materials. I enjoyed the thinking parts of the jobs the most. My days, however, were filled with meetings. ”
Wally’s Comment: I’ve seen several articles lately about how you can be an introvert and “still” succeed. This is the best one.
From the Student Branding Blog: Company Research: The Key to Acing an Interview
“When it’s interview time, I’m just as much of a mess- at least internally- as the next person. With practice, I’ve learned a few techniques that help me relax. Remembering to breathe is a good start. Slowing down, really listening to my responses and reflecting before I speak also helps. But, the best technique I’ve found is arming myself with information prior to the big interview day.”
Wally’s Comment: The Student Branding Blog is new from Dan Schawbel. That alone should make it worth a look. Articles like this one will keep you going back.