Doing What You Love, Not Just What You Are Good At

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Doing What You Love, Not Just What You Are Good At

All our lives, we are told to go after occupations we possess the skill set for – basically, jobs which would secure our future and help us pay the bills and put food on the table forever. It’s sound advice, right? Who doesn’t want to be rolling in money by doing a job that’s relatively easy and that they’re good at? Some people would do anything to have a career like that but is it really the right choice? Here’s what I think: doing something that you love as opposed to something that you’re just ‘good at,’ will ensure long-term happiness and satisfaction. Confused? Allow me to explain!

Imagine an Arts student, skilled in painting and creative writing, but they can only choose one as a career (let’s just assume). They can create brilliant masterpieces with their brush but their writing skills are far superior when compared using certain benchmarks. Their professor recommends a career in creative writing but they feel the happiest when they paint. If they take the advice of their professor, do you think they’ll be satisfied for the rest of their lives? Of course not!

The same thing applies to everyone, including marketers, accountants, engineers, doctors, bankers, salesmen, and individuals from virtually every single profession there is. You could be doing something that you are ‘skilled’ at but that does not necessarily mean that it would bring you happiness and peace of mind. Learning along the way while doing something that you are extremely passionate about is where true happiness lies. So, pick a career path that you think you would really enjoy and apply for jobs that you feel you would absolutely love getting up for in the morning!

In the end, I would like to say that playing safe might help you secure a good job but listening to your heart will help you build a successful career while also leading a happy, content life!

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Why Getting Your Career Right is So Important

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Why Getting Your Career Right is So Important

“If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan, but never the goal.”

– Anonymous

You are in your last year of college. You are super excited to finally graduate and step foot in the professional world. A vast range of opportunities for you to kick-start your career awaits you – but will you choose the right one? A person’s career is the very reflection of their professional decisions and all that they’ve struggled for. So, it’s highly crucial that you get it right before it’s too late and you are left with nothing but regrets. Every college student should be extremely careful when planning their career goals and I’m about to tell you exactly why.

It Will Defines Your Very Future.

Choosing the right career path will impact how you live out the rest of your days. Will you lead a happy life? Are you going to be satisfied with your decisions 20, 30 years from now? Will you be financially stable? One misstep can completely change the way your life will look in the future.

You, Will, Be Satisfied with Your Job.

Intrinsic rewards are important to maintain satisfaction levels. You could have a job that pays well but if what you do isn’t aligned with your ambitions and career goals, you won’t be happy. So, select a career path that will help you accomplish your long-term goals and reach your ambitions.

Success Will Come to You.

A majority of people spend their entire lives running after professional success. But, if you are truly passionate about what you do and have a clear goal set in mind, not even the biggest mountains can stand in your way. In fact, success will eventually fall in your lap!

How Do I Choose the Right Career?

You have infinite oceans of knowledge in the palms of your hands – make good use of it. Conduct a thorough research on the internet about different career paths and how you can work towards them. Approach your seniors or professionals within different industries and get counselled by them. An even better option is to get professional career counselling and coaching from me. Book a session now: www.katelangford.com.au/bookings/

Salary Negotiations!

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The job search process is a wild roller coaster of intense emotions that can leave you feeling drained. Salary negotiation is perhaps the scariest part of the process!

A lot of people have trouble when it comes to aligning their compensation with the current trend in the market and often make the mistake of neglecting market research and selling themselves short.

I’m going to share with you 3 crucial dos and don’ts of salary negotiation so that you don’t end up making the same mistakes

DOS OF SALARY NEGOTIATIONS

1. Do your homework.

A study conducted by Jacob Jolij and Maaike Meurs of the University of Groningen showed that music has the power to alter our perceptions of the world. This means that listening to happy, uplifting music can actually make you feel happy. So, blast away some uplifting beats in the morning as you get ready for an interview or listen to them on the way to your destination. Finally, remember to keep your chin up, no matter what! What’s the worst that could happen? You may get rejected but that’s not the end of the world.

So, stay confident and you’ll eventually land the job of your dreams in a reputable organisation!

2. Do wait for the perfect moment.

Don’t abruptly ask for the salary package in the first round of interviews. Avoid initiating the salary negotiations yourself and wait for the right moment. The key is to be patient and let the employer bring up the subject.

3. Do beat around the bush a little.

In case your (potential) future employer asks you about your current package and/or the exact figure you are expecting, avoid giving a straight answer. Instead, tell them that it depends on the exact nature of your responsibilities and the duties you will be expected to fulfil.

DON’TS OF SALARY NEGOTIATIONS

1. Don’t have unrealistic expectations.

It’s tempting to ask for a salary higher than what’s being offered in the market, but don’t ask for too much. Go to the interview with realistic expectations, present your demands, and take it from there

2. Don’t give in easily.

Employers deal with hundreds of candidates on a monthly basis. They know their way around an average person’s mind and are very convincing with their words. Don’t let their intimidating body language and big words overwhelm you. Maintain your stance and keep negotiating until the very end.

3. Don’t forget to be courteous.

It’s easy to let your emotions get the best of you during salary negotiations, but it can be quite catastrophic and you could even end up being rejected. Be courteous and maintain a soft tone and respectful manner while discussing your package.

In the end, remember to stay confident and keep your chin up no matter what. Prepare a strong argument and rehearse answers to expected questions. Remember, salary negotiation is not about winning or losing; its main purpose is to come to a middle ground that will keep both the employee and employer happy in the long run.

Start your career on a positive note with professional coaching and consulting – book a session with me now: www.katelangford.com.au/bookings

 

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Tapping into the Hidden Job Market

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Selling yourself outside of “Seek”

 

Have you ever wondered how people get jobs that have not even been advertised on seek or anywhere else?

Or heard about a company “creating” a role for them?

It is called, the “hidden job market”….

Well this is how…..

They are marketing themselves to companies they want to work for OR know companies that may utilise their skills. They walk into the company itself and introduce themselves, hand in a physical resume and leave their contact details leaving a GREAT first impression.

I can tell you now, I know that when I was recruiting, if someone came into the office, took the initiative and met with me for 2 minutes, I would remember them, especially if they stood out!

Sometimes if a business knows they are busy and need more staff, but don’t have the time to create the role, write a job description or write an advert for seek, they will hire these people.

They often put the resume in a pile (yes but not as big as the seek pile) and will call them next time they have a need that sounded like you. It saves them time and money and it puts you at the top of the list!

So next time you are trying to think outside the box, think about the “hidden job market”. Confidence, a well-constructed Resume and some kicking butt is all that is required for this plan of attack!

For more information on career coaching and consulting (especially on how YOU can apply this) then make a booking at www.katelangford.com.au/bookings/