Setting yourself up to succeed or fail takes the same amount of energy. If you put all of your effort into finding a job, chances are you are not going to do things to screw it up.  If you just happen to “land” a job and it’s not something you are totally into, then chances are you will screw it up.  Sabotage is the quickest excuse in realizing, “See, I know I’d screw it up!”  Don’t fall victim to that mind game no matter what the reason.  If you are not happy in a job, then quit or be smart and interview while you are still employed and find something you love doing.  Just because you have a job does not mean you love it.  Before you make attempts to sabotage your efforts despite your best intentions, stop, think and follow what your passion and don’t let fear get the better of you.

Having a traditional resume always on hand is the preferred choice.  There are different formats of resumes that many people use but the one I prefer is 1-2 pages maximum, formatted by objective, strengths followed by current employment and work your way back to prior employers.  If you have more than 5 employers in the past 20 years, I would stop there.  No need to go back to your first job out of high school or college.  Stick to your current line of work so if you dabbled in areas outside of your current area of expertise, eliminate or modify them to fit into your current career path.  A bio can be used particularly if you are a senior executive with 20 + years experience, have written or consulted for awhile, or if there are major gaps in your work history that don’t flow and are better explained by the story your bio will tell vs. seeing it on printed paper.

Well, yes and no.  Being in the right place depends on where you are standing when you ask that question.  The time is always right if and when you are ready to take the necessary steps to push through and find the career that is right for you.  So yes, timing and being present are important aspects of attracting the job you want. If you just “sit it out” waiting for something perfect to fall into your lap, you may be waiting a very long time.  Finding the right approach to bring about change in your career is as much up to you as the forces working on your behalf behind the scenes. So, next time you think you need to be in the right place at the right time in order for things to work out for you, think again.  Turn around, adjust your watch and then start moving!

People want to help you no matter what you may believe.  It is always important and necessary to ask for help from whomever you trust and believe has your best interests at heart.  When looking for a job, if it’s your first time out of school, or you are re-entering the job market after a break or are just looking for a change after many years, it is no time to be shy!  Asking those around you for help is not an imposition.  If you ask them to “get you a job” that’s one thing. If you know your boundaries and are asking them for assistance in, getting an interview, an introduction, a review of your resume etc., you are not placing the burden on them to find you work but instead offer you guidance and advise along the way.  Think of how it makes you feel to be of service and to know you’ve helped someone with something that was important to them.  That is how people will feel when they are able to offer you assistance.  Go ahead, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Figuring out who you are first, before you figure out what job you want second is the most important step you can take in your search for a meaningful career.  You define success a number of ways.  Based on how you were raised and your life experiences, you are able to overcome the fear or failure or the fear of success. They are really the same thing.  Fear.  Fear is an obstacle designed to hold you back from achieving your greatest potential.  Discovering why you are afraid, just like knowing what motivates you are elements you need to explore in order to overcome the blocks and barriers that may be holding you back.  There is no need to be afraid.  Jump in with all your might and you will be pleasantly surprised!