Expert Interview with Sherri Thomas on Career Coaching

Expert Interview with Szu sichri Thomas on Career CoachingSherri Thomas started her career on the corporate side in training, development, marketing and branding, but shes best known for her work in career coaching as an author and expert. She sat down with us to explain career coaching and why its so important. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Why is career coaching more important than ever?Right now, companies all over the world are in a fight for survival. Theyre in a continuous loop of expanding, downsizing, merging and being bought out by a competitor. As an employee, nobody is safe. And the only way to survive is knowing how to identify and create your own career opportunities.Why are so many finding it so hard to get a job?Weve become an erreichbar society where convenience is the driving force. Its much easier to shop, bank, get an advanced degree, etc., online than it is to actually drive to a place of business. Therefore, many j obs have been lost due to the Internet or outsourcing. Fewer jobs mean a higher than normal talent pool of job seekers.What do job seekers do to sabotage themselves without even realizing it?The biggest mistake I see professionals making is creating a one-size-fits-all resume. That is, putting all of their skills along with every job theyve ever had onto one resume, and then forwarding that resume to all of their job leads. You need to be much more strategic when applying for a job. Only showcase those skills, accomplishments and previous employments that relate to the new job. The hiring manager doesnt care about every job youve ever had. He only cares about whether you can do his job.Whats one thing everybody should have on their resume that they may bedrngnis realize, and why?I create a section on my clients resumes called Additional Skills to highlight relatable and transferable skills, which may not have been addressed on the job description. This is a great way to feature some of those unique skills you have and give you a competitive edge against the competition.What are some trends in hiring and human resources we should be keeping an eye on?Creating a skills matrix will get you noticed. A skills matrix is a very simple way of showing how your experience and expertise directly aligns with the jobs key requirements. This means that your resume and skills matrix need to be customized and targeted for every job you go after. It takes time and effort, but the benefit is having more high-quality job interviewsSherri Thomas is a Career Strategist. She teaches others how to think differently and more proactively in their careers. Her book, The Bounce Back, is the 2013 winner of Best Career Book by Indie Book Awards for independent book authors. Download her free three-part video training series, 15 Clever Ways to Get More Job Offers, at Career Coaching 360.

6 Ways To Neutralize Gender Bias On Your Next Interview

6 Ways To Neutralize Gender Bias On Yur Next Interview Although many workplaces and managers are adamant about supporting gender diversity, recent research shows that bias still rears its ugly head in the interview process. In fact, for many male interviewers, the bias is so innate that they are leid even themselves aware of it.So, as a woman, how can you be successful in an interview-- even when you know the deck is stacked against you?1. Project ConfidenceYou can address any doubt than an interviewer might have about your skills with confidence. Interviews make everyone uneasy, and if you seem at all nervous, you may play right into your interviewers stereotypes. The best way to combat nerves is to be prepared. That means you that before the interview you should a) do your research, b) prepare your answers, and c) practiceout loud. If youre walking into an interview without having done at least one hour of preparation, then you are bedrngnis ready.2. Disarm Your InterviewerIn the f irst few minutes of the interview, say or do something that will seriously impress your interviewer. Take him by surprise -- in a good way, and make him glad to be talking to you. There are lots of different ways to accomplish thisYou can cite a fact or a piece of data you are familiar with that is relevant to the discussionYou can reference something that came up in your research about the company -- but NOT something obvious. Choose a tidbit that youve inferred or that would take a long time to uncover.You can reference something interesting about the interviewer personally. For example, if in your research youve discovered that theyre really into sailing andyouhave something interesting to say about sailing, you can draw him in by saying it.Compliment your interviewer. This is trickier because you may not have obvious fodder, but if you know that he worked on a specific product launch for example, you can say, youve made that product so successful. Great work.3. Demonstrate knowl edgeWhen youre answering his interview questions, be sure to get really specific about your past work and assignments. Bring your story to life by talking in detail about the work youve done and howyou personallyadded value. Dont be afraid to say I as opposed to we when youre talking about past projects and accomplishments.4. Be a great listenerLet the interviewer talk, and engage with what hes saying. Let him think hes guiding the conversation -- even though you have an agenda and key talking points youll get across. Ask thoughtful questions about what hes saying so he knows you understand.5. Thank him, but not profuselyDont let your interviewer think you are desperate for this job in any way. Make him wonder whether hed be able to get you for the job. Its just like dating Play a little hard-to-get. If you seem to eager or available, again, youre playing into stereotypes.6. Go easy on yourselfOften, as women, were so tough on ourselves, we make interviews harder and more nerve wrac king than they need to be -- and it negatively impacts our performance. Lower your standards for yourself, and you can bet youll probably still deliver on his. And, youll feel better coming out of the interview -- whether or not you get the job.A version of this article previouslyappeared on Elle.com.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women.Join us by reviewing your employer