PILOT YOUR LIFE, Vol. 2, No. 6

June 2003

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NAVIGATE THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN YOUR LIFE

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Welcome to the June issue of PILOT YOUR LIFE. Since job-hunting techniques have changed, share this issue with anyone who is considering a career or job change or has been affected by a job loss.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

1. Comments from Mary Alice Hurd, Ph.D.

2. Finding a different job.

3. Job-hunting techniques have changed.

4. Tips to help you make a job or career change.

5. What would a career and change coach do?

6. Biographical Information

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1. Comments from Mary Alice Hurd, Ph.D.

Many of us have been facing changes. The May issue of PILOT YOUR LIFE focused on “coping with a job-loss.” This month’s newsletter focuses on making a change in your life such as moving to a new career or a new job. Such a change could occur because of a job loss or because you feel stuck in your present job.

When considering a job change, you may feel as if you are pushing off from the dock in your ship without knowing exactly where you are going. There are no clear directions for navigating through this time. This is a time of reorientation. Some questions to think about include: What are your passions? What changes do you want to make? What challenges are you facing?

If you have questions, suggestions or comments about these subjects please e-mail them to me at maphurd@mail.smu.edu or contact me at 972-690-0442. If you would like a free coaching session, contact me to arrange an appointment.

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2. Finding a different job.If finding another job is a top priority you need to

a. Check your financial situation. How can you conserve your financial resources?

b. Think about what you want to do. What interests do you have about which you are passionate?

c. Inventory your skills, your strengths, and your experiences.

d. Be creative. List a variety of jobs that you can do. Try to find a job where you can combine your passions with your skills and your strengths.

e. Start networking. Talk to your family, friends, and people you meet about what you can do or want to do.

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3. Job-hunting techniques have changed. Job-hunting has changed dramatically with the use of computers, e-mail, and voice mail. You can no longer walk into an organization and apply for a job. Even when you have a potential employer’s name and phone number you will usually get voice mail instead of a “real” person. In addition, procedures to apply for jobs may vary according to the industry or geographical location.

a. Resume. Write a current, powerful resume which you can use as a template. Then you can edit it and have a separate unique resume for different kinds of positions for which you are qualified. There are organizations and people who can help you prepare a resume. However, you need to be on top of the newest trends because not every advisor will be. Some large employers use a software scanning system on all incoming resumes. This scanning software searches for keywords. Writing your resume for scanning is an art. Books have been written about this trend.

An employer may (or may not) state that your resume will be scanned. However, if you are directed to send your resume to an INTERNET address beginning with RESUMIX, you can be certain your resume will be scanned.

b. Job ministries at churches. Many churches offer services to help you improve your job-hunting skills. Call large churches in your area to see if they have such a service available to the public. Some churches charge a fee while others do not. Ask what else is available in your geographical area. You may find help in unexpected places.

c. Computer resources.

(1) If you do not feel computer literate, take courses or consult your friends and family. Let them help you learn a new skill.

(2) You can use a computer to make a professional copy of your resume.

(3) Explore and use INTERNET web sites and e-mail to research job openings and to post resumes. Some suggested WEB sites include:

www.monster.com, www.yourcityjobs.com, www.hotjobs.com. (If you post your resume on www.monster.com, you need to revise it in some way every week in order to be near the top of the list of applicants.)

(4) Most libraries across the country have computer centers available for use. However they have different rules concerning how long you can use the computer and what you can do on it.

c. Work force office of your state. Some states have work force offices that provide many useful services for people looking for jobs and/or exploring careers.

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4. Tips to help you make a job or career change.

a. Get into action. Avoid slumping in front of the television and vegetating.

b. Prepare what is called an “elevator script.” This is a short speech that you could give when someone asks you, “What do you do?” For example, one man’s answer was, “I try to improve efficiency wherever and whenever I can. I am an industrial engineer.”

(One client began to introduce her “elevator script” into, or at the end of, any conversation. She decided that 99 people would not have any ideas or job leads, but the 100^th person just might have a winning tip!)

c. Consult with knowledgeable professionals. You could hire a career coach to help you explore your options, decide on your goals, and work with you to develop a plan. Then, your coach would keep you focused and encouraged as you move toward your goals.

d. Check the Sunday classifieds, neighborhood newspapers, trade and professional publications.

e. Be optimistic. When negative thoughts come into your mind, challenge them. As a coach I challenged a client whose approach to applying for a job was “I probably won’t get it. I don’t know why I am applying.” I suggested that she think, “This is a job that I am qualified to do and I just need to show them they should hire me.”

f. Get together with positive people. Their outlook on the world can cheer you.

g. Maintain your sense of humor. Write down funny things you notice. Look at cartoons. One client is forcing himself to have a belly laugh once a day.

h. Take care of yourself. Eat healthful food, exercise, act confident and look your best.

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5. What would a career and change coach do?

In the May PILOT YOUR LIFE, I wrote about one of my clients “George,” who had been laid off from a high-tech consulting firm. George was relieved after he shared the news about his lay off with his fiancée. “Cindy” assured him she has confidence in him and is being supportive of him during this stressful time.

After we evaluated his strengths, abilities, experience and his options, George formulated a plan. During each coaching session he verbally commits to completing specific actions before the next session that will bring him closer to his goal. So far he has prepared three excellent resumes for three areas in which he has experience. In addition, George has contacted people who work in each area who know and appreciate the quality of his work. Some of them have asked for his resume so they can show it to people who could use him on a contract basis. In addition, George is networking at professional meetings and with practically everyone he meets.

George and Cindy feel closer to each other now than when they first became engaged. They feel they can share their feelings and concerns freely, and are deciding on goals to which both of them are committed. They are learning what many people have discovered after they have triumphed over disappointments and frustrations: they have stronger relationships with family and friends because they have worked together during difficult times.

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6. Biographical Information

Mary Alice Hurd, creator of PILOT YOUR LIFE, is a personal and professional career and change coach, and is a licensed psychologist in the State of Texas:

She coaches clients by phone worldwide to pilot their ships utilizing their creativity and abilities at optimal levels. Contact her at maphurd@mail.smu.edu or phone her at

972-690-0442 to schedule a free coaching session.

Mary Alice presents speeches and training workshops on Being a Helpful Participant in Crucial Conversations, Managing Unexpected Changes, Career Transitions, Thriving after 55, Discovering and Using your Strengths for Greater Happiness, Finding Your Gifts and Talents, Making the Most of Your Time, Networking for Fun and Success, or other subjects of interest to your group. Contact her by e-mail at maphurd@mail.smu.edu or phone 972-690-0442 to schedule your next event.

Mary Alice earned her degrees in Psychology at George Washington University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Texas Christian University. She was a psychology professor at Southern Methodist University for 30 years.

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PILOT YOUR LIFE is intended for informational and educational purposes. It is NOT a substitute for psychotherapeutic or other professional advice and consultation.