Career Crossroads Review Strategy - 3 Simple Steps to Take Your Career to the Next Level

A crossroads check.

At the end of the movie, Cast Away, Tom Hanks stood at the intersection of two desert roads, nothing for miles around, contemplating which direction to take. He knew his choice would impact the direction of his life. If you were in this position, would you consider it scary or exciting?

My request of you is to mark today as your crossroads in the desert; reflect on what has brought you to this point-in-time and what direction you wish to take next.

Implementing the following three steps can be extremely useful in making this decision:
Step 1: Know what you want!

To get what you want, you first need to have a clear picture of your desire. Take time to think about what you want in life and what would it feel like to have it. If you merely want a paycheck, for example, you can get one in a job you hate or one you love. Which would you prefer? List your criteria for living well, for having that desire.

When you have a vision of where you want to be, set goals to help you move toward that vision. If, for instance, you want financial independence at a certain age, set incremental goals each year to get you there. The picture or vision will enable you to reach those incremental goals much easier, as the vision pulls you forward.

Set up a crossroads debrief meeting with yourself (or a partner) to review and make a list of what you have done since your last debrief or the past year. If this sounds overwhelming, here is a suggestion: Just as you write status reports to your managers, you can write one to yourself. This personal status report listing your accomplishments each month can be a useful tool for keeping track of your actions while moving you towards your goals and maintaining your motivation. Can you imagine what a jaw-dropping, eye-popping, good feeling experience it will be to review those accomplishments at year end?

Questions to consider:

• What happened since my last crossroads debrief?
• What goals have I reached?
• Where am I on the goals not yet completed?
• What were my most proud achievements? What did I do to reach them?
• What challenges/difficult situations occurred? How did I handle them?
• What did I do well? What would I like to do better?
• Where do I want to go from here?

Step Two: Feel and act as if it already is here!

Today's world is a difficult place-recession, workforce reductions, more work and less time, etc. All these circumstances can lead to difficult options. Let's remember we always have a choice even when faced with alternatives we don't care for. We can choose to be a victim (why me?) or we can choose to look for opportunities and move on! Step 2 is about taking responsibility for our attitude, emotions, and choices.

A great model I use comes from The Oz Principle by Roger Connors, Tom Smith, and Craig Hickman-Above the Line (Steps to accountability) and Below the Line (the Blame Game).

Below the Line is where we take on the role of victim. We play the Blame Game-why me? Why did they (whoever "they" are) do this to me? We stay stuck in anger, frustration, wishing for what was. We take a wait and see attitude, confused about what to do next, or in denial until our deepest fears happen. How does staying in this 'victim mentality' serve you? Would you not rather be Above the Line, taking accountability for your feelings, reactions, and choices?

This is a four-step process:

1) See it - recognize and acknowledge the current situation and your feelings about it.

2) Own it - accepting responsibility for where you are now. Your choices led you to this moment.

3) Solve it - finding and implementing solutions; perhaps as simple as updating your resume; thinking about what value you bring to the marketplace based on its needs, etc.

4) Do it - implement your plan, one small step at a time.
Step three: Be open to receiving it!

Now that you have put things in motion and feeling hopeful and motivated, it is important to be open to receiving the opportunities you want. Sound ridiculous? "Of course, I will," you say! Sometimes we want something and deep down we do not believe we will find it. You could be thinking, "The economy is bad so there is no way I could get the job I want!" Or, "I will never find the relationship I want", or... This way of thinking is NOT being open to receive!

Keep in mind possibilities are endless. Be open and know the opportunities best fitted for you are on the way. Otherwise, you may never see them coming!

Chris Sier

Top Ten Job Search Strategies

If you are laid off, worried you will be, underemployed or just keeping your resume up to date this article is for you.

Over the last ten years the rules have changed in marketing every product. This change has affected how you will find work. We all know, the absolute best way to find a job is through networking. The unadvertised job is usually your dream job or career. Being able to network with the top officials of organizations is how to tap into this underground market.

 

Here are ten tips to help you make the most of your job search today:

1. Set solid career expectations and goals. Make a business plan just for your career. Break your career into ten year increments which will allow for a measurable result. Every solid business plan includes a marketing plan. Develop a strong marketing plan. It is not who is the best candidate to gets the job and in many cases it is the person with the best marketing campaign.

2. Follow the career business plan to the letter.  This point cannot be emphasized enough. Having a written plan gives you a 99% better chance of accomplishing any goal; strictly following the plan gives you that extra 1%. Your job is to find a job, spend the productive day hours applying and interviewing for positions that fit your goals.

3. Perfect your resume. Resume writing has changed. Consult with a professional recruiter to review your resume.

4. Know your skills, abilities and motivations. All to often candidates are not marketing to their skills and abilities. Knowing what your strengths and weaknesses are will ensure you are thoughtful and growth oriented. Do not be blind sided by the "tell me your top three weaknesses".

5. Explore all industry options. What would the ideal environment look like for you? What industries have this type of environment? For example, if you want to wear jeans everyday apply to those types of organizations.

6. Marketing is a numbers game. To play this game successfully becoming a sales professional is a must. Searching out all opportunities and applying to each of those that fit your desired environment is critical.

7. Do not take rejection personally. There are five applicants for every job posted, 14.9 million remain unemployed. To be noticed today you must be aggressive, consistent, and persistent. Due to the number of those looking for work you must stay on top of your game to secure your next great job.

8. Contact the employers you most want to work for.

9. Be seen and get noticed. Go to every possible networking event in your area if you are not relocating. Be seen everywhere, be known as someone who will be seen everywhere. Make sure you have business cards for yourself and place the top three to five strengths you bring to the table on this card. Let everyone know you are looking for a new opportunity. This is how to connect with the underground employment market. This unpublished market is where the highly compensated positions will be found. Make certain you follow up with anyone you meet at this networking event by sending them a quick email reminding them you are available.

10. Refine and practice your interviewing skills. Successful people do what unsuccessful people do not want to do. Successful people do what has to be done. Give up the television every night and practice your sixty second commercial, practice phone skills, prepare and practice common interview questions. Being prepared is critical for a successful job search.

Following these steps will ensure your job search is shortened from the average seven months. Do not be swayed into thinking you have plenty of time if you are laid off. If you are underemployed staying in the job search with an up to date resume can ensure you locate the right position for your talents. Most employers and recruiters believe good talent does not stay on the market for a long time, just like opportunities. The trick is to attractively position yourself for this new high speed job search marketplace.

Robin Harpe

Why GMAT Scores Are Not Everything - Your Application Essay Might Be the Deciding Factor!

• Find out why achieving ballpark GMAT Score is sufficient
• Discover how Top MBA Schools allocate vacancies
• Learn why your profile and MBA Essay might be the most important factor
• Find out what not to include in your essay

For anyone applying to an MBA program in a top business school, your GMAT score counts as one of the most important determinant on whether you gain entry into the program, regardless of your extensive work experience or undergraduate GPA.

• Score within the range of 630 to 730 

However, the GMAT is only the first step to your program of choice. Working smart to aim for a score that ranges in the ballpark of the mid 600s should be sufficient to gain you entry into a top program. Considering the 80% range of GMAT admission scores for typical top schools figure between 630 and 730, scoring within this ballpark range will probably buy you your ticket through this first step into the program. Therefore, contrary to many people's believe, scoring below a school's media 80% range as they would usually state in their admission prospectus doesn't immediately eliminate your admission chances. As such, retaking the test might not necessarily boost your admission chances.

Instead, once your GMAT score falls within this ballpark range, focus your efforts on preparing for the application essay. This next important state might just work better to help you stand out against the rest.

•  Breakdown of MBA Applicants

Typically, you will be competing in categories based on your work background. This levels the playing field for applicants and admission officers in selecting successful candidates. Majority of the applicants comprise of those who come from the finance and consulting industries and have scored well above average in the 700 range for their GMAT. Many work with prestigious asset management companies, consulting firms and investment banks.

Hence, if acceptance was based solely on GMAT scores, classes would be made up of almost exclusively applicants from these categories. In order to balance the class dynamics, admission officers have a class profile in mind, and select applicants based on this profile that will ensure a good mix of students that each brings something different to the table.

Therein lies their challenge to put together a diversity and well-roundedness such that the students from a wide range of work backgrounds and experiences complement each other while working on assignments together, especially since many are collaborative and interdisciplinary.

The proportion that most intakes end up with is an estimated 60 to 65% from the finance and consulting categories. However, with the disproportionate number of applicants from these backgrounds, competition is rife within these two categories.

Naturally, investment banking and management consulting make up the most competitive categories as the MBA is necessary career advancement measure for people working in these industries. On the other hand, the non-profit category sees the least competition. Along with the token lawyers, doctors, government civil servants and those with military background, these applicants, even with their modest GMAT scores, are chosen for the depth and unique perspectives they can offer to the class. This shows that an exemplary GMAT score doesn't necessarily buy you a sure ticket into the top schools as they are willing to trade modest GMAT scores for valuable experience.

Although not dictated by a specific policy or category quota in their selection process, admission officers tend to subscribe to these grouping guidelines to ensure that the competition is somewhat fair.

• Crafting the Killer Essay

Now that you know who you're competing against, the next step is learning how to craft an application essay that shines against the rest. Instead of talking about what the school can do for you in the essay, elaborate on how you think you can contribute and add value to the school.

You can do this by highlighting your unique work and personal experiences that others in your class can learn from. These could be special projects you've worked on or rare opportunities at work. Remember that many applicants in the consulting and finance categories might also have come from big firms so talking about this generic work experience just because of its prestige would not do much to make you stand out. Rather, you should convince the admissions officer that you have accumulated interesting and insightful experience that you are ready to share with your classmates.

Writing about oneself can be a daunting task having to sift through all the information and decide what to put into your essay. Some information can seem rather mundane to you but interesting to others. While many have interesting experiences worthy of making it into the essay, it does not know what the schools are looking for and putting their thoughts down in words that they get stumped with. Furthermore, it can be assumed that many of these applicants are better at their mathematical skills over language skills, given that they are applying for an MBA course.

Talk through your work experience with someone who is able to offer a fresh perspective in deciding what's interesting about your background, then work to pen it down in a clear and concise way. Work towards a ballpark range GMAT score and an insightful essay, and you might just be on your way into the top business school of your choice!

Jaime Leen

The Association of Chartered Accountants

Since 1996, the term "chartered certified accountant" has been used to define a British qualified accountant and is awarded to qualified applicants by the Association of Chartered Accountants. This elite group of accountants, granted Royal Charter by the Queen, specializes in business accounting, management accounting, financial accounting and even forensic accounting, among others. While many choose to take the private business route, others prefer the organized confines of a government agency.

Not surprisingly, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, or ACCA, is the world's fastest growing accountancy groups. Currently, there are more than 140,000 members, more than 400,000 affiliates and the association is present in at least 150 countries. The group is headquartered out of London, England and dates back to the early 1900s. It initially began as the London Association of Accountants and its goal was to provide transparency in the financial industry. It was not until 1930, however, that the group was finally given the green light to audit companies. After several merges and reformations, in 1974, the Royal Charter was extended and in 1995, the name that is now known was bestowed onto the association and the elite members were allowed to use the designated Chartered Certified Accountant.

The standards are the highest found in any country in the world and current qualifications include fourteen professional examinations, thirty six months of supervised accountancy experience and upon completion of Part 2 of the Professional Scheme, a degree in Applied Accounting is then required from students. The minimum guidelines are quite definitive and unyielding. While there are the occasional exemptions from at least part of the fourteen examinations, students are required to prove their knowledge in financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, company law, financial management, corporate reporting, audit and assurance and financial reporting prior to any exemptions being extended.

A new syllabus, passed in December 2007 and put into effect right away, updated the qualifications as a result of the accountancy field and its advances. It is not uncommon, and in fact, is even expected, every several years and in accordance with the changes and updates in a global financial market. At one time, examinations were held on an annual basis; now, however, they are held bi-annually and in several countries. It is likely this could change as well as demand dictates from an ever expanding field.

Besides the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, legal acknowledgment of the ACCA is left to each country. Members are afforded the option, in those countries that choose not to acknowledge the association, to apply for advanced standing when applicable. And too, there are those countries that don't require this application and simply choose to extend the courtesy.

Finally, the ACCA offers its members certain access to those committees that acknowledge the body. The Financial Services Institute of Australasia recently signed a partnership agreement, as has the Institute of Internal Auditors, the Chartered Institute of Taxation and those professional bodies in Canada, the United States and several other European countries.

David D Sprake

Modern Job Search Strategies

In a modern job search, there is so much more employment opportunity than there was just a few years ago. Thanks to job boards and social networking, there is so much more opportunity to find, research and apply for what seems like many more jobs.

But, does this variety actually offer more opportunity, or just result in more confusion? Most surveys currently suggest that with job boards only being the source of 12% of fulfilled jobs that actually these new job search systems simply result in more job search frustration.

 

Job Search basics

What has to be remembered is that although the opportunities seem greater in number, the basic truth is that the number of jobs is solely dependent on the need of employers from both the public/government and private sector for talent, and supplementing their workforce. Hence the basics of a modern job search come back to the question: how do employers fulfill their vacancies?

Modern employers

As has always been the case, many vacancies are fulfilled internally through promotion. This should be seen by all as a good thing, as employers want to encourage the internal spirit of their work place as a good place to work. The amount of internal promotion and development varies between employer to employer, but anywhere between a third and 90% of vacancies can be fulfilled internally. On average, one third of vacancies are fulfilled internally, and are nominally closed to external hires.

The old primary source of new hires was advertising, either via direct newspaper adverts or through recruitment agencies. While still accounting for one third of fulfilled vacancies, the biggest change in this sector has been from local newspapers to online jobs boards. From launching in 2000, job boards now account for 12% of fulfilled vacancies, which is just over half of the market share which used to be fulfilled by local newspapers. While many may think that the market share is higher, the truth is that most of the good and active local job boards are actually owned by the local newspapers, who now offer a blended media package across a range of formats, which hence supplements their income over greatly degradation it.

Modern job search

But the advertising method of gain new hires and employees is on the wane, thanks to the internet. The fastest expanding sector in recruitment is hiring known people. Traditionally made up of employers hiring people from their supplier’s customers or competitors, the lower cost and known knowledge of the hiring company by the new employee also means quicker integration and hence operational efficiency. This method is now supplemented by two new tactics, with firstly employers paying employees to recommend new hires, and secondly employers using social media search methods to find the exact people with the required skills to fulfill their vacancies. It is postulated by the employment industry that with so much growth at business networking groups such as Linked In, where members can upload their CV/resume for free, that CV/resume databases in the future will not be required or commercial.

The question therefore comes down to what the modern job seeker can do to improve their job search, in both speed to employment and opportunity? Firstly, even if you are looking for a local job, no longer can you rely on just skimming the newspaper and job boards for b adverts to respond to. With only 12% of jobs fulfilled that way, you are reducing your chances of employment by 90%. This should be but one strategy in your job search.

Core Job Search Strategies

Modern job seekers also have to deploy three further strategies.

Firstly, you already have a target job in mind, so why not extend that and have a target employer in mind? I suggest that you initially take 10 potential employers, and research them thoroughly. From this you should gain an idea of what they do, how they do it, the way they operate and where your skills could fit in their organization. Now using social media tools such as Linked In to find the name of the potential hiring manager, approach them via an Informational Interview with a request for a meeting.

Secondly, when you know that employers are paying employees to find new hires, the power of Job Search Networking is greatly increased. Where do the employers go who recruit in your sector? Is there a local business group, such as a chamber of commerce; or a professional sector body covering your profession, such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants? A simple per-formed Elevator Pitch and the premise that you probably won't secure a job at the meeting, but a follow up coffee could easily secure an introduction, should see more opportunity come your way.

Thirdly, make sure that your Social Media Profile is on the internet in the right places and in the right order. 80% of employers now undertake initial background checks on job applicants to job adverts through a simple Goggle-based search of your name. Hence not having a social media profile is as bad as having one which includes your professional profile next to pictures from your lads stag do in Spain. Employers want socially connected people, but if you place it on the internet then its fair game in consideration and not privacy intrusion.

Ten years ago a job search was looking through newspapers, the new opportunities offered by new tools and techniques need to be applied so that they give you the best chance of employment. So don't just replace a newspaper with a job board, look at the three additional strategies - Informational Interview, Networking and Social Media profile - to get employed quicker in the job you want.

Good Luck!

Ian R McAllister

Finding a Job in Today's Challenging Economy

In today's economy, finding a job has become increasingly more difficult for many people. This is true in all sectors and includes people from all pay scales who are currently out of work and are trying to find a decent paying job.

When searching for a job, there are a number of different things that should be done. It is important to not get frustrated in the search as it is currently a very competitive market.

Because of this, you need to look at many different options during the search. There are a lot of online websites and providers that offer job seekers the tools to help them in their quest. By getting set up with an online account, you are able to post your resume, get in touch with employers, and browse all of the available jobs that are currently out there.

When you are doing the work required in finding a job, one important issue is that your resume should be up to date. It needs to reflect the current job that you are going for. If your resume does not reflect the job market for which you are in, you are less likely to get a position.

It is a wise idea to have several different resumes that highlight different areas of your career. This way, when you are seeking employment in a particular job market, you can present a resume that is customized to that particular market. With your resume it is also important that your references are up to date, relevant, and they are also willing to give a recommendation. Many times people will list references on the resume who have not agreed or will not give the best review. This is certainly a mistake that can be avoided.

Available jobs can be found in many different places. That is why it is important to look in all different areas. Look online, look in the newspaper, and be aware of local opportunities and information about potential jobs. You never know where you might find that dream job.

When going for the interview, it is wise to prepare thoroughly before the actual day. Practice going over potential questions, make sure that you are very familiar with the company itself, and make sure that you have a presentable and professional outfit to wear. It is always best to dress more professionally than the job requires. With some research and diligence and good presentation skills, finding a job of your dreams is possible. Do not get frustrated as this may take some time but as long as you are optimistic you should certainly succeed.

Jeremy Winters 

Should You Buy a Business or Get a MBA?

Profit Now or Profit Later

Those who have recently graduated from college or in the process of completing their degrees, specifically those who are majoring in business, find it hard to choose between two contrasting options: to stay in school and get a MBA - Master's of Business Administration - or go out into the real world and start a business. To make an informed decision on this matter, there are four factors that one needs to consider: money, time, estimated return on investment and the current market condition. Those people who choose to get a masters degree do so under very stressful situations. They usually work part-time while studying, earning just enough to sustain full-time classes. These students oftentimes use their own savings, borrow money from family members or friends, and sometimes go into debt issues because of unpaid student loans. After a couple of years studying in a business school, they already possess a significant degree of education that they can use as an advantage over those who did not pursue a MBA. However, they cannot deny the fact that they are also far behind when it comes the actual world of entrepreneurship.

Business Owners and the MBA program

It can be very beneficial if you decide to get a MBA program while running an already existing business. Everything you will learn from your classes can be directly applied to the business you are managing. Buying a business and running it personally will help you develop new business skills and hone those that you already have. Having a MBA degree will surely show you how to improve your weaknesses in business management. Attending a business school is also a good opportunity for you to meet new people and make lifelong professional relationships that will give you an advantage in running an existing small business. A MBA will surely give you strong credibility within local communities. Financially, you can also benefit from a master's degree. Bankers are more than willing to approve loans to business owners who have MBAs. A good MBA program will also help you think like an executive, as the things you'll learn from classes will guide you in business issues and expansion strategies.

Becoming a Successful Business Owner

You should know that buying a business is a costly process. You need to spend a considerable amount of money if you want to buy a business or purchase a franchise. In either option, you need to get financing assistance for the purchase price, the inventory cost, marketing and advertising expenses, and the property or equipment lease payments. The money you will spend on continuing with your MBA can also be good capital for buying a business. Your money will be returned immediately in the form of sales income. Among the simplest ways to buy a business is to go for an established franchise. This move is safer because all planning has already been done by the parent company, and the business methods and processes were also tried and tested in the market. Everything you'll need is at your fingertips. The franchisor will guide you on the operations of the business, showing you the strategies to make the most out of your franchise. There is also a good chance that the people you will deal with at the franchisor level have already earned their MBAs.

Doing it the Right Way

Here is a guide on how to buy a business and get a MBA:

• Use your savings from college to buy a business. You may opt for an existing business or franchise because it is safer and profits come in faster.

• Learn from the experts in the industry, and save up as much as you can.

• Once the business is running smoothly and annual sales are remarkably growing, you can go back to school as a part-time student and pursue a MBA.

• Earn more profits!

The good news is that small business opportunities these days include offers to help business owners get MBAs. Also, a recent write-up in a popular business publication stated that becoming a MBA consultant or coach is a highly profitable business venture that aspiring entrepreneurs should definitely consider.

The questions now are... How many business owners in your community have MBAs? Did they earn them before or after they decided to buy a business?