The top 5 job search mistakes you need to stop making →

Mistake #1: You don’t know what you want

Hopefully, you’ve at least narrowed your search down to a job title (or three—we actually recommend using multiple job titles when searching for postings online).

But when it comes to your resume, cover letter or interview, are you able to articulate what types of responsibilities you’re hoping to have in a job? What about your ideal work environment? How about work schedule? These are all important aspects to consider before applying.

“Get specific—what does an ideal job look like to you?” asks Lori Scherwin, founder of Strategize That, a New York City–based career coaching company..“Envision it and write it down. Doing this can help spark new ideas about what you might want to do, and where to look for it.”

Come up with at least five responsibilities that align with your interests and experience, as well your ideal work schedule and work environment. Then, take that list and compare it with the jobs you’re applying to.

Does this mean tossing aside opportunities that don’t exactly match your list? Of course not, but it does help you hone in on jobs you’d more likely be satisfied with, so you don’t waste time applying to positions that aren’t a great fit.

Full article here

How to Land an Informational Interview →

Start With Your Network

One thing candidates often struggle with is who to ask for an informational interview. To put it simply, you should start with the people you know. “If you are in college or more junior in your career, ask your family and family friends to help connect you,” suggests Lori Scherwin, founder of StrategizeThat. “As you get more senior, leverage current colleagues, former colleagues and others up and down the value chain of the industry you are looking to get into.”

If you want to reach out to someone but don’t know them directly, try to have a mutual contact introduce you. “Cold emails are possible, but your ‘hit rate’ goes up if you get an introduction,” Scherwin says.

Lastly, don’t be shy. “All too often, people don’t reach out — when they have so many people who could help them — out of fear of looking uninformed, desperate or needy,” Scherwin notes. “But more often than not, these fears are unfounded. People actually enjoy helping others, and it’s likely that the person you want to talk to has used that approach in their career as well.”

 Don’t Go in Cold

Just like a job interview, you need to do some prep work for an informational interview. “First and foremost, figure out what you are hoping to accomplish,” says Natalie Ledbetter, VP of People Operations at Stash. What do you want to learn in this meeting? “From there, come to the table with questions and a very solid understanding of the business, products and services that the company offers.” Your questions should be thoughtful and reference projects and news you’ve read about the company to show genuine interest, she says.

Make sure your questions are specific, too. “There is nothing worse than wasting someone’s time who is trying to help you,” Scherwin says. “Don’t show up and say ‘okay, tell me everything.’ Have targeted questions, and do your homework.”

 Establish a Relationship

During the actual interview, don’t just ask questions and wait for responses. “Focus on more than just content; use the time to build a relationship,” Scherwin recommends. “While you are there asking questions, you still have the opportunity to make a great impression through your professionalism.” If you see an opportunity to contribute your expertise to the conversation, and you have the relevant experience to back up your comments, go for it.

That being said, don’t ask for a job right off the bat or treat the interview like a sales pitch. “If you establish a strong connection, an opportunity might unfold, but you are there to learn, not position yourself. That might be an end goal of yours, but be careful about turning an informational interview into a job referral or request.”

Remember: Relationships Go Two Ways

“As you are listening — particularly if you are more senior in your career — think about how you can give back,” Scherwin says. “Ask how you can help the person you are meeting with. Actively listen to what they tell you, and instead of just thinking about how the info affects you, think about how your background fits in with what they are saying, how you could be a valuable person for them to stay in touch with going forward or someone in your network you want to introduce them to.”

There’s no need to force it, but be mindful of the fact that the best relationships are two-way streets. “Bottom line: Treat this informational interview as relationship building rather than just information gathering. It’s both.”

Leave the Interview With Next Steps in Place

This is the key to making your informational interview useful. “Set yourself up for success by ensuring you leave that meeting with a next step already in place so you have a reason to follow up. Create it,” Scherwin says. Maybe it’s an introduction to someone else based on something from your conversation that you want to learn more about, or perhaps it’s talking to someone else on their team about their role. Maybe it’s even asking for their advice about what skills to develop to land a role at their company.

However you do it, the takeaway is the same: “Do not leave that meeting without a follow-up in place, already knowing the next reason for you to reach out.” As an added bonus, it creates a reason to write a thank-you note or email that doesn’t feel forced, which can then naturally turn into a longer, ongoing conversation.

Full Glassdoor article here

10 Ways You Can Lower Work Stress Levels →

Remind yourself how great you are. Make a list of your recent accomplishments. “It’s easy to let the day to day go on without reflecting on your successes, both personal and professional,” says Lori Scherwin, an executive coach and founder of New York City-based firm Strategize That. “What are you most proud of? What do you do well? You’ll realize there’s more ammo than you initially thought to help bring out your best traits and quiet or combat the negative inner voice about the process.”

 

Full Forbes article here

How to Quantify Your Accomplishments at Work →

One of the best ways to make your resume stand out is to talk about your work accomplishments. But too many people focus on their responsibilities or daily tasks instead, making their resumes look like a to-do list instead of a history of outcomes and results.

When you quantify your accomplishments on your resume, you make it easy for a hiring manager to see the kind of work you can do for their organization. “It makes it more tangible. It gives you credibility and a propensity for a more robust dialogue during the interview itself,” says Lori Scherwin, founder of career coaching firm Strategize That.

Here’s how to quantify your accomplishments at work.

Identify Your Outcomes

Think about the work you do daily and the kinds of results you’re seeking. Any improvements you’ve achieved in the course of your work are a good place to start. That may include lowering costs, raising output or sales, streamlining a process or improving a filing system. “ ‘Developed cost-containment strategy’ sounds nice, but ‘developed cost-containment strategy that led to 20 percent savings’ is better,” Scherwin says.

If there aren’t hard-and-fast improvements you can put a number to, look for other ways to quantify your achievements by adding context, Scherwin says, such as by saying you were the “top seller” on your team or that you managed a team to finish a project. The more information about the scope of your work you can provide, the better, she says.

List What’s Relevant

Don’t overload your resume with too many details — it can be overwhelming if it’s too long, Scherwin says. Instead, tailor your resume to the jobs and companies you’re applying for. Use the mission of the organization you’re applying to decide which achievements to highlight, she says.

This is especially important if you’re applying for a position that’s a little different than what you’ve worked on in the past, Scherwin says. Look for achievements that speak to how you will be successful in the job you’re applying for, not just the job you had. Provide a little information about how you drove the success so the hiring manager can see the unique value you bring, she says.

Pick a Format That Highlights Your Achievements

Once you’ve decided on the key achievements to include, list them as bullet points near the top of your resume. “Some people will try to force a number into every bullet point, but it’s OK if some don’t have numbers,” she says. Provide enough detail to give the hiring manager an idea of your skills and approach to work, but keep the bullet points brief.

It all comes down to painting a picture of what you could do for an employer, Scherwin says. When you highlight your value, you make it easy for the hiring manager to see why you’re a good fit.

Link to full article

What to Do When You’re Feeling Stuck at Work →

Unfortunately, sometimes you can just feel stuck at work. You don’t feel like you’re moving forward, and you just feel blah about the whole thing. First, know this: It’s easy to feel like you’re stuck at work, especially if you’ve been in the same role for a while or keep facing seemingly tough work projects, says executive coach Lori Scherwin, founder of the New York City-based career consulting firm Strategize That.

Take a Breather: “Often people get stressed because they feel they have too much to do with increasing demands, which in turn leads them to work harder and do more, adding even more stress in the process,” Scherwin says. So take a moment to make sure things are done right—not ASAP—if you’re feeling overloaded, or just give yourself a timeout to make sure you’re able to recharge your batteries. That might mean going for a quick walk around the block or actually taking a vacation from work. “It’s possible you will feel differently after time away,” Scherwin says. “You’ll come back with a clearer mind about what you want to do next.”

Consider Your Awesomeness: You can also make a list of all of your recent accomplishments if you need a reminder. “You’ll realize there’s more ammo than you initially thought to help bring out your best traits and quiet or combat the negative inner voice about the process,” Scherwin says.

Reflect on the Last Time You Felt This Way: Everybody has had some moment where they felt meh about something, whether it was school or life in general. That’s why it’s important to reflect on what you did to improve things last time you were in this situation, Scherwin says. Maybe a little tweak made a huge difference or you needed to do something drastic to mix things up. Either way, your past can help clue you in to what can help now.

Job Hunt: You know your situation best and, if you feel like nothing is going to improve at your current gig, you can start looking for something new. A good way to figure out if this the right move for you, per Zimmerman: If you find yourself getting excited by the idea of something new. Just make sure you know what you want out of a new job, and how to actually achieve it. “You up your chances of finding a great new role if you can be specific in articulating what it is you are looking for,” Scherwin says.

Full article here

9 Things You Should Never Do When You Come Back from Holiday Break →

(Don't) Return without a plan

Getting back to your desk after a week off can put you in panic mode when you remember everything you need to accomplish. While you’re away for the holiday, plan the first three things you’ll do the morning you get back, suggests executive coach Lori Scherwin, founder of career fulfillment firm Strategize That. “Knowing what is next can make it easier to disconnect and find peace when away as you will already know what you are coming back to,” she says.

Full Readers Digest article here

How to avoid falling into a post-holiday slump at work →

The first day back from holiday break can be overwhelming: there are dozens (sometimes hundreds) of emails to read and reply to, projects to resume, and coworkers to check in with. As much as you can, plan for this melee by blocking off catch-up time in your calendar.

“Set expectations that you are back and available after that catch-up time,” says Scherwin. “This strategy doubles as a helpful way to give you breathing room while you’re on vacation so you feel less compelled to keep up every second of the day.”

 

Full monster.com article here

12 Career Experts Share Their Best Tips For Scoring Your Dream Job →

Be clear about what you want

The most fundamental step needed to edge towards your dream career is “to be clear on what you want.” That’s the key recommendation given by Lori Scherwin, the founder of NYC-based Strategize That, a firm that works with successful professionals to find happiness in and outside their careers.

“Be patient, confident and open to the unexpected. Your dream job will fall in the intersection of what you are good at, what you enjoy doing and what someone will pay you for,” she says.

There are a few ways to uncover what exactly it is you want from your “dream job.” Scherwin suggests to ask yourself questions which allow you to gauge what’s really important to you professionally. Some key questions to yourself include: “What are my strengths and what comes effortlessly? What do I love and hate to do? When I retire, what do I want my sendoff speech to say? What do I want to be remembered for?”

She also presses job seekers to get clear on the trade-offs of what they’re looking for. “Work out what really matters to you – tangible and intangible. It’s not just about a title and responsibilities and the big picture.”

 

Full post

The New Stranger Danger: How To Put Your New Coworkers At Ease →

“Relationship-building should be your number one priority” when you first start a job, says Lori Scherwin, founder of career firm Strategize That. “Perception shapes reality and your first few days — if not hours — on a job can inform your success.”

“Listen and learn more than you act and advise. Specifically, conduct a ‘listening tour’ in your first few weeks where you can observe and ask before you jump in and unintentionally cross any lines,” Scherwin suggests. “Even if you were brought in to inspire change, you’ll need buy-in. Gain trust and advocates first and use new insight to inform your plan.”

Full Glassdoor.com article here

When a job's worth putting on a resume

It is important to put every job you have on your resume, regardless of your tenure,” Lori Scherwin, founder of Strategize That, says. “Whether it’s 20 years, or 20 minutes, you have an obligation to disclose your entire work history to potential employers. Omitting any experience can leave you at risk of being found out and outed as a liar.

  • Be prepared. Whether you were laid off, terminated or quit because you just couldn’t take it anymore, a hiring manager is likely to ask about what happened. In fact, hiring managers generally ask why you’re looking to leave your old job, even when you were there for ages. Whatever the case, put some thought into the story you want to tell, “whether it was you leaving out of strength, or a learning opportunity which leaves you more able to spot a better fit in the future,” Scherwin says.
     
  • Don’t despair. Listen, nobody’s perfect … including the person on the receiving end of your resume. “Your next boss wants to know what you can do for him/her, not what you couldn't for your former,” Scherwin says. “And besides, if someone chooses not to interview you because they see a short stint, [it’s] their loss for not even asking the question.”

Full Policy Genius article

Is it Still Possible to Get Hired After Being Rejected? →

“It’s absolutely possible to get hired at a company even if they’ve previously rejected you. There are many many proven success stories,” says Lori Scherwin, executive coach and the Founder of Strategize That. “First off, especially in large organizations, there are various divisions, functions, teams, managers, all with a different culture, requirements, and fit. So perhaps you won’t be considered for the same exact position you initially applied for, but your skills are quite likely useful elsewhere in the organization.”

Full glassdoor.com article here

Kick-Start: Stuck in a career rut? Learn how to get back on the open road

“One of the most common reasons successful professionals get stuck in their careers is that they don’t know what it is they want,” suggests Lori Scherwin, a certified professional coach and founder of Strategize That in New York City. “When you can clearly articulate what you want, it becomes much easier to create actionable steps to get you there.”

Once you become clear on what you really want next, Scherwin says, “Your ideal career will fall at the intersection of what you are good at, what you enjoy doing, and what someone will pay you for.” She adds, “Keep a positive attitude, even if you are loathing your current role, and remember that you have options, whether it’s staying, modifying, or changing your job altogether. Stay focused on being excited about finding the solution rather than [obsessing over] the problem.” How can you identify what your ideal career looks like? Do some deep soul-searching, determine what it is you don’t like, and then start mapping out a game plan, Scherwin suggests. Remember to search for and recognize your own passion triggers and rekindle what inspires you.

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Stuck In A Job You Hate? Don’t Switch Jobs, Change Your Mindset →

Instead of spending so much time mulling over what’s wrong with your job, now is it a good time for self-evaluation,” explained executive coach Lori Scherwin, founder of Strategize That. “When you decide you want to change or are unhappy with a situation, often times it starts with evaluating yourself, what changes you can make in your environment, and how you view the world. It’s possible to see things differently with a new perspective, and often you’ll do a 180 and experience a positive shift in your life.”

A support group can do wonders for your mental health as well. “Surround yourself with positive people,” added Scherwin. “Remove the negativity in your life. There’s a common saying that ‘you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.’ If those people are negative, chances are it’s rubbing off on you. Be around people you aspire to be. It will help you get where you want to be and give you more confidence in the form of support from others.”

It’s also important not to consume yourself with work that doesn’t satisfy you. Spend time working on other aspects of your life instead. “Have personal plans to look forward to. Make a date with family, friends or even with yourself! Schedule something fun and put it on the calendar. Knowing ‘me-time’ is coming soon will help pass the time and get you through the day,” offered Scherwin. “Make a daily gratitude list by writing down 10 things you are grateful for in your life. Anything from your family, legs to walk on or reality TV. Focusing on what is good in your life as opposed to what is “going wrong with your job” helps relieve anxiety around work.”

Full Madame Noire article here

The Surprising Upside to Having a Frenemy →

Competition doesn't just compel you to boost your physical performance; it forces you to focus on ways to improve in almost any situation, says Lori Scherwin, founder of career coaching firm Strategize That. This increases your cognitive skills and creativity. “You'll start thinking differently and expanding your imagination to do things better,” she says. Just ask anyone who’s ever stayed up all night perfecting a presentation and hopefully outshine a work rival . . . only to come up with a brilliant strategy and subsequently earn a reputation at the office for being an ideas person who pushes boundaries. 

“If you remember to keep yourself focused on doing your personal best, you'll stay focused on your own development and how you can grow and learn,” notes Scherwin.

It might seem counterintuitive to see competition as a relationship builder. But whether it's on the job, at the gym, or among your social circle, to get things done, you need to team with others, says Scherwin. “Pushing yourself to succeed will naturally gear you toward enhanced collaboration and position you as a leader with whom others want to associate.”

Full Health.com article here

Buzzwords to include and avoid on your resume →

Sure, you’re a hard-working innovator with excellent communication skills—unfortunately, so is nearly every job applicant you’re competing with, at least according to their resumes. It’s time to break from hackneyed buzzwords that carry zero weight in the eyes of a recruiter or hiring manager.

“Any cliché seems shallow in a resume,” says Lori Scherwin, executive coach and founder of New York City-based Strategize That.

Check out this list of buzzwords and phrases you should avoid on your resume, along with some tips on how to better use that precious real estate on your job application materials.

‘Creative,’ ‘outside the box,’ ‘innovative’

What you think it says: “I come up with good, new ideas.”

“If you could actually think ‘outside the box,’ you’d be able to phrase it less blandly,” Scherwin says. These trite descriptors can actually undermine your case if you don’t back them up with specifics.

To really show off your creativity, shares examples of times that you developed and implemented new ideas or processes. If you work in a creative field, such as advertising, pursue industry awards, which can serve as outside validation for the uniqueness of your work.

Better buzzword: Include the word “created.” It shows that you’ve produced something new and original.

 

Full Monster.com article

How To Make Searching For A New Job Less Stressful →

So you're starting to feel that itch: You're a little bored in your current job, and you're antsy for a new challenge and to expand your skills. Or maybe today's encouraging jobs climate — with hiring up in many fields and the unemployment rate hovering at pre-recession levels — makes you wonder if better options are out there.

If you're not ready to throw everything at a new job search but want to scope out opportunities, consider a soft-launch on your hunt — making small moves to put yourself in the right position to evaluate the possibilities in your field. These expert-suggested tips can help you start testing the waters.

Use These Magic Words

“I’m open to opportunities,” is the phrase Liu recommends using at industry events to get the word out that you're looking around. Short, sweet and desperation-free, it communicates that you’re not necessarily dissatisfied with your current role ... but you would entertain an offer if one came along.

You can also use this phrase at non-work parties and social events, since it comes off as friendly and inquisitive rather than opportunistic. "Ask people about their jobs, and if their company or role sounds intriguing, tell them this and ask them to keep you in mind if anything opens up in their space,” suggests Lori Scherwin, executive coach and founder of career firm Strategize That.

Network Within Your Workplace

Letting coworkers you trust know that you’re thinking of climbing the next rung of the ladder is another soft-launch tactic, says Scherwin. You aren’t announcing to everyone that you want to move; you're just talking to close confidantes.

Think of it as networking inside your own company. Invite a coworker to lunch or coffee and ask if they know of openings or recruiters you can talk to. Show up at internal events, trainings and presentations, where you can build relationships with a larger range of colleagues and have conversations with people in other departments, suggests Scherwin. Then inquire about opportunities.

As for looking for open positions within your current workplace, don’t talk to your boss or go to HR quite yet. Since you’re not 100% in job-hunting mode, you might give the impression that you’re already halfway out the door, which can backfire on you. Instead, keep tabs on the internal job board. Although some roles are never posted, most large companies have an online system where you can get a feel for what's open.

The underlying objective of all these soft-search suggestions is the same: It’s not necessarily to job hunt, but to build your own professional and personal network. You never know where that might take you, says Scherwin.

Full Forbes article

How to Answer 4 Tricky Job Interview Questions →

Only an interview separates you and your dream job. But to get there, you have to navigate through a minefield of tricky questions. The good news is, the same stumpers show up time and again—so once you figure out how to answer them, you’re golden. We asked hiring managers and career coaches for tips on sticking the landing on four commonly asked questions.

1. WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?

Canned answers such as “working too hard” and “being a perfectionist” come off as trite and planned—without giving the interviewer any real insight—so instead, focus on a skill you’re working on now that can be used to the new company's advantage should you get the new job, says Lori Scherwin, founder of the New York-based career coaching firm Strategize That. And offer an anecdote that illustrates your claims.

For example, suggest that you have trouble delegating (a responsibility that comes with a more senior position). “’I was recently promoted to manager, and now have two analysts supporting me,’” Scherwin suggests saying. “At first, I was hesitant to let them fly on their own because I was so used to doing everything myself and I was worried, but I’ve been learning how enabling my team leads to better performance for everyone.’”

Full Mental Floss article

10 things you can do to improve your career in 10 minutes or less →

You’ve got 10 minutes before your next meeting—or class, or episode of Westworld. You could blast out a few sets of crunches so your abs will be ripped by bikini season; scroll aimlessly through Snapchat; Facebook-stalk your ex; or watch puppy videos on YouTube... Or, you could do something quick and painless to improve your career.

Believe it or not, there’s a lot you can accomplish in 10 minutes. Monster spoke with experts to find their top ways to boost your career and job search success in less time than it takes to make a bowl of pasta.

Read industry news

“Too often, professionals do their jobs in a vacuum and fail to regularly see how they fit into the big picture,” says Lori Scherwin founder of the New York-based career coaching company Strategize That.

“You'll be better informed and geared up if you have an understanding of the factors driving your industry or what challenges may be on your bosses’ (or their bosses’) minds,” she says.

She recommends reading trade publications, industry-specific articles and articles relevant to your role. To make it super-easy, set Google alerts for the ones you think are most useful, or create a Twitter list so you can quickly scan the most relevant headlines in a flash.

Email someone in your network

If you only reach out to people when you need something from them, the relationship could start to feel transactional and forced. Try to build better professional relationships by staying in regular contact with those contacts so you’re not just reaching out when you need a favor.

“It takes less than five minutes to send an email saying hello and ask how they are doing,” says Scherwin. “This way, you'll be more connected and more comfortable reaching out again in the future if you do need something—it'll feel more natural,” she says.

Take a break

Rihanna is right: You have to work, work, work, work, work, work. But you also need to press pause sometimes. Studies have shown that allowing for some downtime can actually improve productivity.  

When your workload seems overwhelming or if you’re faced with a block, don’t try to power through. Take a minute (or 10) to relax. “If you are getting frustrated, stopping for even a moment can help put the situation in perspective,” says Scherwin. “You'll feel better directed and will work more effectively as a result thereafter.” 

Full Monster.com article

7 Ways to Stay Positive Even During the Toughest Times →

Playing a little mind trick on yourself can work wonders, says Lori Scherwin of Strategize That, a career coaching service. “We’re often better at helping others than ourselves,” she notes. “Make the situation more objective and less personal to you. For example, consider if it were anyone else in the situation (like your best friend, partner or colleague). How would you see the same ‘problem?’ What advice might you give them to get out of it?” she asks. This will help you shift from being super hard on yourself to more objective, and most likely, more positive.

Full Brit + Co article here