How do you know when it's your time to go?
Recently I was asked this question by a younger client, someone who is beginning their career journey. "I don't see an opportunity to grow in my current position or at this company that fits my interest." I answered her, "If you're asking if it's time to go, you already know the answer." I gave her the task of focusing not on roles and titles, but on what her dream job is.
Titles are important to a company to place you in a salary bracket. You are more than a title though. Focus on what you're passionate about and how you can earn a living doing just that.
Does the company really monitor all of my activity on my computer?
Yes. I have heard many stories from colleagues and employers about the misguided use of company hardware. While internal chat platforms give you an opportunity to quickly ask a colleague a question rather than send an email, be mindful of the words and names you write. Every company has an IT department with an algorithm to monitor employee activity. Believe it.
You were smart to get the job. Don't be less than smart in what you write in a chat or email forum.
Do I really have to send a thank you email to everyone after the interview?
I am often asked this question, and sometimes it boggles my mind why it isn't part of the interviewing process for everyone. Your resume is important, it gets you noticed. The thank you email is your lasting impression, so don't write something canned. Write something specific to the interviewer which shows you were listening to them as they were listening to you.
Cross the finish line of the interview process with an impactful, thoughtful and well written thank you email.
I want to pursue a career in marketing. Can you help me?
A recent client of mine came to me with this question. Before diving into the various parts of marketing, I asked her specifically what she defines as marketing and what interests her. She gave it some thought. I asked her what brands appeal to her and why. Through probing questions and self reflection, she found she does not want to be in marketing after all.
When thinking about your career, first reflect on your why. She didn't need me to tell her marketing wasn't her passion, and yet she needed me to ask her the what and the why.
It's the end of the year. Should I even bother applying, or wait until after the new year?
It is always a good time to pursue a new opportunity. Yes, companies hire at year end, especially managers who have open positions that will close if they do not fill them. Some companies let people go at year end for a number of reasons, many tied directly to the bottom line.
Don't let a day of the week or the time of year decide whether you take a break and wait. Go after your next opportunity. It's a lot closer than you think.
Can you look at my resume and tell me how to improve it?
One of the consulting services Apex offers is helping candidates with their resume. By helping, I don't just mean "insert a bullet here", "you missed a period" or "it's too long". We ask you pointed questions, beginning with "what are your career aspirations?" Too often candidates focus on titles rather than their career.
Don't define your career by the title of the job offering, and don't seek your next opportunity by title either. It's helpful as a starting point, but it shouldn't be the end point.
Tell me about the culture.
There are studies, surveys and word of mouth opinions about the importance of a healthy workplace. When candidates ask me about the culture of one of my clients, I cannot speak from firsthand experience, but I do share the feedback I've heard from the contractors who work with them.
I ask each of them what 3 adjectives they would use to describe the culture. Listen to the words, and notice the feeling you have with each one.
What do you do for a living?
Whenever I am asked this question, I pause. I think about who is asking me, because this is important. Is it a friend? A family member? The salesperson at the car dealership, or the person standing behind you in line?
What you say, and how you say it, matters. You have an opportunity to tell someone something about you that will affect them. What do you want them to know? Before answering, think about your audience, then deliver your response.
