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How to Recession Proof Your Career:

Posted on November 13, 2022November 13, 2022 by Courtney Hill

How to Recession Proof Your Career:

Look, it’s no secret that we are constantly hearing about an economic downturn on the horizon. Interest rate hikes, high inflation, mass layoffs… the list goes on. The good thing is… LIFE goes on, as well! You need to keep putting food on your table, you still need a roof over your head, you already put in the work for your education.

The cold hard truth is life as we know it is not over just because the economy is down. So, you need to keep moving. You need to keep going. This means, you need to recession proof your career.

Here are 3 quick tips to do just that:

Work on “The CEO Mindset”:

This is a key concept we teach in Career Success Now, our signature career transformation program. In fact, it’s actually the module we start off with because it’s truly SO powerful. So, what is The CEO Mindset? Well, much of the concept around The CEO Mindset is moving ourselves into a mindset that a successful, top-level CEO would be in.

Often, we are stuck in an “employee” mindset. This means:
-We are living in the here and now
-We can see far into the future
-We don’t know exactly what we want, don’t manifest
-We are reliant on our employer
-We are at the mercy of what they are willing to pay us.
-…. Ultimately we are in a “scarcity mindset”

However, CEOs often see things differently! They:
-Are abundant
-Invest often
-Plan long-term
-Know their value + worth and don’t settle -Strategically network -Don’t rely on any employer for their income -Know what they want and manifest it daily

Have an Undeniably Strong Brand:

If you follow me, you know I frequently talk about the importance of having a brand that is crystal clear. A “specialist” brand… not a “generalist”. This means:
-Getting lazer clear on what your technical skills are for ONE line of work
-Getting lazer clear on what your interpersonal skills are for ONE line of work
-Writing ONLY the ones that are relevant for that 1 line of work -Declaring what kind of professional you are at the top of your resume “eg. Human Resources Professional” -Clean up you resume and LinkedIn profile so it includes strong keywords -Use a modern, fresh template that is NOT boring, black and white

Research Booming Companies & Industries:

It’s all over LinkedIn how many layoffs tech companies such as Twitter, Meta etc. are laying people off by the mass. Let’s stay away from those companies. What ones are booming? Based on my quick research: environmental, e-commerce, banking & finance, sales are all going strong. Also, the “essential” industries still remain essential. This means transportation, public/government, healthcare, heavy duty, construction. These are often still hiring.

So, I would seriously consider spending the time to research the companies within these industries and look at their careers website. Do you potentially have the skills to help move them forward?

Feeling Burnt Out in Your Career? Try This

Posted on October 29, 2022October 29, 2022 by Courtney Hill

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Job burnout is a special type of work-related stress.

It’s a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of fatigue and lack of motivation.

Whatever the cause, job burnout can affect your physical and mental health. It’s important to consider how to know if you’ve got job burnout and ultimately, what you can do about it.

If I’m being honest with you, I was burnt out from my job 1.5 years ago.

Seriously exhausted, stressed, could barely get out of bed.

The LAST thing I ever wanted to do was go to work. In fact, the thought of work made me sick.

What was the cause of my burnout? Being understaffed at work and being worked to the bone. There was 2 people in my department for 5 people worth of work.

It was crazy, and I was turning crazy.

Here are some job burnout symptoms (that I know all too well):
-Cynical or overly critical at work
-Dragging yourself there and having a tough time getting started
-Being impatient or irritated with coworkers
-Finding it hard to concentrate
-Waking up in the middle of the night thinking of work
-Having a tough time getting to sleep from work items
-Using alcohol or other drugs to cope
-Feeling a lack of care towards work
-Feeling a low sense of satisfaction towards work

… and ultimately, feeling like you want to hand in your resignation every second day!!!

Here are some possible causes of job burnout:
-No job description or clear expectations
-Dysfunctional culture
-Lack of strong leadership
-Lack of work life balance (hello constant long hours)
-Extreme workload, unrealistic expectations
-Vacation/time-off guilt

Do any of these speak to you?

I hope not, but burnout DOES happen!

What I ended up doing to help my burnout was immediately take 3 weeks off work.

I was honest with my manager that I was feeling the symptoms of burnout and really needed to go take care of myself.

So, what CAN you do to relieve job burnout?
-Discuss your symptoms and concerns with your manager.
Be honest! Sometimes, a real conversation explaining how you’re feeling can open their eyes and kick in reality. It can be a major white flag… a sign that you need help. You CAN’T keep going the way you’ve been going and that something needs to change.

-Seek support. Talk to a counsellor, a friend you trust, parent or career coach. They may be able to provide coping mechanisms.

-Take the time off you need. I’m not taking 1 day. Honestly? Probably not even 2. True burnout may require 1-4+ weeks off to relieve. Make sure you are using your much needed time off in a way that will help you heal and recover.

-Get quality sleep and exercise time in. This may seem obvious but 8 hours per day of sleep, and 30 minutes (minimum) per day of exercise will do wonders. This is what I aim for everyday.

-Practice mindfulness. My boyfriend is a Vancouver Firefighter and let me tell you… he sees some crazy things as I’m sure you can imagine. He practices mindfulness REGULARLY! Even 3 minutes per day makes a world of a difference for him. He’s been teaching me the mindfulness ropes and I can really say it works. You focus on your breathing and being aware of what you’re feeling + sensing in the moment. There’s no doubt that you feel much more calm after mindfulness. I’m no pro at it just yet… but truly, try it for yourself.

Remember, your health = your wealth.

Take care of yourself.

Every, single, day.

-Courtney

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3 Important (and underrated) Steps I Take to Land $100k+ Roles

Posted on September 17, 2022September 17, 2022 by Courtney Hill

1. I always look for ways to “solve challenges”This may be an obvious one, but very few people actively seek out challenges they can help solve.And the rule of thumb is this: the bigger challenges you help solve… the bigger your pay cheques.It’s fact!The smartest people in the world continually solve biiiigggggg challenges, and they get paid accordingly.(Think: Elon musk… using “clean energy” for transportation)So, how can you always be thinking about what challenges you can help solve?Use these questions:-How can you help the company (or person) make money?–How can you help the company (or person) save money?-How can you help make someone’s life easier?-How can you establish new, time saving processes?You should always be thinking of ways to take what’s existing… and improve it.In other words, continuous improvement should be in your blood!Because when you improve.. and actively seek ways to do things “better” vs. the “same old same old” constantly, people see you have a growth mindset.Growth mindset = higher income.Higher income = less worries!2. I keep a running list of the challenges I’ve helped a company (or person) solveOnce some time passes, make sure you keep track of these challenges you’ve helped solve!This is a very underrated habit to be in.Very few people actually keep track of this, and then when it comes time to apply to new roles or they have an upcoming interview, they FORGET!Yes, we as human beings are forgetful.Very.So, instead… be proactive and keep a running list of what you’ve done!Ultimately, keep a list of where you have:-Helped the company (or person) make money-Helped the company (or person) save money-Helped make someones life easier-Established new, time saving processesDid you know that I was once rejected from a job because the hiring manager actually said I didn’t “own” enough accomplishments?No joke.The recruiter said I talked too much about what my team and I did, but not enough about me.I was mind blown! Thinking that I would have sounded selfish.But nope.Instead, I sounded average.Just another person in the sea of applicants.Average does not get you job offers.That’s a fact.3. Create a powerful brand that showcases the challenges you’ve help a company (or person) solve!Here’s the trickiest part.We’re always taught to be humble.Not to brag. Not to show off. Not to be proud.And to some degree that’s fair.But the thing is, in your career you DO need to showcase your accomplishments.You do need to highlight your value and the above exercise does exactly that.So when you go to write your resume, each and every bullet point should be where and how you’ve helped solve challenges.I look at resumes daily and the truth is, anyone that lists their “day-today duties” only, I’m never impressed.However, if someone lists with check marks in their resume where they’ve truly made a difference, where they’ve made an impact… I’m impressed.And guess what? I call these people first.It’s simple!Accomplishments showcase how you are an A player. Not a B or C player.I can’t stand C players… and nor can businesses.A players aline with other A players and if you are one, TELL the company!Don’t be afraid to speak up.Don’t be afraid to communicate all that hard work you did.Because if you don’t tell them… no one will.It’s your career. Your life.Get after your goals and dreams.I’m rooting for you 🙂-Courtney

3 Ways You Can Land Higher Paying Role in The Next 30 Days:

Posted on September 6, 2022September 16, 2022 by Courtney Hill

1. Position yourself as a “specialist”

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but I’ll say it again.

No one likes generalists…

Someone who markets their self as a “I can help you do anything”, and “I have lots of different skillsets you could benefit from”, ultimately attracts no one.

People want to know you have the exact experience + interpersonal + technical skills that will get them from A to B.

They want a specialist.

And it’s also no secret that there are billions of people on the planet.

It’s competitive.

So what makes you different?

Are you positioning yourself as someone who is clear, and EXACTLY what the employer needs?

If you don’t have a powerful brand (resume, cover-letter, LinkedIn profile) just yet, consider doing that here right now.

The job postings are gold mines when it comes to knowing exactly what employers are looking for.

However, less is more.

Only take the KEY aspects, no little, no more.

2. Connect with recruiters that specialize in your field:

Are you an:

-Accountant?

Find a recruiting firm that specializes in placing accountants.

-HR professional?

Find a recruiting firm that specializes in placing human resources professionals.

–Executive?

Find a recruiting firm that specializes in placing executives.

and so on…

A simple Google search can often help you find the “right” recruitment firm for you.

Or… use LinkedIn to search for a specialized recruiter as well!

They need to make money by placing you, and you want to make a higher income.

So, it’s a win-win.

Make it happen today.

3. Create a list of 50 companies that employ people with your skillset.

Are you a software engineer?

Are you a HR professional?

Are you a marketing professional?

Are you a sales professional?

Create a list of 50 companies in your area that you KNOW employ people with your skillset.

Google, LinkedIn, magazines, articles… these are all good places to find this data.

Once you have that list, REACH OUT to some of the managers for those departments on LinkedIn or email via Hunter Email Finder here.

Most companies are subliminally “always” looking for good talent.

A VP I know recently said to me, “we are always willing to onboard top talent”.

THAT’S when you know a company is forward thinking and doing well too.

Find these companies.

Reach out.

Simple.
_______

Action steps:

Ensure you have a powerful, specialized brand (We can help you here)
Find 5 recruitment firms or recruiters that specialize in your skillset
Make a list of 50 companies that employ people like you

Key Aspects of Career Success

Posted on March 18, 2021February 11, 2022 by Courtney Hill

Career success… that sounds great! Sign me right UP!

Hmmm… but how exactly do we do that? If you feel stuck in your career, are not getting paid what you are worth, can’t stand your boss or simply feel like you could be making a bigger difference, let me say this: I HEAR YOU, FRIEND!

I’ve put together 5 ways (that all start with R’s as to how you can start up-leveling your career today. Here they are:

1️⃣Reimagine: Let the imagination of the future be the driving force to pivot where you set fit for success.
-This often starts with deep exploration and research. Take the time to really let your mind wander!
-Mindset work in this stage is always good. What are some fears or limiting beliefs that may be holding you back?

2️⃣Reinvest: Invest in your professional development, revamp your resume, learn a new skill, become an expert in your field.
-This could start with hiring a career coach to really help you unpack everything that’s going on in your head.
-Once we have really hashed out what you want to do in your next role, we need to rebrand you with your deliverables (resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile) so that you stand OUT from the crowd.
-How can you start learning the skills you need to be successful in that career path?

3️⃣Reposition: Reassess your professional storyline and decide how you will explain who you are and what you bring to the table.
-In my many years of experience in HR, I’ve truly seen some amazing candidates fall through the cracks because they were unable to clearly communicate the value they bring to a company or role. I really encourage you to do everything you can with your career coach to get crystal clear on what makes you unique and how you can help move the company forward.

4️⃣Relationships: Network and build relationships while getting to know people to develop positive interactions.
-60-70% of jobs are found through strategic networking.
-You need to ALWAYS network (not just when you need a job).
-Networking does not need to be sleazy, it’s simply a conversation with another human being. This is a major mindset shift we need to make! PS, I have some great templates to help you start the conversation – reach out.

5️⃣Rest: Necessary for your mental to keep going in your professional aspirations as it is necessary.
-Yes, you heard that correct – REST!
-Our mental health is key to the success of our careers. If we are burned out, uninspired, tired or exhausted, we are not going to show up our best selves.

?Have you ever took a step back to evaluate these aspects?

I hope this helps you gain career clarity so you can get out there and absolutely crush your goals.

Courtney