Tag Archives: Career Transitions

Magic Five Resume Tips

By Beth | Published: October 21, 2011

“What are the easiest and quickest changes I can make to my resume?”

I’m often asked this question by the moms I meet who are looking to make a career change, but have very little time. (Looking for a new job is like a nine-to-five job in itself!) Here are some basic guidelines I recommend for creating a savvy resume.

Magic Five Resume Boosters:

1. Write a compelling Profile statement:

A 2-5 sentence description of what you offer to potential employers. This is your personal brand and your opportunity to market yourself right off the top. Draw the reader in! As an example, here’s mine…

An engaging and inspiring Fitness & Career expert with a background in Personal Training, Group Exercise Instruction, Human Resources and Recruitment. I am known as a caring, encouraging and enthusiastic coach who shares my passion and knowledge to help others live healthy and fulfilling lives.

2. Optimize Keywords:

Most keywords are nouns (the what) – we’re used to emphasizing verbs (action words) in our resumes and that still holds true. But for job specific keywords, we need to focus on the “what” you did. (e.g., I coached direct reports to earn promotions). Direct reports is the keyword, demonstrating that you’ve managed a team.
When you’re writing your resume for a specific job you want to ensure that you are picking out keywords from the job ad and including those (provided you have them) on your resume.

3. Demonstrate your Accomplishments:

Tell the recruiter less about your job responsibilities and duties and more about what you’ve actually accomplished in each role.
Quantify as much as possible – e.g. increased sales by 25%, improved productivity by 75%, etc.

4. Don’t be modest:

It is hard to write about yourself – we are modest people. But your resume needs to highlight how fabulous you are, so don’t be shy.
Ask your partner, friends or family members for what they believe are your best skills and see if you can weave those into your career accomplishments.
Think about what great feedback your managers, team members or clients have given you and use their words in your resume bullets. E.g. Improved client relations, receiving feedback that “Krista is the best account manager we’ve ever had.”

5. Show a bit of your softer side:

Recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds of applications for one vacancy. Letting personality shine through may be just the edge you need to get called for an interview.
Showcase your soft skills in your Profile Statement.
At the bottom, include “Personal Accomplishments & Interests” noting any awards, volunteer work, sporting or fitness pursuits, travel, unique hobbies, etc.

Posted in Articles | Also tagged: Job Search, Jobs, Resume Tips | Leave a comment

Virtual Insanity or Intelligence? Top Tips for Creating a Professional Online Presence

By Beth | Published: August 10, 2011

Are you using social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn?

From a career management perspective, it is important to present a professional identity online.

Recruiters and Hiring Managers are using every resource available to them to learn about candidates. What does a Google Search of your name say about you? Check out my top five tips for creating a savvy online career identity:

Don’t be invisible online. You may feel like hiding your online identity from current and potential employers but ensuring your profiles are employer-friendly will actually work in your favour.
Check out www.addictomatic.com, which is an online reputation aggregator. Type in your name and other identifying words and it instantly shows your virtual identity.
Remove any posts, pictures and tags that show a side of your life you don’t want an employer to see. In Facebook change your Privacy Settings so only Friends can see your associated content. For more on Facebook Privacy, click here.
Twitter is a great way to build a professional online identity by connecting with people you may not get a chance to meet in person. You can follow thought leaders and industry leaders, Retweet value added content and profile yourself as a subject matter expert in your field.
Make a strong first impression to employers by completing your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn suggests that a 100% complete profile greatly increases your chance of rising to the top of LinkedIn searches. To be complete you need:

A current position
Two past positions
Education
Profile Summary
Photo
Specialties
At least 3 recommendations

With 80% of Recruiters Google searching candidates, it is critical that you make a positive first impression in your virtual world. See you online!

Posted in Articles | Also tagged: Facebook, Job Search, LinkedIn, Social Media, Twitter | Leave a comment

COMMUNITY ANIMATOR: AKA – Barista for Social Change (full & part-time)

By Beth | Published: December 22, 2010

…I just love how this posting is written! Sounds like a super laid back, fun and invigorating place to work! – Beth

Position Type: Full and Part-time Positions available

Salary: $32,000 FTE

Is it possible to find fun-loving and anal- retentive, detail oriented and big picture inspired in the same person? We’re counting on it!

About the Centre for Social Innovation

The Centre for Social innovation catalyzes and supports social innovation in Toronto and around the world. We create community workspaces, incubate emerging enterprises, and develop new models and methods with world-changing potential.

We currently operate two workspaces: one at 215 Spadina Avenue and one at 720 Bathurst Street. Our spaces are home to over 250 projects and organizations dedicated to making a brighter future!

About CSI’s Community Host & Animator

The community animator is part host, part office manager, part receptionist, part triage nurse, part executive assistant, part social networker and full-time agent for change!!

We seek an extraordinary individual who brings solid communication skills, superior organizational skills, strong customer-service orientation and a positive attitude to a demanding and dynamic work environment. The Community Hosts and Animators will work closely with the Lead Community Animators and will be responsible for handling the day-to-day reception, administration and coordination of our Spadina and Annex offices.

The Work Responsibilities:

Coordinate the day-to-day operations to ensure that the tenants and visitors are happy
Act as reception and provide front-line communications with those interested in the work of the Centre
Handle event inquiries– act as event mid-wife to those wanting to host events at CSI
Help facilitate various events as required
Handle internal communications and email lists
Resolve and solve problems constantly and manage everything at once
Fill coffee, empty dishwashers and clean up spills
Provide hospitality service to our tenants and guests
Provide administrative and technology support as required
Provide administrative support to the Lead Community Animators in each building
Handle meeting room booking
Trouble-shoot technical and administrative (and interpersonal!) problems
Communicate in person and via e-mail in a friendly and clear way
Ensure that all of the shared amenities and equipment are operating
Coordinate and work with the building staff and owner
Set up boardrooms as needed (it can get physical)
Help us modify and set-up our operational infrastructure!

The Fun Responsibilities:

Connecting people and ideas
Brightening people’s days
Building social networks
Capturing and telling stories
Creating a culture of openness and sharing

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have:

Superior attention to detail and organizational skills
Some writing and social media skills
Some event organizing/ coordination experience
People skills and sensitivity to people’s needs
Capacity to handle a million things
Enthusiasm and energy
Sound judgment and comfort working autonomously
A low-stress attitude in a complex environment
Familiarity with –- and keen interest in -– Toronto’s social mission sector
Willingness to do whatever it takes…… Zero attitude!!

You must also have a great sense of humour –- seriously, you will need a great sense of humour because inevitably something will go wrong.

This position offers the right candidate an excellent opportunity to be part of something incredible, meeting tons of amazing people and applying your skills to positive social change in Toronto.

We are seeking someone who recognizes the value of this role and understands how convening community contributes to social change!

We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly support applications from diverse backgrounds and communities.

Submit your cover letter and resume by email by Monday, January 10th, 2011 to: Grace Yogaretnam, Exec. Assistant: grace@socialinnovation.ca.

Posted in Great Jobs for Moms | Also tagged: Job Search, Jobs, Working Moms and Balance | Leave a comment

Style Me Fabulous Contest

By Beth | Published: April 26, 2010

Do something for yourself this spring and enter for a chance to win a FREE Signature Style Session with Style Coach Safina Khimani of Faith Style a value of $500.

The Signature Style Session consists of eight devoted hours over the course of 4 one-on-one sessions where you and Safina work together to develop your personal Mama Style.

Safina will help to identify your body type, teach you how to best dress it while camouflaging your challenge areas, and discover your individual colour palette. Safina will then conduct a Wardrobe Detox where you try on every item (kinda like What Not to Wear except she’s much nicer!) and together you’ll begin to discuss the core principles of a fabulous outfit while editing out the items that just don’t work for you. Safina will identify the garments that can be altered to best suit your body and inspire you by showing you just how amazing you can look. You’ll then go out for an afternoon of fun! Safina will map out the stores prior to the shopping session that will compliment with your body type and knock off some of the missing items from your Essential Shopping List she provides. Because the stores are all planned out it takes out all the guess work allowing you to have a stress-free experience and learn to shop strategically (i.e. in outfits vs. pieces). Finally the last session ends with you and Safina back at your home building outfits with both your existing and new items that will work for you rather than the other way around.

The Signature Style Sessions are tailored to you and Safina pampers you with a Mama Style that makes you feel fabulous!

To enter to win all you need to do is leave a comment below with a description of your favourite piece of clothing, accessory and/or pair of shoes – past or present.

For more information on Faith Style visit www.befaithfulbefabulous.ca

Contest Rules & Regulations
• Entries accepted until last day of one of the contest period (Apr. 26 – May 10)
• Open to GTA residents only
• One entry per person
• Winner Style Success Story along with Before & After shots to be shared on www.CareerFitMom.ca
upon completion

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged: Working Moms and Balance | 22 Comments

Small Steps Get Big Results: How can you step up to Career & Fitness Success?

By Beth | Published: March 26, 2010

Step Back from the everyday details of your life and look at the big picture.

What does winning at weight loss or career transition feel like? What has worked for you in the past? How will you overcome any obstacles you’re facing?

Step Forward into each new day.

Accomplish one task in your job search whether it is researching opportunities, networking or writing a resume. Act upon one daily weight loss strategy such as portion control, keeping a food/exercise diary or moving more.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone with support.

Making life changes is tough. I lost 90 pounds, but it didn’t happen overnight and I still struggle to maintain my weight. When my twins were born I decided not to return to my career in Human Resources. Instead I started CareerFit Mom. I now help other moms achieve their dreams for a better body and a more fulfilling career.

It took commitment, planning and time to safely lose the weight I gained during pregnancy and to create my comeback career. Structuring my goals into simple steps made it easier to achieve lasting changes.

You can meet your goals by taking small, manageable steps. Allow setbacks by learning from them and moving forward. Forgive yourself for lapses and re-lapses – they happen to everyone. Both weight loss and job search can be incredibly isolating and disheartening so make sure you engage your family and friends in your plan. You’ll need their support as you hit bumps along the way.

Keep taking small steps and you’ll be sure to find success. I believe in you!

Posted in Articles | Also tagged: Fitness for Moms, Job Search, Weight Loss for Moms, Working Moms and Balance | Leave a comment

Top Five Steps to Becoming a Mom-preneur

By Beth | Published: November 13, 2009

So you are toying with the idea of becoming a mom-preneur.

You have a great idea for a product to market or have valueable skills to share with others. Having kids gave you a new perspective on work and perhaps you are not quite ready to return to the job you did pre-baby.

Going out on your own is a good way to create flexibility for your family. You can call the shots on how much time you spend working and take the opportunity to have more years with your little ones. Launching your own business can bridge the gap between being 100% stay-at-home mom and re-entering the traditional workforce. You can contribute to household finances while also developing yourself professionally and following your heart. Sounds fabulous…but where do you start? As a mom-preneur myself, I know how overwhelming it is to launch a business. Here are my top tips for starting out and keeping your sanity!

Five Steps to Becoming a Mom-preneur:

Step 1: Do Your Research

Talk to everyone you know about your business idea. Do others “get it”? Is it viable in the market? Are people actually willing to purchase your product or service? How much will they pay? I did a number of online surveys through email and www.surveymonkey.com to gather this information.

It is critical to do heaps of research up front to understand the dollars and cents behind your business vision. How much money do you need to invest to get yourself up and running? How much money can you expect to contribute to your household finances through this business?

Pricing research is especially important so you know how much to charge for your product or service. Entrepreneurs often price too low. You need to charge as much as your competition or even slightly more. There is a value associated with pricing and if you aren’t charging enough, your customers may perceive you to be less professional. My pricing strategy changed as I investigated what my competitors were charging and started to internalize how valuable my service is to potential customers. Getting clear on the financials early on will give you a confidence boost to launch your business.

Step 2: Get Support

Your partner absolutely needs to be onboard. Ensure they fully understand your idea and the time/financial commitments involved in becoming a mom-preneur. There will definitely be changes at your house as you start up your business! You may require some additional help with childcare, household chores and food preparation. Your time will be divided in new ways as you start your business and it is manageable, as long as all the family stakeholders support you (by helping out more or by hiring someone to help!).

I struggled to find flexible, part-time childcare that gave me enough time to work without exceeding our budget (because I wasn’t yet earning enough money through my business). I also struggled emotionally with the concept of leaving my children with another caregiver. After staying home with my twins for 2.5 years it was difficult to ease feelings of guilt and anxiety as I transitioned their care to someone new.

Lock in with friends and family who will give you honest feedback, but will also be your biggest cheerleaders. Run your ideas by your group of “fans” and take them up on their offers to help. You can gain a lot of free expertise by tapping into the folks you already know – everything from marketing advice to proofing web content to childcare! Friends and family are often an entrepreneur’s first customers and they are happy to refer you, which means more sales.

You may also need financial support to launch your business. Will your family help you out with an investment? Can you approach your bank or credit union for a business loan or line of credit? Are there grants available through the government or any service organizations in your area? Talk to other women entrepreneurs to see how they funded their start-up.

Since my business is service based, I didn’t need any major initial investment to purchase inventory. I took about $2000.00 from savings to invest in my business for marketing – a website, graphic design services, business card and brochure printing, advertising and supplies. I also bartered services (personal training for business coaching) which is a great option when cashflow is a concern. Being a mom-preneur can mean home-based, low investment opportunities.

Step 3: Gain Confidence

It can be incredibly intimidating at first to talk to others about your business. For many moms, transitioning to entrepreneurship is way out of their comfort zone, especially if they are coming from a corporate environment. Accept from the start that you will make mistakes, but that you will learn from them, and be stronger for it.

The best way to gain confidence is to get yourself and your idea out there. Develop your “elevator speech” – a 30 second description of your business that you sums up what you offer and will draw others in to learn more. Mine is, “I motivate and support moms in getting their entire lives in shape through fitness and career coaching services such as personal training, fitness classes, resume writing and job search strategies.” As you start to nail it, you will sound more and more natural to others and your confidence will soar.

Step 4: Stop Selling – Start Helping

Helping is what moms do best! As soon as I removed the concept of selling to people, I felt way more confident in promoting my business. I don’t sell – I truly want to help others – lose weight, change careers and feel good about themselves. When you speak from the heart about what you do and how you can help, you are more genuine and attractive to potential customers.

Step 5: Start Small and Take Your Time

You are a busy parent balancing the needs of your family and trying to enjoy your children as they grow up. You can only do so much in a day and sometimes your schedule will be derailed by things outside of your control (like when the kids get sick). Have fun with your business and look at it as a way to self-improve, learn and stretch yourself in new ways. You may not become a millionaire overnight but you will have a richer life for following your dreams!

Mom Preneurs Networking At the Park Top Five Steps to Becoming a Mom preneur

Posted in Articles | Also tagged: Working Moms and Balance | Leave a comment

What can a Career Coach do to help you?

By Beth | Published: October 8, 2009

This article really sums up what a good career coach does to help clients accelerate their job search or move to the next level.

Looking for a great career can be seriously depressing when you spend a lot of time surfing job boards, sending out resumes without getting any traction. Worse is when you make it to the interview stage only to find out you’re the second or third best candidate.

A career coach should instill confidence, give practical tips and open up new paths that you didn’t see on your own.

I like the idea of a job search “bootcamp” – a group session with a career coach to help you set goals, develop leads for your search and provide support. Maybe something Career Fit Mom will offer in the future!

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-career-coach-100709,0,1845365.column

Posted in Articles | Also tagged: Job Search | Leave a comment

Are Women Really Unhappier Because We Have Too Many Choices? (Sept. 22, 2009)

By Beth | Published: September 24, 2009

A recent column from The New York Times talks about all the choices that available to us causing stress. As women, we’re distracted by our choices and it is making us unhappy. More so than men.

What career path to follow; to have kids and when; where to live; what to eat; how to spend our leisure time, etc.

Do we feel so overwhelmed but all that’s available to us that we’re living in a state of indecision? Is this indecision fueling our unhappiness? Are we really even that unhappy?

What do you think? Check out the column…would love to hear your feedback!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/20/opinion/20dowd.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=blue%20is%20the%20new%20black&st=cse

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Career Transitions | Leave a comment

Write it down…get clear on your goals, start taking action, get results! (Sept. 21, 2009)

By Beth | Published: September 24, 2009

Want to make changes in your career but feeling overwhelmed by where to start? You need small, actionable goals to do each week to move you towards new role.

Step 1: make a list of all the ADVANTAGES of taking on something new in your career – how you benefit professionally, emotionally, financially, etc.

Ie) “If I changed jobs, I would finally be challenged and excited by what I do” or “If I switched jobs, I could potentially make more money.” There are many, many ADVANTAGES to consider. Each benefit will be very personal, so don’t hold back. This is a list for you and you only; any reason is valid and it will be more powerful if your ADVANTAGES come from the heart.

Whenever you’re feeling low or unmotivated to keep plugging away on your job search, refer to your ADVANTAGES list to get revved up again!