Category Archives: FocusPoint Newsletters

A friend I’ll call Marissa recently resigned from her high-level position that she’d held for less than a year. After a great start on her job, contact with her boss grew strained, especially after Marissa noticed the poor performance of some key company investments. Although her relationships with colleagues thrived, interactions with her superiors cooled to ice-cold. No longer included in key business decisions, Marissa knew it was time to look for another job. Continue reading →

To be successful and satisfied at work is no accident. It’s unlikely without the help–strategic and supportive–of others. Seeking help in your job search and career advancement increases your effectiveness and efficiency–saving you time, money, and unnecessary discouragement. No matter … Continue reading →

Whether you’re searching for your first job, a better job, or a whole new career, discouragement may join you as an unwelcome companion. However, rather than wearing you down and eroding your confidence, if responded to properly, it can lead … Continue reading →

If you cringe at the recommendation to network your way to your next job, you’re probably thinking of: – Pushy, intrusive, or desperate people; – Contacting former colleagues or classmates out of the blue; – Making awkward small talk at … Continue reading →

When kids can’t answer, “What do you want to be when you grow up, we laugh. As grownups, when we can’t answer that question, we think “I’ve got a problem. What’s wrong with me?” Given the dizzying pace of change … Continue reading →

Too many people make their career decisions as if they were choosing from a menu. They mistakenly think that what is listed on the menu is the only food available. Menus make ordering more manageable for the kitchen staff by … Continue reading →

Conventional wisdom suggests that job seekers look for “openings” or “vacancies.” According to this approach, if you connect with people who don’t have or know of openings, you’re wasting time. However, data reveals that only 10%-20% of good jobs are … Continue reading →

Resumes are boring. We all know this. Anyone who has spent time tediously quantifying all their past (read: passe) achievements, titles, companies, degrees, etc., knows it’s hype and propaganda, with the most positive spin possible on even the worst situations. … Continue reading →

If you’ve ever been on a trip and lost your way, you know the disorientation and even fear you have felt until you got your bearings again. Sometimes you can lose your way in your career, too. Perhaps you didn’t … Continue reading →

Present yourself in a positive way. Instead of saying “I’m unemployed,” say “I’m looking for a new opportunity. Here’s what I’m looking to do and here’s how I contribute.” Be sure that you have a way (person or place) to … Continue reading →