"He who speaks first loses." A saying from India
Would you like to leave $5,000 to $20,000 per year on the table when you accept a new job, and later on kick yourself for doing it? Salary negotiation is a very tricky issue.
In American culture we do not like to haggle or bargain. It is a normal pattern in other cultures.
Let me give you three top tips on salary negotiation.
1. If the company has fallen in love with you, they will go through great lengths to satisfy your salary requirements.
2. Know the salary ranges from surveys for your type of a job. Try http://www.salary.com/.
3. Do not blurt out your salary requirements or your present salary until the time is ripe!
(This topic of Salary Negotiations has been discussed very thoroughly in my book, Career and Life Counseling from the Heart - Don Sutaria)
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
How to Develop and Execute Your Personal Marketing Campaign
It is very hard work! Here is my seven-step method.
1. Know exactly what you want to do.
2. Know exactly where you want to do it.
3. Find the people in your selected companies who have the power to hire you.
4. Develop a separate and distinctive resume for each company.
5. Address a punchy cover letter to the hiring manager.
6. Follow up is very vital.
7. Write separate thank-you notes on the same day to all interviewers.
Unless you consistently and systematically follow all these steps you will not be assured of success.
(Details can be found in the book, Career And Life Counseling From the Heart - Don Sutaria.)
1. Know exactly what you want to do.
2. Know exactly where you want to do it.
3. Find the people in your selected companies who have the power to hire you.
4. Develop a separate and distinctive resume for each company.
5. Address a punchy cover letter to the hiring manager.
6. Follow up is very vital.
7. Write separate thank-you notes on the same day to all interviewers.
Unless you consistently and systematically follow all these steps you will not be assured of success.
(Details can be found in the book, Career And Life Counseling From the Heart - Don Sutaria.)
Friday, May 04, 2012
Steps to Career Assessment and Career Change
We are cut out to succeed in more than one career. People presently in their 20's and 30's may have two or three careers in a lifetime of work, and possibly more than a dozen jobs.
No matter what stage of life you are at, if you do not get pleasure from your work at least 80% of the time, perhaps it is time for self assessment, career assessment, and, possibly, to seek a new career.
Your hobbies and volunteer work provide some clues about a new profession you would enjoy. You can gain a great deal by reading books and possibly taking on-line tests. However, for maximum effectiveness, seeking the services of a competent career counselor or career coach is a wise move.
(This topic is thoroughly covered in my book: Career And Life Counseling From The Heart - Don Sutaria)
No matter what stage of life you are at, if you do not get pleasure from your work at least 80% of the time, perhaps it is time for self assessment, career assessment, and, possibly, to seek a new career.
Your hobbies and volunteer work provide some clues about a new profession you would enjoy. You can gain a great deal by reading books and possibly taking on-line tests. However, for maximum effectiveness, seeking the services of a competent career counselor or career coach is a wise move.
(This topic is thoroughly covered in my book: Career And Life Counseling From The Heart - Don Sutaria)
Monday, March 26, 2012
HAVE YOU "GIFT WRAPPED" YOUR RESUME?
A good cover letter is personalized and perhaps even more important than a resume.
The seven most important points to remember for a cover letter:
1. One page on white or ivory letter size paper and error free.
2. Addressed to a specific person.
3. Maximum four paragraphs.
4. Connection between you and the company.
5. Try not to repeat the bullets from your resume.
6. Ask for an interview and end on a positive note.
7. Mail cover letter and resume in a flat 9" x 12" envelope.
[ See Chapter 9: Your "Gift Wrapping" for a Resume: A Punchy Cover letter, in the book, Career and Life Counseling from the Heart, by Don Sutaria.]
A good cover letter is personalized and perhaps even more important than a resume.
The seven most important points to remember for a cover letter:
1. One page on white or ivory letter size paper and error free.
2. Addressed to a specific person.
3. Maximum four paragraphs.
4. Connection between you and the company.
5. Try not to repeat the bullets from your resume.
6. Ask for an interview and end on a positive note.
7. Mail cover letter and resume in a flat 9" x 12" envelope.
[ See Chapter 9: Your "Gift Wrapping" for a Resume: A Punchy Cover letter, in the book, Career and Life Counseling from the Heart, by Don Sutaria.]
SURVIVAL KIT FOR JOB HUNTERS
Job hunting is a lonely pursuit most of the time. It is a rare person who would not be discouraged at times. When you go into this 'Jungle', what can you carry with you to survive? Here it is:
A tea bag to remind you to relax daily and count your blessings!
A candy Kiss to remind you that everyone needs a hug everyday.
A Band Aid to remind you to heal hurt feelings.
A rubber band to remind you to be flexible.
A toothpick to remind you to pick out the best qualities in others.
An eraser to remind you that everyone makes some mistakes.
A chewing gum to remind you to stick with your goals.
A mint to remind you that you are worth a mint.
Try it! It works!
Job hunting is a lonely pursuit most of the time. It is a rare person who would not be discouraged at times. When you go into this 'Jungle', what can you carry with you to survive? Here it is:
A tea bag to remind you to relax daily and count your blessings!
A candy Kiss to remind you that everyone needs a hug everyday.
A Band Aid to remind you to heal hurt feelings.
A rubber band to remind you to be flexible.
A toothpick to remind you to pick out the best qualities in others.
An eraser to remind you that everyone makes some mistakes.
A chewing gum to remind you to stick with your goals.
A mint to remind you that you are worth a mint.
Try it! It works!
Monday, March 19, 2012
IS YOUR RESUME EFFECTIVE?
Let's get real!
A resume alone will not get you a job!
A resume is only a calling card, a door knocker, a door opened, a tool, an advertisement to buy your services.
Your resume may get only a 5-10 second scan by the reviewer before landing in the WPB (waste paper basket!). What can you do to prevent that from happening to you!
A few sensible tips:
-- Use standard letter size paper, white or ivory, and standard type faces.
-- One-page if you have less than five years experience and up to two pages if more than five
years.
-- Bulleted format of your accomplishments, each consisting of Problem-Action-Result
(P-A-R) concept. Use dollar savings, percentage improvements, sales increases, and
numbers.
-- Chronological resumes are preferred in 90% of the cases instead of Functional resumes.
[ There are at least fifteen tips I can give. For more details, please see Chapter 8: Is Your Resume Effective? in Don Sutaria's book, Career and Life Counseling from the Heart.]
Let's get real!
A resume alone will not get you a job!
A resume is only a calling card, a door knocker, a door opened, a tool, an advertisement to buy your services.
Your resume may get only a 5-10 second scan by the reviewer before landing in the WPB (waste paper basket!). What can you do to prevent that from happening to you!
A few sensible tips:
-- Use standard letter size paper, white or ivory, and standard type faces.
-- One-page if you have less than five years experience and up to two pages if more than five
years.
-- Bulleted format of your accomplishments, each consisting of Problem-Action-Result
(P-A-R) concept. Use dollar savings, percentage improvements, sales increases, and
numbers.
-- Chronological resumes are preferred in 90% of the cases instead of Functional resumes.
[ There are at least fifteen tips I can give. For more details, please see Chapter 8: Is Your Resume Effective? in Don Sutaria's book, Career and Life Counseling from the Heart.]
Friday, March 16, 2012
"ON-CAMERA FEEDBACK FOR INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES!" WHAT IS THAT?
Many companies are conducting preliminary video interviews of potential candidates because of the high cost of face-to-face onterviewing. If you have learned some techniques through on-camera feedback, your chances for success improve dramatically.
Consider a camera as a neutral observer. It is non-judgmental and non-critical, unlike us human beings. What you see in the video playback is how people see you. What you see is what you get!
A good career counselor or career coach can do this drill with you.
[This topic is covered in Don Sutaria's book, CAREER AND LIFE COUNSELING FROM THE HEART, Chapter 7.]
Many companies are conducting preliminary video interviews of potential candidates because of the high cost of face-to-face onterviewing. If you have learned some techniques through on-camera feedback, your chances for success improve dramatically.
Consider a camera as a neutral observer. It is non-judgmental and non-critical, unlike us human beings. What you see in the video playback is how people see you. What you see is what you get!
A good career counselor or career coach can do this drill with you.
[This topic is covered in Don Sutaria's book, CAREER AND LIFE COUNSELING FROM THE HEART, Chapter 7.]
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
DO I NEED AN "IMAGE CONSULTANT?"
You judge a book by its cover. (True or False)
First impression is the only impression. (True or False)
Well reader, what do you think?
Regardless of the maxims we have been taught, I would venture to say that we do try to judge a book by its cover and, unfortunately, the first impression is the only impression that is very long lasting. And you get only one chance to make the first impression!
Image consulting and subsequent enhancement should not be looked upon as a frivolous expense, but as a long-term investment in yourself, akin to any self-improvement program.
[For a more in-depth discussion of Image Consulting, consider buying the book, Career and Life Counseling from the Heart, by Don Sutaria.]
You judge a book by its cover. (True or False)
First impression is the only impression. (True or False)
Well reader, what do you think?
Regardless of the maxims we have been taught, I would venture to say that we do try to judge a book by its cover and, unfortunately, the first impression is the only impression that is very long lasting. And you get only one chance to make the first impression!
Image consulting and subsequent enhancement should not be looked upon as a frivolous expense, but as a long-term investment in yourself, akin to any self-improvement program.
[For a more in-depth discussion of Image Consulting, consider buying the book, Career and Life Counseling from the Heart, by Don Sutaria.]
Monday, March 12, 2012
HOW TO MAKE THE INTERNET YOUR SERVANT, NOT YOUR MASTER, IN YOUR JOB SEARCH
You would not believe me if I told you that several of my educated clients spent 80% of their job search time trying to find jobs only on the Internet. The overall results were dismal! None of them had ever landed a job with a salary exceeding $50,000 per year.
Of course the Internet is a valuable tool during the job hunting process. But that's exactly what it is, a tool! A servant! Not your master which envelopes you and consumes all your time.
I would give the Internet a 1%-2% chance of getting you a job lead in the well-paid professional categories.
I am not saying do not use the Internet.....what I am saying is guard your time during job search, and use the Internet judiciously!
You would not believe me if I told you that several of my educated clients spent 80% of their job search time trying to find jobs only on the Internet. The overall results were dismal! None of them had ever landed a job with a salary exceeding $50,000 per year.
Of course the Internet is a valuable tool during the job hunting process. But that's exactly what it is, a tool! A servant! Not your master which envelopes you and consumes all your time.
I would give the Internet a 1%-2% chance of getting you a job lead in the well-paid professional categories.
I am not saying do not use the Internet.....what I am saying is guard your time during job search, and use the Internet judiciously!
Thursday, March 08, 2012
NETWORKING (PROFESSIONAL FRIENDSHIP DEVELOPMENT - PFD) IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK!
The cardinal rule to observe here is that every human being we come into contact with daily in our lives is capable of helping us and we are capable of helping them.
It is a fallacy to think that PFD is only for extroverted people. It is a skill, which can be learned with practice, like swimming!
The quickest way of showing appreciation to your networking contacts who have helped you is to write prompt and meaningful thank-you notes, including a statement of how of how you plan to follow through on their suggestions. This is the sincerest form of flattery.
PFD is not all peaches & cream. Be prepared for a few rejections. Don't internalize rejection. Like a salesperson, move on to the next step.
(Read this full chapter in Don Sutaria's book, Career And Life Counseling From The Heart.)
Monday, March 05, 2012
UNHEARD OF JOBS IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM
Are you surprised to be told that ten years from now, half the population will be in jobs that have not yet been invented?
Did you hear of any of these jobs ten years ago?
Bioinformationalists who work with genetic information.
Innovation Officers who interact with all employees to improve business practices.
Cybrarians who will monitor and enforce policies on the Internet.
Global Work Process Coordinators to coordinate activities of employees worldwide.
Geomicrobiologists to study microorganisms to clean up the environment.
Telemedicine Technicians to provide medical treatments in remote areas.
Whisperers who are skilled at calming irate customers.
So, be prepared!
Are you surprised to be told that ten years from now, half the population will be in jobs that have not yet been invented?
Did you hear of any of these jobs ten years ago?
Bioinformationalists who work with genetic information.
Innovation Officers who interact with all employees to improve business practices.
Cybrarians who will monitor and enforce policies on the Internet.
Global Work Process Coordinators to coordinate activities of employees worldwide.
Geomicrobiologists to study microorganisms to clean up the environment.
Telemedicine Technicians to provide medical treatments in remote areas.
Whisperers who are skilled at calming irate customers.
So, be prepared!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
DON'T NEGLECT LOOKING AT GOVERNMENT JOBS TODAY!
Regardless of what you have heard from the media, it is now a fact that The American Recovery Act has created over 2 million new jobs.
A good website to look into is www.FindGovernmentJobs.info.
(Call CareerQuest - Don Sutaria - at 908-686-8400, for career coaching and career counseling.)
Friday, February 24, 2012
How to Choose a Career Counselor, Coach or Advisor
Many of you have asked me how to select a career counselor, coach or advisor. Fair question.
1. Get names from friends and past clients.
2. Call at least three counselors and evaluate them based on your needs.
3. If you have a gut feeling that the personality match between you and the counselor is poor, it is a danger sign - STOP!
(If you wish to see a more detailed 20-point plan of approach, you will find it in the book, Career and Life Counseling from the Heart, by Don Sutaria.)
Many of you have asked me how to select a career counselor, coach or advisor. Fair question.
1. Get names from friends and past clients.
2. Call at least three counselors and evaluate them based on your needs.
3. If you have a gut feeling that the personality match between you and the counselor is poor, it is a danger sign - STOP!
(If you wish to see a more detailed 20-point plan of approach, you will find it in the book, Career and Life Counseling from the Heart, by Don Sutaria.)
Monday, February 20, 2012
How to Discover Your Passion and Calling in the World of Work
(Where Do I Go From Here with My Life?)
Folks, check your coffee cups from Starbucks. You may find Po Bronson's quote, "Failure's hard, but success is far more dangerous. If you're successful at the wrong thing, the mix of praise and money and opportunity can lock you in forever."
Note that the choice isn't about a career search so much as an identity quest.
You must know what you love to do, and make that passion your work.
[ If the above statements intrigue you, buy the book, Career and Life Counseling from the Heart (Your Career is a Pathway to Your Soul!), by Don Sutaria.]
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Dear Blog Hunter,
CareerQuest has a wonderful assortment of contemporary articles on careers. Please go to our website at www.careerquestcentral.com and click on Newsletter Archive on the first page. We have newsletters of the past three years. Suggest checking our Newsletter Archive at least once a month. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you for visiting us.
Don Sutaria, MS, IE (Prof.)
Founder, President & Life-Work Coach
CareerQuest
CareerQuest has a wonderful assortment of contemporary articles on careers. Please go to our website at www.careerquestcentral.com and click on Newsletter Archive on the first page. We have newsletters of the past three years. Suggest checking our Newsletter Archive at least once a month. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you for visiting us.
Don Sutaria, MS, IE (Prof.)
Founder, President & Life-Work Coach
CareerQuest
Thursday, May 28, 2009
"Don Sutaria is one of the career counselors I most admire, in the U.S. He talks about things other career counselors don't, like "your soul." Now he has written a book I like a lot, with brilliant short chapters you can digest day by day. I recommend it unreservedly to everyone."
This book has been publihed by iUniverse in a paperback format and also as an e-book. It can also be ordered through Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and your local bookstore.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
PRESS RELEASE (December 10, 2008)
NEW BOOK ENHANCES CAREER AND LIFE COUNSELING
Career and Life Counseling from the Heart (Your Career is a Pathway to Your Soul!)
Don Sutaria
Published by iUniverse. This book can be ordered from iUniverse, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, or your local bookstore.
Look for more details on www.careerquestcentral.com.
NEW BOOK ENHANCES CAREER AND LIFE COUNSELING
Career and Life Counseling from the Heart (Your Career is a Pathway to Your Soul!)
Don Sutaria
Published by iUniverse. This book can be ordered from iUniverse, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, or your local bookstore.
Look for more details on www.careerquestcentral.com.
Monday, June 09, 2008
ADVICE FROM THE GURU OF JOB HUNTING
Did you know that there is a career guide that was chosen by the Library of Congress (Center for the Book) as One of 25 Books That Have Shaped Readers' Lives?
Did you know that Today's Librarian has called this same book One of the Seven Essential Popular Business Books?
Did you know that this book appears on the BusinessWeek Best-Seller List week after week?
Did you know that this same book has been published every year for almost 40 years?
This book which has become a classic in its own field is What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard Nelson Bolles.
Last week Bolles was in New York and gave some contemporary pointers in his talk at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan. Here are some highlights.
1. Newspaper classified advertisements have been surpassed by online job postings.
2. The websites he recommends to job seekers are: Indeed.com, RileyGuide.com, Job-Hunt.org, JobStar.org, and Checkster.com.
3. Very large job posting sites like Monster.com may not be as effective as the smaller ones because there are too many jobs with complicated job titles.
Did you know that there is a career guide that was chosen by the Library of Congress (Center for the Book) as One of 25 Books That Have Shaped Readers' Lives?
Did you know that Today's Librarian has called this same book One of the Seven Essential Popular Business Books?
Did you know that this book appears on the BusinessWeek Best-Seller List week after week?
Did you know that this same book has been published every year for almost 40 years?
This book which has become a classic in its own field is What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard Nelson Bolles.
Last week Bolles was in New York and gave some contemporary pointers in his talk at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan. Here are some highlights.
1. Newspaper classified advertisements have been surpassed by online job postings.
2. The websites he recommends to job seekers are: Indeed.com, RileyGuide.com, Job-Hunt.org, JobStar.org, and Checkster.com.
3. Very large job posting sites like Monster.com may not be as effective as the smaller ones because there are too many jobs with complicated job titles.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Is Salary the Biggest Factor with M.B.A. Students Ready to Graduate?
The answer is 'No!' Based on Aspen Institute Center for Business Education, the Things That Matter are:
Challenging responsibilities 64%
Salary 48%
Work-life balance 45%
Contribution to society 26%
Colleagues whom I respect 24%
Training and development 24%
Rapid advancement 22%
Travel/International work 18%
High ethical standards 13%
Job security 4%
Surprised to see Job Security last on the list? This is acceptance of an uncertain future in the world of work!
The answer is 'No!' Based on Aspen Institute Center for Business Education, the Things That Matter are:
Challenging responsibilities 64%
Salary 48%
Work-life balance 45%
Contribution to society 26%
Colleagues whom I respect 24%
Training and development 24%
Rapid advancement 22%
Travel/International work 18%
High ethical standards 13%
Job security 4%
Surprised to see Job Security last on the list? This is acceptance of an uncertain future in the world of work!
Monday, April 07, 2008
THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY - A NEW PERSPECTIVE
A recession-resistant industry such as pharmaceuticals is undergoing a violent contraction cycle because of lack of new approved products, expiration of patents on existing blockbuster drugs, and the flood of generics. Ed Silverman, a noted journalist with the Star-Ledger has been tracking this industry on his blog, PHARMALOT. As of Saturday, April 5, 2008, the number of jobs these companies are expected to eliminate are:
1. Pfizer - 10,000
2. AstraZeneca - 7,600
3. Bayer - 6,100
4. Schering-Plough - 5,500
5. Wyeth - 5,000
6. Johnson & Johnson - 5,000
7. Bristol-Myers Squibb - 4,300
8. Novartis - 3,750
9. Amgen - 2,600
10. Glaxo - 1,650
11. King - 520
12. Sanofi-Aventis - 380
13. Sepracor - 300
14. Ligand Pharma - 267
15. PDL BioPharma - 250
16. West Pharma - 250
17. Abbott - 200
18. Bradley Pharma - 196
19. Alkermes - 150
20. Encysive Pharma - 150
21. Neurocrine Bio - 130
22, Nektar Thera - 110
23. Reliant Pharma -109
We will keep you posted on this blog as the numbers change significantly.
A recession-resistant industry such as pharmaceuticals is undergoing a violent contraction cycle because of lack of new approved products, expiration of patents on existing blockbuster drugs, and the flood of generics. Ed Silverman, a noted journalist with the Star-Ledger has been tracking this industry on his blog, PHARMALOT. As of Saturday, April 5, 2008, the number of jobs these companies are expected to eliminate are:
1. Pfizer - 10,000
2. AstraZeneca - 7,600
3. Bayer - 6,100
4. Schering-Plough - 5,500
5. Wyeth - 5,000
6. Johnson & Johnson - 5,000
7. Bristol-Myers Squibb - 4,300
8. Novartis - 3,750
9. Amgen - 2,600
10. Glaxo - 1,650
11. King - 520
12. Sanofi-Aventis - 380
13. Sepracor - 300
14. Ligand Pharma - 267
15. PDL BioPharma - 250
16. West Pharma - 250
17. Abbott - 200
18. Bradley Pharma - 196
19. Alkermes - 150
20. Encysive Pharma - 150
21. Neurocrine Bio - 130
22, Nektar Thera - 110
23. Reliant Pharma -109
We will keep you posted on this blog as the numbers change significantly.
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