Author Archive for Lois
Lois Keay-Smith is a speaker and writer on careers. As a career coach, she has worked with miners, mums, executives, rugby players, dancers, athletes and graduates. Lois inspires people to find and create meaningful and satisfying careers. www.careerwisdom.com.au
The changing face of networking (part 2) – enetworking
Business card "filing" If you read the previous post, it was all about networking, mostly face to face. This post focuses on e-networking. That is, how you connect to people online. As this is mostly talking about your career perspective, the focus will be on LinkedIn, however please don’t underestimate the power of other social [...]
The changing face of networking (part 1)
Networking. It used to be all about who you know. Now, it’s just as much about who knows you. You can be referred by others, found online or simply be known by reputation or profile in your niche, through growing your networks. Networking has come a long way from the established ways of the “old [...]
Give (and gain), through mentoring
When introducing the notion of “careeranthropy” – helping humanity through your career, I often talk about giving forward, rather than waiting for years to give back. A great way of giving forward that combines giving of time and talent, is mentoring. Mentoring often involves someone who has walked the path (not necessarily older or more [...]
Job seeking, in a culture of “ignore”
Back in the good old days, if you applied for a job and weren’t successful you probably received a “thanks, but no thanks” letter in the mail (no doubt a standard letter, “merged” with your name and address details). Well, at least you knew where you stood. Now, with all our technological advancements since then, [...]
Careeranthropy… are you “giving back” or “giving forward”?
Careeranthropy Many career clients I’ve worked with over the years have expressed how they seek purpose or personal meaning reflected in their careers. I’ve come to use the term “careeranthropy” to reflect the way that your career can contribute to humankind (“anthropy”) and bring you a sense of fulfilment. Whilst for some this may be [...]
3 Things for your Job Quest
My family loves to watch the TV show Merlin, the Magician. In the last episode, Prince Arthur set out on a “quest” to prove himself worthy of the throne. I thought later of the quest of job seeking - it too can seem a perilous and exhausting journey at times! Although Arthur wished to do [...]
Grads and Job Seekers…Get Online and LinkedIn!
I spent a day recently meeting with company recruiters. What struck me is the pace of change that graduates (and any job seekers for that matter) now face as they enter the marketplace. It is costly and time consuming for companies to find good people. Employers, understandably, are looking for low cost, accurate measures of [...]
Positive Persistence…and a little help from your friends.
I am constantly reminded when working with my clients of the importance of positivity when looking for work. Developing positive self regard is so crucial to you being able to frame your experiences in a “can do” way to a prospective employer. Similarly, job seeking is a numbers game… staying mindful of this as you [...]
Mind the Gap…Year!
As Maggie Dent says in her recent excellent newsletter, Gap Year is starting to catch on in Australia. I’m a big fan of The Gap, as a career counsellor, parent and human being. Traditionally, it is a year off between high school and starting uni or work. It is a terrific opportunity to get [...]
What are your strengths?
A common (and oft dreaded!) interview question…”What are your top 3 (or 5) strengths?” And a powerful question to ask yourself, when you are contemplating your career choices. Firstly, know thyself! Also, it is great to know what you are naturally good at and gain energy from doing, so you can seek to do more [...]
