• What's Holding You Back?
• Resume Distribution Services
• Funny (but TRUE) Stories from the Field

Are you searching for a job without much luck? Do you WANT to change careers, but are having a hard time taking the next step?

I read many self-improvement books and articles to help me stay focused and motivated. Though much of the advice is common sense, one recurring theme that finally struck me was the idea of identifying solutions rather than making excuses.

At one point, I found myself coming up with reasons why I couldn't leave my position at the time. I thought I wouldn't be able to make as much money somewhere else, I'd have to prove myself all over again, I didn't have experience in another industry, and there weren't many positions in my industry in the area in which I lived, etc. I finally realized that these were all EXCUSES I was coming up with rather than solid solutions to help get me where I wanted to be. I eventually decided to "get over" my excuses and find answers to help me move forward in my career. I couldn't let my own excuses stand in the way of realizing my dreams.

What are your excuses? Take some time to figure out what's holding you back. Ask yourself why you haven't made the choices you know deep down that you need to, but have found excuses justifying why you shouldn't. Write or type these in a column. In the next column, write down ways in which you CAN overcome the obstacles. For instance, one of your excuses might be a fear that you won't find a position making enough money somewhere else. A way to overcome this would be researching and exploring positions you're qualified for, and the going salaries for those positions.

The goal here is to identify ways that you CAN make your goals and dreams come true, rather than coming up with excuses as to why you CAN'T do something. You'll be amazed how you can easily overcome some of the obstacles that have been holding you back.

Not sure what you really want to do? Register now for a FREE online Brainbench Skills Test.

Are you looking for a new job, but tired of going to dozens of different job search engines to view all the latest opportunities? Resume distribution services will submit your resume to dozens of job search engines, as well as organize your job search activities in one central location, which can literally save you hours of job search time. When I first started looking into resume distribution services, my first reaction was that they just blasted your resume all over the internet in an unfocused, untargeted fashion. After researching some of these services, however, I found that they can actually save you time and frustration. You can submit your resume once, choose targeted, focused job categories and positions, and have immediate access to hundreds of job opportunities on dozens of job search engines.

If you don't have time to search through open positions on dozens of career sites, you may want to consider using a resume distribution service. You can control your job search through one central location, and have access to the best opportunities available.

In order to take advantage of any resume distribution service, make sure the resume you submit is TARGETED and FOCUSED. Apply for only positions that you are definitely qualified for (or have most of the qualifications for). Research companies before applying for positions or scheduling job interviews. If you have a full time job, plus family and outside commitments, using a resume distribution service can help you organize and expand your job search.

A friend of mine (John) was interviewing candidates for an open position. One young man showed up in tattered jeans for the interview. John started asking the candidate questions. About 10 minutes into the interview, the candidate's cell phone rang, HE ANSWERED IT, and proceeded to have a lengthy personal conversation, leaving my friend John completely astounded.

After he hung up his cell phone, the young man proceeded to ask John questions about the company and work environment (a good thing!), but instead of agreeing to the policies and procedures he blurted out "SUCK!" to show his disapprovement of some of the company's policies. Needless to say, the candidate did not get the position, but gave us plenty to laugh about in the months to come.

What did you think of this issue? I'd love to get your questions and comments. Also please send any suggestions you have for future editions of Career Focus. I'm thinking about having a monthly giveaway, let me know what types of career-related products you'd be interested in receiving (resume service, motivational books, resume software, subscription to resume distribution service, etc.). Please send me a note.

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Thank you!

Best wishes to your success,

Kristen

www.career-development-help.com