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The other piece is to have some direction and be realistic about your job search. Most large companies do background checks so that is something you will have to consider if you have a criminal history. A person cannot expect to land a $100k job as a Manager with a questionable past. You have to be willing to start where you are given the opportunity and show your employer that you can be a good worker, reliable, etc. and work from there. This goes for anybody, not just XYZ. Everybody has to start somewhere.

Today’s post was inspired by someone who emailed in for help this past week. This one is for you.

Lil Miss P continues her series looking at how you can stick to your plan, be persistent and succeed…

I once heard a famous pastor talk about how God writes the plans He has for us on our hearts – that the exact things you wish you could do, the person you feel you could be — are in line with the things God had in mind for you, too. Somehow, somewhere along the line, we can be pushed further and further away from that. Naysayers might discourage you from believing you can be what you feel in your heart of heart’s you can be. Circumstances and situations, such as where you are born or what you have access to, might make it seem impossible. Mistakes you’ve made, even getting into a gang or committing a crime, may make you think you can’t ever the plan God wrote for your life. But, you can. At any time in your life, on any day, you can make the choice to change the course – whether you are 18, 28, 50 or older. In fact, God knew exactly when you’d arrive, and trust me – His plan for you is more than ready.

I write a lot about looking within for what you really want to do in life because I believe God wants you to do it. And I know that things won’t necessarily happen tomorrow just because you’ve decided to take the course, but trust me when I say – when you start to make a move towards the plan God has painted on your heart, it will start to make moves towards you. One by one you’ll start to see how God will open up doors, put people across your path, give you the knowledge and information you need to do the job you know you have been destined for. All it takes, really, is you. Even if you’re keeping a job somewhere else to make rent, you can work towards what’s ahead for you. I was held like a prisoner for years in a job I didn’t like and did not feel fulfilled in so that I could pay the bills. Every day, I was so unfulfilled and tired. It was hard to be motivated to work there every day when I knew deep down I wanted to be doing other things. But, all the while, all along the way, I worked on the side towards what I really wanted to do with my life – and over time, I’ve gotten closer and closer to being able to do it.

No matter what your situation is, no matter what you did before, what’s around you – everything – is just temporary, as the famous pastor I’ve referenced said. It’s going to pass if you stay true to the plan, no matter how bad things get or how impossible it may seem. Regardless of what it looks like, or how frustrated you may feel, keep working. It will come. Now if you are not employed and looking for work, you’ll have to keep moving to find a job, knocking on doors, sending out your resume, etc. But, as you are doing so, each day take a little time to work towards what you really want in life. It can be as small as reading a chapter in a text book to taking one college course, to learning the skills you may need to make yourself more marketable to employers. If you’re at a job, you’ll have a harder time sometimes fitting in the work needed to move yourself forward. Don’t give up! Set aside a short time each week, when you can, to do the things that will help lay down that future job. It can be everything from studying to internship, to researching and learning. No matter what, keep doing it.

If you’re not sure how to find the plan God has for your life, go to a quiet place in your house or car, and just ask. He will reveal it to you.

Cool Careers

My high school had a college and career center that wasn’t very large and unfortunately, didn’t provide much insight or visibility into many careers. I grew up in a smaller town in a suburb of a major city where there weren’t many “big” jobs — mostly factories, doctor’s offices, libraries, and restaurants. It wasn’t until I got a little bit older and had moved into a bigger city that I started to really see all of the career choices out there, and even more so all of the different industries to work in. I also started to realize that the job I would be best at was one that didn’t just match what I knew how to do but what my God given natural born talents were. We all have them, we’re all born with something that we’re innately talented at — maybe not enough to land a pro football career, but without question something that can be leveraged to land you in a good career that you can build on. I had a natural talent for writing and communicating, and a bit of fearlessness. It actually made me a very good fit for a specific career that has benefitted me and given me a good life for more than ten years. I know God had to have played a part in all of it. If you’re reading this today, then I bet He wants to help play a part in your direction too. It inspired this week’s post because there may be others who, like me, didn’t know what opportunities were out there, let alone which ones to work towards. Below are some really cool careers that are not too difficult to get into and the natural skills that fit them:

– Public Relations/Publicist — This is a cool job where you are responsible for contacting newspapers, magazines and television stations to tell them about a client’s news. It can be fun and exciting because every day is different and you are always kept busy, and you’re also working with cool people in the media. You spend a lot of time talking with people, building relationships, emailing and doing research on the internet. It can also include a lot of writing. It’s a great job if you’re a good communicator — great at talking, writing, charismatic, etc. You can learn a lot of the specific job skills you need by doing — offer to help a local business with their publicity one day a week and call the media on behalf of them to build up experience. You can see what a press release and other public relations materials look like online to learn how to write them. Colleges have classes and degrees in the field. The entry level is mostly research, finding contacts, etc. so there is plenty of opportunity to work your way up. Sites like Craigs List and Monster.com list public relations/publicity jobs. What’s cool is that there is public relations/publicity in most industries — healthcare, technology, music, TV, fashion, etc.

– Stylist — If you have good style and a flair for fashion, it can actually be a career. There are personal shoppers and private stylists that work with people, from celebrities to everyday people who need help finding what to wear. There are also stylists for magazines, who handle laying out all of the clothes, and stylists for TV shows and films. It can branch into merchandising, which is more in the retail industry but still relies on a keen eye for putting things together. Stylists work with a lot of e-commerce stores to help style and present items, so there can be opportunity there, too. It’s helpful if you attend a fashion school to make connections and learn the business, but you can get into it simply with talent. There are many personal shopper organizations and groups if you do a Google search. Stylist jobs are a bit harder to find but Craigs List in New York and Los Angeles often have them. Merchandising jobs can be found in the retail category on Craigs List or Monster.com.

– Writer/Blogger — Writing skill can be a career in a few different areas. The obvious ones are writer/blogger for newspapers, magazines and internet sites, which can range from writing short, fast articles about news to writing fun things about handbags or stereos, to longer articles reporting on a topic or issue. To get started, what is most important is to rack up as many published examples of your work — it may require that you write for free a bit to accumulate enough to land a paid or regular job. Other writing jobs can include copy writing, where you are hired to write things like product descriptions or marketing copy for companies. Again, offering to do some work for free can help build up your samples to ultimately land a paid job. The downside of writing is that it can pay poorly or pay great, depending on who you are writing for. Since magazines and newspapers are affected by how many ads they can sell, it can be a fickle career to write for magazines or newspapers. But, if you have a natural talent for writing, you might want to check it out. Writing jobs are listed on Craigs List and sometimes on Monster, etc.

What’s important regardless of whatever work you do is to keep the hustle on. I have mentored hundreds of people and watched dozens more operate in various jobs and careers, and the only difference between those who are successful and those who are not is ambition. Next week I’ll post a few more cool careers and how to get into them.

Lil Miss P

Growing up, my home life had hit some troubles due to my parents’ divorce and some other problems my parents were having. They were unable to be of much help about college and career even though they wanted to help if they could and were supportive. I felt very alone to try to find my way, and when you are a teen that is hard. Money was tight and figuring out all the financial aid was hard. College career centers at high schools aren’t always that helpful — ours more or less told every girl to go one direction. It was only years after that I saw the scope of the very many careers and types of work, industries, etc. you can have! But for many years I didn’t really feel a sense of direction. Having not been exposed to much beyond what was in my city and what I had seen through school, I felt lost. I decided on a path, headed towards it, then tried another, only to find myself again unsure. Luckily, God had a plan.

At 22, I was introduced to a career and industry I didn’t know existed through a hobby: Playing sports. I was lending my free time to it for six months to help promote my team and before long I realized, this was the direction to go. I loved the work and it made me feel energized. It was a challenge each time and I felt fulfilled by it. Most of all, it fit right into my skills — I was not just crazy about the work, but I was actually very naturally good at it. How I had wished someone in my high school career center or my counselor would have showed me this career path earlier! By the time I had set my sights on it as a future career path, I was already capable of doing the work from the past things I had done with it. Within five years later, I was in a job doing it for a living, and two years after that making more money than I had ever before — and all of this having more or less taught myself how to do the work! It’s something that taught me time and time again that there are a lot of jobs you can get into or jobs you can advance in once you’re in simply by learning and educating yourself. I didn’t go to college for the career I had chosen, but I did earn enough work history and teach myself the necessary skills to be able to land not just one but several great jobs! I later continued college because I needed it for future potential, but I never forgot the lesson as long as I lived: You can teach yourself many great careers and you can advance in them by doing so.

Here’s how:

1. Learn. I was adamant to learn whatever I could about not just doing the job but also, in advancing forward. I learned about the industry and how it operated — what were the major job positions and titles? Which were entry level that I might be able to get into, and which would be those I should aim for in the future? I reached out to people at companies in the industry to do informational interviews and learn all I can from them. Almost nobody responded, but I didn’t give up and eventually here and there, people helped. They told me certain skills I should ensure I have, what technology and software were popular in the industry, and what companies were looking for in candidates at my level. I also continued to learn to improve my skill and ability to do the job. Believe it or not, by the time I switched my major in college for a degree specific to this industry, I had not only more or less taught myself how to do the work, but also was in a director position in the industry! Anything is possible with eduction and it is important to understand: Education can come from a variety of ways — including educating yourself.

2. Do. For a few short years, before I got my first “real” job in the business, I worked for free — internship — while earning a living at another job. There weren’t any internships directly at companies in my industry where I lived but I needed background and experience to put on my resume or I’d never land a job in it. So, I offered to work for free wherever I could and as often as I could on the side. I’d work at my regular job that paid the bills and when I had free time each week, “donate” my ability to other organizations, companies, etc. to build up my direct experience. Within a short time, I not only landed a job in the industry, but quickly advanced into higher level positions and better companies that paid more. As you are aiming for your career, be willing to earn some stripes like this. Most corporate careers have low or unpaid internships to give college students skills and training on the job, and in return you can get the necessary background needed to move forward. It doesn’t mean you have to be in college, or that you have to seek out formal internships. You can lend a hand to companies on your own as I did and it will work nearly as well.

3. Hustle. Most of all, you’ve got to be willing to keep moving and working towards what you want — relentlessly and tirelessly at times, but it truly works. Had I not been so aggressive in my pursuit the job and career I wanted, I would not be where I am today. Doors wouldn’t open, people wouldn’t help me — once I sent out over 200 resumes in two year’s time without even a single response! I did not stop moving and I did not give up. If a door felt closed, I looked for another, and another. I never gave in and I never gave up. As you try to get into a career, change your course or turn your life around, it’s going to be difficult at times — don’t sweat it. Just keep hustling! Keep making lists of what you want, who you want to talk to, and keep moving towards it. All those times I thought I was not seeing doors open actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise — I landed in a part of the industry that opened more doors — and bigger doors — than I could have ever imagined!

If you want to be a fashion designer, don’t just look into school — talk with other designers, find them and tell them what you’re interested in, ask for insight and help. Offer to lend your time — even if free — when you can or have free time to learn, learn, learn. If you want to be a musician, keep looking for contacts — most people in business can be found online, who you can reach out to even if by a phone call, note or email. If you want to be a reporter or a TV correspondent, reach out to the media in your town and see if there is any way you can get in — even if just for an internship. It can open up more doors that you ever know!

Lil Miss P

Lil Miss P continues her Knowing How series by checking out the things you need to do to get you in the right position to find a job.

One of the most important things you can do when trying to accomplish a goal or make a change is support. The right kind of mentors, guidance, etc. — and even the right employees and vendors when you own your own company or creating a project — can make all the difference. Not only can good people around you help you find your way, but they can also potentially benefit you in other areas. One of my biggest mentors helped me land some of my early positions that ended up opening up the right doors for my future career. Another made introductions and shared insight that helped catapult my work from there. Whether you’re job hunting to make ends meet or working on building the career of your dreams, the company you keep is important. Here’s how to find the right type of people to help move your goals and ideas.

1. Read. One of the most valuable tools during my entire career has been reading. I read the industry trades in the market I do work in, blogs, etc. Knowing what’s going on in the business you do, recent trends, news, and other happenings can help you edge out competition. There is nobody who is more successful than someone who knows their stuff. But also, reading can create the opportunity to find the right people to reach out to about jobs, doing business, etc. For example, I read Business Week cover to cover every year for years and often would contact those who were in the articles about doing business. It works!

2. Reach out. Once you’ve found a mentor or someone you’d like to connect with, the next step is to reach out to him or her and see if they’ll take a meeting or call with you. Even an exchange of emails where you’re able to get insight or develop a bond with a person can speak volumes in helping you get ahead. As you do, be quick and concise, stating who you are and what you’re up to in just a few short sentences. Get right to the point of what you’d like to connect with the person on. If its for mentorship, ask. If it’s just to gain information, see if he/she will do an informational interview over email, or answer a few questions.

3. Ready yourself. The key to effectively networking is to not just make it about what you want to accomplish, but what you have to bring to the table too. As I reach out to mentors, people I want to do business with, etc. I do make clear what I might be looking for but I also make very clear what kind of knowledge, insight and information I have that may benefit someone else — if you are a great writer and articulate speaker, say so. If you can give insight into a specific market, or have a special skill, let it be known. By stating your value and what you offer in quick, short form can make you valuable to whoever works with you and also enables them to understand where you may have skills or knowledge that may be able to help someone else.

4. Research. When it comes to mentors and advisors, or vendors and other support you might bring in, always make sure you’re researching who you are working with to ensure they’re the right fit for the job. A friend of mine constantly wants to have a certain business associate we know to advise on his company, but time and time again, I tell him that person is not really the right fit for what they need. When you’re looking into vendors, agencies, etc. to hire, always ask for client references and check out their work. Sometimes really great firms just aren’t a fit for something you may need to accomplish.

As you plan out what you want to do with your job/career, think about the kind of people that might help you along the way. It goes beyond just those who donate their time to mentorship — sometimes, reaching out to a TV exec, an author, etc. can put you under someone’s wing in other ways. Most of all, don’t be afraid to ask, and don’t be discouraged when someone takes time to respond (or doesn’t respond at all). It can take some of my advisors, mentors, etc. a long time to respond due to being busy. I try to remember that those who are helping me free of charge are doing so when they can. Just keep moving forward, reaching out to others, working towards your goals!

Continuing her “Knowing How” series on how to find work,  Lil Miss P drops wisdom about…

Continuing her “Knowing How” series on how to find work,  Lil Miss P deals with interviews and more particularly…

“How To Ace Any Interview”

One of the biggest things I do before everything major in my life, be it a first date to a major business meeting, is take a little time and think about how I want to handle that situation. When it’s something fun or personal, it could be remembering to put work behind me. For a major business meeting, however, it can be as elaborate as jotting down points I want to make to rehearsing what I want to say to prepare. You would be surprised at how much this helps. Not only do I go into situations more confident, but also, if things get a little sidetracked in a meeting it helps me stay focused. If you’re getting ready to interview for a job, take a business meeting, etc. here are the five best ways to prepare:

1.     Know your value. You can’t sell a product without knowing what it is and why people may want to have it, and the same goes for your skills. Before you head to your meeting or interview, be sure to take a little time and ask yourself “What do I bring to the table? What skills, experience, etc. do I have that makes me a fit for this position? Once you have this established, write it down into short, simple points. These are your “message points,” and by having them set in your mind will help you communicate them better.

2.     Be the part. Another strategy I’ve used that has worked is focusing on not just looking the part, but being it – in what I wear, how I style my hair, what I do, how I carry myself, etc. It doesn’t mean I’m not being myself by any means – I’m just pulling out the qualities and elements that I know can set me apart in business.  A good suit is of course a starting point but don’t forget the whole package. Take confidence in yourself and your work, remember to keep your presentation of yourself tight and pulled together from what you wear to how you walk into the room.

3.     Practice, Practice. No matter what  I do, I always practice and “pregame” before any big meeting or interview. Once I’ve got my message points about myself pulled together and know what I want to say or get across, I practice, practice, practice – in the car, in the mirror, as I’m on my way to the meeting location. If it’s a really big meeting, I’ll even talk it out with friends and/or business partners. It’s just another way to making sure I am confident, ready and prepared.

4.     Do research. I always, always make sure that I take a look at the companies I’m meeting with and even the executives, if I can, to ensure I’m well prepared and versed in who they are, what they offer, etc. It can be as simple as a quick Google search or just taking a good look at the company description in a job listing. Not only will it help you feel more confident, prepared and comfortable going into a meeting or interview, but an effort to get to know the company, etc. can also show your attention to detail and hard work – and impress prospective employers.

5.     Be prepared with a few questions. During your interview, it’s more than likely prospective employers, business associates, etc. will ask if you have any questions. This can be an awkward time because you might feel put on the spot, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s always a great opportunity to find out if the job, relationship, etc. is the right fit. To be prepared, think of a few questions you’d like to know before you go in. Great things to ask include “What would you consider the ideal candidate?” and “Is there opportunity for advancement?”

A little pregame and preparation can go a long way to make an impact no matter what you’re doing. When it comes to job hunting or work, it can help edge you above other candidates and help you get the gig.

Also in this series:

Identifying your talents

Well God’s at work. I have been planning a piece on how to find a job etc for a while and never got to it. Last weekend I get a message from Lil Miss P who wants to write stuff for this blog about jobs and careers, so I’d like to welcome her and thank her for stepping in.

This is the first in a series of columns that we’re going to call Knowing How

A good future is in you

I’m new here. I had a troubled life full of hurt and sadness that I know was very similar to a lot of people that visit this site. But that’s not what I’m going to write about today. That’s because like you, I wanted to move on and those days are behind me. I didn’t get to choose what I was born into or what the past I was given during my childhood but everyday I wake up and I choose what happens next. A long time ago, I vowed to do this and my life has never been the way since. A big part of how I was able to do this was having a vision of what I wanted to do and that didn’t come easily. When you’re not exposed to a lot of options growing up, it’s hard to know what option might be for you. The good news is that the number one clue to finding this is closer than you think. It’s in you.