​Have you ever done something that surprised a lot of people and seemed to go against everything that you or your business promoted? 

Have you suddenly quit a job only to be asked why?❓❓

When I suddenly left a ‘good’ federal job for a higher paying (albeit not as secure contract job), my co-workers thought I was crazy which a capital C. I had 10+ years of tenure. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I left a position with no upward mobility in the short term, to accept a much higher paying contract position that took me in a whole different career direction. I became a Risk Reduction Manager on a very large Army installation. I briefed Army military commanders on the ‘risk’ statistics of their units. That launched me into a career as an Employee Assistance Program Manager (back in federal government service) at a higher pay level.🎉  

🚀I’ve done that again with my new course – How to Write Your Resume in a Weekend for Busy Professionals that launched this week. 

Even students in the Beta program asked me, “Why would a professional resume writer create a course that could affect their own income?”

It doesn’t make sense. 👀
But it was the perfect decision. 

💻I am helping MORE people by offering a very affordable resume writing program for jobseekers, new graduates, return to work parents, and those determined to write their own resume. My resume business has actually increased significantly at the same time. And the blessing is that now I have something for everyone. 

Sometimes doing things the same old way does not lead you where you want to go or help you to impact more people. Sometimes you have to get off the beaten path. Take the road less traveled. Explore new opportunities.

I have these conversations with my clients all the time. While we are talking about their career direction I often ask, “Have you thought about this…?  Have you thought about using all that knowledge and experience to become a trainer?  Have you thought about applying your skills in a different way in a different kind of job?” 

Many of my clients have made successful and rewarding career changes. Sometime you need turn your challenge on its head and look at it from a new perspective. 🎯

I want to say thank you to everyone who asked me ‘why’ because it clarified MY WHY which is a big part of my Resume Writing program – helping you discover your why. ❤

I’ve priced the Resume Writing Program at $197 for a Limited Time and the 10+ years of value packed inside this course is easily 10x that price. But that’s not the point. The point is making a course that is available to everyone who is dedicated, passionate, and even nervous about writing their own resume. 

So, next time you are thinking about making a job or career decision – make sure to take some time and consider your ‘Why’ and then make the JUMP if it is right thing for you and the right time. 

Since you’ve stayed with me to this point – here is a little sneak peek inside the course. I hope to see you inside – you’ll be glad you made the investment in your future, or for your graduating kids, or even for a friend or family member. You ALWAYS need an updated resume.  📄

Click here to get immediate access to my FREE Workshop that gives you a sneak peak inside the program: https://www.karavarner.com/3StepsResumeworkshop 💻

Can't wait to see you inside!

All my best, 

Kara

💻I’ve noticed an increase in the number of clients who are coming to me asking to create/re-fresh/update their resumes because there is an internal job coming open. It’s always great to have the ‘inside track’!
🎯What I noticed is that these employees are beginning to realize that they still must be competitive and bring their ‘A-game’ even when the job opening is in their own backyard (so to speak).
It’s easy to think that you are a shoo-in for an internal position, just because you already work there; however, that does not always mean you are at the front of the line.
🔝If you find yourself eyeing an internal position, here are a few tips to be ‘top of mind’ for your coveted position.
1.    Update your resume with your current job, make sure to include your achievements (if you know me, you knew that would be #1) and TARGET your resume for the new position.
2.    Make sure to include a cover letter with your application even though you are already an internal employee. So many candidates skip this step thinking it doesn’t matter. As I ALWAYS say, when you don’t send a cover letter, you miss an opportunity. In this case, you would miss the opportunity to show how your experience, training, and current job align with the new job, how you won’t need to attend orientation or be onboarded and express your loyalty and commitment to the company by wanting to progress there.
3.    Schedule a discussion with your current boss around the topic of the job you are interested in. Find out if your company has explicit instructions on when you should tell your supervisor you’re applying for an internal position. Some even require that you your current boss has to agree to ‘release you’. I once worked for an employer that was able to keep me for 45 days after I had accepted an internal position before I could start my new position. Once you know the policy, it’s best to verbally tell your supervisor. It’s not good workplace etiquette to blindside your boss or have them feel betrayed. It may not create the most ideal situation for you with your boss, but it is better to be upfront and respectful. Hopefully, you will find a new champion in your supervisor.
4.    Start building or adding to your referral network. Ask for referrals or recommendations from other managers, peers, or mentors in your industry arena.
5.    Utilize your knowledge of the company’s hiring process and practices (or learn them) so that you are sure to apply correctly, professionally (with all the right documents), and in a timely manner.
6.    Schedule a short meeting with your Human Resources Department (even if it has to be a Zoom meeting due to distance) to discuss the specifics of the job posting and garner as much information as you can. (This is usually more difficult, if not impossible for external candidates).
7.    If it is allowed, and you are able, schedule a meeting directly with the Hiring Manager and be prepared with specific relevant questions. If you already have some knowledge of the innerworkings of the department, then makes sure to reference that information when you speak. For example, “I noticed that you have increased your training program for direct sales reps, is that something that this position would be involved in?” This shows that you pay attention and have ‘insider’s knowledge’.
8.    Prepare for the interview (it’s usually rare that an internal candidate does not get an interview). Use all your research and groundwork you conducted to craft 5 to 7 questions, to include – ‘What would I be challenge with or hit the ground running with in the first 30 days?”
9.   Follow up after the interview and send a Thank you letter/email. It’s good etiquette!
10.  What should you do if you don’t get the job? Although you may be disappointed, maybe even upset, don’t let it show. Stay positive (speak positive) and hold your head up high. If it is allowed, ask for feedback from the Hiring Manager who interviewed you, so you are better prepared for the next time you interview. Remember, they may have already had someone in mind before you even applied.
Whether you are the one chosen or not, continue to cross-train, elevate your own position, take on new responsibilities, and continue to seek out new opportunities. 🎉