Executives and senior level professionals have gotten jobs in the midst of the worst economy since the Great Depression. What do they know that you don't?

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What People Are Saying

“Working with Cheryl last year was one of the best experiences in a long time of pursuing my professional development. She was able to help me define my visions, focus my efforts, and guide me towards an efficient and successful job search. Even though she has not worked in my field, she provided me with plenty of tailored resources and taught me how to use social media tools for professional networking and growth. Even after finding a new job I continue to work with her on my career development goals, because she thinks out of the box and gives advice that consistently brings me closer to the 5-year goal that she helped me formulate. Cheryl always appears to be one step ahead of your thought process and is extremely talented at asking the necessary questions so you can reach your own conclusions as to what seems best for you. She is motivating, supportive, optimistic yet realistic, and one of the most positive forces you can have on your side while trying to reach the next goal.”

Susanne Ebling


Cheryl has been a pleasure to work with and she gets results. I found a new position, in a tough economic environment, through LinkedIn using the strategies that Cheryl taught me. I was in the job market actively looking for over six months. I was not using social media before the pilot program with Cheryl and was having very limited success. Once I started using social media based under Cheryl's direction, my success rate improved dramatically and the number of interviews increased resulting in multiple job offers. I highly recommend Cheryl as a career coach.”

Dave Becker


“I had been struggling with the umptenth rewrite of my resume for weeks, unable to get it to speak out for me. Then a mutual friend recommended Cheryl. I didn't call her right away since I stubbornly insisted to myself that I could do it without help. Finally, I realized that I needed a new set of eyes and some new thinking. Cheryl's response knocked me over. In a few short days I had a powerful resume that is exactly what I was looking for as well as a cover letter that I can easily customize. Cheryl delivers!”

Richard Floyd


“Cheryl wrote my resume, and after weeks of sending out my old resume and getting no phone calls, as soon as I got the first draft I sent it to a few job listings and was 5 for 6 in return phone calls- yes 5 for 6!!!..after no responses in the first 2 weeks; Cheryl's work made that much of a difference!! I know anyone looking to move on from where they are working and needs that GREAT resume should contact Cheryl immediately.”

Darrin Bailey
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NOT NECESSARILY UP THE LADDER

Climbing the corporate ladder has for many years been the definition of success in America. Employees pride themselves on starting at the bottom and working their way up. Getting promoted repeatedly is seen as validation of one´s skills and abilities. Therefore, the thought of making a lateral or downward move can be a tough pill to swallow. But opening yourself up to options other than simply moving up the ladder can free you to discover new possibilities.

Lateral Move

In many cases a lateral move can be an opportunity, not a liability, particularly if it is strategically done by the employee. A lateral move can in fact position a person to move up again. Very often people get stuck in a job, and over time they get bored because they can do it with their eyes closed. They may not be able to move up because there is simply no opportunity where they are. But a lateral move can open new doors if the person is able to learn new skills and transfer to an environment that has more opportunity.

Many people don’t see the opportunities that a lateral move can afford them because they believe that they have to advance up the corporate ladder with each new position that they hold. Since this is not always possible, many people become frustrated and stop giving their best to the organization.

But it might be helpful to think of it in terms of an analogy. If you are stuck in a traffic jam, and it may be hours before you are able to move forward, it makes sense to change lanes and exit on a side road where you can more quickly navigate around the traffic jam. Sitting in the traffic jam and fuming doesn’t get you anywhere.

Downward Move

Sometimes it is necessary to go backwards before you can go forward again. In this economic crisis, some people may have to take lower level jobs in order to stay employed. Although some find it bruising to the ego to take a step backward in terms of responsibility, it may be the best option if you can’t find a comparable position to the one that you had before. As someone once put it, if you’re on the edge of a cliff, a step backward can be a very positive thing.

If you find yourself in a position where you do take a step backward, try to make the best of the situation. In addition to counting your blessings, you can use your expertise to help employees who are new to the field. Many experienced employees find it gratifying to mentor younger employees and pass along the wisdom they have gained throughout the years.

You can also join company-wide committees to gain visibility in the organization and position yourself for a future promotion.

As organizations flatten and restructure, employees have to be willing to be flexible and see opportunity in what otherwise could be viewed as a negative situation.

 

A certified career coach can help you find more job satisfaction.  Send an email to admin@calltocareer.com today!