Green Career Tip of the Week

• Your networking contacts don't quite understand what you want to do.

Problem: Your networking contacts' referrals are missing the mark. When it happens once or twice, you figure it's just about your networking contact. If it is happening over and over, you have to make the conclusion that people you are talking to aren't getting it.

Solution:  Don't jump to the conclusion that your target green career is off the mark. Instead, take some time to talk with more people in your target field to figure out the best way to talk about the role you want.

• Your contacts question your education and experience.

Problem: As you talk with your contacts you realized that they are concerned about whether you are properly trained for the green job you are targeting.

Solution: If several of your contacts have this perception, it's time to bolster your education and experience. Listen to your contacts to understand which experiences will boost the impression you make with hiring managers.

• You are embarrassed to show your resume to anyone.

Problem: A resume only does its job if people see it! So if you feel squeamish as you email it to contacts or you do everything you can to avoid giving out your resume, you've got a problem!

Solution: Invest the time you need to spruce up your resume. Taking pride in your resume will give you the confidence you need to bring your green job search to a successful conclusion.

• You have no idea which companies hire people with your skills.

Problem: If your list of target green companies is limited or non existent, you are going to have a difficult time conducting your green job search.

Solution: Targeting the companies that are most likely to hire you is the most effective way to manage your job search. Putting in this time at the beginning of your search will give you more powerful results.

• You aren't sure how to explain your value to hiring managers.

Problem: If you assume hiring managers will see the connection between your resume and their job, you are expecting too much. It's your responsibility to create a clear link between your background and the job you are applying for.

Solution: Talk with your contacts to understand as much as you can about the needs and challenges facing your target green companies. Then think through how your experience, expertise, and education prepare you to provide unique value to the green company.

Job search is all about making a favorable impression at every step of the process--with yourself, your networking contacts, and hiring managers. When you feel confident about your introduction, your resume, your experience, your target companies, and your value, you are ready to launch your search!

To discover how to approach your job search in a way that prepares you to make a strong positive impression, be sure to sign up for next week's free teleclass - Why Your Green Job Search Isn't Working....AND What You Can Do About It!

Why Your Green Job Search Isn't Working ... AND What You Can Do About It! - A Free Teleclass

Green Career Seekers - receive the "greencareer" edition

Career Counselors and Coaches - receive the "careercounselor" edition