September 2022 - The Early Career Moves Podcast

Episode 65: How To Prepare for an Info Chat in 30 Minutes Or Less

by Priscilla | Sep 30, 2022 | Job Search

Someone agreed to talk to you for an informational chat? Congrats! Now, let’s make sure that you don’t sound clueless on the call and walk away with a new advocate.

Don’t even think about winging your info chat! Here’s why….

So, I think we’ve all been guilty of trying “wing” calls with new people, i.e., not preparing for them whatsoever.

It seems like a good idea at the time.

“I mean, I already know how to introduce myself. I’ll just ask them a bunch of questions. That’s really the point of this right?”

WRONG!

When you “wing” an informational chat, it’s obvious to the person on the other line.

When you “wing” a call, and take it from a noisy location or while driving your car (facepalm), the person may answer your questions, but they’re annoyed that you weren’t even able to find a quiet space.

BTW – I actually did this once in my early 20’s (take a call from a noisy environment), and the person on the other phone actually hung up on me and didn’t get back to me. Ouch.

When you “wing” this call, you come across as distracted, unfocused, and a bit careless.

Remember: this person offered to spend 30 minutes of their FREE time to HELP YOU and meet with YOU.

They don’t get ANYTHING from this conversation.

And they’re not exactly catching up with a close friend, either.

Most of the time, you’re talking to someone whom you’ve never met, or haven’t talked to in a long time.

In your attempt to be “casual” and skip the preparation work, you actually risk losing this person’s respect altogether.

Instead of gaining an advocate, they walk away from the conversation thinking, “Seriously? They couldn’t even look up what our company does? What a waste.”

Don’t do that…..

The least you can do is prepare for this conversation, and give them a positive experience that they will remember. Only then will they feel compelled to HELP YOU beyond this conversation.

On this episode, I teach you:

Why “winging” the call is a very risky move
How to conduct research on your “Booster” and their current company so you don’t sound clueless
How to introduce yourself and frame the purpose of the call to maximize your time

Next week, I’ll cover how to actually run the actual informational chat with confidence and ease.

So, if you want to understand how to prepare for info chats so that you make an AMAZING impression and increase the odds of building an advocate for you?

This is the podcast for you.

Listen To The Full Episode:

65. How To Prepare For A Successful Info Chat In 30 Minutes Or Less

So, someone agreed to talk to you for 30 minutes for an informational chat. Congrats!!  Now it’s time to prepare for this call so that you can a) build an authentic relationship with this person, and b) inspire them to become an advocate for YOU.

Click HERE to set up your FREE 1-Hour Consult with Priscilla!

Loving this episode? Leave us a review if you’re listening on Apple podcasts and be sure to follow us on Instagram!

Episode 64: Why You Can’t Skip Informational Chats During Your Job Search

by Priscilla | Sep 23, 2022 | Job Search

If I had to give you just ONE tool that I view as a “magic bullet” for the job search process, it would be the informational chat. On this episode, I break down WHY.

What do you think I would do if I were laid off from my job today?

For one, I would NOT start applying to jobs online.

Instead, I would hit up my existing network and start sending out personalized requests for informational chats.

Why?

Because it is statistically MORE likely for someone to get their next (best) job offer through an informational chat versus an online application.

I view conducting info chats as a NON-NEGOTIABLE job search activity, especially if you enroll in my 1:1 career coaching program.

I recommend that my clients conduct outreach to 5 people on a weekly basis, assuming that only 1 out of those 5 people will respond and schedule an informational chat with them.

And that’s OK.

Because over time, that 1 person becomes 5 people, and 5 people become 10 people.

Before you know it, you’re being invited to access those people’s immediate networks. They are referring you to jobs (which is the equivalent of cutting the long line at the club).

BIN-GO! That’s what we want.

On this episode, I teach you:

The different reasons WHY you should do an informational chat
The type of people you should (and should NOT) target for your info chats
How to think about low response rates from info chat requests
How to set up your info chat when someone says YES!

So, if you want to understand the WHY behind informational chats and why I won’t shut up about them?

This is the podcast for you.

Listen To The Full Episode:

64. Why You Can’t Skip Informational Chats During Your Job Search

Are you frustrated with your job search process? Have you been applying to countless jobs online, with little results? I would like to introduce you to your job search BFF: the informational chat. It is statistically MORE likely that you will get your next (best) job offer through an informational chat versus an online application.

Click HERE to set up your FREE 1-Hour Consult with Priscilla!

Loving this episode? Leave us a review if you’re listening on Apple podcasts and be sure to follow us on Instagram!

Episode 63: How To Get Ready For Your New Job, with Al Dea

by Priscilla | Sep 16, 2022 | AAPI, Business

So, you went through ALL that trouble to finally land that new exciting job. You probably want to avoid going on ANOTHER job hunt anytime soon. So, how do you start your new job on the right foot?

With a new job, “hitting the ground running” isn’t always the best first move.

With the average job search taking around 6 months and sometimes up to 1 year, chances are you’re not going to be keen on starting a new job search anytime soon.

And while there is no such thing as a “perfect job”, there are definitely things that are within your control that you can do to create a better onboarding and work experience for yourself.

The first 90 days on the job are usually seen as an evaluative time period on the job, as you and your new manager or team will be getting to know each other and deciding whether you each made the right choice.

That might seem a little scary, but don’t let it get to you. The company that hired you wants you to succeed. It is extremely costly for them to have to go through another job search process, and so you should always go into a new job assuming best intentions.

I always recommend that my clients take some time to reflect upon how they want to show up differently in this new job, and make sure they’re not bringing any baggage from their previous role.

What kind of employee do you want to be? What kind of boundaries do you want to set? How will your work environment be different and how will you shape it?

To get you started, tune into today’s episode. On today’s episode, Al Dea (Founder of Betterwork Labs), shares a few best practices for new employees who are starting a brand new job.

We discuss the following:

Why “hitting the ground running” isn’t always the best idea when starting a new job
Why being in listening mode can help you build trust with your new colleagues
Why you should identify the “weak ties” that will still impact your day to day work
How to have a powerful 1:1 conversation with your new manager so that you can avoid working style issues down the road

Listen To The Full Episode:

63. How To Get Ready For Your New Job, with Al Dea

So, you went through all that trouble to get your new offer and your first day on the job is coming up.

Click HERE to set up your FREE 1-Hour Consult with Priscilla!

Loving this episode? Leave us a review if you’re listening on Apple podcasts and be sure to follow us on Instagram!

Episode 62: Caroline’s Client Success Story

by Priscilla | Sep 9, 2022 | First-Gen, Latinx, Tech

Does the thought of networking make you want to barf? Do you want to pivot into tech and get a pay increase? Has it been a long time since you’ve interviewed for jobs? Check out Caroline’s story.

Caroline was ready to pivot into tech but didn’t know how to get started.

In January 2022, Caroline came to me with a desire to move into tech, get paid more money, and find a role that was better suited to her strengths and interests.

She signed up for my 6 month career coaching program, and we went on a journey to a) figure out her next career move and b) make it happen.

Together we did the following:

We got clear on what she was looking for her in her next career move (her top 3 career non-negotiables, one-year vision, values, and so much more)
We re-branded her professional experiences into a shiny resume, cover letter, elevator pitch, and LinkedIn profile
We explored a variety of different companies and roles through informational chats, intentional networking, and LinkedIn
We did many mock interviews to make sure Caroline was READY for when the right opportunity came along.

I might have crafted the roadmap for Caroline, but Caroline DID THE WORK. She overcame her disdain for networking, finding a way to make it FUN for her in NYC and going to in-person events. She created a job search process that worked for HER life and centered her well-being. And, she held belief for herself that, no matter how long this process took, it would be worth it in the end.

Fast forward to August 2022: Caroline accepts an offer from a leading tech company with a 30% increase in pay. Not only that, but she successfully negotiated and broke into her desired new industry.

On this episode, Caroline discusses the ups and downs of a career change journey, how she managed the redirections and long waits, and how she made the job search process manageable for her. You can make this happen, too!

Listen To The Full Episode:

62. Client Win: Caroline’s Career Change Journey

No Description

Click HERE to set up your FREE 1-Hour Consult with Priscilla!

Loving this episode? Leave us a review if you’re listening on Apple podcasts and be sure to follow us on Instagram!

Episode 61: What To Do When You’re Overwhelmed With Your Job Search

by Priscilla | Sep 2, 2022 | Solo

Do you ever tell yourself you don’t have time to work on your job search? Or, do you think that you have to do 100 things to get your next job? Then, you MUST tune into this episode and learn about the One Thing Strategy.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, commit to ONE micro-action.

“I don’t have time for my job search”

“My life is busy enough, how do I fit in a whole job search?”

“At the end of a long day at work, working on my resume is the last thing on my mind”

Sound familiar? I bet it does.

You aren’t alone if you’re struggling with finding time to make progress on your career change process.

The good news? In this podcast, I share an easy strategy called “The One Thing Strategy.”

This is a strategy based on the Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule) – which says 80% of the results in your life comes from 20% of your efforts.

This is really good news, because it means you don’t have to do ALL of the things that you think you need to do, to get the results that you want.

You don’t have to take “perfect” action. Just one thing is enough.

On this episode, I break down EXACTLY how to use this principle to trick your mind and take small steps that will lead to your next career move.

I also explain how I applied this exact strategy during my GMAT studying and MBA Application process back in 2017. It doesn’t take more than 30 minutes and you don’t even need to do it everyday to see results.

So, if you’ve ever avoided your job search for weeks and thought, “why do I do this to myself…?”

This is the podcast for you.

Listen To The Full Episode:

https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=23470130

Click HERE to set up your FREE 1-Hour Consult with Priscilla!

Book mentioned in the podcast: The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller

Loving this episode? Leave us a review if you’re listening on Apple podcasts and be sure to follow us on Instagram!

Someone agreed to talk to you for an informational chat? Congrats! Now, let’s make sure that you don’t sound clueless on the call and walk away with a new advocate.

Don’t even think about winging your info chat! Here’s why….

So, I think we’ve all been guilty of trying “wing” calls with new people, i.e., not preparing for them whatsoever.

It seems like a good idea at the time.

“I mean, I already know how to introduce myself. I’ll just ask them a bunch of questions. That’s really the point of this right?”

WRONG!

When you “wing” an informational chat, it’s obvious to the person on the other line.

When you “wing” a call, and take it from a noisy location or while driving your car (facepalm), the person may answer your questions, but they’re annoyed that you weren’t even able to find a quiet space.

BTW – I actually did this once in my early 20’s (take a call from a noisy environment), and the person on the other phone actually hung up on me and didn’t get back to me. Ouch.

When you “wing” this call, you come across as distracted, unfocused, and a bit careless.

Remember: this person offered to spend 30 minutes of their FREE time to HELP YOU and meet with YOU.

They don’t get ANYTHING from this conversation.

And they’re not exactly catching up with a close friend, either.

Most of the time, you’re talking to someone whom you’ve never met, or haven’t talked to in a long time.

In your attempt to be “casual” and skip the preparation work, you actually risk losing this person’s respect altogether.

Instead of gaining an advocate, they walk away from the conversation thinking, “Seriously? They couldn’t even look up what our company does? What a waste.”

Don’t do that…..

The least you can do is prepare for this conversation, and give them a positive experience that they will remember. Only then will they feel compelled to HELP YOU beyond this conversation.

On this episode, I teach you:

Why “winging” the call is a very risky move

How to conduct research on your “Booster” and their current company so you don’t sound clueless

How to introduce yourself and frame the purpose of the call to maximize your time

Next week, I’ll cover how to actually run the actual informational chat with confidence and ease.

So, if you want to understand how to prepare for info chats so that you make an AMAZING impression and increase the odds of building an advocate for you?

This is the podcast for you.

If I had to give you just ONE tool that I view as a “magic bullet” for the job search process, it would be the informational chat. On this episode, I break down WHY.

What do you think I would do if I were laid off from my job today?

For one, I would NOT start applying to jobs online.

Instead, I would hit up my existing network and start sending out personalized requests for informational chats.

Why?

Because it is statistically MORE likely for someone to get their next (best) job offer through an informational chat versus an online application.

I view conducting info chats as a NON-NEGOTIABLE job search activity, especially if you enroll in my 1:1 career coaching program.

I recommend that my clients conduct outreach to 5 people on a weekly basis, assuming that only 1 out of those 5 people will respond and schedule an informational chat with them.

And that’s OK.

Because over time, that 1 person becomes 5 people, and 5 people become 10 people.

Before you know it, you’re being invited to access those people’s immediate networks. They are referring you to jobs (which is the equivalent of cutting the long line at the club).

BIN-GO! That’s what we want.

On this episode, I teach you:

The different reasons WHY you should do an informational chat

The type of people you should (and should NOT) target for your info chats

How to think about low response rates from info chat requests

How to set up your info chat when someone says YES!

So, if you want to understand the WHY behind informational chats and why I won’t shut up about them?

This is the podcast for you.

So, you went through ALL that trouble to finally land that new exciting job. You probably want to avoid going on ANOTHER job hunt anytime soon. So, how do you start your new job on the right foot?

With a new job, “hitting the ground running” isn’t always the best first move.

With the average job search taking around 6 months and sometimes up to 1 year, chances are you’re not going to be keen on starting a new job search anytime soon.

And while there is no such thing as a “perfect job”, there are definitely things that are within your control that you can do to create a better onboarding and work experience for yourself.

The first 90 days on the job are usually seen as an evaluative time period on the job, as you and your new manager or team will be getting to know each other and deciding whether you each made the right choice.

That might seem a little scary, but don’t let it get to you. The company that hired you wants you to succeed. It is extremely costly for them to have to go through another job search process, and so you should always go into a new job assuming best intentions.

I always recommend that my clients take some time to reflect upon how they want to show up differently in this new job, and make sure they’re not bringing any baggage from their previous role.

What kind of employee do you want to be? What kind of boundaries do you want to set? How will your work environment be different and how will you shape it?

To get you started, tune into today’s episode. On today’s episode, Al Dea (Founder of Betterwork Labs), shares a few best practices for new employees who are starting a brand new job.

We discuss the following:

Why “hitting the ground running” isn’t always the best idea when starting a new job

Why being in listening mode can help you build trust with your new colleagues

Why you should identify the “weak ties” that will still impact your day to day work

How to have a powerful 1:1 conversation with your new manager so that you can avoid working style issues down the road

Does the thought of networking make you want to barf? Do you want to pivot into tech and get a pay increase? Has it been a long time since you’ve interviewed for jobs? Check out Caroline’s story.

Caroline was ready to pivot into tech but didn’t know how to get started.

In January 2022, Caroline came to me with a desire to move into tech, get paid more money, and find a role that was better suited to her strengths and interests.

She signed up for my 6 month career coaching program, and we went on a journey to a) figure out her next career move and b) make it happen.

Together we did the following:

We got clear on what she was looking for her in her next career move (her top 3 career non-negotiables, one-year vision, values, and so much more)

We re-branded her professional experiences into a shiny resume, cover letter, elevator pitch, and LinkedIn profile

We explored a variety of different companies and roles through informational chats, intentional networking, and LinkedIn

We did many mock interviews to make sure Caroline was READY for when the right opportunity came along.

Fast forward to August 2022: Caroline accepts an offer from a leading tech company with a 30% increase in pay. Not only that, but she successfully negotiated and broke into her desired new industry.

On this episode, Caroline discusses the ups and downs of a career change journey, how she managed the redirections and long waits, and how she made the job search process manageable for her. You can make this happen, too!

Do you ever tell yourself you don’t have time to work on your job search? Or, do you think that you have to do 100 things to get your next job? Then, you MUST tune into this episode and learn about the One Thing Strategy.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, commit to ONE micro-action.

“I don’t have time for my job search”

“My life is busy enough, how do I fit in a whole job search?”

“At the end of a long day at work, working on my resume is the last thing on my mind”

Sound familiar? I bet it does.

You aren’t alone if you’re struggling with finding time to make progress on your career change process.

The good news? In this podcast, I share an easy strategy called “The One Thing Strategy.”

This is a strategy based on the Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule) – which says 80% of the results in your life comes from 20% of your efforts.

This is really good news, because it means you don’t have to do ALL of the things that you think you need to do, to get the results that you want.

You don’t have to take “perfect” action. Just one thing is enough.