Interview series - Career Experts - Jane Jackson CareerMetis.com

Interview series - Career Experts - Jane Jackson In this interview series, we caught up withJane Jacksonwho shares her expertise and insights about job search, career change, etc. in today’s marketplace.Tell us a little bit about your companyevalI’m a career management coach and specialize in career development and career transition coaching.I help professionals to create their dream career.How did you get started in this path?I started career coaching 19 years ago in Singapore after a career in corporate training, and in a number of industries including airlines, health fitness, FMCG and public relations.evalThe moment I started coaching, it felt like home â€" it was what I was born to do â€" to help professionals discover who they are meant to be in their careers. It’s so rewarding to follow my true Career Anchor, which is Dedication to a Cause or Service.Is this something you decided early on in your career?Early on in my career I worked in public relations, agency-side, in Hong Kong before moving to London and continuing in PR client-side.When I started a family I transitioned into a role that enabled me to have the flexibility I needed and transitioned into health fitness which was my passion at the time.I then moved to Singapore and my fitness career grew and I was sponsored by Nike as a ‘Nike Elite’ athlete to promote Total Body Conditioning across Singapore after winning the Silver Medal in the National Aerobics Championship in the 1990’s.Training and teaching was in my blood and I was asked to facilitate numerous workshops for organisations which lead to me setting up a corporate training business in addition to my personal training and fitness business.This, in turn, resulted in my network encouraging me to try for a role as a career coach and 19 years later, this is what I live and breathe!What is the Best Career Advice You’ve ever received?The best career advice I’ve received is to be bold and acknowledge my abilities. To learn to talk about what I can do and how it is of value t o others.Not to be shy about discussing my achievements. Many of us are very humble and afraid to talk about what we can really do â€" embrace your talents and use them to help your community, because we are put on earth for a short time to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!evalWhat is the most exciting part of working in thisindustry?Being able to make a positive difference in someone’s life each and every day is what is most exciting to me as a career coach.To see that spark in my client’s eyes when they gain that ‘AHA!’ moment and they know what they must do to be the professional they have always dreamed of becoming.How do to stay abreast of the industry as an expert?I am a member of the Career Development Association of Australia and I also make it a point to gain a new relevant certification every single year. This way I stay on top of the latest technology and coaching methodologies.In addition to this, I maintain a strong network of career professionals and we tap into each other’ s expertise.What are some of the things that you see job seekers struggle with the most?The main thing that job seekers struggle with is that they lack clarity about what they really want and they don’t know that their transferable skills are.Without clarity they aren’t able to project their personal brand with authenticity. Without a strong personal brand they tend to miss out on their ideal job opportunities.What are the common mistakes that you see them do?There are 7 Common Mistakes that job seekers make: They lack confidence in their abilities and market too soon.They lack clarity about what they really want and give out mixed messages.They use a generic resume and marketing documents and miss the mark in applications as a result.They don’t have a consistent and powerful personal brand.They don’t understand the most effective job search strategies.They make one of the Four Fatal Flaws of interviewees.They don’t know what they are worth so are no able to negotiate a jo b offer effectively.How should job seekers approach job search today?The best way to approach the job search is to ensure they take time to assess what really makes them tick, create powerful marketing materials, know their ‘pitch’ and how to adapt it, ensure they have powerful tangible accomplishment statements to prove that they bring value to their targeted organisations and positions.What is the biggest trendWithin the Academy I continue to create many online career development and career transition programmes to make membership even more valuable.I also have started Group Career Coaching sessions and live Webinars every month for members and membership continues to grow.I also provide on-going career management workshops for my corporate clients and one-on-one coaching to my private clients on topics including career transition, confidence building, personal branding and transitioning into self-employment.What are the best resources you recommend to job seekers?Well, I can highly recommend my book, Navigating Career Crossroads. evalIt has reached #1 on Amazon and is a popular resource for career changers.Other good career books are:How to Find the Work You Love (Laurence G Boldt)What Colour is Your Parachute (Richard N. Bolles)What is the best way for our audience to reach you?My websiteConnect with or Follow Jane Jackson on Social Media:LinkedInTwitterFacebook PageYouTube PageJane Jackson has also been featured in our recent compilation of the most resourceful career experts and career blogs â€" Top Career Advice Websites.