Is it time to get a new job?
Dear Coach Joan, I’m running scared. I thought I had the perfect job. I’m in my mid-20s, working full time, and completing my college degree online. I’m in luxury sales for a European car company and have been #1 in sales for almost the last two years. The job was the perfect fit for me. High end cars have always […]
3 secrets to successful salary negotiations
Dear Readers, I just have to share this current scenario with you. Last week one of my career coaching clients, in search of new and better employment, received a good job offer. It was good, but not great. But he didn’t want to risk losing the offer and was afraid that if he negotiated, they might […]
6 Ways to be a Great Manager!
Dear Coach Joan, I’ve just accepted my first role as a manager after years of being an individual contributor . Any tips on how to do a great job? How do I best on-board my new employees for a great working relationship? Are there best practices in bringing out the best in people? Thank you, […]
Local career story – Nationally recognized ceramic artist in Guernville
Marge Margulies in her Guernville studio (top) Marge’s exhibit at The American Craft Council Show, Baltimore (middle) and Marge out standing in her field (bottom image) Local Career Story #3 MARGE MARGULIES: A Nationally Recognized Ceramic Artist, Here in Sonoma County Little did I know when I received a fruit bowl as a housewarming gift that […]
I’m being pushed out of my job. HELP!
Dear Coach Joan, I’m afraid I’m going to lose my job. It’s not working out with my new manager. I didn’t choose him and he didn’t choose me. When my former manager left, the company decided to bring in someone from the outside, presumably to inject new ideas. But all he seems to inject is sarcasm and criticism. […]
From Tortes to Torts: How Jenna Changed from Cake Caterer to Paralegal
Local Career Story #2: Jenna Cook From Tortes to Torts Cake Caterer to Paralegal Jenna Cook has always been a problem solver. Growing up in Southern California, loving the surf and sand, she was captured by the importance of the environmental movement. She wanted to study to be an environmental engineer. But after starting university […]
Best 8 Interview and Job Seeking Tips
1. Breathe life into your interview: Strategically delve into your past successes and develop stories and interesting anecdotes, with details, to make your capabilities come alive and become memorable. Practice delivering these stories and highlight the skills they demonstrate that relate to the position you are applying to. 2. Use props: Bring something unexpected to your interviews to create curiosity […]
Local career story: Will Bucquoy – from auto industry to photographer
Sonoma County through the lens of Silicon ValleyProfile #1: Will Bucquoy, photographer “Photography is not a job. I’m telling stories in a single image and I love it.” – Will Bucquoy. The photographer doesn’t realize it but I’m seeing him through a lens of my own — a Silicon Valley lens. As a transplant from the […]
From law office to the farm? A reader wonders if it’s possible.
Hi Joan,I am 50-something and have always been interested in farm life. I am currently enrolled at Sierra College for a degree in sustainable agriculture. I have been a secretary since I graduated secretarial school in 1978 . I have been a legal secretary for the past 27 years and am ready to get out […]
Silicon Valley to Sonoma County- LOCAL career stories
Yes, Joan, you’re not in Silicon Valley anymore. What if I showed you Sonoma County through Silicon Valley eyes? I realize in starting this third year as a Santa Rosan that I’m choosing to stay close to home to enjoy my “Sonoma County lifestyle.” I am crazy about the beauty — the hiking trails and […]