Career Goddess

Want to make more $$$$ -- Negotiate Salary !!!

2006-09-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's USA TODAY ran an extensive multi-page section on women and retirement was informative and yet it missed one very important FACT -- WOMEN EARN 77% FOR EVERY DOLLAR A MAN EARNS and a major contributing reason is that women don't negotiate salary and men typically do. I have seen this in my work as a career counselor having helped thousands through my private counseling and job search seminars. Women seemed shocked when they follow some solid salary negotiation strategies that resulted in securing thousands of dollars more. Men expect it. In fact, the biggest salary raises (over 15%) come from quitting your job and moving to a new employer but only if you successful negotiate your compensation package. Women need to step out of their comfort zone, and not be humble or complacent. You must ASK to be paid what they are worth. If you don’t know what your skills are worth, go to www.RobinRyan.com/tools. to get a good idea of the range you should be paid for the work you do. Sadly too many women are timid and just accept the first salary offer an employer makes leaving a great deal of money on the table that could have added to their retirement savings account if they had strategically asked. No one will volunteer to pay you top dollar unless you expect and ask quantifying your skills and experience convincing the employer you are worth the additional dollars.

Don’t accept –ASK for more. For additional assistance, here are more salary negotiations resources and articles on www.RobinRyan.com

don't take the summer off -- JOB HUNT!

2006-06-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

A big mistake many people make is deciding to take the summer off so they don't check openings, don't network, don't send off resumes...instead they wait until September so they can then join the crowd. Many college grads, parents, managers, and execs, think relaxing & enjoying the days off is a good move. BUT they forget that job hunting usually takes 3-4 months or longer to land a good job. So I recommend you be smarter than the average bear -- or job hunter in this case-- and actively look and network all summer. Companies have needs now that you don't want to miss out on. Many govermental, agency, nonprofit and educatiopnal do almost ALL their hiring in May, June, July, & August.

So happy job hunting....find my list of recommended websites at www.RobinRyan.com/tools.

Job Boom Here says Bussiness 2.0 so is the $$$

2006-05-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

Great article today in Business 2.0 entitled The Next Job Boom Companies have enjoyed a productivity boom that allowed them to employ less and less people and stifle wages. That trend seems to be over. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 33 percent more people are quitting than in 2003, and half a million new positions have opened since last summer.( link below to full article).

The full story discusses the labor shortage and how people are moving on to new & better jobs. As a career counselor with a national clientele I’m seeing first hand how some people can really parlay this market and get major raises. Clients are moving on to the tune of $20,000 more. Many employed talented people are moving – and moving quickly in less than two months. These are mid-upper managers & professionals making over $85K. Of course they are targeted and once armed with a good resume and some job search strategies they get hired fast. I am finding that job hunters must master salary negotiations which seems hard for most people to do if they haven’t learned how. The key error: revealing your current or most recent salary. When you are under paid, and want a raise you need to play poker and never show them your cards – in this case what your salary is or was. There is a second group of people who are trying to move on and it’s going slower. They aren’t as marketable because their industry has changed, their skills are old, THEY REFUSE TO RELOCATE, or they want to change careers and get more money….eventually even these folks do find a decent position……but it’s a much longer haul. Compromising a bit might make it move faster for them but there seems little compromising happening in the marketplace right now. Especially when a staff person can go to her boss and say, I got an interested employer who’s called me offering $4 per hour I want to stay????-- the blackmailed employer gave in and said OK. That’s about to become common place in the years ahead. I hope is job hunters like you heed the trends and see their own potential opportunity and value and move on to a better job AND higher salary ...so if you don't know what your value and true worth is link to my salary research tools .....http://robinryan.com/careerResources.htm for salary negotations help check out: http://robinryan.com/salaryStrategies.htm

If you haven't tried job hunting...you are likely missing out on thousands of dollars more you could be earning....word to the wise. --RR

Job Boom article link: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/business2/business2_archive/2006/05/01/8375922/index.htm

Hiring Is Hot -- Employers are active looking and hiring

2006-03-23T08:40:00.000-08:00

Good News – I'm in a celebrating mood (OK tomorrow is my birthday), but the job market hasn't been this good in five years, according to the US Labor Department. The national unemployment rate was 4.8 percent in Feb 2006. Employers added 243,000 new employees in February. and 170,000 in January. Construction, retail, financial services, health care and education were among the industries seeing employment gains with weakness in manufacturing, mostly reflecting job losses in the struggling automotive industry.

US NEWS & World Report stated that businesses are hiring more workers, paying them more money, and letting them use technology to work from home. Some of my own clients are getting hired very fast. They are in various fields, but before you email me a flame mail that it's not great where you live or in your life – hot translates to "improved hiring" but that does NOT mean instantaneous! Sorry, but job hunting is a process with delayed gratification. Where you live, your skill level, past accomplishments, the job you seek, willingness to relocate, and most importantly how effective you marketing yourself, all play a factor in your success. Still I haven’t see it this good in a long time and people are getting jobs! so if you are think of moving on….now is the time to actively look. Got lots of articles on my website to help you get started….http://www.RobinRyan.com

She got the job!

2006-02-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

I've been really busy -- so many people are leaving their jobs to find something better. It's always exciting when they reach their goal...But today I learned a very special lady got a great new job.

My eyes just welled up in tears as I read the email from the Katrina survivor that said, I got the job!!! She had a needle in a haystack chance and since I was her job search coach this made me feel REALLY good to know I made a difference in the life of a woman who has lost so much. Seems America has forgotten the people who are struggling to find new jobs after the hurricanes tore their worlds apart.

Living in Seattle, and am very removed from the devastation, but I had heartfelt compassion for this woman who was a college registrar for a community college in New Orleans. Her home suffered a great deal of damage, her family went to Atlanta, her campus was underwater. She worked in temporary offices the college set up 85 miles from New Orleans. In January the college president said they could no longer pay the staff salaries since so few students had returned. She HAD to job hunt. But her job is rare--most colleges only having one person in that role which meant only 30 jobs exist in all of ATLANTA! She had been looking since September and found one job, created her own resume but failed to get an interview at Spellman College. That's when she searched the Internet for a career counselor and found me.

Having lost so much in Katrina, I was amazed that she was NOT bitter or playing the victim card. She had overcome this disaster and was focused on improving her future. I was touched and committed to helping her. Made sure she had a topnotch resume that really emphasized her talents, strengths & skills. THIS TIME she got an interview. I then waived my fee entirely and coached her through the interview. Today she emailed to say she got the position. She wrote: "Robin, thank you so much for all of your help! I could not have done it without you!"

OK, I was moved to the core --I live to help make a difference in the lives of others and today I REALLY did in the life of someone who so needed a great break. And, I am sooooo proud of her -- her courage, and positive will to move on. She worked very hard practicing for the interview, working on creating effective answers. I'm so glad she got hired...and she proved to be a great student using my coaching tips to negotiate some extra salary too! She's off to rebuilding her life. I'm just happy for her and proud to know someone with this positive fortitude and courage.

Job Search Tip: Biggest Mistake to Avoid in an Interview
Not dressing up! Employers make snap decisions the second they see you and the wrong appearance can lose you the job. Dress as if the CEO was interviewing you. Wear a suit...it's impressive. Pants suits are perfect for the more causal industries like high tech. Select a well-fitted, stylish suit in a complimentary color. Avoid anything too baggy, boxy, sexy, low cut or see-through. Watch your hygiene -- be freshly showered, with clean, pressed clothes. Neat, groomed hair, with light makeup & cologne is ideal.

When you look good, you feel good about yourself and that self confidence is a great help during the interview. --RR

The WOW of living your dream!

2006-01-23T23:19:00.000-08:00

The Seahawks are going to the Super Bowl! I’m so excited, jazzed, I can barely contain myself. THIS IS SO WOW!!!! Ok, I have an inside interest. My neighbor is a Seahawk -- Mack Strong #38. So the win was incredibly cool because I know this man. He’s been on the team for 12 years, and this is the first time ever the Seahawks made it this far in the playoffs. Pretty fantastic!
Right after the game me & two friends ran over & decorated his house. Balloons. Flowers. Streamers. Then, we banged on a few doors, so 20 of us were outside at his house cheering when he drove in the driveway.

One of the neighbors said “Mack you are living every little boys dream, so how does it feel?” He smiled from ear-to-ear and replied, “Hey, I’m living MY DREAM!”

I simply love celebrating any kind of success. Mack has been working towards this dream for almost 30 years. Even at 4, he wanted to play pro football. He’s a terrific guy so this kind of success could not be happening to a more deserving man. I did ask him how he felt at that moment when they actual became the NFC Champs. He was thoughtful, then say “I’m savoring the moment, letting it sink in.” A few seconds later he let out a howl, saying, “we’re going to Detroit”. Yes Mack you sure are. You are going to play in Superbowl XL, something every Seattle football player before you dreamed of doing, but until today, it never ever happened.

This is one good human being – a solid role model you want your kids to idolize. He lives by Christian family values, and in the off season he’s working with inner-city kids, or speaking at a school. He & his wife founded a SEAHAWKS Auction to benefit the nonprofit organization, Childhaven. Mack said to me that he’s been so blessed, so he just wants to give back.
Boy I do love it when wonderful people experience great success, don’t you?
OK so get psyched!
Jump onboard of that success ‘cause good karma is all around us!

Want a new raise – ask…just be sure you KNOW exactly what to say to get the dollars you want.

Hoping for a promotion….stop hoping & start investigating & talking to your boss &/or HR.

Think a new job is in your horizon? Set an action plan, network!

Start right now and make some of your own dreams come true.

so important

2006-01-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

Today is my killer day of doing 21 radio shows to promote my new book Soaring on Your Strengths, so I started at 5:00am, and thanks to modern technology, I do all these radio programs via the telephone.

I had a tiny break in the schedule, so I just called to check in on my parents, since last week my father suddenly ended up in ICU for three days. He’s home now but sounded weak when we talked. I told him what I was up to today and he said something that grabbed at my heart. Daddy told me “ I’m proud of you Robin, you’re a great girl.” Maybe no biggie to you, but for me it was a rare compliment from a wonderful dad who’s from a generation where you just don’t tell your kids positive things about themselves. It sure was a heartfelt moment. One I’ll cherish always, knowing my Dad sees the important difference I am trying to make in helping others. Dad’s simple comment made today a banner day for me. And I am thanking God he didn’t take my Dad a few days back ‘cause I love him very very much and I don’t want him going anywhere.

My advice to you today, go tell someone you care about that they are special and make thier day.

more people moving on to new jobs

2006-01-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

The job market is getting better. In the last 6 months, hiring has dramatically improved! I've tracked a recent trend -- more employed people are looking around and moving on to a better job rather quickly....this is great news. Especially for those who HAD to accept something a few years back when so few jobs where available ( the effects of 9/11 really impacted a slow in hiring for over two years). For those who have a job but aren't quite satisfied or are underpaid where they are at.... I'm really positive on the marketplace opportunities right now.

Here are some tips if you are contemplating a move:
1. Employers seek people with talent, potential and a results track record so be sure your resume is reflective of your accomplishments
2. Establish a career identity is essential -- Brand you most be recognized for the tasked you do well
3. Dress for success at work & in interviews -- PEOPLE DO NOTICE
4. Research salaries for your job type-- you'll likely find you can command a higher salary somewhere else if you are a savvy negotiator

If you need more tips read the articles posted on RobinRyan.com....

My advice today for you is the grass is pretty green to move on...so check out your options!

making a difference

2006-01-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

So what do you say when your new book is out for just a few days and someone says it’s terrific and they have read it three times? And when it’s
Hardy Brown, Director, Cooperative Education,, Wilberforce University who I’ve worked collaborative with him on his career choices class, it’s a major WOW!
Hardy Brown said: "I find branding defined in ‘Soaring on Your Strengths’ to be very important, and it will place our students miles ahead of the competition!”

That made my day…..I care those students get the best preparation to launch their career and Hardy is a pioneer in making that happen.

So today I had a big win……my suggestion for you is to take five minutes and write down three talents you use at work you excel in. It’s time to start being proud of Brand You and acknowledging how special you are.

2006-01-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

signing books for all the freinds who came to our New Year's Eve event

2006-01-04T20:28:00.000-08:00

Me & Steve at the celebration

happy new year goals

2006-01-04T17:37:00.000-08:00

I rocked in the New Year in a BIG way. A new book release with a wild jubilant celebration with my family, friends, and colleagues.

I always loved New Years Eve…. this party beat them all. Everyone was happy and it was fun. Streamers and confetti covered the floor at 12:01 AM. Joy, Hope, and Optimism was all around soooo I know we will Soar in 2006.

I’m flying high into the New Year!!

Now your Action Steps……………….Set some goals and write them down and with the action plans to make them happen.

A few of mine.
1. Promote the importance of developing Brand You
2. Serve clients to the best of my ability
3. consider/try out doing my own webinars.
4. Cruise with family
5. Get on Oprah (OK, real long shot but I got to dream too).
6. Help as many as possible
7. Continue to be a great Mom

Want to be inspired? I’ve got a cool success story in my current Newsletter...go to http://robinryan.com/article_PersonalBrand.htm to read not sure how to do the links yet.

2005-12-06T13:43:00.000-08:00

my family: me (robin) Jack, piggy & husband Steve

Career Goddess's new blog

2005-12-06T12:12:00.000-08:00

OK, I have to admit I didn't really even know what a blog was -- guess I'm to busy helping job hunters to stay up on the cutting edge of IT gadgets. But my clients and several media folks said I should have a blog, so viola, here it is. I do owe a BIG thank you to Molly Lavik a MBA professor at Pepperdine Univ -- she helped me with this. Molly is one of the salt of the earth kinds of people --genuine, helping, BIG heart and just a great human being.

PLEASE understand the technology booboos are my learning curve, hopefully I will improve as I do this.

I have just learned that a good friend has ovarian cancer, with the prognosis being very grim.

She's 47, and her life's passion is art. She never made any money at it though it was her lifetime vocation. She loves to paint and seems happiest immersed in her craft and experimenting with various art forms. I think it is the pure joy she gets from creating a piece of work that makes her one of the luckiest people alive because every day she lives her passion. Her paintings are not of flowers or beach scenes, but are much darker in mood and very avant-garde. They were not very commercial -- but are thought-provoking artistic expressions.

She has also inspired others in their creative endeavors be teaching college art classes for many years.

A determined artist, she has displayed her work in some small gallery showings in the Midwest. Me, always being the career counselor I am, I really urged her to go after her ultimate dream -- a New York City gallery showing. So, with some additional prodding, she did indeed pound the pavements, slides in hand, until she found a nice SOHO gallery owner who said YES after many other rejections. She got that dream showing and I was very happy for her. I was even able to be there that night a special treat since I live in Seattle, 3,000 miles away.

Celebrating the success of others matters a great deal to me. It didn't matter to her that no one bought her paintings that evening, only that she had lived out this long-held dream. Her art was on exhibit in New York City and she relished that glory. I think it was one of the happiest days of her life. I felt lucky to have shared in the recognition of her talent.

I guess in the midst of my personal sadness in learning of her medical problems, I also come full circle to my main mission in life is helping people to go after their dreams, land great jobs, and work at a career they love.

Since we just had Thanksgiving, it would be typical for me to tell everyone, "You only have one life to live, so LIVE it to the fullest and ENJOY it." Instead, I'll share exactly what I am grateful for in my own life:

Jack, my only child, whose sweet disposition and enthusiastic smiles brighten my life each day.
Steve, my husband of 25 years, whom I admire so much for daily using his talents to help others.
My Mom, for being my mom, and she is a great one.
Dad, for always inspiring me.
My brothers, for being good ones.
My ability to help others improve their life and career in such an important way.
Living a passionate career that I was born to do and simply love.
Making a difference, even though may be small. I live my mission of trying to make the world a better place.
For friends and interesting colleagues who add extra fun into my life.
Photography -- my much-loved hobby that allows us to tell stories and stop time for one tiny moment.
Cookies!
Writing ability -- to create a book to inspire people to SOAR to new heights and rejoice in just being a great individual.
BIG Ocean waves -- the roar and beauty of crashing ocean waves is enthralling to me.
Summer days -- when the sky is sunny bright, and the days are long.
Freedom -- the kind you feel accelerating across the water in a speedboat.
Rock & Roll Songwriters -- Playing their music, the louder the better, is one life's great joys.
Movies -- that are entertaining or moving.
Holidays -- I love any reason to celebrate!
Christmas -- I love this holiday
Christmas ornaments -- those delightful gems that cover my three large Christmas trees that I can't seem to stop myself from buying.
Bargains that I get off of eBay.
My mother’s spaghetti and meatballs
Childish laughter from Jack and his little friends
Fireworks
Popcorn
Chocolate
JACK, JACK & my son JACK!

And last, but not least,
the ability to be a supporter of dreams and a catalyst to help other people make their dreams come true!