Mixed bag

I had a real mixed bag of clients today. But that’s half the fun of the job.

• Mr Cocky wanted to know where he could get a job. His attitude was abrupt, superior, unfriendly. I am wondering, wouldn’t that come across in interviews….?
• Miss Pleasant was an absolute joy to meet. She wanted to work in research. She had an unusual background, of Irish nationality but educated in Pakistan. Very bright, motivated and pleasant. I wished I could have handed her a job there and then.
• Mr Too Bright was Chinese and sooo nice. He had a string of top class degrees. He had been awarded the 2nd highest place for the Chinese version of the Nobel Peace Prize. My jaw dropped when he informed me the person who obtained 1st place was awarded half a million pounds.
• Mr I Want To Be an Investment Banker had majored in Computer Science. He was worried about the relevance of work experience (outside investment banking). It doesn’t matter if you worked selling cans of baked beans, as long as you can show the skills you demonstrated were RELEVANT to the job you’re applying for.
• My last client was a soothing cup of tea

Think outside the box

A common question

Q. I have no dreams. I have no goals. My job / course is boring. I’m not particularly interested in anything. But I want to be happy. I just don’t know what to do. Help!

A.

• Get the books Build your own Rainbow, What Colour is your Parachute?.

• Voluntary work, it’s sooo nice to help others.

• Take a vacation, a change of scenery clears the mind.

• Try different places, e.g. the new pub, an art gallery you haven’t visited before. Variety is the spice of life.

• Talk to strangers (yes, honest!)

• Take a course, it will change your perspective on life.

• Join a gym, get a haircut, get a new wardrobe. Feel better about yourself.

• Change your job or course. Think about what jobs or courses might excite you.

Don’t think. Just do it.

Try 43 Things.

- It’s depressing how many clients come to me with this question.