In this episode, Toni and Lesley interview career coach Bev Nickson. Bev shares her expertise in navigating career transitions, optimising LinkedIn profiles, and overcoming the challenges of job searching. With valuable insights on the importance of self-branding and maintaining a positive mindset, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take their career to the next level.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• When applying for jobs online, ensure your CV is applicant tracking system (ATS) friendly by avoiding PDFs and excessive white space, as the computer scans for keywords.
• Highlight your unique selling points and transferable skills on your CV to stand out to potential employers.
• Embrace career changes as opportunities for growth and development, rather than viewing them as setbacks.
• Invest in your continuous professional development by identifying skill gaps and taking courses to fill them.
• Utilise your existing network, especially on LinkedIn, to explore new career opportunities and gain valuable advice.
• Be cautious when seeking career advice from family members, as they may prioritise their personal desires over your professional goals.
• Self-branding is crucial when establishing yourself as a consultant or entrepreneur, focusing on showcasing your expertise and successes.
• Maintain a positive mindset during career transitions by reframing unemployment as a time to explore new opportunities and focus on your strengths.

BEST MOMENTS

"It's about saying what you can do and talking about the work that you've been doing with other people and the successes you've had."

"If you can set that first goal of saying, right, what can I do? If it's a product, can I price it up? How much will sell? What, who else is a competitor around here? And what are they selling that? And can I offer something different than you're offering?"

"A lot of families don't like you to move out of their comfort zone. And if that means that you have to work away or, or whatever, they do get a bit like, why don't you stay here? Why don't you just stay in the job? Or why don't you just stay and that's from their personal want for you, not professional."

"Every day is a school day, especially with us."

ABOUT THE GUEST

Bev Nickson, The Employment & Career Coach, Mentor, and Consultant with a passion for guiding both employed and unemployed individuals toward successful and sustainable careers since 2010 for various organisations.

Bev is also a Qualified Advanced Life Coach, Leadership Coach, Mental Health Trainer, Group Facilitator, and Public Speaker skilled in various coaching styles to empower individuals professionally and also personally.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bev-nickson/?originalSubdomain=uk

https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Employment-Career-Coach/100082947112006/

HOST BIOS

Toni C. Eastwood OBE, MBA, (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator)

Award-winning entrepreneur, who knows exactly what it’s like to start and scale NFP Business, raising multi-millions in funding. She has served as a non-executive board member and Chair of several charities and NFP organisations. With 30 years’ experience in SME, Business startup and growth, as Director of a FTSE 30 Company, starting and growing two businesses over the last 12yrs. Toni knows what it’s like to leave the familiar behind, to personally risk everything to follow your passion for service and importantly to handle the inevitable obstacles along the way.

Lesley Craven MA – Programme Director – (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator)

Lesley has spent 30+ years leading public and social sector delivery, and as a CEO of numerous NFP organisations. She is an accomplished bid writer, facilitator, and business coach leading our delivery to 1000s of Small Business Owners and Leaders over the last 4 years.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

The Women On Purpose Podcast is where we keep it real, have fun, an authentic and entertaining platform for individuals seeking personal growth, purpose-driven living, and the full range of emotions that make life an adventure. We share some laughter, and yes, there might even be a few tears along the way. We want the conversation to flow and will be chatting with our guests learning more about their successes, challenges, and how they have navigated these sharing the tools and techniques they may have used alongside us sharing our tips and techniques from our ASPIRE Model.