Big part of our job is to motivate job seekers to do what they should be doing, to make sure they stay focused on the important and to finish what they have started which usually is a desired career change. When they get side-tracked, we know that it very often stems from self-handicapping.
But, what motivates us? Who are the people behind hundreds of successful job changes of experienced managers and (senior) executives across Europe?
We’d like to introduce some of our team members through mini-interviews of 5 questions.
Agnieszka, why have you become a Career Angel?
Until 2011 almost my entire professional career had been associated with recruitment firms. I had assisted both international and Polish companies in helping them find the best candidates for various executive / managerial positions. And as it often happens to headhunters, I too was asked by candidates for help in finding a job which, as a recruiter, I could not do as I was hired by companies and not the candidates. The only thing I could do is share tips.
I was convinced that I could be a good career advisor by utilizing my experience and knowledge… if only there was an opportunity like that. And as by destiny, my former colleague Sandra called me while I was on maternity leave asking me if I wanted to be a part of Career Angels. It sounded very interesting and after a while I joined a small (at that time) but extremely effective team.
Why do you keep being one?
First of all, I really like what I do – I can see real effects of my work for which I receive sincere words of appreciation which is the greatest reward. I can finally help the candidates.
Secondly, at Career Angels I am still developing as a person and professional: new services, new trends, new clients, new sectors. Thanks to Career Angels I decided to start post graduate studies in coaching. It’s fantastic to utilize it both with clients and also in my private life.
Thirdly, I like the flexibility in terms of working hours and home office.
And last but not least: I can count on my colleagues who are always ready to help and who advise in difficult cases. Teamwork is a fact and not a meaningless slogan.
What career challenges have you faced in your own career?
Although I graduated from the University of Music I decided not to stay within the area and to not become a professional musician. I wanted to be part of the business world having no experience and no corresponding education. I had a few offers from music schools but I decided to reject all of them. One skill I could capitalize on was my English that got me into translating which in return gave me an opportunity to work with an Executive Search firm. Soon after I was completely in love with the sector.
Please share a client story that you found particularly insightful.
I remember a lady, who had been very actively looking for a job for a few months before we met. She had already contacted several dozen headhunters, friends and all networking contacts she could think of asking everyone the same question, “Do you have any job offers for me?”. ONCE A WEEK. For several months.
By the time we met, headhunters asked her if she did anything else than look for a job and her friends had stopped answering her calls. And, not surprisingly, she had not received any job offers.
We made a plan. We re-defined the entire process. Every single element required a new approach, including re-designing her CV. It took much more time than if she had done it properly from the very beginning, but it was worth it. A case that seemed hopeless ended in a good job offer.
If there’s one or two things that you could tell managers and executives when it comes to managing their careers, what would that be?
Firstly, do not think about a job change only when in need. Do talk to headhunters when they call you, be up-to-date with the job market, establish good relations also for the future.
Secondly, do not complain that you are 50+ or that you have had a break in employment and that by consequence you will not find a desired job. It is absolutely possible provided you are extremely well prepared, persistent and motivated.
Do not act ad hoc with no proper application documents. It is much more difficult to make a good “first” impression after having made an average impression at the first contact attempt.
Agnieszka, thanks a lot for answering these questions!
Are you an experienced manager? Maybe even 50+? Would you like to speak confidentially with Agnieszka about your career? Email her at Agnieszka.Spoz-Parol (at) CareerAngels.eu or click here.
