Interview Series - Career Experts - Natasha Kosoff from BOLD Career Coaching CareerMetis.com

Interview Series - Career Experts - Natasha Kosoff from BOLD Career Coaching â€" CareerMetis.com In this interview series, we caught up with Natasha Kosoff from BOLD Career Coachingwho shares her expertise and insights about job search, career change,etc.in today’s marketplace.Tell us a little bit about your company evalBOLD provides a full range of career coaching services including goal setting, resume, cover letter and LinkedIn writing, personal branding, mock interviews, networking strategy and related job search assistance.How did you get started in this path?I launched BOLD over 5 years ago after realizing that I wanted to help individuals contemplating career change. I enjoyed the process of guiding others to discover their interests and strengths and acting as a resource and trusted partner as they strategized their next move.Is this something you decided early on in your career? I am a career changer myself, having previously worked in regulatory banking. I made the decision to change careers and become a career coach after realizing that I wanted to make more of a di rect and personal impact.Being able to inspire and assist others going through the challenges of career transition is one of the greatest privileges, and I feel I made the best choice when I chose to pursue my passion and actualize my dreams.What is the best Career Advice you’ve ever received?Take one step This is especially important when you are feeling unmotivated, discouraged and down on your luck.Making this small commitment to yourself will have positive ripple effects down the road.evalWhat is the most exciting part of working in thisindustry? Seeing others gain clarity and confidence as they set and achieve their career goalsHow do to stay abreast of the industry as an expert? I read career related books, publications and blogs and follow the newspaper daily to keep abreast of what’s happening in the job marketWhat are some of the things that you see job seekers struggle with the most?Setting daily objectives for research, outreach, networking etc. A job search is a mara thon not a sprint â€" you have to keep going in the face of competition, rejection.Making and sticking to a commitment to contribute daily to the job search is what I see job seekers struggle with the most.What are the common mistakes that you see them do? Giving up too soon.How should job seekers approach job search today?See my answer above (things job seekers struggled with the most).Taking steps every day to reach out to your network, do research on companies, or contribute to your personal projects that enhance your portfolio is what will ultimately help move you forward.Unemployment is at the lowest levels, why do you think that is? Economy has been growing steadily since the recession in 2008-9 keeping the unemployment rate lowWhat is the biggest trend(s) you see that job seekers will face in the next 2-3 years? Increasing demand for individuals with STEM background and higher levels of educationWhat is one advice you would give someone just out of college today? Figure out w hat activities make you forget that time is passing â€" and go do them.What is one advice you would give someone who is switching careers?Carefully research the industry/role you are trying to move into, speak to as many people as possible to learn about it, try it on first through volunteering, shadowing, internships.Once you’ve decided to transition, be able to clearly and confidently articulate why you want to switch.Tell your story authentically and continue to take steps daily to get you closer to your goal (through outreach, research, networking events etc.)How should job seekers get the most out of LinkedIn?Make your LinkedIn profile as complete as possible. Job seekers with complete profiles show up most frequently in search results and typically easier for recruiters to findInclude a professional photo.Make your summary stand out by being friendly, conversational, and showcasing your unique skills and contribution.Have at least 100 connections. Anything else makes you app ear technologically out of touch, or not savvy enough to build a network.Include relevant skills and past experience and use keywords in your descriptions.Add and showcase your projects, articles, blogs etc.Always include a personal note when reaching out to people.What is the biggest trend(s) you see that hiring managers will face in the next 2-3 years?Increased competition for the strongest candidates, especially in STEM fieldsNatasha, what are you currently working on?I am currently focused on 1×1 coaching through BOLD and my Flatiron School commitmentWhat are the best resources you recommend to job seekers? Depends on where you are in your career search.If you are a new grad or a career changer trying to figure out what direction to take, then books like:“The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success”, by Nicolas Lore,“In Transition”, by Mary Lindley Burton Richard A. Wedemeyer.Also, tools like the Clifton StrengthsFinde r.Visit my website BOLD Career Coachingfor additional resources and recommendations.If you are clear on your direction, then it’s much more important to do research on companies of choice and speak to people who work in your chosen industry/field. There are also many dedicated career blogs you can follow that provide advice on job search best practices.What is the best way for our audience to reach you? EmailConnect with or Follow Natasha Kosoff on Social Media:LinkedInTwitterNatasha Kosoff andBOLD Career Coachinghave also been featured in our recent compilation of the most resourceful career experts and career blogs â€"Top Career Advice Websites.