The Balance Collective Ask Me Anything – How to discuss historical work experience, How to speak up in meetings AND Return To Work tips.

I started the regular Ask Me Anything slots in my Facebook Group several years ago, as a way of supporting people to move forward in their careers, when they don’t have the resources to work with me as a coach. Having spent over 20 years in the careers space, I have a wealth of experience, tools, techniques, and theories that framework the creation of a career to enjoy. And I love sharing my thoughts! I decided at the end of 2023 to start writing up these question-and-answer sessions; perfect for when you don’t have the opportunity, or inclination, to sit through one of the videos. Of course, if you want to go back through the group’s video library feel free, but here are the three questions (and the answers) posed in the December 2023 Ask Me Anything.

“How do you talk about projects you’ve worked on when projects were 20 years ago?”

This is a great question and one that comes up frequently when I’m working with people on their CVs and interview techniques. I always support a skills-based approach, so it’s less about when you worked and so much more about what you did, how you did it, who with whom and how you know it worked!

When you are choosing which parts of your background to highlight, during a CV, Application Form, Business Pitch and/or interview, make sure the information you are presenting (EVIDENCE) is RELEVANT to the opportunity.

How can the strings or themes of your work experience, skills and/or qualifications highlight your suitability?

I usually work to help clients create a “top line” overview of who they are, collecting ALL their experiences together. By then pulling your work experience, skills, qualifications and lived experience into themes you can highlight this work together to build a framework of suitability.

Finally, tell the story using the power of STAR or CAR. For those that need a reminder, it’s Situation, Task, Action, Result (and/or reflection if needed) or Context, Action Result (or reflection, as before) to build a nice case study. This removes the risk of just creating a list of duties with no substance!

“How can I feel more confident in meetings?”

This is a common goal that many of my clients are bringing up in their 1:1 sessions. So, I wanted to give you a quick overview of what may help until you are ready to work this through with a coach or mentor.

Firstly, consider what does confidence mean to you? Sometimes the answer to this question is knowledge. Begin to dig deeper, to define what type of knowledge? Is it the content, purpose of the meeting and/or the people that may be around for you? An initial approach to help this is to UNAPLETICLALY OK to ask for an agenda to help you prepare!

Next, which will help for more than just this situation, to put your body into a different state. Some people like the concept of the power pose. Myself, I like deep breathing; it tells my body I’m in a safe space.

Finally, look around for someone who presents themselves in a way you want to be perceived in meetings. We never know for sure what people are feeling, but if you can notice what confident behaviour looks like for you, you can learn and model, where appropriate. You may even reach out to that person, if they are in the same meetings as you, to act as a champion and amplification for each other’s points.

“I’m due to return to work in early 2024, what things will help me adjust?”

I always start this type of advice by setting expectations. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or final return after parental leave, be aware it takes time. My return-to-work package usually covers 4 months, to allow people time to settle. This is also relevant if you have been away from work for other reasons such as illness, bereavement, or an accident.

For EVERYONE, it’s essential to ask for a return-to-work meeting. Consider what you need to know. Who do you need to speak to? How have things changed> This covers people, process, politics, and strategy.

Next, consider what is important for you. What does success look like in the role now – not just based on the company strategy, but on your needs.  If you have changed your working hours or pattern, make sure this is communicated and considered when looking at things like goals and KPIs. Finally (and this is more relevant for those with caring responsibility) consider what to do if your little one gets ill around childcare? Or your childcare provider isn’t available? What’s your plan B? The biggest lesson I can share is this, the last thing people consider when they return after parental leave, and it’s the most common issue.

So, there we have the overview of the last AMA of 2023. My aim for 2024 is to make sure all the Ask Me Anything questions and answers are collated this way. So if you want to make sure your next career questions are included, make sure you are part of Creating Careers to Enjoy, share your question, and get informed about the next date!

I am excited about what 2024 has in store, and I’m looking forward to continuing to share my career and return to work coaching and workshops online and in person! If you would like to find out more about how I can help you, feel free to explore the website or reach out to arrange a suitable time for us to speak.