{"id":7250,"date":"2016-05-17T14:16:18","date_gmt":"2016-05-17T21:16:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogschapman.wpenginepowered.com\/alumni\/2016\/05\/17\/expert-advice-from-an-executive-coach-and-ceo\/"},"modified":"2026-03-12T21:19:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T21:19:50","slug":"expert-advice-from-an-executive-coach-and-ceo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.chapman.edu\/alumni\/2016\/05\/17\/expert-advice-from-an-executive-coach-and-ceo\/","title":{"rendered":"Expert Advice from an Executive Coach and CEO"},"content":{"rendered":"

Earlier this month, Power Connections CEO Susan Howington<\/strong> spoke to Chapman students and alumni at the \u201cHow Smart People Sabotage Their Job Search\u201d event at Chapman University. As the CEO and founder of Power Connections, a national outplacement company, Howington has worked with hundreds of executives and professionals from all functions and industries. She was profiled by OC Metro<\/em> Magazine as one of 15 Orange County Women Who Inspire Others.<\/p>\n

During the event, Howington shared observations she has made over the years about\u00a0what job seekers are doing during the course of their job search process that potentially works against them. Acknowledging that job searching today is competitive and more complicated than ever, she\u00a0addressed all 10 mistakes outlined in her book, How Smart People Sabotage Their Job Search: The 10 Mistakes Executives Make and How to Fix Them!<\/em><\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong> In addition to Howington’s thought-provoking presentation, attendees enjoyed\u00a0appetizers, networking, prize giveaways, and book sales and signing.<\/p>\n

In case you missed out on the event, here are Susan Howington\u2019s top ten mistakes that executives and job seekers of ALL professional levels and ALL ages make and how to fix them:<\/p>\n

Mistake #1:\u00a0We forget the importance of first impressions.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

When promoting yourself professionally, the whole world is your stage. First impressions even apply to how one comes across on the phone, which is\u00a0critical to master considering\u00a0the increasing number\u00a0of first-round interviews taking place\u00a0via\u00a0phone.<\/p>\n

“It is essential that you look as credible and experienced as you say you are. If you want to be accepted as the boss or the perfect person for the job – you need to look like it!” – Susan Howington<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Mistake #2: We make it hard for others to feel good about helping us.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

When\u00a0searching for a job or promotion, we need people to help us. Sometimes, people we least expect or barely know can help us get a foot in the door. We often \u201cover-communicate\u201d and come across as too picky. We express criticism of our job prospects\u00a0instead of appreciation. Instead, do the right thing and people will\u00a0continue to go out of their way to extend their support.<\/p>\n

Mistake #3: We communicate in our \u201cexecutive tone.”<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

You are not the boss of the generous people with whom you network and they are not accountable to you. Using the same, commanding direct tone that earned you respect on the job with contacts in your network potentially stagnates the flow of resources that this network could, and hopefully should, provide you. When searching for a job, communicate with graciousness instead.<\/p>\n

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“The Susan Howington event was yet another wonderful event put on by the career and industry team. It was incredible to hear Susan herself speak about the 10 mistakes. The one I found most intriguing was: ‘We communicate in our executive tone.’ This ‘mistake’ refers to how sometimes individuals forget to alter their tone and approach. As someone who values communication, this topic stood out to me and further highlighted that we must always be cognizant and adapt to the situation we are in. Whether we are on the interviewer or interviewee side, we must always be mindful and aware of how we are communicating.” – Mona Sleiman \u201914 (M.S. \u201915)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Mistake #4: We sabotage our job search before we are even out of a job by being rude to outside service providers.<\/span> <\/strong><\/p>\n

Always be open to meeting new people and be sure to know your vendors and service providers.<\/p>\n

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“Vendor relationships are KEY.” – Susan Howington<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Mistake #5: We build a network that looks just like \u201cus.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Get out of your comfort zone and make sure to expand your network. You won\u2019t regret it. Also, do not underestimate people from other industries because they just might be looking for\u00a0someone from your field. Have an appreciation for people who fill different functions and who work in different industries. Your network is what helps make your world go round.<\/p>\n

Mistake #6: We don\u2019t build a network when we are working.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Get out and circulate in the business community at large while you’re still employed. That way, when you are looking for people who will endorse you or\u00a0be your reference, you’ve already laid a strong foundation to that relationship.<\/p>\n

Mistake #7: We change our elevator speech.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI know so many people who use a different elevator speech in the same night.\u201d Create a well-crafted elevator speech and stick to the script. Enhance your elevator speech with a branding statement that sets you apart. Most importantly, love your elevator speech and own it.<\/p>\n

Mistake #8: We expect help to come at no cost to us.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Do not take advantage of people,\u00a0show appreciation instead. Be generous in word and deed to those who helped you with your job search.<\/p>\n

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\u201cDo not take advantage of people. Do something to show your appreciation when they help out. People sometimes go out on a limb for you \u2013 send them a thank you card, buy them coffee or lunch.\u201d – Susan Howington<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Mistake #9: We fail to give attention and acknowledgment to a “less than perfect” reputation.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

There is repair that needs to be done to those with a reputation problem. If you exhibit bad behavior and disrespect for others, you need to fix\u00a0it.<\/p>\n

Mistake #10: We forget that the interview process begins in the parking lot.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

People are always watching and listening. Usually, human resources is in the front and they can see you from the moment you park your car and leave your car. Also remember to treat the\u00a0receptionist well. \u201cI have heard so many stories where receptionists have been treated badly from job seekers.\u201d<\/p>\n