Q:  I seem to be stuck in my current position.  I’ve been here for 5 years and others are getting promoted above me…what can I do to better position myself for a promotion?

A: You have some serious self reflecting to do about your job. Are you happy in your position? Is your work challenging, stimulating, and playing to your strengths? If not, it may be time to consider new opportunities. If the job is a good fit and you are simply in a rut – it’s time to create a portfolio!

Your portfolio is a professional scrapbook that showcases your strengths on the job. It’s a great tool to utilize in a performance review. Often our bosses don’t know exactly what we do on a daily basis so this archive can rearticulate your strengths and accomplishments especially when it’s time for promotion consideration.

There are several good books on building professional portfolios available and a Career Coach can also help you create this self empowering tool. Remember in this job economy you need to show your value to your organization clearly, network internally, and be ready to speak with humble confidence about what you do well for the team at all times.

Q:  I’ve posted my resume on every job board I can think of but I’m only getting illegitimate-sounding work-from-home offers.  What am I doing wrong?

A: Once in a blue moon the job boards actually work but don’t wait for that to happen. In reality, would you hire somebody solely based on their paper credentials? No – you would meet them, interview them and determine if they were a good fit for your organization.

Step away from your computer and pick up your phone. Reach out to people and organizations and plan to meet face-to-face. With the advancement of technology I see people drastically lacking interpersonal communication skills. You can’t build a meaningful relationship by emailing or texting – get to know people and learn to showcase your strengths and why you would be a fabulous hire to a specific organization. The job board is not going to respond to you – but a person will!

Q:  I’ve applied for hundreds of jobs that I’ve found on job boards but no one’s calling me back.  What am I doing wrong?

A: There is a new normal in the job search reality. If you are stuck behind your computer applying for jobs and sending out resumes all day long you are not going to be successful. Get yourself out there and meet people! Attend networking events and professional organization meetings in your industry. Seek out informational interviews and invite your network to lunch or a coffee break. Put your best professional foot forward by dressing the part and making a great first impression. You will not be noticed if you are not seen and heard in the job search – email is not to be relied upon as the only way to communicate. Put down your Blackberry and start building relationships. The results may not be immediate but the investment will pay off greatly if you steward your network and step away from your computer every day.

Q:  I think I have a really good idea for starting my own business, but I’m afraid to make a move that direction.  I’d like to jump right into it, but I can’t quit my job because I can’t afford to lose the money.  Where can I go from here?

A: This economy has inspired many entrepreneurs to give their business idea a shot. While small business loans are not as readily available as they were even a year ago, you may have to keep your hand in the day job (at least part time) until you are solvent enough to make the break 100%.

There are some amazing resources for entrepreneurs that are free like SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business and the Chamber of Commerce workshops in your communities. Seek out mentors and advisors who can help you create your business plan and establish what you need to make your business successful.

I have interviewed many women entrepreneurs who have utilized online resources like: Savor the Success and Ladies Who Launch to gain best practice ideas from successful entrepreneurs. Remember the trade and barter system is a great way to swap skills and services with other entrepreneurs without incurring costs.

If you can’t unearth the resources at the beginning to leave your day job and finance your new venture, develop a plan to roll out your new business incrementally. Work with a business coach who has experience in this area and create a realistic timeline that allows you to meet your goals.

Q:  When I graduated from college I took the first job that was offered to me, and now I’m miserable.  I hate the work, I’m bored, and I don’t agree with decisions being made.  What can I do now?

A: The reality is there are times when we take a job simply for the money because we need to be employed. Rarely does this turn into a career opportunity we are passionate about. I suggest you get back to basics and conduct a personal self reflection. Take the time to get quiet with yourself and assess your values, interest, personality and skills (VIPS). When you find a position that matches your VIPS you will be gratified at work.

I am a big fan of the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. These tried-and-true career assessments can give you insight about what makes you tick. A Career Coach certified to interpret these instruments can be a great resource or you can look to publications like Now, Discover Your Strengths (Buckingham) or Strengths Quest (Clifton) to help you begin your personal self discovery process.

Give yourself the time to learn about what’s important to you so you can be purposeful when you seek out new opportunities. Life is too short to be in a career you hate.

Q: I live in California where the unemployment rate is over 12%.  I have an MBA and great work experience but was let go last March by the start-up company I worked for.  I have sent out hundreds of resumes, networked and even offered to work for free.  Seems like everything we learned about getting a job doesn’t work anymore.  What advice do you have for people like me?

A: Your situation is not uncommon and the job searching rules have changed dramatically. Research shows that 90% of jobs are unadvertised now so you must spend the majority of your time networking and developing new relationships with people who are in the know. Sending out hundreds of resumes and responding to web postings is not an effective use of your time. You need to identify and polish your personal brand so you know what value you bring to an organization but first you need to figure out what you really want.

Seek out people in the organizations who are doing things you want to pursue career wise. Ask for informational interviews and even job shadow opportunities to experience the inner culture of an organization. People hire who they know and who they trust so offering your services pro bono can be a great way for a company to test drive you and for you to determine if it’s a good personal match. But, you must have a specific plan. Find out what an organization really needs (and perhaps can’t afford right now) and offer your expertise as a way to solve their problems and give you an opportunity to shine.

Remember that a Career Coach can also be a wise investment in these tumultuous job searching times. Also be sure to get references and letters of recommendation from your start-up company colleagues that can be used when you identify a new opportunity.