Well, Julie Sheehan can attest to the fact that finding something for me was a long, long process.  But I am grateful that even though it took months to find just the right type of situation, Julie and the rest of Laufer and Associates never stopped checking in with me and on me, for that matter.

As many individuals find themselves a similar situation today, I found myself in an "Elderly Relative" scenario that required a good two years of my life - which I was more than happy to give.  I just didn't know how much something like that would entail, therefore, I found myself in a situation where I had not worked a steady full-time job in a couple of years.  Little did I know that it could be a negative when I was ready to go back to work.

To make a long story short, I was able to accomplish all that I needed to do for my relative, and Julie Sheehan and the staff at Laufer & Associates worked with me and are working with me still.  I am in a long-term Executive Administrative role with a High-Tech firm in Cambridge which I like very much and my hope is come December, I will be offered the position.

My hat is off to Laufer & Associates.  Thank you.

You've found a great new position and you're eager to start.  This is an exciting time for you and one in which you can really prove your mettle.  It can also be a bit nerve-wracking, as it's well-known how first impressions really count.  You want to show your new boss and co-workers that you can hit the ground running; but you also don't want to take on so much that you feel too strapped right from the get-go. 

Liz Cornish writes about this in "Career Ramp-Up for Women: Six Tips for Success in Your New Job."  Her article is adapted from her book Hit the Ground Running: A Woman's Guide to Success for the First 100 Days on the Job. Despite her article's slant and title, her advice is applicable to workers of both genders.  She's crystallized her book's suggestion into six tips:

• Manage Your First Impressions-Cornish astutely realizes that "while you're trying to get established, others are trying to figure you out."  She recommends that you think about your actions and how they fit into the needs of the position and the specific environment: "For example, if you are leading a team that has lost trust, perhaps your first introduction should be a casual get-together versus a formal luncheon.  Or if you are replacing someone very popular, have her introduce you around and openly demonstrate support."
•  Take Advantage of Being New-Cornish also notes that this is the time to put on your sociable 'hat'; you'll want to meet everyone on your team, and all who are vital contributions to your organization's success.  Even if it's not your natural inclination, it's a good time to be more extroverted.  It's also a good time to give free reign to your curiosity: "Ask good questions now; those same questions later might say you are incompetent.  Remember to phrase your questions in ways that signal respectful inquiry, not doubtful undermining."
• Look for Quick Successes That Confirm Your Competence-To get the ball rolling, it is a good idea to work on some initial projects that allow you to flex your strengths and feel confident in your ability to do a great job!
• Create Agreements with Your Boss-You'll want to build a rapport with your boss and be sure to check in regularly with them.  Cornish writes "Be sure you understand how your performance will be measured and avoid making promises you cannot keep, especially if variables exist beyond your control."
• Avoid Ms. Communication-In this kernel of advice, Cornish focuses on a particularly female issues-communication, and the ways in which a statement style can be gendered. She strongly suggests that women in particular use more assertive, confident and active language.  Her advice is interesting and important to keep in mind, either as a woman, or as a man who is working with women: "Start strong by broadening your choice of communication behaviors, some of which contradict our historic interpretation of the way females should act. First, avoid tentative language that may seem polite but might also signal a lack of confidence. For example, don't say: 'Perhaps we should think about increasing the advertising budget.' Instead, you should state: 'For the desired results, we'll need to increase the budget.' Second, women tend to apologize too quickly. Save the sorries for your own errors. Replace a phrase like, 'I'm sorry, I just started. Can you explain that again?' with 'I'd like to understand how this policy was developed. Can you explain it to me?'  Finally, watch for shifting to the past tense. Keeping your language active and in the present tense maintains audience engagement and makes you appear confident in your convictions, even when you're not sure. Notice the strength of the phrase: 'My first reaction is that we should move ahead on this idea. However, I'd like to have more discussion.' It is more effective than: 'I was thinking we should move ahead.' "  
• Create a Fail-Safe Support System-While you're starting your fabulous new job, it's important to have a strong personal support network.  Cornish adds "Whether it's a regular workout, a professional mentor or important family time, identify what you need to be successful, create space for it and then give yourself permission to use it."  Be sure to check in with family and friends, and communicate to them that you are starting something new, and that while there may be some increased stress, that it is also something that is very important to you.

A new position is a stimulating and intimidating challenge, but it's also something to look forward to.  To stay active, dynamic and engaged is an essential part of what you want any job to be.

 b

I had been working in the Healthcare Industry for roughly two years and decided to make a career change, which as we all know can be a daunting task.  I really didn't know where to begin but had made up my mind that a change had to happen for both financial and personal growth reasons.  The company I had been working for was a difficult place to work, and there was little opportunity to move ahead.  I had previous experience with office work but really was open to any new environment.  I was looking for a place where I would be surrounded by a good team of people who were all doing their part and wanted to be there. 

Having such a broad view of what I wanted to do next, I found the services of Laufer and Associates to be extremely helpful.  I worked closely with Julie Sheehan and with her skillful guidance, we mapped out a game plan to not just place me at any job, but to place me in an environment that matched both my talents and my needs.  She became an advocate for both my past and future to attain a perfect match. 

Now, I have been happily employed for several months with an architectural engineering consulting firm that not only has lots of growth opportunity but has a great team of people working together seamlessly.  They are supportive and encourage growth within my position and within the company.  I had several interviews and I found the staff at Laufer to be supportive through that process, coaching me minutes before and minutes after the interview took place. 

Had it not been for the efforts of Julie Sheehan and the support of her co-workers at Laufer and Associates I would not have been so lucky as to find the match that I am now so grateful for.