Caroline Sandford has helped hundreds of people of all ages create the life they want. With over 20 years’ experience as a professional career specialist, she is a regular contributor to newspaper articles and radio interviews on career advice. She is an accomplished speaker and lecturer, and CEO of Love Your Career, the company she founded to provide coaching, training and support for clients at every stage of their career journey. Caroline talks to NZ Booklovers.
Tell us a little about Love Your Career Forever.
This book is a resource for those who might want change, have lost their job and don’t know what to do next, returning to the paid workforce, or wanting to restructure how their life might look for their future. I wanted this to be a comprehensive and practical resource and so aims to help the reader in those situations:
• to identify their personal needs, family commitments, financial obligations and other factors influencing their decisions
• to recognise the resources and time they have
• to understand who they are and how to explore their many options
• to implement practical strategies to manage change
• to know what is involved with portfolio careers, self-employment and personal branding
• to prepare their curriculum vitae, cover letters, a social media profile and elevator pitches
• and to develop a creative mindset, plan their job search, prepare for interviews and negotiate a job offer.
What inspired you to write this book?
I published my first book in 2020 - “Love Your Career From the Start”, a resource for young adults, and was continually asked “when are you going to write the adult version?” So here it is ! I have worked with many hundreds of adults navigating change and wanted to share what I have found helpful for them.
What research was involved?
This book has been solidly based on theory and research, built from my many years in career practice and my Masters in Industrial Psychology and Graduate Certificate in Career Development.
What was your routine or process when writing this book?
I would take one to two hour blocks to concentrate on a specific aspect. Any longer and my concentration wanned. It was also important to take time out and come back with fresh eyes and fresh thinking.
If a soundtrack was made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.
The theme of any soundtrack would be about hope, that there are exciting positive opportunities in the future that you can take control of. These are two songs I find upbeat, empowering and moving towards a positive future. ‘Suddenly I see’ by KT Tunstall ‘Bright Side of the Road’ – Van Morrison.
What did you enjoy the most about writing Love Your Career Forever?
When I decided to make this a ‘complete guide’ I really enjoyed writing about understanding the process of change, the reactions that might be experienced, and helpful strategies. In my experience, the importance of understanding change, likely reactions and helpful strategies tends to be underrated, but so important, and so beginning the book with this focus I hope, will allow the reader to be aware, resourced and supported in a way that works for them.
What are three key things you hope people take away from this book?
To give some structure to their thinking so that they can make sense of what they are facing, along with the practical strategies that they can put in place. To give them an understanding of key factors to make well-informed decisions, and apply their own insights to their decisions both now and in the future. And to give them the ability to create the future that they want.
What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?
A celebration with friends and family to honour the completion.
What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?
Bookseller at the End of the World by Ruth Shaw, because of its honesty. I’m appreciative to Ruth for sharing her very amazing and somewhat dramatic and traumatic story. Life is not straight forward, perfect or predictable. We will always be presented with challenges, and will need to navigate the ever changing world around us, to create a life we want. Ruth has certainly achieved this.
What’s next on the agenda for you?
I am going to take a breath. Covid has been demanding on all of us, and so being cognisant of energy levels and demands on time are front of mind. My business Love Your Career keeps me busy and grounded.
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