Independent Sales Representative Career Overview

Independent sale Representative Career OverviewIndependent Sales Representative Career OverviewFor those mavericks who prefer to set their schedules and who like the control of deciding what products or services to sell and which do not, Independent Sales may be for them. Being an Independent Sales Representative takes self-discipline, effective time management skills and requires a lot of hard work. For those who prefer to be on their own and are willing to pay the price, Independent Sales may be the perfect career. Day in the Life of an Independent Sales Representative While most independent sales professionals have a boss or a company with expectations about when they need to should show up to work and how much activity is expected on any given day, Independent Sales Representatives often set their rules, expectations, and schedule. With all this freedom, youd be tempted to think that Independent Representative only work a few hours a day and have plenty of free time. These pe rceptions only apply to those who dont last too long as an Independent Sales Representative. The successful reps usually work long hours that often stretch into the weekends and holidays. They are masters of time management and devote many hours and energy to learning everything there is to learn about the product or service they represent. In other words, Independent Sales Representatives who are successful are the hardest working reps in the selling field. The Rewards As hard as successful Independent Sales Representatives work, many would think that the only possible reward would be a high income. And while Independent Sales Representatives can, and often do earn a substantial income, the true rewards are the saatkorn as those experienced by entrepreneurs. Self-confidence in abundance, self-trust and reliance and, in most cases, an expansive professional network are just a few of the benefits that have a positive impact on many life areas. Types of Independent Sales Repres entative Positions Like Manufacturers Representatives, Independent Sales Representatives seek out businesses who either need to augment their sales force and are willing to outsource sales or already are active believers in outsourcing sales and marketing. Software developers are one of the most common companies that contract with Independent Sales, but positions can be found in many industries. When searching for a company to represent, you should avoid those with an existing sales force and focus more on small businesses, start-ups and businesses whose home (or only) office is located outside of the United States. Compensation If you are expecting a cousine salary, you are looking for the wrong type of sales position. An overwhelming majority of independent sales positions are 100% commission based. That means that you only get paid when you sell something. Since the company you represent does not have to pay you a salary, cover your benefits, pay you for time off or pay any governmental or state employment fees, they are more willing to pay a higher percentage of gross profit to you. Commission plans that pay out between 30 and 60% are common in independent positions. The whole trick is to find a product or service that can be sold with substantial profit margins since that is usually the only way you will get paid. Things to Consider Many get into Independent Sales due to an inability to find a position as a salaried employee. These representatives usually only stay in the independent ranks until they find employment. But for those who choose independent sales, or for those consider an independent sales representative position, there are several factors that need to be considered. One is retirement and the fact that you will need to manage and contribute to your retirement plan. Another factor is health insurance. While there are countless insurance plans for Independent Representatives to choose from, ansicht plans are often very expensive and c ut directly into whatever commission you earn. Lastly, Independent Sales Representatives should consider how they will create a healthy work-life balance. With no set or guaranteed salary and relying completely on commission earned from sales, Independent Sales Representatives are typical workaholics. And while loving your job is important to your general well-being, time away from work is equally important.

4 Ideas for Sales Management Success

4 Ideas for Sales Management Success4 Ideas for Sales Management SuccessManaging schlussverkaufpeople is quite different from managing other employees, and sale managers who transition from outside sales might find that their usual motivational techniques simply dont work as well. For one thing, many of the tricks managers use are similar enough to sales techniques that salespeople will binnensee through them. For another, salespeople tend to be very confident and independent-minded, and they dont always take well to being managed. If you havent had much luck with managing your sales team, try using some of these strategies. Focus on Training Sales is one field where theres always something new to learn. Selling approaches that worked perfectly twenty or even ten years ago will flop today because buyers are constantly changing their preferences and knowledge levels. So its important for even the most experienced of salespeople to keep learning and developing their sales skills. C ompany-specific training is equally important salespeople cant succeed if they dont understand their own products and how they work. Schedule One-On-Ones Meeting with each salesperson on a regular basis helps you to track whats going on in their heads, which is just as important as knowing how theyre doing at their sales activities. Giving an unhappy salesperson a chance to vent to you can keep him from doing something drastic, be it starting a feud with a co-worker or simply leaving the company. You can also gain a deeper understanding of why a salespersons numbers are soaring or slipping, and will better know how to handle the situation. Ideally, you should meet with every member of your sales team at least once a week. If you have a large team, that may mean scheduling several brief meetings with different salespeople each day. Craft Incentives Most salespeople are best motivated by two things money and recognition. Youre probably limited as to the amount of money you ca n provide, but theres no limit to your ability to praise strong performances. Contests and competitions can improve both performance and morale within your sales team. And if you cant afford to pay out fabulous prizes, you can hand out rewards that emphasize recognition and give winners their fifteen minutes of fame, at least within the team. A well thought-out recognition award can be more motivating than if you simply handed the winner a check. Have a Plan Your salespeople know how much they need to produce, but they may not know how to get there. And as the sales manager, your job is to get everyone on the team to reach their goals. Early in the sales period, meet with each salesperson and draw up a sales plan together that includes mini-goals at different points within the sales period. For example, if your sales commissions are based on quarterly performance, youd meet with your team members at the beginning of each quarter and set benchmark goals for each month or perhaps every other week. You can also offer guidance at this point as to which activities are most likely to lead to success. Then, when you meet with your salespeople later in the period, you can compare their current sales numbers to the benchmarks you set and youll know right away if theyre on track to meet their ultimate goals. When a salesperson starts to lose traction, youll know it well before the end of the period and youll have a much better chance to help correct him before its too late.

How to Define Leadership in Recruiting (And Why It Matters)

How to Define Leadership in Recruiting (And Why It Matters)How to Define Leadership in Recruiting (And Why It Matters)Twenty-three percent of the job descriptions on Simply Hired in 2015 seek to fill roles that focus on leadership and strategic thinking. This significant demand encourages HR managers and recruiters to consider how we define these leadership roles and how we recognize leadership in the workplace.As we consider the importance of leadership, it becomes obvious that there are several different kinds of leaders in the workplace. CEOs and VPs are leaders. But leaders can also be managers, employees and talent acquisition professionals. How we respond to the demand for leadership varies greatly according to the job we have been assigned to do.Lets examine a breakdown of what leadership means to each of these positions and how an HR leader can craft a unique definition of leadership for his or her company culture.Defining Leadership in Job DescriptionsLets abflug this proces s by looking at how employers define leadership. According to our data, recruiters use the following common words in job descriptions for leadership rolesLeaderLeadershipStrategic thinkerGoal-orientedAssertiveSelf-starterThese words dont paint a comprehensive picture of a leader, but they do indicate what we expect from leaders in the workplace. We expect that they will be active and confident and that they will platzdeckchen and achieve goals. We also expect that they wont wait for externally motivating factors (instructions, orders or incentives) to do the job they need to do.The basic definitions of the terms Leader, and Leadership, impart meaning, too. These words convey an expectation that employees can receive guidance, direction and influence from this person, even if the person is a peer. In this light, a leader is someone who is comfortable assuming control of a situation and making a decision.The term strategic thinker adds another layer to what organizations look for in a leader. Instead of being purely task-oriented, leaders consider their work within the context of the whole picture. Instead of moving through a to-do list, leaders are more likely to consider the long-term strategy and implications of each action.Learning From Different Kinds of LeadershipThe rising trend in entrepreneurship is a great example of motivated, self-starting, strategy-focused leadership. Now-famous entrepreneurs like Bill Gates and Walt Disney turned town lucrative job opportunities to follow through with unique ideas that had potential.Instead of following a traditional, laid out path as a VP or CEO of another company, these entrepreneurs set goals and put their careers on the line to pursue ideas that they believed in. Over time, the confidence and assertiveness these entrepreneurs attracted employees and customers who shared their geistesbild and lead to overwhelming success.Piecing Together Leadership for Human ResourcesOf course, the definition of leadership plays out differently in the trenches of talent acquisition than it does for the C-Suite. Where entrepreneurs and CEOs display leadership for the benefit of the companys bottom line, HR and talent acquisition managers display leadership for the benefit of the employees productivity and performance. And thats where it becomes important to understand how leadership, strategic thinking, goal making and assertiveness fit into the staffing teams leadership role.Considering the words defined in the job description for a leader, we can start to identify talent acquisition leadership by the following traitsLeadershipTalent leaders will display the confidence and command of leaders in the workplace. They will provide support and guidance to employees. They will assume control of the situation to fairly represent all parties.Strategic ThinkingTalent leaders make decisions based on the big picture. They consider all possible long-term implications of decisions both for the health of the company and the health of the employee.Goal-OrientedTalent leaders set and achieve goals to track overall progress. They consider every decision in light of how it will bring the company closer to its long-term goals.AssertivenessTalent leaders make decisions with confidence and assertiveness. Once the right decision is made, they calmly and fearlessly enforce it.Self-StartingTalent leaders are motivated to do the best job they possibly can in all circumstances. They do not wait for the situation to get out of hand before taking action. They are internally motivated to achieve their goals and the goals of their organization.As you read this list, you probably see characteristics that you already embody as a staffing leader, as well as opportunities where you could improve your leadership. Of course, theres no single definition of leadership that will work for every company in the world. That is why it is so important to define leadership for you and your company culture so that you can become a better leader, recruit other leaders and develop leaders from within your workplace.In the next post in this series, well look at the process of defining leadership within your company and how you can set and achieve specific goals to identify, nurture and grow leaders in your company.To receive emaille updates with articles from this series, please subscribe. You may modify your email preferences at any time.Follow the Leader, Build the Perfect Leadership EnvironmentInfluence Company Leadership With These 4 StepsHow to Become a Leader Your Employees Can Count OnHow To Prioritize Soft Skills and Fit

The difference between wanting and needing

The difference between wanting and needingThe difference between wanting and needingNo one knows whenThe Bhagavad Gitawas written. No one knows who exactly wrote it. It is written as a poem. It is sung by a God.The Gitabegins in the middle of a war, and it begins as a dialogue between Arjuna, a warrior, and Krishna, the God assuming the body of a charioteer. They ride into an open space in the middle two opposing armies, both decedents of the saatkorn family, to source the situation at hand. When they get there, however, Arjuna collapses under the pressure and the dread facing him. He wants to know How can he fight in this war, lead his army against other kinsmen and relatives, cause an avalanche of death and suffering? He wants guidance, and he wants certainty, and he wants hope, but most of all, he wants to do the right thing. And it is then that Krishna goes into an 18-chapter monologue that makes up the book.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard coverin g Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraThe entire text is a tome of wisdom, maybe one of the finest living documents on what it means to live in a world we dont understand. It is both spiritual and practical, consistent and paradoxical. The big questions of purpose and meaning are woven together with the day to day challenges that make up our responsibilities as human beings, creating?- ?bit by bit?- ?a tapestry of intermingled answers that lead to slightly better questions. Like much of the most profound wisdom, the core message ofThe Gitais simple Learn to act without attachment. Or as Krishna tells ArjunaYou have a right to your actions, but never to your actions fruits. Act for the actions sake. And do not be attached to inaction.The human body is primed for movement?- ?to breathe is to move, to eat is to move, to reproduce is to move, to live is to move. By default, it desires action. It needs action to survive. However, this neediness, when pursued beyond the basic primal instincts?- ?as we do when we, say, want nicer toys, more affection, a better this and a better that, this outcome or that outcome?- ?is also what brings on many of the internal trials and tribulations that we struggle with when reality doesnt align with our expectations.On the one hand, even beyond the basic primal instincts of survival and reproduction, we have to take action if we are to participate in the goings on around us. On the other hand, its incredibly difficult to take action unless you feel like you reallyneedsomething. The problem, then, is that you have a choice You can either sit out, choose inaction, but that generally lacks any long-term purpose and meaning and is ultimately self-defeating, or you can go through the world feeling like youneedthings and people, which does add a layer of purpose and meaning, but it also attaches you to external anchors that dictate how fulfilled you are with your life.The middle ground between these two poles seems thin. For the majority of people, all of the greatest joys in their lives stem from their needs. They need the emotional investment of a partner, and thats why they settle into meaningful relationships. They need the challenge of their ambitions, and thats why they develop mastery over their craft. And these things matter, and despite the slings and arrows of fortune, despite the ups and downs, when its all said and done, they find that pursuing these needs has been important and valuable and worthwhile. And yet, many of these same needs are also the cause of much suffering in the world. Is there not any way to reduce the variance of the slings and arrows, to harmonize the ups and downs, without slipping into a state of inaction and decay?The answer, perhaps, lies in acting out ofwantinstead ofneed. It means that you dontneedthe emotional investment of a partner, but you dowantit because of what it could bring to the table. It means that you dontneedyour ambitions, but you wil l pursue them, too, because youwantto express your sense of being in the world. Wanting isnt about attachment or anchoring its about choosing to do something regardless of how it turns out, even if you have preferences about what you would like to see happen. Of course, basic primal instincts leise initially manifest as needs, but if you can manage their expression over time rather than impulsively responding to them at each and every moment they arise, you can change thatneedto awant.The magic of distinguishing between wanting something and needing something lies in realizing that its the process of putting your movements out there that change and harmonize your state of existence more so than the outcomes of the movements. Wanting is a duty. Needing is a fixation. Focusing on duty means even if something doesnt work out as you intended, what you did was still enough because it changed you. Fixating, however, means you hold onto something that will inevitably be out of reach becaus e needs are never fully satisfied unless replaced with other needs.InThe Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna is eventually convinced by Krishna to fight in the war in spite of the terror it will bring. While this isnt exactly a pacifist message on the surface, the deeper point that gets etched into Arjuna is that that he has a duty, and if this duty is fueled by a want?- ?a pure, clear-minded want?- ?rather than a clouded need, then the outcome of the war isnt for him to judge. His job is to do the best he can in the circumstances that he finds himself in. His responsibility is to participate in the world that he has been put in, despite its outward appearance. With or without him, the war will rage on, lives will end, and people will suffer. Inaction accomplishes nothing. Action itself, however, is enough, and thats where his locus of control lies.The reality around us is inherently uncertain. Its probabilistic in nature, forging outcomes at the intersection of innumerable variables. No matter w hat we do, there will always be factors outside of our control, and that means that many of the outcomes that manifest in the world wont necessarily align with our imagined and preferred projections of the future. The world will continue to change. People will, too. And chaos will ensue. These things can be managed and accounted for, but they can never be fully controlled. What can be controlled is movement, and action, and the direction in which they point. And what a life fueled by duty and want rather than fixation and need point to is the small gap, between the certainty of what can be predicted and the uncertainty of what cant be predicted, called acceptance?- ?the acceptance of actions as the fruits themselves.When I think about this distinction in my own life, there is another thing that becomes clear Whenever I act out of need and fixation, feeling like I have to have something, that my actions in a particular domain will only be meaningful if they lead directly to my desire d outcome, not only am I disappointed more often, but the movement and the actions themselves are less honest. They come from a place of quiet desperation rather than a deeper state of internal resonance. They seek attention or validation. And then, eventually, when I dont feel like Ive captured the object of my imagination to the degree I should have, I feel shameful and resentful.Even if my intention behind such neediness is pure and moral, the fixation on the outcome invalidates the actions themselves, which in turn deters me from capitalizing on future actions and their outcomes. Actions then become conditional, on this thing and on that thing, and that slowly begins to cloud otherwise good intentions, too. What began as a thing of value in itself ends up anchored to factors that I dont have any control over, and it leads me down the path of complacency and inaction.Fortunately, as I become older?- ?and perhaps a little more aware?- ?I find that the approach guided by my wants a nd my duties comes more naturally. I still have what feel like needs and fixations arise, to be sure, but they are a little more latent, and I can generally watch them pass by as they come up. The clearer my mind is, the clearer I see, the clearer I respond. And at the odd times of hesitation and doubt, when I feel overwhelmed or surprised or confused or idle, I remind myself of the simplest thing I know and understand that my duty is to accept what is as it is. And then I breathe. And I breathe. And I breathe. And with that, I act.This article originally appeared on Design Luck.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Secrets About How to List Contract Work on Resume Revealed

Secrets About How to List Contract Work on Resume Revealed Some people believe this will just damage their resumes showing they are irresponsible or unconfident. Moreover, in the event you spent only some months on each one of the positions, you dont will need to make comprehensive descriptions. To begin with, contract work isnt a terrible thing in truth, its how plenty of men and women make most or all their complete income. Its very light work which can be accomplished remotely following this month, so Im totally free to undertake a full-time position. Consequently, its crucial to talk about the work related talents in detail. There are several things you need to take into account whenever you are writing an engineer resume. Only once you desire the interview. This is among those judgment calls that a professional resume writer is particularly great at helping her or his customers make. A Startling Fact about How to List Contract Work on Resume Uncovered To be able to con serve a great deal of heartache later on, be sure that you utilize our resume contractor to create a document that might be easily transferred to many job applications. Also make sure you customize the document to the job which youre attempting to get. There are lots of the many methods to body a work application. The easy answer is you need to consist of freelance work on your resume. Resume Constructor The work application builder is remarkably simple to use. You should revamp the application as needed if you decide to get the fasson of job that you need. Complete each entry with a brief description of the job you performed. Freelance work needs to be included as a boost to your resume, and is less valuable if youre doing work that doesnt relate to your field or wouldnt lead to a reference. If you do work for an assortment of clients, the company personenname may be your own especially if youre already incorporated. The names are especially useful if theyre well-recognize d in your field and will carry weight with the recruiter at the business youre attempting to get hired into. Well, you should create a business name to utilize for your freelance work too. List the organization name together with a concise description. When working for a single company at another company whos the client, generally you list your real employer and mention the customer in the job description if you dont have an NDA prohibiting the mention. Listing your work by means of a staffing agency will help you in various ways. As a consequence, recruiters are knowledgeable about contract terms and agreements and dont have any issue assessing your capabilities through your previous temporary assignments. Add the staffing agency as the employer and list the business you were assigned to for the length of the contract. Even short-term work can provide valuable skills that you may apply to future jobs. Both can cause you to get exceptional but only one can allow you to land work. Read the work announcement to work out what exactly is essential for the job that youre applying for. Every job on your resume will seem more impressive when you could be ready to add numbers. Contemplating this information, youre free merely to name your jobs as temporary. You might have worked for an agency for two decades but held four distinct positions. Some candidates fret about including temporary work only because they dont need to look as a work hopper. There are a lot of examples of maintains for accountant jobs that may be on the web, also cover almost the comprehensive accounting portion. Make sure that the point of contact is somebody youve worked with at the organization, because your name and information is not likely to appear in an employment verification check through human resources. You might opt to list this at the very top of your employment history section, or at the end. Its typically a list at the peak of your resume, below your contact info. Frequent resumes no more should incorporate the fax or house sum, and a couple distinctive thingsve got redundant.

For College Grads, Temp Work May Be the Key to a Successful Career

For College Grads, Temp Work May Be the Key to a Successful Career When I graduated college back in 2012, armed with an English degree and a redoubtable sense of self-worth, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a teacher.And I became one briefly.After two difficultyears in the education system, Ibowed out of the teaching game entirely and became a writer instead.Im glad I finally found the right career, but getting here was a tumultuous process. The transition from lifelong student to burgeoning professional hit me like a ton of bricks. I was mora stressed than I had ever been in my life as I scrambled to learn the ropes of my career, and I quickly realized thatmy dream jobwas actually a nightmare. When I decided to leave teaching,I was relieved to an extent but I also felt like a total failure.I could have avoided all of that if I hadnt jumped straight from college into a full-time, traditional employment arrangement. If I had taken s ome time to temp first to try out a few different options I would have been able to end up as a writer without crashing and burning in my first career.WhyCollege Grads Should Consider TempingDavid Dourgarian, CEOof staffing software company TempWorks, is a big advocate for the temp path for new grads, in part because its a great way for these young professionals topick up some new skills that they may not have learned in school.If you look at thetypes of skills graduates are exiting their four-year degree programs with, they are often not equipped yet for the white collar workforce, Dourgarian says. Someone needs to show them the ropes.Many collegestudents graduate with little or no experience in the white collar work world. They may have held jobs in college, but the usual student gigs retail, waiting tables, tutoring, etc. dont exactly prepare one for life in an office setting. The closest most students get to professional life is an internship, but even that isnt quite the sa me as being an employee.Recent gradsneed to learn proper professional conduct, how to handle interoffice conflict, and other soft skills that are critical for career success.Dourgarian believes working a few temp jobs can help students pick these things up quickly.They need to be in an environment where they are held accountable, and the transient nature of temporary positions forces people to learn these skills quickly if they want to get ahead, Dourgarian explains.Dourgarian also believes that temp work is a great way forrecent grads to try out potential careers before committing to them. They may even stumble upon the dream career they never knew they wanted.It can be a great opportunity to try things that you might not think are appealing, Dourgarian says. You may have graduated with a degree in Russian lit., but you might find out thatyou actually love being an insurance underwriter.The Three Types of Graduates Which Are You?To get even more specific about how temping can be b eneficial to recent grads, Dourgarian divides these young professionals into three categories1.Professional-Track GraduatesThese are graduates who want to pursue additional studies, including students who want to become doctors and lawyers. Temping in between college and graduate or professional school can be a great way for these students to get some work experience and bolster their resumes, making them more attractive to the programs theyre applying for.Temp work can also help these students make sure they actually want to enter their chosen fields. For example, a would-be law student might do temporary clerical work for a lawyer and realize they actually dont enjoy the legal profession all that much. Thats a much better path than enrolling in law school and shelling out thousands of dollars just to learn that you hate being a lawyer.2. Liberal Arts GraduatesIt can be difficult figuring out how to translate the skills you learned as ananthropology major into skills that look good on a resume. Temping can teach these graduates how to turn their degree skills into useful workplace skills.3. Graduates Who Need a Little HelpWe dont all emerge from college with pristine GPAs. Some graduates might have difficulty finding full-time employment right out of college iftheir academic experience hasnt been of thesumma cum laude variety. For these graduates, temping offers a great way to build a resumethat really wows employers, regardless of how well they may or may not have done in school.ButI Graduated College. Arent I Worthy of a Real Job?Even though the number of temporary workers in the U.S. has hit an all-time high, many still look down on temporary work. To them, its not real work.Some recent grads may feel the same way. Being told to temp after youve successfully completed college can feel like a slap in the face for some. If you have a degree, youre qualified for areal job, right?Dourgarian thinks this is a misguided belief To say that temporary work isnt a re al job is on the same level as saying, Im going to pay you less because youre a woman.In other words If you look down on temporary work, you may have some unconscious, unfounded biases that you need to check.As Dourgarian explains, a lot of temp jobsdo lead to full-time work Many companies have temp positions open because the position might be entry level, and turnover might be high enough that its dangerous for an employer to expose themselves to the types of legal problems that could come along with high-turnover positions.For these employers, it makes more sense to bring a worker on board as a temp to see how they do before hiring them for afull-time role.Other times, temporary work isrelated to the project-based nature of an industry. In fields like IT, where work occurs largely on a project-by-project basis, employers often bring workers on boardfor the duration of the project only.And, finally, its important to note that temporary work does have its advantages over full-timeem ployment.Your skills can get very stale working at the same company for four years straight, Dourgarian says. So a lot of people actually like being temps. They dont want to stay long. They want to keep learning new skills and growing.

M.B.A. Resume From an IT Career Template

M.B.A. Resume From an IT Career TemplateM.B.A. Resume From an IT Career TemplateRajan had an M.B.A., a Ph.D., published articles in scientific journals and patents pending. It was an accomplished resume, but in the wrong industry.Rajan has an accomplished resume.Rajan, who asked that Ladders change his real name, has worked more than 30 years in technology he has a doctorate in material science, boasts several articles published in industry and scientific journals, and has developed a number of patent-pending technologies.Two years ago, Rajan added an master of geschftsleben administration to his list of credentials and was already considering a career change when the technology startup where he was working in New England lost its financial support and he was laid off.Now a member of FinanceLadder, he is doggedly pursuing work in the financial field.I want now to work with venture capital or investment firms, perhaps in performing due diligence or helping evaluate equity investments for emerging technologies, said Rajan.He had an accomplished resume in the wrong industry.My resume had been focused on my technical experience history in the semiconductor business, but it was full of too many bullets and jargon something I knew that would not appeal to these businesses.He reached out to Ken Moore, a certified professional resume writer who works with Ladders, to help him craft a business-oriented resume from his technology career.Moore helped Rajan discover that he had a career in business all along he just needed the resume to declare it.Resume intakeAmong Rajans challenges He wanted to appeal to investment houses while still showcasing his technology skill set, his MBA and business acumen.The original resume Rajan presented to Moore did neither. It was full of IT industry jargon and lost in technical detail, Moore said. It left no clues to the fact that Rajan was managing projects and directed business engagements that were often international.So Moore directed Rajan to complete what he calls the intake process, a details questionnaire and interview to dig up buried nuggets of roles, responsibilities and accomplishments that, Moore said, often fail to make it to the resume. In Rajans case, Moore wanted to surface the business benefits of the three to four most recent positions he held and projects he directed.Rajan said he spent four hours completing the questionnaire.I was surprised to learn how much there was to talk about in terms of my value to the business, he said. It was a good exercise. Ken was able to then transform these values into bullet points that were placed in the summary of the new resume. The summary now speaks directly to the kind of job I want rather than a laundry list of past tasks.In other words, the tasks had become accomplishments and results that would be the first thing a hiring manager would see.My aim with (Rajans) resume was to get it really targeted at the kind of jobs that he wanted, Moore said. He had real business experience, including interfacing with customers, with responsibility for setting up the production and fabrication facilities for semiconductors in the U.S. and internationally. This is stuff he just needed to bring to the forefront and make it shine.Feet in the past, head in the futureIn crafting a business resume from Rajans technology career, Rajan and Moore wrestled with the cumulative force that faces most job seekers with more than 30 years experience how much of the job seekers early career history is relevant to the his current goal.I knew that I would be competing with people who are, frankly, a bit younger, and who might appear fresher than I given my lengthy work history, Rajan said. Ken got me to focus on the latest crop of jobs and prioritize the business skill sets.We had to eliminate a number of the lighter staff engineering roles from the resume, Moore said. I didnt want to water down his credentials with things that went back to the late 70s. It is a bal ancing act. Rajan was a star technologist with experience that would appeal to many companies, but when you are competing for jobs at capital investment houses with individuals with investment experience and who are fresh out of leading MBA programs, the resume becomes a game changer.Moore focused on Rajans four most recent jobs but included his patent-pending work, his degrees and published works to keep it grounded in the past, but aimed at his future.I always stress to my clients that the resume needs to speak to the future, Moore said. I think Rajans is speaking to it very well now.Networking resumeAn added bonus for Rajan is a tighter, leaner resume.His original resume was three pages long, but Moore trimmed it to two pages, and Rajan went a step further He edited the document to a single page that he calls his networking resume, which he brings with him to informational interviews, industry events and other job-search opportunities.I do not have a new job yet, he said, but I a m fairly confident that I am better positioned with this resume for the next opportunity that I want.

6 steps to take now if you want to change your career path next year

6 steps to take now if you want to change your career path next year6 steps to take now if you want to change your career path next yearWhile humans are creatures of habit, they are also inherently curious, and well, fruchtwein are easily bored. In an age where very few zum besten vonfessionals are lifers who remain at the same company for their entire lives, mora and more are wondering not only what else is out there, but taking actionable steps to discover their passions. Career expert Steve Grant explains changing a career path is oftentimes an important - or mandatory - step to take to achieve success and fulfillment.While it shouldnt be one that is taken lightly or spontaneously, the pursuit of happiness could be the driving force that propels you to make moves, according to Grant. This doesnt just mean youre after a rose-colored perspective from the time you clock in at 9 and leave at 6, but rather, you also desire a more challenging role and you want to be more motivated by doing something you love.Heres the deal though Changing careers isnt an easy process, and may require some unpaid downtime to make it a reality. If this is your professional goal for the upcoming year, experts recommend the actionable steps you should be making right now to prepare yourself for the journey.Do some soul searching to understand your whyIf youre sitting pretty in a comfortable gig that you can do with your eyes closed and hands tied behind your back - and still earn a salary - there has to be a reason youre preparing yourself to quit. Career coach Christine Agro stresses the importance of understanding your why before you take measures to shake up everything. This requires introspective soul-searching and becoming vulnerable and candid about your current feelings and expectations for the future. In other words are you looking for a quick-fix solution, or are you actually inspired to make a difference in your life - or the lives of others?If your why is a deep callin g to do something else, you almost have to answer that. If you dont, your health and wellness will suffer if you dont, she explains. If your why is really that you think your problems will be solved if you are doing something else, chances are, those problems are going to follow you wherever you are doing.Make a pro and con listMuch like being emotionally conscious, career and branding expert Wendi Weiner cant stress the value of a pro and con list. It might seem elementary, but it can be a way to organize your thoughts in a collected, intelligent way. Emotions have a way of running away from us when were unhappy with our jobs, but a pro-and-con scribble will bring you back down to earth.You have to create a list and compare the reasons why you want to leave into a new career, versus why you should stay in your current career. Compare the positive and negatives. There will always be both, but what it comes down to is whether the pros outweigh the cons and vice versa, she adds.Talk t o people in the path you aspire to joinSo youve been working in finance for a solid ten years, but youve always made friends with those in the marketing department. You love hearing their strategies and tracking their projections, but the more fascinated you become, the stronger your pull is to not only sign off on their budget - but join them. Agro recommends setting up meetings - whether casual coffee and drinks or a knowledge share - to understand what it takes to become a marketer. Or whatever field youre thinking of breaking into. This is your best bet of understanding and preparing for the road ahead.Talk to people who are on the path you want to shift onto. Find out what their trajectory has been like, what you can expect, what advice do they have about things that worked for them and things that didnt work, she explains.Roadmap the logisticsFantastical ideas and vision boards are all healthy parts of developing your confidence and remaining positive within your career, bu t most people do not have the luxury of quitting their job today and figuring out the rest tomorrow. As career expert Jill Tipograph explains, its important to map out the tangible, logistical steps youll need to follow to shift careers.Is a formal education required? Youll need to understand about prerequisites and application deadlines - not to mention how youll fund continuing your education. She also explains youll want to think about the compensation you can expect with a new role, and how that will impact your current lifestyle. Sometimes the career you want isnt in your zip code, and youll not only be working to change gigs but change location, too.If you are going to have to relocate to make the change, either because of where this type of work is located, or because your budget will no longer bear your current lifestyle, work with someone to come up with a realistic budget for moving and re-establishing yourself, she explains. Its smart to break these down into monthly goa ls so you can track your progress.Save, save, saveOne of the most important strategies you can implement instantly is to save more and more hard-earned cash. Grant says the funds required to shift careers is often overlooked by professionals, which can have devastating consequences if you arent armed with a handsome savings account. leid only does this give you permission to take off time in between industry shifts and still support yourself or a family, but it also means you can be picky about this next stage in your life.This allows you to take your time and interview with multiple companies, to do your due diligence and make the best decision possible, he explains. Having a nest egg will keep you from staying at a career which isnt working for you.Hire a coachAgro says a business/life coach, or a resume expert can speed up the process by providing unique steps to follow for your current situation. You can explain everything youre feeling, all that youre hoping, and together, you can brainstorm the best possible way to arrive at your new careers.Two heads are always better than one. Set yourself up for success by reaching out to people are poised to support the shift you are looking to make, she continues. And hey, if this isnt quite in your budget? Speak with a trusted mentor or friend who will take the time to give thorough advice.

How to Answer Strange Interview Questions and Land the Job

How to Answer Strange Interview Questions and Land the JobHow to Answer Strange Interview Questions and Land the JobAs if interview questions werent already stressful enough, it seems hiring managers have collectively decided to kick it up a bedrngnisch. What are we talking about? Strange interview questionsIf you were an animal, which one would you be?Tell me about the most awkward moment in your life.Would you rather fight 1 horse-sized duck, or 100 duck-sized horses? (Actual Whole Foods Market interview question)How many basketballs would fit in this room?So, when a job interviewer asks about your most creative Halloween costume, how do you answer without giving them the whole deer-in-headlights look?Give them a smile (but not a creepy one)A calm smile can buy you some time as long as you dont let it linger so long that it turns into a panicked smile. The whole point to unterstellung questions is to create an opportunity for the hiring manager to observe how you handle the unexpec ted and see how well you can think on your feet. Hopefully your reaction will show how unfazed you are by the question. At least, thats the ideal response.For a lot of companies, questions like this are a way to see if you have the right cultural fit for the company. If you take yourself too seriously, you might risk coming across as a poor fit. So, smile it allows your interviewer some insight that you are ready and willing to take on any unusual challenges.Buy a little timeJust because youre ready and willing doesnt mean you can actually come up with a decent response off the top of your head. Buy a little time if you need to. Questions like this warrant time-buying comments like theseHuh, and I thought Id be ready for anything. Lets seeWow. Ive never been asked that before Youll have to give me a second.Thats a great question Let me think about that.Be enthusiasticKeep in mind that these questions almost never have a right answer. The key to your response is answering coherently and enthusiastically, and not what the content of your answer might be. If youre a funny person and it comes naturally to you, it could be the perfect outlet to use some SFW humor. If humor doesnt come naturally to you, its probably not a good time to start working on it. Itd be a shame to dismantle the great impression youve been giving during the rest of the interview.Take a moment to absorb the question and dont get too wrapped up trying to think of something particularly clever. Focus more on being genuine than being hilarious. Smile, respond carefully and enthusiastically, and move on.Follow up with your own questionA great way to wrap up your response is to ask your interviewer how they would have answered the question or what some of the best responses were from other interviewers. Its an entertaining way to demonstrate your interest in the company culture.The next time youre in a job interview and they ask something unexpected like, Tell me your favorite joke, dont think of it as a time to panic but rather an excellent opportunity to show off your quick wit and your ability to have a little fun.

Why conflicts at work are actually healthy for you

Why conflicts at work are actually healthy for you Why conflicts at work are actually healthy for you Let’s be honest, running into some sort of conflict at work is unavoidable.But just because the word “conflict” has generally negative connotations, doesn’t mean all conflict = bad. Conflict, in the right context and approached in the right way, can benefit you as an individual and also your fellow team members so that you can all come out better separately  and as a team.Don’t just take our word for it either: even the most experienced human resource experts would fully support  that not all workplace conflict is negative  and that some can have a truly positive impact on your own relationships, approach and problems.Learning more about conflict at work and how it can actually help you cope, collaborate, and become a better employee (and human being!):5 ways conflict at work can be healthy (and beneficial):You get to practice working through discomfort“Can’t we all just get along?” Nope, not really. Your workplace brings together a diverse group of personality types and styles and forces you to hang out for many many hours a week. The downside is that conflict is inevitable and you’re bound to feel the discomfort of disagreeing with someone and the coinciding tension in the air when disagreements and conflict go unresolved.The big upside, however, is that you can work on your coping and collaborative skills as you tackle situations of conflict head on. The key is that you actually do tackle those problems though, rather than avoid them and let them fester. It’s not always going to be fun, but in order for you to meet specific deadlines or project goals (and keep your sanity!) you and your team members all have to learn to work through whatever the source of the conflict so that you can all do your best work.The more instances of conflict you work though with your coworkers, the better you’ll get at spotting them, the more you’ll learn about one another, and the faster you’ll get at working together to resolve them. A team with some he althy differences can learn to air them, communicate them more clearly, and overcome them more seamlessly over time.Conflict brings new ideasEver had that annoying friend or coworker who agrees with EVERYTHING? Sure, they may be pleasant to deal with to some extent, but dealing with a human echo chamber doesn’t help anyone and also prevents growth. Because when everyone agrees on the same approach or the same way of solving a problem, you get lots of harmony, but not much innovation.So, by being open to a variety of voices and points of view at work, you make room for new ideas and can come up with creative solutions to problems… and that’s exactly what can come out of situations of conflict at work if you let it. Bottom line is that when you keep an open mind, conflict can be a major source of productivity and creativity by being the bringer of new ideas.Keep things moving forward Conflict in the workplace (or the avoidance of it!) often drags things out, making even a minor tasks and everyday work activities seem to last forever; and the longer you try to avoid that conflict, the worse everything gets.For instance, imagine yourself in a situation where no one is willing to speak up and shut down a colleague who has been droning on for hours about their point of view (or worse, that awful joke they seem to love). What happens is that everyone in the workplace gets stuck in this awkward moment in time where everyone is annoyed and less productive, all for the sake of not causing any conflict.However, if you or someone were to just say “enough” and find a way to approach your colleague in a healthy, non-aggressive way, you might find that the potential situation of conflict is easier to resolve than you thought. Being open to and proactive to situations of conflict in this way keeps things moving forward, for you, the other person, and everyone on your team. It brings peace of mindIn some cases, creating strife or conflict in the workplace is actually your only answer to resolving an ongoing issue that prevents a better work life.For instance, feeling undermined by someone, not agreeing with a decision that has a big impact on you, or otherwise being negatively impacted by someone in the workplace in a wrongful or unfair way â€" these are all instances that deserve being openly addressed, despite the fact that they’re pretty much certain to cause some level of conflict amongst coworkers.On the one hand, when you let these things go unaddressed, it’s not uncommon to find yourself dreading work because there could be strife, not wanting to get out of bed in the morning because the idea of conflict stresses you out or simply feeling on edge at work worrying about what will happen. Letting these feelings linger and you’re well on your way to being stuck in a terrible headspace (or even an ulcer or migraine!).But on the other hand, whe n you go ahead and tackle the issue, the opposite happens: everyone is able to be transparent about their feelings and find a solution to the workplace conflict together.Airing out an issue like one of the above (or any other issue that might cause conflict at work) may seem overwhelming and scary, but it also means you get to move on after the conflict is over with a sense of closure and peace of mind.We all have to face conflict eventually and doing so head on in a positive way can have a positive impact on your own stress levels - it’s also a key part of being a productive and responsible adult. Conflict done right can make your day run more smoothly and ensure that you don’t dread heading into work each morning. Learning more about the positive impact of conflict can help you approach it in the right way and allows you to benefit in unexpected ways.This article was originally published on Kununu.

How to be Successful at Starting a New Job

How to be Successful at Starting a New Job How to be Successful at Starting a New Job How to be Successful at Starting a New Job Congratulations on your new job! Now, here are some tips on how to be successful when you first start out. After all the hard work of resume formatting, interviewing, and salary negotiating, it might be tempting to relax and go with the flow for a while. However, that is one of the worst things you could do for your career. As a career coach and a hiring manager, I can attest that the first 30 days on the job are an extension of the interview process. When starting a new job, it is the best time to establish your professional brand, deliver on the key points that you have promised to the company, and chart your career course. If that sounds overwhelming, don't get discouraged! By defining your approach and goals for the first week, month, and 90 days of starting a new job, you can become productive quickly, learn the ropes, and be recognized as a valuable contributor. Here are some top tips for starting a new job that successful people do to start their new professional endeavors right. During your first week on the new job: 1. Get clarity on your team's priorities Your first week starting a new job could be a whirlwind of getting system access rights, learning the layout of the office, and jumping into the to-do list left by your predecessor. Sometimes, the opposite happens, and you find yourself sitting around reading system manuals while the team scrambles to find something you can occupy your time with. No matter which way it goes, ask for some time with your manager to have a big-picture conversation about priorities. What is the team working on right now? What are the biggest obstacles? What can you do to be helpful today? 2. Map out a customized organizational chart You may be presented with a beautiful organizational chart on your first day, or you might discover that the team does not have one. Either way, dedicate some time to mapping out the interpersonal reporting and support relationships that are relevant to your team. No department operates in a vacuum, and by understanding the interdependencies between functional teams, you will get a good sense for which people are important to meet, how information and decisions flow, and how your work affects the organization. 3. Spend one long day at the office to get a sense for the flow Are you a night owl, showing up at the office at 10 a.m. and working productively until the late hours? Or do you prefer to get in at 7 a.m. and leave earlier? In the long run, it is wise to structure your working days in a way that respects your natural productivity patterns. However, the first week in the office is not the best time to do that. Instead, set aside one or more days to be the first person in the office and the last person out. Simply being present for a full workday will give you insight into when people are available, when requests come in, and how the workload ebbs and flows. If your position requires coordination and collaboration, understanding the optimal time to catch key individuals can make a difference in your productivity and effectiveness. 4. Meet people In all honesty, you should never stop doing this in your position, but your first week is key. Introduce yourself, get other people's business cards, and add them to your organizational chart as you learn their professional roles and responsibilities. You don't have to limit your conversation to work either. Feel free to ask about their families, hobbies, and interests. 5. Have a status-update conversation with your manager At the end of the first week, sit down with your manager to talk about the status of the projects assigned to you and ask any lingering questions you may have. This is a great opportunity to get some early feedback on what you are doing right, what needs to be done better, and how you can spend your time during your second week for the greatest benefit of the team. During your first 30 days on the new job: 1. Continue to meet people It seems obvious, but it's important! Continue to reach out and meet your co-workers and other professionals everywhere you go. Offer to sit in on meetings, even if you are not in a position to contribute yet. Keep good notes on everyone you meet as well, because dozens of new names and faces will begin to blur. 2. Ask questions, listen, and observe Your first month starting a new job is a fantastic opportunity to be a sponge. You are new to this position, so your co-workers and your manager expect to have to explain procedures, walk you through the way things are done, and teach you a shortcut or two. If you notice things that don't make sense, resist the urge to criticize and offer improvements. Instead, ask why things are done this way, and do your best to understand the reasoning and the logic behind the procedures. There will be a time to offer suggestions, but they will be better received once you are established and have the benefit of a deeper understanding. 3. Create a running status document by project It will make you look like a super-organized rock star, simplify quick status updates to your boss, and help you make progress across your multiple priorities. Your company may be using a project management software if so, learn it and use it. Otherwise, simple tools like a project deliverables tracker in Excel will do the job. 4. Take note of things that are frustrating for the team As you keep your eyes and ears open, take note of things that are challenging for the team. Perhaps it's a step in a workflow, a particular procedure, or a difficult person. Take time to understand why they are that way before you suggest any changes. 5. Drink water, eat natural and minimally-processed foods, and take time to recharge This advice may not seem immediately relevant to your work performance, but the reality is that every professional is a corporate athlete. Willpower, endurance, and the ability to learn are all impacted by your hydration, nutrition, and rest. You would not expect an Olympic swimmer to subsist on a candy assortment from the vending machine! Treat your body as a performance engine by feeding it well and giving it time to relax and recharge. During your first 90 days of the new job: 1. Connect with a mentor After you have been with the company for a few weeks, you probably have a good sense of who has the knowledge and the temperament to help you succeed. Some companies set up formal mentorship relationships for new hires while others leave it up to each professional. Take a proactive role in finding the right people to advise and support you as you begin to take a more prominent role in the company. Keep in mind that while your boss may be an obvious choice for this role, professionals outside an immediate reporting relationship can have their own unique viewpoints to contribute. Related: 5 Ways a Mentor Can Boost Your Career Potential 2. Clarify expectations Continue to work with your manager to refine and clarify expectations. Sure, you may have had the conversation on your first day, but a month or two into your job you may begin to notice that your stated goals and targets do not align with your daily tasks, or that urgent fire drills are taking time away from steady progress to important goals. By staying in the conversation, you can eliminate surprises at performance reviews, make better decisions, and align yourself with larger company goals. 3. Continue to absorb unspoken rules of the company Every company has its own unspoken rules. From labeling the food that goes into the communal fridge, to washing dishes and ordering supplies, watch and learn from your co-workers and ask questions. 4. Treat every task as a continuation of the interview process Remember that the first few months on the job are essentially an extended interview. Treat every task as such, even if it's minor or tedious. Keep your mental focus on the right things, manage your emotional reactions, and don't let your professionalism slip. You are setting up your professional reputation. 5. Reconnect with your old network It may seem counterintuitive, but do find the time to have coffee or drinks with your old co-workers. Keeping your professional network active isn't just a task for those of us in active job-search mode! Find the time to send an email to your old mentor or chat with a friend from the old office. In summary, remember that the energy and effort you invest in putting your best foot forward will pay significant dividends as your position within the new company becomes more established. You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression, so when starting a new job, work hard, say thank you, and build your professional network. Your future self will thank you for a good reputation, a great first performance review, and the promotion opportunities that will result. Click on the following link for more advice on how to get ahead. Is your new job not the right job? Brush up your resume with a free resume review! Recommended Reading: Career Advice for Every Step of Your Job Search How to Lose a Job in 10 Days How to Shamelessly Self-Promote at Work

Everything You Need to Know About Job Searching on Craigslist

Everything You Need to Know About Job Searching on Craigslist Everything You Need to Know About Job Searching on Craigslist Job boards are an essential component to the job seeker’s toolkit. Top job boards like Indeed, CareerBuilder, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Monster allow job seekers to view new, high-quality job postings and apply for free. Most popular job board websites also offer special features, like the ability to save variations of your resume for later use or a running count of how many people have applied to each job. Craigslist is a different type of job board. Because it offers an array of functions and a different range of job opportunities compared to the typical job board, many job seekers are unsure of how they should use Craigslist for their job search. Here’s a roundup of what you need to know and where you should use caution during your Craigslist job search. A Different Type of Job Board What makes Craigslist different than other job boards? To start, the website is not used primarily as a job searching tool. It offers sections for housing, items for sale, personals, jobs, and more. With no spotlight on the job search, Craigslist doesn’t offer special job searching features. It simply offers a list of jobs by category. The “jobs” category on the right is just one of many classifieds sections on Craigslist. Craigslist also offers a different experience to the job poster. It is significantly cheaper to post a job on Craigslist than the vast majority of other job boards. For example, it costs between $25-75 for a 30-day job posting on Craigslist while most other job boards cost $100 or more for the same type of post. What does this mean for job seekers? The quality of jobs posted on Craigslist tends to be lower than those posted on pricier job boards. However, it is also the first place many frugal companies start when looking to fill a position since it costs them less. For the job seeker, a big difference between Craigslist and other job boards lies in the application process. For example, while Indeed has an integrated applicant tracking system that lets the applicant apply for each job, Craigslist redirects you to the company career page or instructs the applicant to submit an application via email. Form application feature on Indeed.com. Vetting Jobs is Part of the Craigslist Job Search Since the quality of jobs posted on Craigslist is lower than those posted on other job board sites, job seekers should properly vet each job. Just as there are many top job opportunities posted on Craigslist, there are also many low-quality, dishonest, and even fraudulent jobs posted. For example, if a job posting requiring no college education also promises a work from home schedule, part-time hours, and $5,000 per month, it is not a legitimate job. All jobs you apply for should sound realistic and come from reliable companies. Quick Tips for Job Searching on Craigslist Do a quick Google search or visit the company page before applying to a job to make sure each company is legitimate and worth your time. Save any email addresses given in the job posting as a way to follow up a week or two later. Keep your eyes open for multiples. Jobs often get posted more than once, so save yourself some time and avoid applying to the same job twice. View the “compensation” box on every job posting before applying. There is usually some room for negotiation later on, but if the listed compensation is nowhere near what you deserve, move on to the next job. Look for blue links. When you’ve already clicked on a Craigslist classified link (even a week ago), it turns purple. This makes it easy to do a quick Craigslist glance everyday. No blue links yet? You’re all caught up. You can also hide results that you are not interested in by clicking the X beside the link. Take advantage of filtering options. For example, search by title only or by jobs posted today. You can even search by distance in miles from your zip code or find a job in your neighborhood of choice by browsing in map view. Explore job listings on the map during your Craigslist job search. Craigslist can be a useful resource for the savvy job seeker as long as you know how to navigate the unusual job board. If you’re willing to be picky and sift through some lower-quality job postings, Craigslist is full of opportunities for job seekers in every field.

Giving Feedback to Your BossLike a Boss

Giving Feedback to Your Bossâ€"Like a Boss Giving Feedback to Your Boss- Like a Boss Let’s face it: Bosses aren’t perfect. And sometimes, they need to know it. Whether your manager’s long, personal-story-filled team meetings are preventing everyone from getting work done or her daily screaming matches are putting your relationships with other departments at risk, sometimes you need to share some constructive feedback with your boss.And when you do, it can be pretty daunting. Take the obvious fear of retaliation for telling her something she didn’t want to hear and add the unintended consequences of being perceived as a complainer, and you have a tough cocktail to swallow.But scary as it may be, there are some steps you can take to be sure that  any feedback conversation is both diplomatic and productive.Consider the Cost-BenefitI’ve noticed over the years, people seem much more comfortable sharing their opinions than they did when I first started out- which can be a good thing. But, as a result, people sometimes say things that may have been better left uns aid, or at least, should’ve been said in a more diplomatic way.When I first started out as a manager, I had one such employee. He was bright, and a great worker, so I often appreciated his candor as it related to day-to-day problem-solving. But, when he cornered me in front of the whole team and told me I was going about a task incorrectly, I was stunned. In an instant, he had destroyed my credibility with the team (not to mention shattered my confidence).Worse, when I pulled him aside later to discuss, it turned I wasn’t doing anything wrong, just different from how their old manager had. Over time, we both recognized that my approach worked just as well, but it took months to repair the damage to my confidence and my authority. The price of that comment was pretty high, with little to no benefit.While feedback is important for both of you, take the time to consider whether your input truly needs to be delivered, how sharing it will impact your manager, and whether that informa tion will end up helping- or hurting- you in the long run. As they say, pick your battles. Deliver the feedback you really think your boss needs to hear- and do it the right way.Write it DownTelling your boss she’s not meeting your expectations is scary, so don’t rely on your improv skills to carry you through this type of discussion. Instead, take time to collect and write down your thoughts.The first time I approached a manager about an issue I was having with his performance, I thought I could just wing it, and didn’t bother to jot down any notes. About 30 seconds into the conversation, I deeply regretted that oversight. First of all, my boss wasn’t expecting to receive feedback from an employee outside the annual review season, so I was immediately caught up in trying to explain myself and why we were there. By the time I’d stumbled through an explanation, I was so tongue-tied and nervous that I ended up just blurting out everything that bothered me about him. Needless to say, that conversation did not go well.Jot down a few general areas of concern, focusing on issues you think are truly critical to address, and any supporting details that will help spark a productive discussion- the frantic phone calls you get from her boss when she’s 10 minutes late to a meeting, for example. Then, stick to the script. While it may be tempting to pile on every little pet peeve, if it isn’t in your notes, don’t bring it up. Keep the discussion focused on the topics you’ve prepared to address, and save the little stuff for another time. If it wasn’t important enough to make it into your notes, it can wait.Also, never send these notes to anyone via email, just write them down the good old-fashioned way, and shred them when you’re done. Unless there’s a serious problem, no one needs to know about this but you and your boss, and respecting his or her privacy on the matter will assure you both can address the issue without any unwanted input from your colleagues.Stay Classy- and SpecificAs important as preparing what you’ll say is spending time thinking about how you’ll say it. The way you begin this interaction will set the tone for the entire discussion, and can mean the difference between a productive conversation and a, well, terrible one.Bottom line: Keep it classy, professional, and kind. When dealing with your bosses, it can be easy to forget they’re human, too, and assume their skin is impervious to criticism- but trust me, it’s not.Rather than simply telling your boss point-blank, you think she’s doing something wrong, approach her privately and ask if you could schedule some time to chat. Then, let her know what you’d like to discuss in general terms- for example, if she’s habitually late for morning meetings, tell her you’d like to get her thoughts on the morning meetings. By giving her the right context, you’ll give her a chance to start mulling over how to improve the situation- and might even inspi re her to address her tardiness before you have to. But, even if you do have to bring it up directly, by maintaining your professionalism, you’ll help ensure your feedback is heard in a constructive setting.Remember, this is not a free pass to unload on your boss, rather, it’s an opportunity for you to show how you handle a particular situation or how specifically you can both work better together. After all, that’s what you’re trying to achieve.Be Wary of Solicited FeedbackFinally, a warning on solicitations of feedback from your boss: This may seem counterintuitive- if she actually asks you for feedback, that means she wants to hear out all your thoughts, right? Well, that’s only partially true. If you ask your significant other how you look in those jeans you just bought, part of you wants an honest answer, but the other is hoping for a glowing review. It’s not so different with your boss.That first time a boss asked me for feedback, I didn’t realize she was trying to get answers to a few specific questions, rather than my general input on how she was doing. She had just had a review with senior management, and they felt her team needed more guidance on a particular product offering, so she was speaking to the entire team to get a sense for how comfortable they felt with the information she’d provided. She did not, it turned out, want to know I found her habitual tardiness and long lunches demoralizing.If a manager comes to you for feedback, make sure you’re both giving her what she wants and having the discussion on your own terms. For example, if your boss pops by your desk and asks how you think she’s doing, tell her you appreciate the opportunity to share your thoughts, and ask her to go into more detail about what she’s hoping to learn.Then, when you have a better idea of what she’s after, try to schedule a specific time to talk, so you’ll have time to think through your answers. Trust me, it’ll be a better, more productive conversation for both of you. Also, recognize that if you’re planning on bringing up any criticisms, you should be going through steps 1 through 3 above. Just because your boss asked for the feedback doesn’t mean you should skimp on the preparation- and just because she asked how she’s doing managing the project does not mean she wants to hear she’s screwing it all up.Sharing feedback with your boss takes a lot of thought, preparation, and empathy- this is not something you approach lightly. But, with careful planning, you can still give your manager the feedback he or she needs to help both of you succeed.Photo of man talking to boss courtesy of Shutterstock.

HR Generalist Gets Specific on Resume

HR Generalist Gets Specific on Resume HR Generalist Gets Specific on Resume Former HR VP Kathleen Roesing had trouble standing out. With the help of a certified professional resume writer, she added detail to her hr generalist resume.Everyone can use a little help with their resume, including, ironically, former recruiters.Take Kathleen Roesing of Bucks County, Pa. Roesing is a human resources generalist with 20+ years experience. She has worked in organizational development, change management, benefits administration, recruiting and virtually every human resources function possible at health care, pharmaceutical and video game companies. She was in a position to know a good resume when she saw one, but hadn’t translated it to her own career.“I’m the classic case of being the shoemaker’s child… I’m very familiar with what recruiters are looking for because I was one,” said Roesing. “I knew what was needed, but I was struggling to capture it all. I wasn’t really getting enough of the positives that I have to offer, so I needed another set of eyes and a process to work through it all. I wanted to be more tactical.”“Katheleen’s former resume was filled with bullet points that weren’t capturing the full extent of her experience,” said Becky Erdelen, a certified professional resume writer who works with Ladders.”She had a small branding statement, but didn’t have her core competencies fully flushed out.”Even with plenty of experience to pull from, Roesing, who has been at the vice-president level since 2000, was more accustomed to being on the hiring end of the job search. It was a lesson in presentation for the HRLadder member.“Because there are so many applicants in the job market, employers assume that they are able to find talent with all of the exact skills they seek. This is only partially true,” said Roesing. “While there are very talented individuals seeking employment, there are even more available applicants who do not possess the extent of the skills they tout on paper. I needed to make cer tain that my resume could compete with that and be a true reflection of my capabilities. After being in the HR field for so long, many things become second nature. I had difficulty capturing those competencies as succinctly as I wanted.”SAR: Situation, Action, ResultsIn the resume-writing trade there is a process known as SAR - an acronym for Situation, Action and Results â€" Describe the situation (or problem), the Action you took to fix it and the benefit that Resulted from that action. SAR is a key component to Erdelen’s approach to writing resumes, including Roesing’s.“Kathleen had some information in the way of results, and some actions, but not enough of all three,” said Erdelen. “And when it comes to doing a resume justice with SAR, you have to have all three.”One of the main ways of capturing this SAR information comes through a detailed questionnaire worksheet. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but the information garnered from the process usually bod es very well for resume participants.“The most impressive thing to me as someone with a human resources background is that worksheet,” said Roesing. “While it was a bit of a pain to fill out, it forced me to be really precise in my answers and to avoid being redundant. And given that I knew I needed to boost my core competencies, I was happy to see an entire page on the worksheet devoted to them… It’s one thing to write down your successes in your human resources jobs, it’s another thing to write the reasons why, circle pre-determined keywords and qualify everything you’ve done in your job.”The worksheet, when fully answered, gets you to explain how you did your best work and what it meant in terms of business results for your employer. The worksheet gets under the skin of your career and helps extrude the best on-the-job metrics you’ve accomplished in the hopes of distinguishing you from a competitive pack of potential job hires, Erdelen said.“(Erdelen’s) work sheet asks ‘What are your 3 to 5 greatest accomplishments and what was the result?’ It then follows up with a host of other questions designed to get you to really dig in to answers. Again, it was pretty precise and focused.”From worksheet to working resumeThe worksheet captured Roesing’s global experience and knowledge of how to get an underperforming human resource organization back on track. These management skills are not easy to find, especially when it comes to international HR experience, like India and the United Kingdom, where there are different employment regulations and working cultures.“Her original resume did not tell that global story,” said Erdelen. “But with the worksheet info and her blessing, I was able to encapsulate the full depth of her experience, in being able to turn around a flailing group and deal with all the differing HR compliance standards in multiple country locations. Under every job title I added sentences that reinforced her global re ach where possible.”This global reach combined with her recruiting, training and management accomplishments, stressed Erdelen, will help differentiate Roesing’s resume from the rest of the pack, Eredelen said.After the worksheet, the resume writer usually has a solid foundation for building a new resume. But often the resume writer will coordinate with the resume owner to follow up on more detail, to assess comfort levels with direction in, for example, the summary area, as well as establishing direct and open communications between everyone. It makes for a smooth experience.“Becky was really responsive,” said Roesing. “I was very happy with the collaborative way we worked together and how she followed up with me on specific tweaks and minor changes. It was a good experience, and I’m quite pleased with the outcome.”Since the new resume has been in Kathleen’s hands, she has noticed a difference.“The feedback I received was what I expected (and wanted), she said. “ I knew I had to place more keywords in the resume to increase my odds of having it viewed by employers and recruiters. This has already helped. Becky, through the resume worksheet gave me the opportunity to quantify my background and achievements in a well-written and formatted resume. I now feel I have a stronger edge to compete in the growing applicant pool.”

Salary Negotiation Tips Research Is Key to Success

Salary Negotiation Tips Research Is Key to Success Salary Negotiation Tips Research Is Key to Success To be in a position of strength, do your homework and know your market value.Q: Yesterday my boss and I had a sit down about taking on another role. To make a long story short, currently my day-to-day tasks involve being a project manager - I manage all capital improvement jobs. Prior to being a project manager with the company, I managed a number of their buildings through another management company.Now he wants me to go back to managing those same buildings, while still being a project manager, all for an extra $3k. I said no, but should I even be interested in what this cheapskate has to say?A: You should definitely be interested in what this cheapskate has to say. You have not agreed to this compensation. It’s simply a proposal from your boss thinking that $3,000 is indeed fair compensation for managing these buildings through a management firm. You obviously disagree. That should be the starting point for conversation, not the ending point.Get out and do your homework. Go to chapter five in my book and do the research to find out what someone out in the job market gets paid to do the kind of work you’re interested in doing. Armed with that information, you can go back to your boss and explain to him that the market rate to get someone to do all the things he wants this position to do is a lot higher than he thought. Would he be open to a conversation where you can restructure your job responsibilities in a way that he feels happy and you feel well-compensated?

How to Understand the Benefits Book at Your New Job-The Must

How to Understand the Benefits Book at Your New Job-The Must How to Understand the Benefits Book at Your New Job-The Must The first days at a new job are pretty exciting...until HR hands you the giant book of company benefits to review. Suddenly, you’ve gone from enthusiastic new hire to having to wade through dozens of pages of fine print to understand the benefits that will ultimately affect your paycheck, your financial future, and your wellness. Intimidated? Don’t be. As you head into new employee territory, this benefits briefer can help take away the fear factor. Here’s what you need to know: How to Decipher Health-Care Options The days of simple employee health-care selections are over. Your instinct might be to go with the least expensive tier of coverage, but take some time to examine the following: Premiums: The amount you pay toward your insurance that will come directly out of your paycheck. Deductible amounts: How much you’ll have to pay out of pocket before the full coverage kicks in. Co-pays: A set amount you pay for doctor visits, specialists, hospital visits, and prescriptions. Note that if you choose to use a doctor that is not in your network, you will likely pay more. What’s covered: Some plans are more generous than others, but most at least allow for a free yearly physical and other preventative care. If you’re someone with a chronic condition, for instance, it may pay for you to choose a plan with a higher premium but lower co-pays, since you’ll likely save in the long run. Also, get insight as to how much it will cost to add others if you need to add a spouse or children to your plan. And don’t gloss over your other insurance options. From dental and vision to short- and long-term disability to life insurance, you may be able to purchase extra protections through your job. Read up on your options to help you decide which are worth going for. Also your company may have a wellness program that provides discounts for healthy activities (like getting a flu shot or attending a gym) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which allow you to contribute tax-free money into an account that can be used toward medical and health related expenses. Just be careful with your FSA- if you don’t use your contributions in a calendar year, they do not roll over. FYI: FSAs are different than HSAs (health savings accounts), which can only be used if you are in a qualified HDHP (high deductible health plan). But, this money doesn't have a deadline and is yours to use for medical and other related expenses. Read More 8 Basic Benefits Questions That Smart People Forget to Ask The Insurance You Don’t Want to Think About (But Really Should) How to Fund Your Cushy Retirement It sounds crazy to think about old age when you’re a young professional, but compound interest and time are a future retiree’s best friends. First and foremost, find out whether your employer does 401K matching contributions. If so, take advantage by contributing at least that percentage from every paycheck; you’re allowed to go up to $18,000 for tax year 2017. (You’ll thank us when you turn 65!) As far as how to invest in your 401K, you usually are given some preselected choices based on target retirement age, or the amount of risk you wish to take. Although every person’s finances vary, usually, the younger you are, the more aggressive you can be. Read More Forget Your Age: Why Everyone Needs a Specific Retirement Goal Now Excuse Me, Silly Question Here- But What Exactly Is a 401K? When You Can Actually Use Your Time Off There’s more to the story than just how many vacation and personal days you get. Is there a waiting period before you can take off? Does time carry over from year to year? Is the company closed on major and not-so-major holidays? Is there bereavement leave? Parental leave? Dig into that section of the benefits handbook, and get answers. Read More The 6 Unwritten Company Rules You Won’t Find in the Employee Handbook Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Taking a Personal Day (Plus Some!) How Unlimited Vacation Works in Reality (and Not Just in Company Handbooks) Unlimited Vacation Policy? What You Should Know Other Perks People Don’t Know About Once the big benefit items are out of the way, you should review other employee freebies and discounts. These may include tax-free public transit and parking allowances, a discounted gym membership, an expense policy for reimbursement on certain items; discounts with certain retailers or vendors through an employee perks program; and tuition reimbursement. Facing down the benefits book might seem daunting at first, but it’s worth digging into. And if you’re still a little lost, talk to your HR contact or a trusted co-worker (someone who’s been through it before) for help in navigating what’s available to you. After all, you work hard for not only your salary, but your benefits as well.

Take Charge of Conflict

Take Charge of Conflict Take Charge of Conflict But, conflict does have redeeming value … especially for those of us over 50.   According to Barbara Strauch, author of The Secret Life of the Grown-up Brain, we need to present our brains with things that make it wake up, pay attention, and work really hard. To give your brain a workout, Strauch suggests talking with people who disagree with you because it helps you sharpen your own thinking and challenges you. So having conflict in your life can actually make you smarter. To benefit from benefits of conflict, and lose the drama, here is what I have learned about taking charge of conflict. First and foremost, trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. D. H. Lawrence, the author, wrote, “My beliefs I test on my body, on my intuitional consciousness, and when I get a response there, then I accept.” Have you ever walked in to a meeting and known instantly that something was amiss because someone failed to look you in the eye? When that happens, it is a sure sign that the drama of conflict is about to ensue. Second, remove yourself emotionally and do not take the situation personally. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.” How you choose to respond is far more meaningful than what happens to you. Look at the conflict holistically and positively not negatively. Conflict usually has to do with misinformation, a difference of values, or a difference of opinions. Some times, there may be a previous unresolved conflict between the parties. No matter what your situation, do you have a tough time keeping your cool? My advice is to take a deep breath, count to ten, and keep your cool. Third, when you’re in conflict with someone, stop and listen. Really deeply listen. Most people involved in a conflict have already decided on their own solution and fail to use conflict as an opportunity to learn all sides of an issue. Listen for grains of truth in what the other person has to say. Ask yourself: What is their point of view? Why is it important to them? What values and goals do we share? Fourth, know the person with whom you have conflict. There is an old adage that says, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” Study the person with whom you are having conflict. What is their communication style? Are they passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive or assertive? Do they want to save face? And, what is the best way for you to respond? Fifth, be an eagle and soar above. Look at the situation from atop the peak. One technique you can try is to imagine yourself looking down on the room as if it were a Greek play about to unfold. Being dispassionate can help you orchestrate what you want to do next. Sixth, decide what you want. This is important because every step you take needs to get you to your ultimate goal. Ask yourself, what is my number one goal? When I got married (more than 25 years ago), my mother gave me some advice. She said, “You can be right all the time or you can be married.” You may very well be right but getting others to admit you’re right may not get you where you want to be in the long run. Seventh, think ahead. Conflict is the chess game of life. Strategize your every move. Determine what the person with whom you have conflict might do. Avoid surprise attacks. A famous chess player, when asked his strategy for success, said, I always think through at least one more move than my opponent. Eighth, have alternative plans. Determine several responses you could make to the conflict. List the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Think about the long-term implications of each alternative. Answer the question: What solutions can I live with? What can’t I abide? Ninth, move slowly but deliberately. Don’t make assumptions. Check out the facts. Make decisions based on data, not on emotions. Don’t let anger control your actions. Tenth, take time to reflect. Ask yourself, what have I learned from this conflict situation? What did the world gain?   What did I do brilliantly? Am I proud of the way that I behaved? And, what might I still need to learn?

Whatever They Told You About What Is a Summary on a Resume Is Dead Wrong...And Heres Why

Whatever They Told You About What Is a Summary on a Resume Is Dead Wrong...And Here's Why If you intend to join a new business and craft a resume, visit the site and have a look at the Resume Summary Examples. Bear in mind that the content of the resume should remain relevant to the job, and your own personal information isn't relevant. Among the biggest opportunities that you've got to impress recruiters is your Resume Summary. Creating a resume with the aid of a template will be able to help you become alert to the resume areas which you must fill. Knowing yourself is not enough but you also need to know your job. What's more, the majority of people don't bother writing an expert summary. Writing a resume is not hard, but it does take some time and planning. Lies You've Been Told About What Is a Summary on a Resume A resume summary statement is comparable to an objective statement in that it's a quick way for a work seeker to catch a hiring manager's attention by summarizing critical information at the peak of your resume in a simple to read format. If you're looking for a job for a welder's helper, the following resume template may arrive in handy when preparing your work application package. The resume summary is simply a bridge to have the hiring manager in your experience. Instead, you may use the functional layout in place of the standard chronological layout. What Is a Summary on a Resume for Dummies A clean, error-free resume will force you to look professional. On the flip side, functional resumes are normally used by fresh graduates or those who have less experience but want to grab the work vacancy. A resume example is able to help you make a decision as to what type of content to include, along with how to format your resume. The conventional resume format is in fact a few pages. Again, though the info might appear repetitive, go right ahead and attach the resume. You will need to have some simple info and a couple dates. So as to have a greater possibility of securing the position, you have to be in a position to create a well-written and well-organized resume. If you're making a more general personal summary with a certain job title in mind, be certain to highlight achievements that will make you standout in the area. A strong summary statement at the peak of your resume can increase the possibilities of them noticing what you've got to offer from the beginning. You can imagine it as a teaser for the remainder of your resume. Resume is a sort of document employed by indi viduals that are seeking for employment. A resume summary is a short description at the very top of your resume that describes your prior experience and that which you have done previously that could benefit your preferred employer. If you submit your application online, you also need to have a chance to attach your resume. The resume summary section isn't something which it is possible to sit down and begin writing. Once your resume reaches an authentic human, you've approximately six seconds to create an impression. You're going to compose a resume summary which gets many more interviews. To put it differently, you would like your professional overview to contain all the most exciting components of your resume. The New Fuss About What Is a Summary on a Resume A summary statement is a brief expert introduction that you may increase the peak of your resume. A resume summary statement is an excellent means to rapidly demonstrate the employer why you're a strong candidate. The resume summary will function as their sales pitch. You always compose a summary in your words. Just take a look at these CNS resume summary statements in order to acquire a clearer idea of the way to write one. You may want to think about a qualifications summary which we outlined in last week's postbut if you simply need to have a summaryhere are a number of examples to help you begin. A resume summary or career prole is a short statement at the peak of your resume. Knowing the correct format is a significant portion of understanding how to compose a finance resume summary statement. The Honest to Goodness Truth on What Is a Summary on a Resume A resume summary is a short and strong description of your abilities and achievements, usually found at the very top of your resume. With a summary statement, it is still possible to emphasize your abilities and accomplishments, but could also highlight your individual brand. An overview of qualifications is utilised to highlight the range of work experiences you've built up with time. The absolute most efficient summaries targe t one career objective.

The Rise of Manager Skills Resume

The Rise of Manager Skills Resume What Manager Skills Resume Is - and What it Is Not The capability of good managers to delegate distinctive responsibilities to employees gives workers a feeling of worth, teamwork, drive, and the chance to learn new skills as each purpose is met. From accountability to transparency, you are going to learn the five essential features of an amazing relationship manager. You'll also have to work on your interpersonal abilities, including developing a larger feeling of empathy. Since there are also several other soft skills you will want to be successful in product administration. The more financial insight you've got, the more effective a manager you're going to be. Every manager should learn self-reflection. Every manager should have good delegation abilities to attain optimal outcome and accomplish the essential productivity benefits. A great manager has to have the ability to tackle and solve the frequent difficulties that can occur in a normal workday. The Manager Skills Resume Game If you shed the capacity to organize, or your organization isn't as strong as it must be, you'll quickly get rid of an eye on everything that's happening around you. Even though you can land an entry level manufacturing manager job with an associate's degree, it's far better to finish a four year course to raise the odds of getting hired. To submit an application for a course with no prior expertise at work would be an awful move according to Tracey. Your resume should demonstrate your capacity to select the initiative rather than waiting around for things to occur. Resume Contractor The work application builder is extremely straightforward to use. So that the project management CV should get the balance between what each audience wishes to see. The manager has the ability to observe a full notion, analyze and diagnose an issue, and find creative solutions. A superb sample manager resume will comprise keywords a couple of times throughout the document. You should revamp the work application as needed if you opt to acquire the kind of job which you desire. Your resume must immediately tell the employer which you are somebody who will choose the work seriously. Also make sure to tailor the document to the job which you're attempting to get. You're asking for some job. The Downside Risk of Manager Skills Resume To find out more on what it requires to be a Team Manager, have a look at our complete Team Manager Job Description. To find out more on what it requires to be a General Manager, take a look at our complete General Manager Job D escription. Project managers, generally, don't have any formal authority, although they are held accountable for the total success of the undertaking. The Hiring Manager has to be captivated by your statement so he or she'd be compelled to keep on reading your resume. What You Should Do About Manager Skills Resume Starting in the Next Three Minutes Every manager should comprehend how her or his function fits into the total organization and the way their company competes in its marketplace. Email marketing isn't new, but it's still one of the very best techniques to market products and solutions. As a manager, you're likely to be accountable for training sales associates in addition to inspiring them to boost their sales numbers. Having sales experience is essential for a retail manager since it means that you could identify with your employees. Indeed, project managers' skills have turned into an incredibly important commodity for businesses of all sorts nowadays. The Downside Risk of Manager Skills Resume Not all office manager positions require just the exact same skill collection. Your manager resume clearly needs to concentrate on your particular experience and should not be overly generic. Every manager should learn how to manage their own career, completely besides managing their department. The individual appointed as programme manager should have the essential seniority to be in a position to undertake the responsibilities connected with the job. In 7 minutes, you are going to understand how to compose a flawless manager resume. Getting in a position to stay both professional and friendly is among the essential features of successful managers. Below you will discover the most frequent skills necessary to fulfill an office manager position. Examine the essential skills you will need in order to be effective manager, and concentrate on learning one new skill at one time. Though, it's wise to customize the skills according to the job descriptions. For that reason, it's far better to highlight your abilities and the simple fact you have acquired multiple talents, as opposed to drawing attention to how you've jumped from place to position. Bear in mind that you might have developed some or all the crucial skills through previous life experiences, so make sure to do a thorough self-analysis ahead of creating your sales resume. Properly, our resumes have a tendency to be the exact first impression a potential workplace gets folks. Skills are important, but the very first step to success at work is consistently showing up when you're scheduled to get the job done. Because instead of simply focusing on your own abilities and successes, at this point you have to concentrate on the abilities and successes of your team. As an experienced project practitioner it is likely that you have lots of project management abilities and experience.