#CareerAdvice : #JobSearch – Ten Ways to Stand Out at a #JobFair (and Snag One of those 30,000 New #AmazonJobs )

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Amazon has 30,000 job openings and will hold job fairs in six cities to jumpstart hiring. Job fairs (or career fairs) are not limited to Amazon. Universities, professional associations, and affinity groups also organize hiring events that bring together multiple job openings under one roof.

If you are looking for a job, job fairs give you an opportunity to meet employers live, learn about different jobs and make your case for being hired. Some job fairs include interview slots on the same day. Some employers will accept resumes even for jobs not currently on offer. Sometimes workshops featuring companies, networking opportunities or job search advice are included.

If there is a job fair coming to or near your area, check the agenda for companies and/or jobs you are interested in. Even if there is just one company or job of interest, this might be your best chance to get in front of that recruiter. That said, job fairs do take time, effort and money (sometimes there is a registration fee, and there is also the cost of commuting and lost wages, if you need to miss a day of work).

Therefore, don’t just show up and hope to get noticed. Here are 10 ways to stand out at a job fair:

1 – Research who will be there

If multiple companies will attend, research the companies to see not only what jobs are open, but also what is happening with the company overall – executive team, recent press announcements, new initiatives. This will give you an idea of what they are hiring for and what they are interested in. If it’s a single company event, like the Amazon fair, review their job postings and identify which jobs or at least departments you want to apply for. For all companies, look at your contacts and social media connections to see who you know there – maybe your inside friends can tell you who will be there, what they’re hiring for and/ or any helpful tips for how to make a good impression.

2 – Prioritize your schedule

If it’s a single company event, try to find the recruiters representing the specific departments or office locations you’re interested in. Find out if there is a general application you can fill out that will start your hiring process, and make sure you get that piece done. If it’s a multi-company event, know which companies you definitely want to see and do these first. You may run out of time before you can see everyone. If you have extra time, look for employers who aren’t busy – they’ll give you more attention.

3 – Keep your enthusiasm and energy high

When I represented companies at career fairs, it was EXHAUSTING! I was just one recruiter, and there were hundreds of candidates coming at me. Make it easy on these tired employers, and keep your energy high. Likeability matters, and if you approach people with enthusiasm, it is noticed and appreciated.

4 – Craft a concise and tailored pitch

Don’t introduce yourself to every employer in the same way. You are the same person, but they are representing different jobs. Even at a single company event, you might meet people from different office locations or departments. If you are open to being placed in either finance or operations, don’t talk about yourself in the same way with each group. Tailor your pitch to focus on your relevant skills and experience. Above all, be concise – plan on 30 seconds or less. You can always continue talking if the recruiter has time but don’t plan on it.

5 – Bring extra resumes

Whatever number of resumes you think you’ll need, bring more than that so you have extra. You never want to run out. If there are 25 companies at the event, bring 35 copies. Some companies may want more than one resume if they are representing multiple hiring teams.

6 – Bring additional marketing material as needed

If you are a graphic designer, bring your portfolio in case there is someone at the fair who wants to view it. If you are a content marketer, bring clips or campaign collateral. I once interviewed a branding candidate who pulled out a tablet during our meeting and showed me various sites he consulted on. It was an easy and impressive way to supplement what he was saying.

7 – Bring what you need to be at your best throughout the day

In addition to bringing your resume and other marketing for the employers, don’t forget about taking care of yourself. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring water and snacks to maintain your energy. Figure out what kind of bag or folder you will use that enables you to easily pull your resume out, put in business cards you collect from others, and grab a pen or your cell phone as needed. You want to appear put-together, not disorganized.

8 – Be prepared with references – as needed

Do not liberally distribute your references – your reference list includes people’s contact information and should be kept private. However, you might need to fill out a company application which asks for references, so it’s helpful to have the information handy.

9 – Be ready to interview on the spot

Some job fairs include interview time on the agenda, but even if that isn’t specified, be prepared to interview anyway. Every interaction with an employer is an interview. When you approach the table and have that one-minute back and forth, that’s an interview because that employer is formulating an opinion about you. Even if the job fair representative isn’t directly involved in hiring you, they decide whether to share your information with the hiring team and whether to say, “You should talk to this person!” or “I don’t really remember this person…”

10 – Collect contact information and follow up after the job fair

Ask employers about the best way to keep in touch, and actually stay in touch. Some employers will hand out business cards – send a thank you note for attending the fair, send an article that continues whatever topic you may have discussed, send another copy of your resume referencing the current jobs you would like to be considered for. Even if it seemed like you didn’t get any substantive time with the employers, your presence at the job fair is still helpful because you can refer to it in your follow up, and the employer knows you were interested enough to stop at their table.

The job fair is one step in a multi-step hiring process

While you prepare for job fairs, attend them and follow up after them, you also want to keep the rest of your job search going. Attend additional networking events. Contact companies outside of job fairs. Create your own opportunities.

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.

Author: Caroline Ceniza-Levine

I am a longtime recruiter, career coach and creator of Behind The Scenes In The Hiring Process, a job search e-course. Take the FREE mini-course, 5 short video lessons, …

Forbes.com | September 10, 2019

#CareerAdvice : #ResumeWriting – 10 Crucial Questions To Make Your Résumé Land A Job . Great Read!

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Your résumé is probably something you consider when changing careers or looking for a new job. Job searching doesn’t have to be as hard as we make it, especially if we focus on what I wrote about in this column. 

Thinking about the job search process and how it compares to things in your everyday life helps you relate and increases the likelihood that you’ll act on the takeaways. Sarah Johnson, a job search strategist, recently asked me to participate in a LinkedIn conversation about how job searching can be compared to online dating. Having met my husband online, I was especially intrigued. In both cases, job searching and online dating require a strong personal brand and benefit from an objective perspective. 

If you want your résumé to be a branding tool that lands a job, you’ll need to answer these questions with a resounding yes aside from question five.

1. Does your résumé showcase you as the ideal candidate? 

Good talent acquisition teams and hiring managers will spot word fluff and fillers on a résumé. Instead, they want to see what you’ve achieved and how you added value to the company because this shows why you’re right for the job. Here are some key accomplishments that resonate on a résumé.

  • Contributing to the company culture
  • Contributing to corporate social impact
  • Boosting employee morale
  • Generating revenue or saving money 
  • Expanding stakeholders
  • Boosting productivity
  • Building clientele
  • Improving processes
  • Increasing profits

But before you think about what you’ve accomplished, you need to focus on the first step. You’re probably not an ideal client if you don’t have a clear focus. Although, as I shared in this article, you can still be stuck when you’re clear on your career path.

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2. Are your dates and claims correct? 

A recent ethics in the workplace study with 23,000 employees found:

  • Male respondents were 6% more likely to say they had lied or exaggerated on a résumé or in an interview in their lives than females.
  • Hispanic/Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, and African-American respondents all say they’ve “never” about 10% less frequently than the Caucasians.
  • Men in Design and Engineering are three times more likely to have lied or exaggerated for an interview or résumé.
  • 30% say they’ve lied to their boss.

3. Does your résumé content match the job description? 

Look at the job description and ask yourself:

  • What responsibilities are mentioned first?
  • What are their must-haves and preferences?
  • What are their top personality and character themes? If they’ve noted something more than three times, then you can count it as a key theme. Common themes are often soft skills like leadership, teamwork and agility.
  • What are the key technical skills?

How to make your content match?

  • Match the top keywords from the job description in your skills section and opening section.
  • Make your target job title the same title as seen in the job listing. If your current job title doesn’t accurately speak to what you do, put a title in brackets.
  • Reorder your bullet points, so the most relevant aspects are first.

4. Does the top third of your résumé give enough evidence? 

Recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds when initially screening your résumé. If you don’t get the employer interested in interviewing you in the top section of your résumé, you’ll lose out.

5. Is there anything else that should and can be quantified? 

Ask yourself how, what were the outcomes, when and why? Employers want to know what you’ve accomplished, and numbers can help show that. Just remember not to include anything that would be considered private company information, and don’t border on the lines of looking inauthentic by quantifying too much.

6. Do you have a professional form of social proof listed?

According to Jobvite, 77% of talent acquisition teams use LinkedIn to find talent.

7. Is your document free of typos and errors? 

More than two-thirds of hiring managers (77%) immediately disqualify résumés because of grammatical mistakes or typos. Applicant tracking systems and job search tools won’t pick up a misspelled word, and that will mess up your chances of being found in searches.

8. Do you have your email address, zip code and telephone number clearly displayed? 

9. Is the layout attractive, professional, modern and complimentary to your message?  

10. Is your use of language compelling and precise, and are you overusing verbs or any other words?

My mentor would always say it doesn’t matter how fantastic your services are if the right people don’t know about them. It’s the same with a résumé. A compelling résumé means nothing if it’s not in the right person hands. Your résumé is a small fraction of what’s needed as you seek out fulfillment in your career.

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website.

Author: Rachel Montanez

I fell in love with the coaching industry at age 23 after working in Japan and South Korea. I help you achieve your career goals by drawing on my graduate degree in car

… 

Forbes.com | September 8, 2019

#Leadership : #WorkPlace -7 Strategies for Dealing When you Feel Left Out at #Work . #MustRead !

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It’s easy to say that work lives and social lives should be separate entities. In reality, though, many people find their closest friends while on the job.

However, if you work in a highly-social environment but don’t feel like an active participant in the evolving friendship dynamics, that can result in a sense of alienation that affects overall happiness and job performance. If you feel socially excluded at work, the good news is that you can take active steps to improve your situation.

Read on for seven tips on how to deal when you feel left out at work.

1. Focus on finding “allies” rather than “friends”

It can seem ideal to work alongside your dearest friends … but an overly-tight personal relationship can ultimately compromise efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace. But seeking an office ally (a colleague at your same seniority level who’ll have your back on work-related issues and concerns) rather than a best friend can improve your job satisfaction. “If we can find that one ally who is an informal person looking out for our best interests, then that can help us become more visible, both formally and informally. Allies are willing to include us, bring us in, recognize that we’re not part of the conversation, and draw us in,” Rutgers University associate professor of human resource management Jessica Methot tells The Cut.

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2. Plan your own social gathering with your colleagues

If you feel out of the loop on social opportunities within your workplace, the most direct solution involves planning your own outing and inviting your colleagues to participate. Scope out a great new happy hour spot and invite your coworkers to join you there at the end of a long day. Touch base with HR and suggest an office outing, like a picnic or a group dinner. If you take the lead on putting together a social situation, you’ll automatically become a crucial part of the gathering.

Strong friendships can be — and often are — forged in the workplace. This can certainly be a nice benefit for workers.

3. Sharpen your skills until you become indispensable

It’s a regrettable truth that social relationships between coworkers can have major career-based implications. For example, if you’re friendly with the boss, you’ll probably have a better shot at a promotion. If you’re not naturally engaged in the friendship aspect of your workplace, you may feel that you’re missing out on valuable opportunities … but if your skills speak for themselves, then you’re less likely to be overlooked on the basis of your more-introverted tendencies.

4. Tune in to the preferred communication methods of your workplace any figure out whether you can adjust your approach

Intuition can prove highly valuable to an employee struggling with social exclusion in the workplace; if you can ascertain the patterns and flows of inter-office interactions, you’ll have a better chance of fine-tuning your own communication style to better suit your work environment. Small adjustments can go a long way here; for instance, if your company favors in-person dialogues rather than email conversations, switching over to that approach will present you in a more approachable light, which can carry over into your social relationships with your coworkers. Also, if you’re comfortable with a direct approach, asking your colleagues to loop you in on social gatherings will provide clearer results than silently stewing.

However, there can be downside: if the office is very social, but you’re not included, a sense of alienation can impact your performance and happiness.

5. Resist the urge to take these situations personally

Of course, it can be challenging to separate workplace exclusion from your own self-perception. However, the Harvard Business Review explains that the first step to handling these social challenges involves recalibrating your thought process “Challenge any assumptions that might lead you to blame yourself for the situation. Understand that the extent to which you’re hurt by an episode of ostracism depends entirely on how you perceive the situation and its threat to you,” HBR recommends.

6. Don’t turn your feelings of exclusion into a self-fulfilling prophecy by withdrawing any further

When you feel like your coworkers are intentionally leaving you out of social opportunities, you may feel tempted to remove yourself from the fray entirely, staying in your office or workspace and avoiding unnecessary interactions with colleagues. Ultimately, though, the decision to further withdraw can alienate you even more, increasing the likelihood of reaping social benefits at work (up to and including advancement opportunities). You certainly don’t need to force a falsely-extroverted image, but keeping yourself open and approachable while in the office generally proves useful.

If you’re feeling left out at work, start by seeing if you can find any allies who can draw you in. And if you can take the helm on a social event, try and organize one.

7. If your current workplace culture doesn’t suit you, explore your options

At the end of the day, the cliques and social dynamics of a workplace are a product of company culture; if you’re working for a business that often makes personnel decisions on a personal basis, but you’d rather work for a company that bases important choices on performance alone, then you’re dealing with a disconnect that probably won’t ever be resolved. In this case, it makes sense to look elsewhere in an effort to find a workplace that better suits your social and professional needs.

Read the original article on Fairygodboss.

SEE ALSO: 6 minor mistakes that could be preventing you from getting that promotion or job

 

BusinessInsiders.com | September 6, 2019 |  Taylor Tobin,  Fairygodboss

#CareerAdvice : #ResumeWriting – 10 #ResumeTips You Haven’t Heard Before. A #MustRead !

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Having a well-crafted resume can be the key to getting your foot in the door at the company of your dreams. But figuring out how to make your resume fully representative of your experience and also stand out is easier said than done. After all, hiring managers and recruiters generally only spend about 7 seconds reading your resume before deciding whether to move forward or not.

Most people know the basics of how to put together a decent work history, but here are some tips you probably haven’t heard before that can help your resume stand up to the 7-second test.

1. Only include your address if it works in your favor.

If you’re applying to positions in the city or town you already live in, then go ahead and include your address. In this case, it lets the hiring manager know you’re already in the area and could theoretically start working right away.

But if you’re targeting jobs in another area and you’d need to move in order to start working, it’s probably a good idea to leave your current address off of your resume. Why? Recruiters are sometimes less excited to interview candidates from another city or state, since they often require relocation fees.

How to Write a Resume

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2. Be a name-dropper.

It may be poor form to drop names in everyday life, but you absolutely should do it on your resume. If you’ve worked with well-known clients or companies, go ahead and include them by name. Something like: “Closed deals with Google, Toyota and Bank of America” will get recruiters’ attention in no time flat.

3. Utilize your performance reviews.

You might not think to look to your annual review for resume material, but checking out the positive feedback you’ve received in years past can help you identify your most noteworthy accomplishments and best work attributes — two things that should definitely be highlighted on your resume. Including specific feedback you’ve received and goals you’ve met can help you avoid needing to use “fluff” to fill out your work experience.

4. Don’t go overboard with keywords.

Many companies and recruiters use keyword-scanning software as a tool to narrow the job applicant pool. For this reason, it’s important to include keywords from the job description in your resume — but don’t go overboard. Recruiters can spot “keyword stuffing” a mile away.

5. Use common sense email etiquette.

There are two types of email addresses you shouldn’t use on your resume or when applying to a job via email: your current work email address, or an overly personal or inappropriate email address, like loverguy22@gmail.com. Stick with something professional based on your name in order to make the best possible impression.

64 Action Verbs That Will Take Your Resume From Blah to Brilliant

6. When it comes to skills, quality over quantity.

There’s no need to list skills that most people in the job market have (Think: Microsoft Office, email, Mac and PC proficient), which can make it look like you’re just trying to fill up space on the page. Keep your skills section short, and only include impactful skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying to.

7. Choose to share social accounts strategically.

Including links to social media accounts on a resume is becoming more and more common. But it’s important to distinguish between professional accounts—like a LinkedIn profile or Instagram account you manage for work—and non-professional ones, like your personal Twitter or Facebook account. While it might be tempting to include a personal account in order to show recruiters who you are, you’re better off only listing accounts that are professionally-focused. Save your winning personality for an in-person interview.

8. Use hobbies to your advantage.

Not all hobbies deserve a place on your resume, but some do. Hobbies that highlight positive personality qualities or skills that could benefit you on the job are worth including. For example, running marathons (shows discipline and determination) and blogging about something related to your field (shows creativity and genuine interest in your work) are hobbies that will cast you in the best possible light and might pique a recruiter’s interest.

9. Skip generic descriptors.

Hardworking, self-motivated, self-sufficient, proactive and detail-oriented are all words you’ll find on most people’s resumes. But most job seekers are motivated and hardworking, so these traits don’t really set you apart from the rest of the applicant pool. Instead, focus on the specific skills and accomplishments that make you different from everyone else applying to the position.

10. Keep an accomplishment journal.

Keeping a log of your work accomplishments and positive feedback as they come up can make putting together or updating your resume significantly easier. Include as many details as possible so you don’t have to spend time tracking them down later.

 

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#CareerAdvice : #JobSearch – 5 People you Should Reach Out to When Looking for that Next Big Job. Great Two(2) Min Read!

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The New York Times Book Review has a regular column called “By the Book,” which features famous writers. One frequent question they ask them is this: “You’re throwing a literary dinner party. Which three writers, dead or alive, do you invite?”

If you’re looking for a new job, you can ask yourself the less literary version of this question: “Which influential person would I invite for a networking conversation if I could?” But the truth is that you already likely have people in your network who would be helpful to consult. The next time you’re thinking about finding a new job, consider these five types of people:

1. YOUR BOSS

This one might sound counterintuitive, because it often seems best to hide the fact that you’re looking for a new gig. But your boss just might be the best person to talk with, assuming you play your cards right.

To begin with, when your boss finds out that you have aspirational goals, she may just find a way of helping you achieve them within your present company or your present department. Don’t rule out the possibility of a promotion. And if there is no appropriate position for your advancement, letting your boss know that you are looking for a more senior role will mean she may see you as a candidate for an MBA or some other leadership training.

Of course, when you have this networking conversation, show excitement about your present role, and convey appreciation for what you have learned from your supervisor.

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2. FRIENDS

Another group of individuals who are in a great position to help you land that next job are friends—a college acquaintance, a colleague you work with, or a friend you’ve known from childhood.

I once had a friend named Sue, who was a fellow communicator. We both had great respect for each other as professionals, and we had become good friends. She worked for Shell Canada, and I asked her if there would be an opportunity for me in that company. She made some inquiries, and said, “Yes, there’s an opening for a speechwriter.” I was interviewed by the CEO and was appointed his speechwriter.

So don’t be afraid to turn to friends who work in other organizations and who respect you as a professional. Take them for a coffee, and ask if there might be a position in their company that you would be qualified for. Ask them to put in a good word, and arrange an interview. The rest is up to you.

3. AN EXECUTIVE

A recommendation or a lead from someone in a high place is golden. If you’ve made connections with executives through previous jobs or networking, this is often a great place to start, as they may be in a good position to help you snag that next big job.

When I founded The Humphrey Group, I often asked my CEO clients, “Do you know anyone else who would like this communications training?” Sure enough, they would give me two or three names of other CEOs I could contact.

So think about all the executives you know—including executives in your company, or executives you might meet at a networking event—and ask them for coffee (most likely in their office) and get leads. If you’re polite, respectful, and to the point, they will likely be obliging.

4. HR PROFESSIONALS

Recruiters and HR managers are also an excellent source of advice and referrals. It’s their business to help people get jobs, so they’ll be very helpful.

I once cold called an HR executive to see if there might be a position for me in the high-tech firm he worked for. He picked up the phone, and I said: “I’m Judith Humphrey, I’ve been teaching at the university, and I’m interested in using my communications skills in a business setting. Would you have an opportunity for someone of my background?” He was gracious and set up an interview with the head of corporate communications. A generous job offer came to me within a month.

Cold calling may not be as easy today as it once was: few people pick up their phones. But try an email, and explain to the recruiter or HR leader why you’d appreciate a discussion over coffee.

5. YOUR FAMILY

Finally, family members can be an effective source of referrals. A mother I know brought an amazing opportunity to her son. He had just graduated from university and wanted eventually to work at the UN. Through a connection of his mom’s, the young man had a meeting with an ambassador, and the ambassador introduced him to the very person he had dreamed of working for. Take your mom (or dad, or aunt) for coffee, and see what leads they can provide.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Judith Humphrey is founder of The Humphrey Group, a premier leadership communications firm headquartered in Toronto. She also recently established EQUOS Corp., a company focused on delivering emotional intelligence training to the fitness, medical, and business sectors

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FastCompany.com | September 5, 2019

 

 

#CareerAdvice : BreadCrumbing: How To Read The Signs And Avoid Being Strung Along In #YourCareer . #MustRead for All!

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We all know people in romantic relationships that are destined to fail. They’ll endlessly complain about their partner and ask us what they should do about it. You may politely suggest that their significant other is simply stringing them along and never plans to get married.

They elect to get mad, don’t take your advice and remain in the dead-end relationship. After not speaking for months, they’ll contact you. Upset and crying, they report that the relationship fell apart and the other person did indeed string them along for years. This is precious time that they will never get back. It also turned them into a cynical person—always carrying around baggage from previous relationships. It makes it harder to find or maintain a new relationship.

The same scenario can play out in your job or career. Recently, the BBC wrote about a new career-related term—adopted from the dating world—that’s becoming in vogue. This term is called “breadcrumbing.” It refers to being strung along at work. Breadcrumbing occurs when you’re being strung along in a drawn-out interview process, meeting numerous personnel over many months, without any end in sight. It also occurs when your manager leads you to believe that you’ll get that raise, promotion, bonus, internal transfer, higher corporate title or switched from the cubicle farm into an office, but there is always a reason why it can’t happen now.

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Breadcrumbing is basically the psychological term—intermittent reinforcement. The manager offers enough breadcrumbs to keep you satiated to stick around. You can see it in action when your boss dangles hints about a sexy new project or that you’re on the shortlist for going to Paris  for the annual executive getaway, but these promises mysteriously dissipate into thin air.

Breadcrumbing could be due to a number of reasons. Your boss may not really be sure about your abilities, contributions and worth to the company and is attempting to get you motivated. She may whisper that secret things are in store for you as an enticement to see if you can accomplish difficult goals. In a hot job market, the manager may not feel that you are management material, but might not want to lose you since it will be hard to find a replacement if you leave.

The manager may be manipulative and doesn’t really care about you personally, but needs you to do the hard unglamorous dirty work. The boss could be stringing you along until she finds someone better to replace you. The company may have objectives that don’t include you, but they will take some time and need you invested in the job for the time being. It could be that your manager is just not that good and doesn’t realize what they’re doing.

To determine if this relationship is healthy and has longevity, you will need to do the following:

  • Ask your manager why she is not delivering on her promises.
  • Inquire if there is something that you are not doing correctly or need some help to improve.
  • Find out if there are legitimate financial or business reasons as to why the company has not come through with the promises at this time.
  • Try to set a timetable for the promises to be met.
  • Keep track of your accomplishments—when and how you’ve exceeded expectations.
  • Share this data with your supervisor to test the veracity of your manager and determine if she is for real or not.
  • Consult with other trusted employees to see if this is happening to them too.

If you get the sense that you are being played and there is no real honest intention of promotions or raises, then you need to immediately cut your losses. Don’t let yourself be strung along with breadcrumbs for years. Your career and self-respect are too important to waste it on those who are dishonest and don’t care about you. Move onto another company that will actually appreciate you and all the great things that you have to offer.

Author: Jack Kelly

I am a CEO, founder, and executive recruiter at one of the oldest and largest global search firms in my area of expertise, and have personally placed thousands of profes…

 

Forbes.com | September 4, 2019

 

#CareerAdvice : How To Recession-Proof #YourCareer … A #MustREad !

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Economic indicators are signaling the possibility that we are headed toward a recession by 2021. Given that recessions are usually associated with significant job losses, the warning bells in the US and globally might make it easy to panic about the volatility and uncertainty of what’s ahead.

But while it’s impossible to predict precisely when the next downturn will occur or how hard it will hit, that doesn’t mean that your career must be entirely at the mercy of what’s happening in the economy.  There are a few steps you can take right now to continue to move your career forward while hedging against risk.

The key is to be proactive as well as prepared, so here are five things you should do to recession-proof your career.

  1. See your career through a new lens

We typically view our career through the lens and filter of our job title. But to recession-proof your career, the first thing you need to do is to not just think in terms of your job title. Instead, think in terms of the value you provide. That is because in a downturn when jobs and titles disappear, your value in the marketplace cannot disappear along with them. Ask yourself, what value do you add? What problems do you solve? What gaps do you help fill? Regardless of a title, you must know and be able to say why are you valuable. If you can’t answer these questions, it’s likely that no one else can either.

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You must become indispensable to your employer by making sure that your value is aligned with their needs, particularly during a downturn.  Also, stay focused on opportunities to impact your company’s bottom line, so your value is as quantifiable as possible. Make sure to showcase your skills and use this as leverage for even more leadership responsibilities and stretch roles that can benefit both you and your employer.

Some jobs and industries tend to be more recession-proof than others during a downturn,  so stay on top of trends within your industry, and know where the new opportunities will be headed, not just where your industry has been. If you do need to open up more opportunities for yourself beyond your current role, think about which of your skills you can apply across different industries. For example, can you open up more career possibilities for yourself by transferring your strong persuasion skills, or your project management capabilities or problem-solving skills from one industry to another?

  1. Build your mental fitness

As recession fears intensify, a critical part of managing your career in a downturn is also managing your emotions. As you start to think about the potential effects of a recession, you, of course, worry. But you can’t allow fear-based thinking to take over. That’s because when you  move into fight, flight or freeze mode due to high stress or a perceived threat to your safety, your primal, more emotional, parts of your brain take over, and you are no longer able to use your brain’s higher capacity for rational thinking, long term planning, and problem-solving.

You’re therefore much more likely to make bad short-term decisions if you allow fear-based thinking to take over.

That’s why it’s crucial, especially in times of high stress, to build habits that allow you to decrease your stress levels and increase your mental wellness, such as a regular exercise routine, limiting exposure to the 24-7 news cycle, and regularly setting aside time for yourself so that you can recharge your batteries.

  1. Grow your financial fitness

In good economic times, you usually focus on ways to grow your salary with your next raise or promotion. Now, you also need to grow your financial fitness so that you can quickly recover after any financial setback. You already know the importance of having an emergency savings fund, but you should also create multiple income streams of income that ideally are not dependent on one another.

Having a side gig that provides another income stream can help you reach your financial goals faster and help build your emergency funds sooner. There are several ways to start a side gig. You can consider joining a freelance website, for example, or you can start your own service-based business such as tutoring or catering, selling products online, or becoming a consultant. By simply taking inventory of your skills, hobbies, and interests, you might be surprised to discover what kind of side gig you want to develop.

  1. Leverage the power of networks

Your career is not a hero’s journey, especially in volatile and uncertain times. You should always be making new connections and nurturing the ones that you have. Keep your online profile and presence up-to-date, so others know who you are and how you stand apart from others with similar backgrounds.

Even beyond your online presence, you should make yourself visible to others through speaking opportunities, joining associations, leading workshops, and participating in panel discussions, for example.  Be aware though, of the mistake that many people make as they try to broaden their network. They restrict themselves to the people they spend the most time with–their coworkers. Make sure you are expanding your connections outside of your current company so that you have as many people as possible that you can call on if you need to (confidentially) begin a job search. You should also keep in mind that networking is a two-way street. Ask others how you can help them and what introductions you can make so that your relationships are mutually beneficial.

  1. Invest in yourself

The one investment that will always pay off regardless of the economic climate is an investment in yourself. Continue to grow your skills to stay competitive in the marketplace, and consider taking classes to expand your knowledge base, technical skills, or to complete a certification that will allow you to take on more responsibilities.

Is there a skill such as public speaking for example, that is not currently a strength of yours but could raise your profile and increase your opportunities? Then you should consider finding ways to upskill, whether by taking a class or joining professional clubs like Toastmasters.

Managing your career by being proactive and prepared is what will allow you to be recession-proofed during the challenging times, while also positioning you for continued career success and growth at all times.

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Author: Natalia Peart

I am a psychologist and career expert who has spent more than 25 years helping people and organizations achieve professional and personal success. Through my distinctive…

Forbes.com | September 3, 2019

#CareerAdvice : 5 Reasons You Haven’t Gotten What You Want In #YourCareer (And How To Get It).

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You may be nervous to ask for what you want at work, whether that is a promotion, salary increase or flexible schedule. But not asking for what you want could be more risky than asking. Not asking for what you want can negatively impact your performance as an employee and ultimately stifle your career and the organization for which you work.

Here are five reasons you may not have secured your career goals and some ways to help you achieve them:

1. You don’t know what you want.

If you don’t know what you want with your career, you can’t ask for it. You are the best (and perhaps only) person to know what it is you want. Take time to think about it.

Do you want a promotion, to be placed on projects with more exposure or a more flexible schedule? Is there something you dream about doing at work? Do you wish you could do something that your colleague does? What do you want? Know what you current priorities are.

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2. You haven’t asked for what you want.

When you know what you want, ask for it. Do not assume people know what you are thinking and what it is you want. Tell people.

Singer Kelly Clarkson insisted on having time in her new talk show schedule to take her children to school. She says that you have to make people aware that something is important to you and not to feel guilty about it.

If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Ask for what you want.

3. You don’t know how to ask for what you want.

You have asked for what you want, and you are still not getting what you want. Did you ask in the right way? Don’t demand what you want. Don’t say you deserve whatever it is you want. You do not want to sound like you are entitled. Be respectful.

Also, recognize the context of your ask. You may want more resources to be able to complete a project, but your company had a rough third quarter. You may want to address how you could save money elsewhere. How you ask is as important as what you ask for.

Your communication skills could be what makes or breaks your ask. Use your communications skills now to start building credibility, trust and influence.

4. You haven’t asked at the right time.

Timing is everything. If you are new to a company or role, consider waiting at least a few months before asking for something. Use that time in your role to show your worth so that the other person sees that you deserve what you want. (Note: It is better to show that you deserve something than to merely say you deserve it.)

Your manager may actually support what you are looking to do, but you just missed the deadline to be considered for a promotion or the project you wanted to manage was just assigned a team lead. Ask questions on when promotions or raises are considered and when projects are assigned. Know when your fiscal year begins. Gather information. Show your interest in wanting to lead, and be informed so that you know when you have to ask for what you want. Don’t miss your window of opportunity.

5. You haven’t asked the appropriate person.

Perhaps you know what you want to do with your career and have asked for it but are still getting a “no.” Did you ask the right person? Perhaps that person did not have the authority to give you what you want. That person may not be the decision maker. Maybe the person who oversees your work may not be your formal manager and someone else makes the decisions on salary increases.

Find out who has the authority to make the decision for what you want. Consider your organization’s structure. Inquire with colleagues. Do some research so you ask the appropriate person.

Know what you want and ask for it. Make sure you are asking the right person, know how to ask for what you want and ask at the best time possible. “No” is not the worst outcome. The worst outcome is not asking at all or not asking properly for what you want.

How have you secured what you wanted in your career? Share with me your thoughts and stories via Twitter or LinkedIn.

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Author: Avery Blank

A lawyer and strategist, I help individuals and organizations position and advocate for themselves and leverage opportunities to advance their priorities. I advise clie

… 

Forbes.com | September 3, 2019

#CareerAdvice : 3 Things You Need To Know About A September #JobSearch .

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There’s no perfect time to look for a job, but there are many seasonal trends and tips that can work in your favor across industries and within the job market. Every month will present a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

If you’re planning to launch or continue a job search in September, here’s what you need to know to maximize your efforts and speed up the process.

1.   You’re starting over

The summer job market, August in particular, is painfully slow. While you can still conduct a search during the summer, you are battling with the lack of proactive engagement and scheduling challenges that result from the vacation season. This all changes in September.

If you had the luxury to hold off on starting a job search until now, that’s a good thing. It has likely saved you a lot of frustration. If not, try your best to shake off any disappointments from the summer and reset. Know that your lack of or slow progress was circumstantial and not personal. Consider September the relaunch of your search.

In practical terms, that means you need to send out a fresh round of requests to connect in order to stay top of mind. Most of your well-meaning professional friends, recruiters and hiring managers remember you and your job search for a few weeks and then you fall off their radar.

During September, make a point to contact any relevant connections you haven’t checked in with lately. Mention that you enjoyed the end of your summer, but plan to get more serious about your job search going into the fall and would love to reconnect.

Granted, it’s tricky to know when your outreach will start to seem desperate or annoying. While each relationship is different, it is good practice to check in no more than three times in six months and space each contact (purely to check in) a minimum of three to four weeks apart.

This new round of activity may not produce leads in the first few weeks, but you want to make sure they remember your interest, and have your materials handy, as this much busier hiring season keeps ramping up.

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2.   You can’t afford to get distracted

The hiring push that happens in September and October will sharply decline mid to late November. A fall job search is a sprint and there is no time to have a slow start, get distracted or take breaks.

Most people conduct a job search while already employed and the autumn will probably be a busy time in your office. And, if you’re a parent, you may find that getting settled in the school year creates further strains on your time. September can be one of the most demanding months of the year already, before adding in the stress of job hunting.

However, if you are hoping to find a new and better job sooner instead of later, you need to get and stay serious about your efforts during the month of September. I can’t emphasize this enough: don’t miss this short and critical window before the holidays sneak up. Start strong and keep it going for the next two months.

Set a daily or weekly goal for your job search activities such as emails sent, companies and job researched or hours spent on your search.

If possible, avoid measuring progress by the number of job applications you submit. Online applying notoriously has a low application to interview rate so focusing your attention there might lead to a discouraging yield. For some skills and career levels, online applying can be effective but for many people, organic networking through trusted contacts or targeted research will produce better results.

Either way, hold yourself accountable to make your job search a priority in September.

3.   It’s the beginning of the end

September kicks off a dogged focus by corporate leaders to accomplish whatever they can by the end of the year and to even start planning for the next one.

During your interviews, be sure to inquire about end-of-year initiatives or goals. Being able to articulate how you might hit the ground running to help get an important task over the finish line will deepen their interest in your candidacy and may accelerate your hiring process.

Listen for information about when key team-planning sessions are being held. The fall is a popular time for these sort of meetings. Usually, they bring several important stakeholders together in the same location which can be advantageous for scheduling your interviews.

To gather this information in an early phone interview with the hiring manager, simply ask toward the end of the call if they have any offsites or planning sessions coming up; then, express interest in meeting team members during one of these, time permitting. They may or may not jump on this opportunity, but if they do, you’ll have the chance to make a more informed choice about the people you would be working with—and the company will probably get you a decision much faster. Either way, it will show an orientation toward thoughtful initiative on your part.

Finally, September is the best time to plan your networking calendar from now until the end of the year. Research relevant happy hours, speaker breakfasts and conferences coming up in the next two to three months. You can’t attend everything, but make the most of your efforts by emailing hosts four to five days before your events and seeing if you can secure a list of participants. Then use LinkedIn to familiarize yourself with backgrounds and faces and come prepared to seek out the people you most want to meet or reconnect with.

All in all, September is one of the busiest months for networking and landing new jobs. Take advantage while you can.

Kourtney Whitehead is a career expert and author of Working Whole. You can learn more about her work at Simply Service. 

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website.

Author: Kourtney Whitehead

I’ve spent my career helping people reach their work goals, from executive searches to counseling to career coaching, through my leadership positions at top executive re…

Forbes.com | September 2, 2019

 

#CareerAdvice : #JobNetworking – How to Leverage your Network to Land your First Full-Time Job. A #MustRead for All!

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Networking elicits fear in many job hunters’ minds, regardless of age, but it can be especially mysterious when you’re just starting out. While building a network may seem daunting when you’re searching for your first job, it’s not as difficult as you might think. Chances are, you’ve already built up quite a large network just by living your life up to this point—and one of those people in your circle could be just the connection you need to land the job you want.

One underutilized way to leverage your network to get your first job is to set up informational interviews. Approaching your job hunt with an “I’m-here-to-learn” mentality from successful people in your desired industry can help you view your job search as a learning experience, as well as help you discover what you truly want (and don’t want) to do.

With any kind of networking, “think more about who you’re talking to and less about selling yourself,” Lee Rossini, vice president of marketing for software company Limeade. Here’s how to do it right, keeping your end goal of full-time employment in mind:

BUILD YOUR NETWORK EVERYWHERE

Think about your friends, your parents’ friends, your teachers, your neighbors, your summer-job bosses . . . the list goes on. You may not think of these people as a network when you’re young, but they can be one of your most valuable resources as you transition into working full-time.

Stephanie Smith, a magazine editor who recently transitioned into vice president of content for Connect Meetings, experienced this firsthand when she moved from Atlanta to New York after college to pursue a career in publishing. The young son of a woman she was temping for, who knew of Smith’s aspirations, went to elementary school with the son of prominent women’s magazine editor. Smith’s boss reached out to the editor and helped Smith get into an internship program at the company.

A few months later, Smith landed a full-time job as the editor’s assistant through a connection she’d built during her internship with the company’s CFO. “We connected because we were both from the South,” she says, “so when the job came open, he made the call for me, and I was the only person they interviewed because of him.” Lesson learned? You can bond (and network) with people over just about any commonality.

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SET UP AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

Think about people who you know love their jobs, the company they’re with and/or have purpose in what they do, and ask if you can learn from them. “That’s the best way to start,” says Rossini, who also helped start an internal referral program for his company’s employees. It doesn’t have to be complicated. See if you can set up a time to shadow them so you can get a feel for what they do, who they interact with, and what they work on during an average work day.

“It’s really no skin off an employee’s nose to know someone’s interested and show them a day in the life,” says Rossini. “I’ve had 30 years of experience and mistakes that I’d love to pass on—and there are countless people like me who are willing to have conversations, just not enough people ask.”

ASK THE RIGHT WAY

Blasting out dozens of cold emails or LinkedIn messages isn’t going to cut it—and forget about cold calling. Think of the person on the receiving end of your inquiry, and be intentional about who’re you’re writing and what you’re realistically asking of them. If you have even a remote connection, you’re more likely to get a response.

“A lot of people don’t understand how many emails we get,” says Rossini. “When I get something cold with no connection, asking three, five, 15 questions, that’s a recipe for delete.”

Make a concrete ask (i.e. for 20 minutes of time to talk about a specific thing you’d like to know more about), and make it clear that you understand that they’re doing you a favor. Complimenting something that the person has done recently, such as an article they’ve written, can help you stand out, as it shows that you’ve taken time to learn about them. And depending on the industry you’re interested in, a little bribing (within reason) can work, too. Offering to buy them a coffee may help you earn a meeting.

“I’m addicted to Starbucks’ Trenta iced teas, so if someone offers to get one and bring it to me, they can absolutely have 15 minutes of my time,” says Smith. “Anything like that where you’re a little bit brazen but still humble, funny, or unusual, that gets my attention.”

Finally, if you meet someone with an interesting job at an event, ask if it’s okay for you to reach out while you’re still face-to-face. This way, they know to expect an email from you and will be more likely to recall your name when it pops up in their inbox. “That feels a lot more polite and professional,” says Rossini, “And, quite frankly, it’s very hard to say no to.”

HAVE A PLAN

Once you’ve set up a time to meet, prepare. Consider what you’d like to know about their job, career path, company, and field ahead of time. Rather than asking 15 questions in rapid fire, think about the top-line questions you’d like answered, and focus on having a dialogue.

There’s no right way to get into any job, whether it’s an entry-level position or an executive role. Everyone’s story is unique, so start there: Ask them how they got where they are and how you can get there. “If you can get people talking about themselves or how they did something, that’s the best way in,” says Smith.

SHOW GRATITUDE

Written thank-you notes may feel old school, but they are still the gold standard for showing your appreciation to a professional who shares their time. “Usually I get something that says, ‘Thank you for your time, I’m very interested in jobs, please keep in touch,’” says Rossini, “but there’s not anything that differentiates [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][it]. I want it to be more authentic than that.”

If you must send an email, create a bridge back to the person by telling them what you learned from your time together and what you’re going to do with that information. That shows it’s not just a copy-and-paste note, says Rossini.

STAY IN TOUCH

Even if your connection don’t have a job opening for you this week, this month, or even this year, it’s important to keep your name top of mind. The worst thing you can do is lose touch, then only get back in contact when you want something, says Smith. Instead, maintain regular correspondence, even if it’s just a simple email.

“Every time you notice something someone has done, just send them a note over email or LinkedIn to say ‘good job,’” says Smith. “Don’t ask for anything—if you don’t have the angle, they’ll like you even more.”

Not every informational interview or conversation with someone in your network will turn into a job. In fact, most probably won’t—but it only takes one. Approaching your job hunt with an open mind, a respectful attitude, and a desire to learn from others will set you on the right path.

FastCompany.com | September 2, 2019 | BY KELSEY OGLETREE 5 MINUTE READ

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