Jobseekers Archives - Page 22 of 33 - The Voice of Job Seekers

6 Job Tips to Teach Your Future Self

The first post that I published last year addressed what seem to resonate with job seekers the conversation your future self needs to tell your present person. Did you include career goals along with your life goals before January 1? Do you have a clear path going forward? What do you need to tell your future self?

What would you tell your future self about today’s job market? Would you emphasize how hard it is? Or share how you overcame the challenges of changing your mindset?

1. Be a perpetual learner for life as a way of life, not just to get a job

When I travel, I get nervous if there are no signs telling me what is coming nor where I am going. It is likely that I will get lost. When you are not perfecting your craft, profession, or career, you don’t have direction.

Taking a certification class gives your career direction of where it’s heading. Employers immediately recognize that a job seeker is serious about his or her career. People who find professional training useful for his or her lifestyle inspiring become motivated to grow. Does your career possess professional growth?

2. No online presence, or an undesirable online presence is a liability

A job seeker’s competition has at least a static website with their name as their domain title http://igotthisman.com. It is not the approach that I subscribe or counsel, but many job seekers attempt to enhance his or her online profiles. I recommend a blog that you can update at least once a month displaying your experience and skills.

The blog essentially can replace your resume and demonstrate the power of your skills. What keeps you from developing an online presence? Without one it‘s hard to get noticed. An undesirable online presence that displays your social negative exploits disqualifies you. It’s easier in most cases to get out front with a positive one.

3. Competition is fierce battle. Love the battle!

If you want to stand out, why not enter professional competitions in your industry? Contests are valuable learning experiences and tests your skill sets. Success in these competitions provides separation between you and most job interview candidates. This adds standout skill sets to your resume and possibly validate your career expert status. Do you compete in career related contests? Does competing in contests enhance your career?

4. Research the job and the job promotion you desire

Career experts agree that finding information about the culture, job duties, and the company is a sound competitive strategy. The next step is understanding how to get there will give you a competitive advantage. Employers like when professionals are self-motivated by challenges, resilience, learning, and everything else beyond the paycheck.

5. Soft Skills still rules and matters at every level

Soft skills are underrated yet so highly valued among high-profiled CEOs and managers. Soft skills directly affect the way customers and team collaboration functionality. Present these skills evident in your soft skill arsenal, and employers will take notice.

69% percent of all first-time hires were losing their jobs because of a lack of soft skills.
–Georgia Department of Labor. Workforce Solutions Team, 2012

6. Job Search + First 90 days after hire= A complete job search

The eagerness and urgency place while looking for a job is the space he or she needs to occupy in the brain after hire. Primarily remain in perpetual learning motion and contribute as a result of applying strengths your employer saw in the interview.

Even after the first 90 days you may not be an ideal fit for the position. This is a pivotal time when everyone is watching and deciding how much to engage your presence as part of the team. Similarly to the interview, doing more than treading water is essential to leaving a positive impression the first three months of the new gig.

In rare situations, the new hire will need to abort if the new job doesn’t fit. That is why that 90-day period is also there for the new employee. There are times when an employee misrepresents a position described during the interview/hiring process. Addressing this issue will be to the new hire’s advantage using tact and respect.

What else would you tell your future self? Please share in the comments below.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

4 Key Things To Do When Quitting Your Job

Editors note: Jason Sanders from Ivy Exec wrote the original article at IvyExec.com. Ivy Exec is a content partner with The Voice of Jobseekers.

A number of years ago, I had an employee who became dissatisfied. I think he became frustrated with his compensation, but he also hadn’t accomplished what he needed to earn an additional bonus. Undoubtedly, he had other issues on his mind as well.

He finally decided that he needed to leave our firm, so he decided to interview with other companies. After securing a new position, he came to me to ask for a bonus one last time. He asked. I answered, no. He said, “In that case, I quit!” I felt burned, and lied to, and inadequate all at the same time.

Informing your boss that you will be leaving your company is rarely and easy or enjoyable. Most people face this situation several times over the course of their careers, and have the opportunity to keep or destroy relationships in the process. You may be able to ease anxiety around this process by keeping a few clear principles in mind as you resign your position.

There are four fundamental things to keep in mind when giving notice:

Be certain of your decision, and clear in your delivery of the news.
Select who should hear directly from you, and in what order.
Treat people the way you would want to be treated.
Prepare.

The first thing you need to do before giving notice is to be absolutely sure you want to leave the firm, and understand why you have made this decision. Everyone has their own tricks for making important decisions. I knew a person, who flipped a coin to decide between two options. He checked his reaction, and if he was happy with the coin flip, he followed it. If, on the other hand, he was disappointed, then his emotional reaction steered him against the flip.

Personally, I like to talk with my wife, an advisor, or even talk with myself about important choices. Vocalization is very important to me because I will hear whether the reasons for my decision are substantial or just rationalizations. Some people prefer the plus/minus column method. Whatever you choose, make sure you understand your reasoning, so that you will convey an unambiguous conclusion.

Clarity and decisiveness help people understand your state of mind, and help them begin to process their own reaction to your decision. Recognize the importance of the initial presentation, and handle its delivery care. I find it helpful to talk for a while after delivering bad news. This gives people a chance to process the news before offering a response. Start out in a clear, definitive way, “Unfortunately, I need to tell you that I have decided to leave the company…” Afterwards, you should plan to spend at least a couple of minutes talking without looking for any input from your boss. This will give him the time to absorb your news, and adjust his mind set to the conversation you are about to have. Once you see that the news has clicked in, you can begin to have a dialog.

You should try to make the conversation as short as possible, while remaining professional and respectful. Ask for a 30-minute window, but plan for a 10 to 15 minute dialog. This time frame allows time for the news to sink in, without forcing a hasty discussion about next steps. The additional 15 minutes gives your boss time to adjust to the news before his next piece of business for the day.

During the conversation with your boss, the topic of transition may arise. You should try to delay this discussion because you will both need time to process your emotional reactions. Take your time and let the situation unfold. Don’t try to force your way through it just to get past the bad feelings.

Bring a signed resignation letter with you to your meeting. You should keep this safely hidden away until the end of your conversation. Beginning the conversation by placing a letter on someone’s desk shows insecurity, and perhaps a lack of respect. Placing it there at the end signifies finality. A brief resignation letter brings the conversation to a close for you and for your boss. Also, you will feel much better typing it before your discussion, rather than afterwards.

Travel schedules may interfere with giving notice face to face. If this is the case, plan for a phone call. Avoid giving notice by email, and avoid sending your letter of resignation in electronic form. A written letter conveys substance, thought and finality, where emails may be taken more lightly, and may be shared more easily. You want to keep that document in as few hands as possible.

During discussions with you boss, one possible reaction is to try to keep you in the company. If you do not present your decision clearly, you leave room for the possibility of a counteroffer. You should consider the possibility of a counteroffer and what its impact could be upon you before giving notice. If you have any hesitation, then you are really in a salary negotiation, not a departure. You can find a separate article about the dangers of counteroffers here: http://www.executivesearchinsider.com/2009/01/counteroffers.html

Once you have told your boss, try to relax and get away from the office. You need to let things settle and get ready for transition discussions and notifying your colleagues. If possible, the best time to give notice is on Friday. This will give you and your boss time to absorb the impact before re-engaging.

If possible, revisit the discussion with your boss before notifying colleagues and clients. This demonstrates respect for your supervisor and the business interests of the company. Once you feel comfortable with his reaction, you need to inform your co-workers.

Think about the order of whom you will tell, and whether you need to talk with them face-to-face or over the phone. You should try to move quickly through these conversations to exercise some measure of control over the flow of information. You may also want to ask for a short period of confidentiality with the first people you notify. This will give you time to begin to set up important relationships for the future. You may use email or voicemail to ask colleagues to speak with you, but never leave notice that way. If they are not important enough to tell personally, then let them find out through someone else.

Situations with co-workers vary so much that that it is difficult to offer specific advice about individual conversations. In general, you should take your time to consider who to talk with, try to have these conversations all on one day, and give the news in the way that you would want to receive it.

Giving notice comes down to preserving relationships. If you didn’t need any connections, you could just walk out of the building and never come back. Your actions in this situation reveal your character and your ability to create sustainable connections. The best guide is a very old piece of advice, treat others the way you would want to be treated. With a little preparation and sensitivity, you will find your own path.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

by Mark Anthony Dyson

How To Shop For A Job Interview on a Budget

Editor’s note: Brandhyze Stanley is a frugal expert, and knows how to find high-quality clothes at the best prices you’ll see anywhere. Her guest post offers some advice job seekers whose money is too tight to mention. See her bio at the end of her post and highly recommend spending time at her perusing her frugal fashion advice.

FINALLY got the job interview, but now don’t have a thing to wear? That’s totally understandable when many job seekers may be in between jobs. But before you fret over your workforce gear…here are 5 tips to help you shop, save, and look great for that next interview.

Buy a quality suit in a neutral color – Clothes can really affect the outcome of your interview, so be strategic in your choices. Pick a classic neutral colored suit (think black, brown, navy, or dark gray) to get the most mileage out of your investment. When you are building a wardrobe and are on a budget, I say it’s a good idea to cover your basics first. So, ladies I wouldn’t go with that fuchsia option this trip; or guys I would leave that really busy suit there on the rack for the next adventurous soul. Instead, go with something a little more classic, and try places like Marshalls, TJMaxx, and Burlington Coat Factory for great name brands, at a fraction of the cost.

Buy all components of suit – I say buy all matching coordinates of that staple suit, so you can mix them and match to get the most wears out of it. Ladies, that means if you purchase a jacket, skirt, and slacks; one day you can wear the jacket, a nice blouse with a pop of color, and the slacks. And another day you can wear a sweater with a belt around the waist and the pencil skirt. Guys, for you that means you can wear the jacket and slacks one day with a subdued tie; and another day wear the vest with the slacks and a tie with a pop of color.

Accessories make a suit go a long way – Accessories can completely change a look. So, for women this may mean trying different statement necklaces, patterned tights, earrings, or scarves. And men…I know you all feel
courtesy of Frugal-nomics.comyou have few opportunities to express yourselves with accessories, but feel to try different patterned ties/ascots, a nice watch or a belt (just don’t get too crazy).I usually find some really great accessories on eBay…..while I may have to wait a little longer for them to be shipped, they usually are in great shape and come at an insanely low price.

Invest in a great pair of shoes– Both ladies and gents need to invest in a durable/quality pair of black and brown shoes (ladies, I’d even go so far as to recommend getting both colors in a pump and a flat for those long office hours).For deals on shoes, sign up for companies like 6pm.com and DSW’s mailing list and their social media pages for first dibs on coupons and promotions. Also, remember, if you wait til major holidays like Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, President’s Day….you can score some extra savings.

Try your local consignment/thrift shops – I personally feel thrift store shopping is ALWAYS a good option. I should know because it has afforded me the opportunity to COMPLETELY revamp my wardrobe. Once the queen of Target (I still love it), I’m now able to regularly rock designer labels like Louis Vuitton, Theory, and Oscar de la Renta because of 2^nd hand stores (did I mention I got these brands for less than a $1/piece?). Men, just so you know….so many thrift shops have great suits that may need just a little tailoring for that custom fit, and you can stock up on oxfords/button downs made by great designers like Ralph Lauren and Thomas Pink–you just have to know where to look. So, shop your local thrift store chains or try online at places like Goodwill and Housing Works.

Brandhyze Stanley is the chief voice of Frugal-nomics.com; a platform designed to share with women how to live and look fabulous on a dime — created after a massive unexpected layoff forced her to hone in on her true passion. Brandhyze has been featured on The View, The Early Show, The Today Show, MTVStyle, Essence Magazine, and TJMaxx.com. A Wilhelmina Model for nearly a decade, with a Business Degree from Loyola University Chicago, Brandhyze currently contributes Style and DIY tips to Newsday Westchester and the popular How-To Site, eHow. Brandhyze is a huge thrifter and a lover of all good deals, follow her on Twitter @MyFrugalnomics and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Frugalnomics.