The Career Salon

Lead with Talent

Happy New Year!

At the turn of every new year, many people embrace resolutions, composing vision boards and writing down goals. Most times, a major part of those resolutions or goal planning sessions is seeking a more fulfilling, lucrative, or purposeful career change.  In recruiting, the first quarter is one of our busiest times of year. We get approval to work on brand new openings and employees vacate their positions after annual appraisal and bonus cycles, moving on to other opportunities, which leaves us looking for backfills. 

Recruiters everywhere are looking for talent! Not just talent in the sense of a technical skill set, but communication skills (written/oral), personality, engagement, etc. It is important that jobseekers know that the key to obtaining that next opportunity or advancing within their current environment, is to lead with TALENT. Here are a few tips on how to lead with well-rounded talent in 2022:

  1. Survey and write down the things you are good at – Take a look at your strengths and capitalize on them in whatever environment you find yourself in
  2. Whether you work in Corporate America or for yourself, go above and beyond your basic job description/role. To have the foundation in which to ask for a particular salary, fee, or increase you will need to demonstrate your capacity to be exceptional in your role.
  3. Make a concerted effort to improve yourself via professional and personal development. If you need to take a class, get a certification or advanced degree, engage an executive coach, or talk to a therapist, those are all things that can help.
  4. Get involved in things outside of work or business. Engaging in community service or lending your talent to other organizations is always a plus,

We hope that you have a prosperous New Year!

FacebookTwitterPinterest

COVID-19: Advice for at work or at home

Everyone is thinking about Public Health and Safety during this time. The Coronavirus pandemic presents unique circumstances that we have not encountered during this generation. Hopefully, we are all willing to work together to communicate and find unique solutions that will help preserve the employee and the employer alike. Here are a few tips:

Employers:

1. Lead With Empathy

Everyone has a level of stress during this time. Be sensitive to that and watch your communication and tone

2. Check with all benefits vendors to see what is available for your employees

 i.e. EAP, Short Term Disability, Worker’s Compensation

3. Balance your approach with flexibility and safety

i.e. You may have to bend your attendance and work from home policies

4. Think of out the box solutions like rotational schedules 

Maybe rotating staff will reduce exposure if you have to stay open because of the nature of your business

5. Don’t Panic.

It makes things even more stressful and your employees are observing how you lead and handle stressful situations as an organization

6. Check for government assistance to employers, as bills for aid are passed

Employees:

1. Stay Calm and wash your hands (with soap and hot water, at least 20 seconds)

2. Stayed informed and read ALL information distributed by the organization during this time (and ask questions if needed)

3. Make sure you know your rights as an employee:

  • Your possible contraction of COVID-19 could be considered a worker’s compensation claim, if you believe it was contracted at work
  • If applicable, FMLA may be available to take care of you and your family
  • Your employer providing accommodations for you at work if you are concerned about contraction, such as moving your work station or providing you with Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. gloves) while doing your job
  • Filing for unemployment if your job temporarily closes and provides no financial assistance (Check state regulations)
  • Filing a short term disability claim, if you contract the virus and your job provides no financial assistance (Usually 7 day waiting period applies)

4. Take advantage of benefits provided by your employer

  • Telehealth and video doctor’s visits to check on your symptoms 
  • Employee Assistance Program for counseling services (If you are feeling a little anxiety)

5. Stay put

Your plans might have been to jump ship, but if you are with an organization that is supporting you through this time and treating you fairly, you might want to reconsider for the short-term. We are unsure on what the economy or status of certain businesses are going to be long-term. You definitely do not want to transition to something unstable.

FacebookTwitterPinterest

Did I do that?

Hitting that recall button in Outlook won’t erase it, starting over won’t undo it, and your strength can’t turn it around. It’s called a MISTAKE and everyone makes them. It’s important that attention to detail is utilized so that errors, big and small are avoided.  Some work environments are more forgiving than others but in any case, steps must be taken to overcome the mistake. Here are some tips to follow if you happen to make a mistake/error at work:

  1. Stay calm and breathe
  2. Take immediate ownership of the error
  3. Don’t delegate blame if you are ultimately the responsible party for the mistake
  4. Evaluate the situation and come up with a strategy on how to fix the issue
  5. Learn how not to make the same mistake again 

These steps will help in recovering quickly, showing a mature level of responsibility and integrity at work.  

FacebookTwitterPinterest

How The Grinch Stole Your Fire

Tips on how to get motivated again in the New Year!

Happy Holidays!!!

This is the time of the year where we usually encourage everyone to set new goals, make steps to reach new heights in your career, and seek new opportunities if needed. In all the excitement about the holidays, we do not want to forget those of us that may be in a funk about our current career status. Let’s look at some reasons (the GRINCHes) that we may feel career despair:

  1. You feel like you do not have the necessary skills to get promoted or obtain an advanced  level job
  2. Your manager says disparaging comments to you consistently that make you feel like you cannot do better
  3. Everyone around you has been promoted or received better jobs opportunities and you feel left out
  4. You are not getting any call backs from job applications you have submitted
  5. You are not making enough MONEY

Those are very real and valid reasons to feel like “The Grinch” has stolen your fire, but there is hope. The power to change your circumstances is in you. Here are some corresponding tips to the GRINCHes above:

  1. A sure thing for success is, Confidence. If you feel like you do not have the necessary skills to do an advanced job, look for educational and certification resources to hone and upgrade your skills. Take advantage of educational advancement benefits from your current job. There are also free educational resources such as webinars,  online training courses, etc. You can also get a mentor that works in the position you want to be in. 
  2. Do your current job consistently well. It makes it more difficult to refute your skillset or work when you do most things well. Continue to do this until you get your new opportunity. If you feel comfortable communicating with your manager you may want to mention how you feel.
  3. It may seem like everyone is getting what they want except you but that is just a cycle of life. Don’t let it get you down. Keep applying and reaching for your goals. As the cycle continues you will be apart of that group that is advancing and someone else is not. Your time is coming if you keep trying
  4. In this day in age sometimes just applying is not enough. You might have to do some investigative work and send an email or LinkedIn message to the hiring manager. Network with someone that works at the company you want to be at and see if they can give you some insight on the job. You can search to see if any of your connections on LinkedIn have ties to the company you are interested in.
  5. Not making enough money to sustain your living or the amount worth your value could make you feel down. Continue to work on Steps 1-4. While you are going through those steps, try to seek out other resources to gain additional income such as a part-time job. Who knows, this might be the time to start doing your passion as side work and generating income from that.  

Well folks the ball is in your court! Don’t let the Grinch steal your fire. We have great hopes for you in 2020. Get out there and do it, because you are unique and you can do anything if you believe.

FacebookTwitterPinterest

Friday Feature: Waiting to ‘Excel’

10

We are absolutely thrilled to have a special guest in The Career Salon today! Dr. Kisha is here to  share awesome insight on how the use of Microsoft Excel can improve your career. Dr. Kisha is obsessed with helping individuals grow their small business and professional careers. Her mission at She Knows Tech.io is to equip and empower individuals, especially women, with the skills to excel in business through software and technology training. She Knows Tech.io is a training company focusing on Excel data analysis, predictive analytics courses using IBM SPSS Modeler, mobile and website building courses, reviews and tutorials (Wix.com website builder). Dr. Kisha is an expert in business intelligence and analytics. She’s also an app developer (Homework Suite), 6 Sigma Black Belt (Caterpillar, Inc), and professor of information systems with 19 peer reviewed quality research publications.

Resume Not Getting Noticed Enough? You’re Probably Missing This

by Dr. Kisha

MS Excel might just be one of the most important software programs that is used in every industry today. This may be why so many employers are looking for employees who are highly skilled in using Excel. You can give your job prospects a boost by becoming an Excel Power User.

Whether you are looking for a brand-new job, or you want to work your way up the ladder- becoming proficient in MS Excel can boost your job prospects. From an employer’s viewpoint, especially in business, Excel is an essential computing tool and they want employees who are advanced in this tool.

>> Take this fun Excel Quiz to see where your Excel skills rank <<

You Can Do Just About Anything in Microsoft Excel

Excel has virtually no limits. Just consider some of the tasks it can do for you:

  • Excel can create an editorial calendar, with a full list of topics and dates.
  • When planning on office outing, you can use an Excel document to track the costs and the RSVP list automatically.
  • You can use an Excel to determine exactly how much you should charge for your product.
  • An excel document can summarize revenue by product which can find areas of strength and weakness, where stronger relationships can be built with customers.
  • Excel is perfect for creating budgets, including expenses and more.
  • Customer discounts can be calculated based on the volume of purchases, monthly, and by product. Watch how here.

Resume Building

At the top of your resume, you want to highlight skillsets that will catch a recruiter’s eye. So instead of listing “Microsoft Office” You’d want to instead list specific functions such as “Microsoft Excel Pivot Tables” and “Microsoft Excel Solver”. Doing so will set you apart from other candidates and recruiters quickly recognize you know what you are talking about!

Excel is a diverse program, and more businesses are turning to use it as a primary tool for a variety of applications and functions. It’s vital for every professional to learn how to use Excel, and strong Excel skills can lead to greater job opportunities and promotions.

>> So start by Watching these 4 quick Excel tutorials and see how easy it is to learn Excel <<

To learn more, contact Dr. Kisha here.

FacebookTwitterPinterest

Why is no one ready?

why-is-no-one-ready

Every year I write a Facebook post about job searching in the New Year. This year I’m grateful to have a bigger platform to discuss this very important subject. Listen people! If you don’t have your resume revamped and potential employers nailed down, you’re behind. Fourth quarter is the perfect time to prep for your job search. There are two big reasons why now through the Spring is a great time to switch jobs, new budgets and bonus payouts.

Not all but, most companies have a fiscal year that starts in January. This is a great time to look for openings that are a result of new budgets. Additionally, right around February or March numerous positions will be vacated due to employee bonus payouts. When bonuses are paid out, assuredly some people are waiting to turn in their two-week notices. However, tread a little lightly on openings around this time and make sure to ask the employer during the interview process, why the position is vacant.  You want to make sure to get as much information as possible surrounding how the role came about.

I want you to be ready, so I’ve list a few things that need to get done ASAP to ensure you are prepared for the job search journey:

  1. Update your Resume/LinkedIn Profile
  2. Identify future employers
  3. Get a new business suit
  4. Mock interview with a career coach or friend
  5. Save money to have in transition to the next job

prada

What are some things you are doing to prepare for your job searching season? Let’s talk about it in the comments below.

FacebookTwitterPinterest