Hiring Climate For Creatives, December 2015 Update

Hiring Climate For Creatives, December 2015 UpdateHiring Climate For Creatives, December 2015 Update*/Read the infographic text.HIRING CLIMATE FOR CREATIVESDecember 2015 UpdateWhat are your companys hiring plans for full-time creative employees?*First half of 2016Second half of 2015Expanding/adding new positions11%21%Maintaining/filling vacated positions76%65%Freezing/not filling vacated or new positions10%13%Reducing/eliminating positions1%1%Dont know1%0%How challenging is it for your company to find skilled creative professionals today?13% Very challenging45% Somewhat challenging28% Not challenging13% Not applicable/not looking1% Dont knowTop areas creative executives expect to hire for in the first half of 201627% Content marketing27% Creative/art direction26% Brand/product management26% Print design/productionfruchtwein challenging areas for companies to fill1.Brand/product management2.Customer experience3.Account services4.Web design/production5.Marketing research and content ma rketing (tie)Source The Creative Group survey of more than 400 U.S. marketing and advertising executives in the United States*Responses may not total 100 percent due to rounding. 2015 The Creative Group. A Robert Half Company. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Heres what to do if you need a reference later after firing

Heres what to do if you need a reference later after firingHeres what to do if you need a reference later after firingWhether or not youre the reason it didnt work between you and your last job, youre gonna need a reference letter to help you land the next one. In an ideal situation, a letter of recommendation from a previous employer is the perfect way to advertise your assets via a third party source.Your resume gets you in the door, and a good reference letter can often seal the deal. Because professional vouches are so important heres a roundup of tips on how to acquire a reference letter from a scorned employer from some experts and a noted incompetent.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreGet em before you need emBefore we attempt to assist those that have already turned in their key cards, it might be good to share some sage advice to those that are both actively employed and a mbivalent.After youve worked at a distributions-mix long enough to prove your worth, it doesnt hurt to request a letter of recommendation before youve set your eye on a new gig for safety. This is prudent for several reasons. The first and most relevant this gives you a safety net in case of unexpected termination. It also gives you the freedom to accept potentially better opportunities completely on your own terms, without worrying about the effect of jumping ship. Moreover, who needs the headache of chasing down reference letters when youre in between jobs-no need you have one (maybe a couple even) locked and loaded.Strike while theyre still feeling guiltyEven Vader got a guilt headache after dismissing Admiral Ozzel,so chances are your last boss will too make sure you capitalize on it.Author Beth Winston of Chron.com writes, The person firing you probably is experiencing some guilt or emotional reaction to the turmoil that you are about to face. Remain polite and professional whe n you get the news of your firing, but ask immediately for a recommendation as a way to ease your transition into the job search. Some employers are concerned enough about the possibility of legal action that theyll do what they can to help.Along as you yourself are not in fear of the possibility of malicious comments, or accusations of illegal activity, you should certainly request referral information, as soon as possible, even if its crystal clear that your former employer hates you with a passion. It takes maybe five minutes to write up a perfunctory, whatta guyemployee reference letter.When they go low, you go high..or lower dependingIf playing to your firees humanity doesnt work, remember that you can always go higher or lower even. Unless you were an absolute incompetent menace, there will always be someone at your company that will have a good word to say about you. Of course, in a perfect scenario this said person is either in a position that is higher above, or in a potion comparable to the person that gave you the boot, but if not, take what you can get.Ashley Putnam of Idealist Careers adds, In any company you interact with multiple levels of people clients, co-workers, colleagues from another department. List someone who can speak to your virtues and strengths. You choose your references, and we anticipate you will choose someone who will speak about your strong points.If nothing can be done, address concerns immediatelyIn the instance where you cant secure a positive word from your employer, or anyone that would hold weight at your former firm, your only method of recourse is to defuse whatever spawned the rift as early as possible while being speaking to your next recruiter.Ralph Heibutzki of Career Trend, suggests the following Admit the problems, but stress that theyre not relevant anymore, and refrain from going into detail. Dont try to explain, or make excuses, which only digs the hole deeper.Repudiate any and all false claims, deflate any s cornful attempts of career stultification, and ensure you admirably represent the professional intimated in your resume.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

Professional Technical Support Specialist CV Template

Professional Technical helfende hand Specialist CV TemplateProfessional Technical Support Specialist CV TemplateIntroductionWith so many companies from large corporations to small startups relying upon their own business networks to sttze their operations, the demand for qualified technical support specialists has never been higher. At the same time, there are also quite a few people seeking jobs in this field. Having a curriculum vitae to submit alongside your applications can help distinguish you from other candidates. In the technical support specialist cv template shown here, youll see what sort of information this document should include. The accompanying writing guidelines will also help you in creating your own CV.Create This CVTechnical Support Specialist CV Template Mitch Murphy Scranton, PA 11111E mmurphy24youremail.com P 555-111-4444Professional SummaryCertified technical support specialist seeking position with internal network management team. Have worked for the last t hree years as a technician for an IT support services provider fielding calls from clients and performing on-site assessments and repairs. Also have six years of experience providing customer service both in person and over the phone. Want to contribute to the technological growth and development of a single organization by providing whatever support services are needed. Work ExperienceTechnical Support Analyst Silent Partner IT ServicesMarch 2014 Current Respond to calls from client employees reporting local and wide area network connectivity issues as well as problems with computer hardware and software applications. Study the details of each clients computing resources and internal business networks to determine what sort of performance and security issues they may be likely to encounter to better troubleshoot problems remotely. Escalate any issues that cannot be resolved over the phone to scheduled service calls where visits are made to client facilities to assess and correct problems in person. Make recommendations regarding equipment upgrades and server capacity when such issues are believed to be contributing to problems. Receive and address an average of 10 to 12 service inquiries per week. Home Monitoring AgentPremier Security Solutions August 2011 March 2014 Worked as an inbound/outbound agent fielding phone calls from subscribers to home and corporate security service packages from regional monitoring station of national security solutions provider. Contacted customers whose security alarms had been triggered to determine the nature of the alert. Offered advice and support to customers (often in extremely stressful situations) regarding safety protocols for break-ins, fires, and other emergency situations. Instructed service subscribers on how to disarm alarms triggered inadvertently. Processing Agent Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles June 2008 August 2011 Assisted visitors by processing drivers license renewal applications and cont acting testing officials to help those seeking licensure for the first time or following a suspension or revocation. Responded to complaints from people with concerns about service fees, licensing requirements, and long wait times by listening, recommending resolutions, or simply asking for patience (when needed). Participated in four separate communication training seminars sponsored by state to learn techniques to help diffuse tense situations and resolve peoples concerns. Collaborated with two other coworkers to research methods to improve case completion times to help reduce wait times, and shared suggestions with managers that were later implemented and resulted in collective 20 percent improvement in visitor experience scores based on survey responses. Education and TrainingCisco Certified Technician 2015Cisco Learning Network IT Professional Certification 2014Community College of Alleghany County, Pittsburgh, PASkills Working knowledge of computer hardware design, softw are applications, system maintenance tools, and LAN and WAN specifications Excellent listening and communication skills Able to maintain an attitude of empathy and patience in stressful situations Committed to offering outstanding customer service Dedication to consistently improving personal performanceHobbies and Interests Avid fan of science fiction and fantasy novels. Frequent participant in local community storytelling festivals performed for elementary and middle school students. Enjoy camping and fishing.Customize CVUsing a Job Description to Create a Standout Technical Support Specialist CVA Sample Technical Support Specialist DescriptionJob SummaryAs our organization continues to manage many of our services through virtual applications, our demand for qualified technical support specialists has also increased. Wed like to invite you to join this growing team, supporting our frontline employees by ensuring network reliability and the continued operation of all of their compu ting resources. Well rely on you and your coworkers to keep all of our systems up and running, and to ensure that the safety and security of all of our vital business data is guaranteed. Youll get the chance to work both behind the scenes and on the front lines, education non-technical staff and developing recommendations to share with our technical services manager to improve our overall operational performance. Job Responsibilities Provide assistance to non-technical staff, troubleshooting issues with computer hardware and software applications, and ensuring connectivity to our local area network. Receive calls through our internal computer support line and attempt to troubleshoot issues over the phone either by walking callers through processes or running diagnostic assessments remotely. Escalate issues that cannot be resolved remotely to service tickets that prompt technicians working on-site to assess problems in person. Assist in the installation and setup of new computer hardware, and push new or updated programs and applications out to end-users. Rotate between responding to calls through computer support line and performing on-site assessments, as well as between day and evening shifts. Job Skills Bachelors degree in computer-related discipline or professional license through accredited certification program. Strong understanding of computer hardware and operating system specifications Must be available to work a rotating schedule Able to remain patient with frustrated end-users Excellent communication skillsCreate This CVHow to Employ the Job Description in Your Technical Support Specialist CVThe sample job description included here is as valuable in creating a strong employment reference document as is the technical support specialist cv template. This shows you the keywords and phrases those hiring for tech support positions use in describing their jobs. Often, hiring managers will utilize job search engines programmed specifically to search for such terminology. Thus, mirroring the language of your CV after that used in the job description eliminates the tauglichkeit that both your CV and your application are overlooked. Plus, it conveys a strong understanding of the responsibilities that come with a certain job. Another important element thats highlighted in the technical support specialist cv template is the listing of professional accomplishments. Anyone can pinpoint the tasks associated with a job, yet few may have notable achievements where the execution of them has been recognized by others. Including your accomplishments in your CV will help impress prospective employers, but only if you also include the metrics needed to offer a reader context. With them, one can truly comprehend the value youve added to other organizations through your work.

Youre ready for your video interview, what could possibly go wrong

Youre ready for your video bewerbungsgesprch, what could possibly go wrongYoure ready for your video interview, what could possibly go wrongDont like being interviewed on video? Prefer an in-person meeting? Well, according to Chris Brown, Vice President of Human Resources at West Corporation, you are out of luck. Video interviewing is here to stay. Love it (most Millennials) or loathe it (many of the rest of us) weve all got to get better at it. And getting better at it means avoiding some of the pitfalls that are inherent in this kind of virtual interaction. So when I spoke with Brown last week, I was eager to hear his tips.Carol Kinsey GomanAfter all the interviews youve conducted via video, Im sure youve seen your share of potentially career-limiting errors. Can you give me a to do list of how to best prepare for the kinds of technical glitches that can derail an interview?Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisf action, Neuroscience, and moraChris BrownHere are a few basic steps to follow.Give yourself plenty of time to set up and test meeting equipment before the interviewTo make sure your technology is compatible, do a dry run before your interview. Video call a friend and test out the clarity and sound of your video chat. Calling into the interview early also gives you the mglichkeit to make sure all equipment is working properly and test for connectivity issues. In the end, giving yourself an extra few minutes will help you feel more calm and confident at the start of the call.Be proactiveIf your computer needs rebooting, make sure you do that before the interview begins. Shutting down programs you dont need during the call avoids possible alerts or pop-ups and keeps your computer from getting bogged down. In general, a wired connection is better than a wireless connection, so use landlines or Ethernet cables when possible to avoid signal issues. Make sure your audio quality is strong. I think the headset works best.Share large and important files beforehand.If youre planning to share or go over big files with the interviewer, send them in advanceNot only will this help you prepare, but it will also reduce the likelihood that pieces get lost either in the web or in other participants inboxes while on the call.Skip the free conference call servicesWhile free services can seem very appealing, free generally means low quality and inconsistency which can leave a bad impression on your customers. Unlike free services, trusted providers elend only own the infrastructure they operate, they operate at fractional capacity to ensure peak times are covered and service delivery is consistent. While you dont always have control over which video conference service the interviewer uses if possible see if they have enterprise-grade services you can use.Work through glitchesIf glitches are minor, try your best to ignore them and keep moving forward. However, if technology proble ms are blatant and preventing effective communication, acknowledge and apologize for the issue. If video is giving you trouble, try switching to audio only. And make sure you have the number for tech support or customer service at hand. Do your best to keep talking while they work to fix problems.Always have an alternative way to connectIf you are nervous about having connectivity issues, its smart to share your contact info with your interviewer beforehand, either via email or in the chat element of the product that you are using. That way, your interviewer has a way to reach you in case technical glitches prevent the interview from going as planned. Make sure you have the information and confidence to dial in both ways. Being prepared to switch to Plan B saves times and energy when youre trying to get your interview back on track. Outages happen. Ask for a phone number and have an email addressed, up, and ready to send if there is a problem.GomanWhat is the most annoying technical mistake an applicant has made in an interview with you?BrownWell, I dont know if youd call this technical, but one applicant scheduled the interview while his house was being renovated and we had to pause several times due to the sawing noise of workman cutting drywall. Although he apologized for the interruptions, it was irritating because I felt as though he thought so little of my time that he couldnt be bothered to make other arrangements. (Note This comes under an expanded category that Brow has labeled Dont Be That Story, and illustrates why it is important to do all you can to make the interview go smoothly.GomanWhich brings up the issue of where we should set up our computer for the interview.BrownYes, the setting is important especially if it proves to be a distraction. A plain hintergrund works best. Also be aware of the lighting and how it may change during the day, depending on where you are setting up. And no pets or babies, please.GomanOkay, weve got the technical s ide covered. What else should a candidate in a video interview prepare for?BrownI think the number one thing to keep in mind is that unlike an in-person interview, where a hand-written elende is all the evidence of what you said, this interaction is being recorded. You need to anticipate that your interview will be shared with other interested parties. When you answer questions you need to think about what other people in the hiring process might want to hear from you. And if you are asked back for a second round, dont be surprised if you are asked to expand on something you said previously. So be prepared.GomanI understand the importance of impression management in any interview. How is this different in a virtual setting?BrownJust an in a face-to-face interview, first impressions matter. A lot. Thats why you need to be technically connected early. If you are late, the interviewers perception is that you are not prepared or you simply dont care. And an interviewer is impressed whe n it is apparent that youve has done your homework and can subtly display your knowledge of the companys history, value proposition, or recent product announcement. Remember to speak to the camera and not the picture so that youll give the impression of making eye contact. Smile. HR professionals want prospective employees to be upbeat and display good, positive energy. (Note One of Brows suggestions is to listen to happy music as part of preparing for the interview. My suggestions include power posing like Superman or Wonder Woman for two minutes before the interview and reading a list of your successes to prime your brain).GomanIs there anything you want to add that I havent asked?BrownThere is one more important tip Just because you are conducting the interview in the comfort of your home, dont treat it lightly. Be genuine, be yourself, but dont get sloppy. This is a business meeting. Look like a professional. Dress and conduct yourself as you would if the setting were more cor porate.GomanThank you so muchThis article first appeared on Forbes.

5 daily habits that will cultivate a positive mindset

5 daily habits that will cultivate a positive mindset5 daily habits that will cultivate a positive mindsetHow we approach our work is greatly dependent on our mindset.If were in a good place, its effortless. If were stressed or unhappy, everything feels exhausting. As important as it is to be good at what you do, your craft, it is equally as important to practice your approach and master yourself.Here are 5 ways to cultivate a positivemindset1. Make Time For InputIf youre constantly in output mode, you will eventually andrang dry.Output mode is whenever you are calling upon yourself to create, to work, to do.Input mode is when you are replenishing yourself - your knowledge bank, your inspiration, your emotional state.Reading is an input.Watching a good movie is an input.Listening to music is an input.Meditation is an input.Sleep, especially, is an input.Youll notice that whenever you feel stressed or overwhelmed, input activities tend to be the first to go. You feel like you have so much going on that there is no time to rest.Instead, you continue pushing yourself (output, output) until eventually theres nothing left, and you crash.Remember, life is a marathon, not a sprint.Make time for input activities.It will help keep you in a positive frame of mind, and help sustain you over long periods of time.Note Also remember that what you input is just as important. Watching re-runs of Wheel of Fortune is not the same as watching an Oscar-nominated film.Choose your inputs intentionally.2. Read, Read, ReadI am a huge advocate for reading.As I said, reading is an input activity, but mora importantly, it is essential for constant growth. Reading is what exposes you to new ideas, teaches you things you would otherwise never have the opportunity to learn.Reading is a well from which you should be pulling endless amounts of inspiration.Especially in the morning, reading is a great way to get your brain (which operates like a muscle) stretched and ready to go.When you read frequently, you are cross-training your brain to stay ready to work. And if you dont read often, youll notice that your thoughts can sache sluggish.Some people prefer to read books.Some read blogs.Some read fiction, some read nonfiction.I would say read everything.But at the bare minimum, read something.3. Surround Yourself With Positive PeopleYou are the sum of the five people with whom you spend the most time.Look around.If youre surrounded by smart people, they will raise your standard and you will become smart too. Conversely, if youre surrounded by not-so-smart people, then that will become your standard and you will fall into similar patterns.Part of cultivating a positive mindset is surrounding yourself with people that do the same.Regardless of whether or not they are successful or good at what they do, remember that their mindsets will begin to rub off on you by default.So dont just look for people that are skilled - look for people that embody the qualities you too striv e to embody.4. PracticeOver the years, Ive come to notice a very interesting pattern (in both myself and others) when it comes to practice.Confidence is the result of not just doing something well, but knowing you do something well.When you practice often, you get good. When you get good, you feel confident about your abilities. When you feel confident about your abilities, you take more risks, practice even more, and ultimately become a master of your craft.Similarly, if you do not practice, you wont feel good about your skills. If you dont feel good about your skills, you wont take as many risks, youll get down on yourself, you wont practice as often, and youll make very few strides on your path to greatness.Part of cultivating a positive mindset is to make sure you are doing all the little things that will help support where it is you want to go and what it is you want to do.No amount of positive thinking can replace good habits or daily practice.So put them in place as daily ess entials, so you can then focus your efforts elsewhere.If you can count on yourself to have the right habits in place, you will free yourself to focus and work on more ethereal concepts - such as positive thinking and risk taking.5. Find A MentorAnd finally, the key to cultivating a positive mindset is to find someone you admire who can teach you how theyve done it.There is no faster and more effective way to learn in life than to find a mentor. Even being in the presence of someone who has learned how to master their own mindset, youll begin to pick up their approach.Why this is so crucial, and such a wonderful thing to have, is that a mentor is someone who has already gone through their own journey. They have overcome challenges and found their own secrets and practices enabling them to create their own unique approach.By studying someone who already operates from that mode, you will learn both what it is that allows them to be so successful, while at the same time going through y our own process of discovery - except at a much more rapid rate.Mentorship can be difficult to find.Remember to stay both hungry and humble, and true to your own practice, and one day the mentor will reveal him or herself.This article originally appeared on Inc Magazine.

The Dos and Donts of 20*.1

The Dos and Donts of 20*.1 In case the source leide at the conclusion of a Section of the statutes includes a Public Act that hasnt yet taken effect, the edition of the law that is presently in effect could have already been taken out of the database and you ought to refer to that Public Act to observe the changes made to the present law. Great Decision Making Good leadership is distinguished by the ability to produce excellent decisions. The court, in its discretion, may impose extra restrictions on driving for the upkeep of the household. In case the man or woman is self-employed, the documentation has to be attached to or made part of the limited driving privilege. Life After 20 *.1 This fatty acid cannot be manufactured in the body so its intake needs to be supplemented either by fish oil or certain plant oils. If you are in need of a refresher on the best way to do so, check out the section on matrix inverses in chapter 6. And there is absolutely no water to drink Its almost always simpler to factor instead of expand when simplifying. New Ideas Into 20 *.1 Never Before Revealed Again, no understanding is needed. You must get in touch with me and my ministry and ask me the best way to encourage you to begin to move in your spiritual gifts and the way to find practice and begin to move inside them. One of Cambodias strengths is the good culture owing to its mix of contemporary globalization and assorted religions. Regrettably, this linguistic feature often results in an incorrect conclusion about the significance of the hundertprozentig. How to Choose 20 *.1 Most people these days are lazy. There are lots of unknown people out there. A man or woman must attach to a petition a copy of their motor vehicle record. A lovely individual or thing, esp. Most individuals see the entire tree in a couple of glances. They can only see one word at a time. The rest are simply a swipe away. In the past days there will be a substantial harvest. T he upcoming important part is the ability of a SWIFT MT 760. There are lots of network devices that might be between our two hosts, and for the large part, theres no impact on ARP. A repeaters job is just to regenerate a signal to ensure it is stronger, and a hub is just a multiport repeater. Well unfortunately in case you would like to get the advantages of more power, excellent sound, and a great looking system, you must put up with numerous pieces and do some installing of your new system. Omega 3 is even helpful for the wholesome maturation of the brain. In order to keep healthy skin its essential to recognize the value of omega 3 and eczema because when you find the connection, you are able to typically start to reverse it. There is an assortment of routes that it is possible to take when you need to construct muscle and each will provide you different outcomes. It even boosts the immune system of our entire body. Once youve got through the numbers 1-100 the remaining portion of the numbers are regular. Since theres absolutely no deposit liability, the bank does not need to contemplate binding capital constraints. Furthermore, you wont require cash, but youll available credit on your charge cards, as you really are not able to use theirs. When it got to them whod worked the entire day, they just got the very same amount. The Death of 20 *.1 A great leader is always searching for methods to boost production and standards. The most accurate method to decide on the size required without the help of a professional like your instructor or instrument shop is to have a measurement. As a result of their large number, the baby boomers could remodel society. You should find out what your spiritual gifts are. 20 *.1 - Dead or Alive? The most fantastic thing about FL is the fact that it has mixing functions which are best of among all of the software which is used and results in superb tune track. In addition, it is called Fruity Loops. Complet e with a lot of written busywork.

Year-Round Recruiting 101 What You Need to Know

Year-Round Recruiting 101 What You Need to KnowRecruiting for an open position is exhausting. While yure searching for talent and putting them through the hiring process, your kollektiv is struggling to cover the responsibilities of the open role. Yet, given the current talent shortage, many companies have discovered year-round recruiting is the most effective and efficient way to find necessary employees. In fact, in a March 2019 CareerBuilder survey, 51 percent of respondents said they were recruiting all year, even for jobs that werent yet vacant. For many internal recruiters, this requires a major shift to their process. To help you make the change with confidence, we asked recruiting experts how they approach recruiting for positions they dont yet have open. Heres what they had to sayConnect with profsOur team is somewhat small so employee turnover can have a large effect on the operations and productivity of the company as a whole. Even just one person leaving can throw our com pany into a funk. As such, my business partner and I need to be ready to fill a position at a moments notice. Given this, we have come up with a year-round recruiting tactic. Effectively, we like to form close relationships with professors at our local university. We take them out to lunch, discuss their research, and do whatever it takes to get to know them on a personal level so we can call on them at a moments notice to recommend current or past students. So far, this strategy has worked great. In fact, in 2018, several of our hires were a direct result of professor recommendations. Ultimately, we feel like this is a win-win-win relationship for all parties involved. Professors get to make an even more meaningful impact on their university, students get the inside track for jobs, and we get top performing candidates. Matthew Ross, co-owner and COO of The Slumber YardNeed to find talent fast? Build a relationship with local professors. recruitingtipsClick To TweetUse predictive an alyticsPredictive analytics is kind of a new trend in HR and recruiting, and the data collected by these emerging tools is proving to be a game-changer in helping employers identify talent gaps and future hiring needs. At the same time, recruiters must do more than just source for talent they should also assume the role of industry analyst to fully understand the changing dynamics of their industry, future uncertainties, and the trends to anticipate. Chris Chancey, founder of Amplio RecruitingGet everyone involvedBecause people are job hopping now more than any time in history, desirable talent is being freed up all the time, requiring recruiting to adapt and be active year round. Share the burden of recruitment with other departments. Attracting talent should be a cross-departmental effort that overlays with brand, communication, and social media departments. If done right, your company should have a steady trickle of qualified candidates coming to you. Think more about advertisin g your company culture rather than advertising specific positions. If you can position your company as an employment leader in your industry, you will have no trouble attracting candidates once positions do open up. Rudeth Shaughnessy, retired HR and current volunteer director at Copy My ResumeMake recruiting easier by getting the entire team involved.Click To TweetPut your menu out thereThe secret is to always be advertising, posting, canvassing, and releasing our turnaround-brand in select marketplaces (events, campuses, cities, and niche areas known for who and what were after for clients). We always seek smart, tough, no whining, diversely capable, financially savvy, courageous women and men who can metaphorically go through a brick wall and support a variety of business, logistics, sales, and PR leadership roles in any turnaround situation. What this also means is that we can meet with, interview, collect, and keep bio and resume details on file anytime throughout the year. Thi s gives us a small inroad, and we typically have a small busload of 20-30 prospective hires to communicate with down the road for each emerging role. When actual roles come up and a job offer and agreement can be made it writing, we have people ready and waiting. Even though more than 50 percent of our contacts will have already taken a position, moved to another city, or otherwise be unavailable, many are still available. And if theyre not, theyre almost always able to refer us to someone else they know who can do the job or wants the job. Baron Christopher Hanson, lead consultant and owner of RedBaron Consulting, LLCRely on employee referralsThere are tons of resources at your fingertips when looking for a new employee, but you dont have to look further than your existing team The people already working for your company are, hopefully, capable people you trust. Therefore, ask them for referrals and recommendations of people who might be a good fit for the position youre trying to fill. Offer an incentive for employees who suggest a candidate that lasts at the company for at least three months. Options include extra vacation time, a cash bonus, or even a thoughtful gift. By giving your employees some extrinsic motivation to help you find a quality employee, you get them more invested in the search while you gain the benefit of tapping into their countless resources. Nate Masterson, HR manager of Maple HolisticsOffering attractive incentives will encourage employees to refer their friends to work at your company.Click To Tweet

How to Make Sure Your Boss Knows How Hard You Work -The Muse

How to Make Sure Yur Boss Knows How Hard You Work -The MuseHow to Make Sure Your Boss Knows How Hard You Work Signed a huge client? Check. Trained six new employees? Check. Hit your monthly schlussverkauf quota in a week? Done and done.You might have a list of career accomplishments a mile long. But if youre the only one with access to that list- and no one else understands the extent of your contributions or the impact theyre having on the organization- youll be standing behind the door when the raises are handed out.Thats because when organizations assess talent and make decisions about raises, promotions, and plum projects, the people making the decisions are going through a mental highlight reel of your career- and what counts isnt necessarily what youve done its what they know about what youve done.So if youre watching otzu sichs get the promotions, assignments, or recognition you believe you deserve, it might be because youre not making your accomplishments known. To make koran vers your manager and the rest of the organization is well aware of your contributions, here are five tips for getting credit for your work.1. Keep Your Manager InformedMany of the clients I coach rarely speak with their managers. Sometimes, that avoidance stems from a strained employee-boss relationship others, because full calendars dont allow for easily coordinated conversations.No matter your reason, this is a major career oversight. You cant assume your manager knows what youre doing, the great progress youve made, or the obstacles youve overcome unless you make it your mission to provide that information.But if you wait until your annual review, most of your accomplishments will be old news. And, youll be competing to stand out among all the other reviews that are being conducted- and the co-workers who are pushing their own accomplishments.Your Go-To StrategyGet on your managers calendar bi-weekly (at least), and use that time to make sure he or she knows the status of each o f your major projects. Also highlight how youre leveraging relationships with other teams or colleagues and making him or her look good in the process (e.g., Jack in marketing was confused about the pricing strategy, so I brought him up to speed based on the guidance you laid out. Were both on track with the goals you set for margin).By having regular conversations, youll remind your manager of your value- and keep it in the front of his or her mind on an ongoing basis, instead of just once a year.2. Focus on Results, Not Just Your ActivitiesAs a manager, I found that during regular update meetings with my employees, they tended to focus on a list of activities theyd completed throughout the week, from making phone calls to holding meetings to creating slide decks.However, while those types of activities are certainly necessary, and it probably feels good to validate the time and energy you spent on them, what your manager really wants to know is the impact those activities had on t he organization.Your Go-To StrategyInstead of giving your manager a list of tasks youve accomplished, explain what those tasks mean in the bigger picture.So, rather than Last week I met with 10 of our suppliers on rebidding the widget production, and then I had a conference call with the team to share our progress.Try this I met with 10 suppliers last week. Three are seriously hungry for the business, and I suspect well be able to increase our projected savings by at least 5% based on those conversations. Thatll be worth $1.5 million in our run rate. Ill get you the final number once we wrap up negotiations.3. Get Social ProofWhen you do something awesome and your colleagues express appreciation, ask them to speak up on your behalf. (And if you work with customers, ask them to do the same. Managers love hearing from satisfied customers, and this is a great way to collect feedback on your performance)A brief note to your manager or team lead outlining how you helped get a desired res ult, overcome an obstacle, or move the project forward will generate visibility, reminding those higher-ups of your ability to achieve great things.Your Go-To StrategyWhen someone acknowledges your work, ask him or her to make it official Thanks for recognizing me in the project wrap-up meeting this morning. The results we got together were over the top. Would you be willing to send a note to my manager about my contributions to the project? She holds you in high regard, and it would be a tremendous professional validation coming from you.4. Get in Front of Decision MakersThe power of presenting your ideas and results well- and in front of the right audience- carries just as much sway in your career as actually doing the work When you have the opportunity to present, for example, to your boss boss, youll boost your visibility and, when done right, create a memorable impression. Soon, that manager will know your name, which will give you a boost when it comes to performance reviews a nd special projects.So if youre offered the opportunity to present an update on your project, make a recommendation for a specific decision, or provide commentary on the impact of your work, go for it.Your Go-To StrategyFirst, identify one of your strongest projects- one that you feel confident talking about this will help you work from a position of strength. Then, tell your manager youd like the chance to present the progress of the project to higher-ups. Suggest it as a good opportunity for you to stretch your speaking abilities and learn how to present to upper-level managers.Then, work with your manager to make sure you know whats important to that audience and how to present information in the most effective way, so that the presentation showcases you as a confident, decision-capable up-and-comer. Assure your manager you want to make her look great in the process. Then, do so5. Take Your Stolen Ideas BackThere will undoubtedly be a time in your career when you run an idea by s omeone to get some feedback, and hell love it Hell love it so much, in fact, that hell turn around and present it as his own idea.This can be extremely frustrating, but you do have some options.Your Go-To StrategyNow, youre not going to interrupt the meeting where the topic is being discussed and say, Hey, that was my idea But you can present mora details, numbers, and data to support your suggestion. In other words, take control of the conversation to direct the spotlight back to you.For example, say youre in a meeting and your co-worker, Gary, goes on and on about your idea of expanding in the nonprofit sector, as if he originated it. You can jump in and share the evidence that inspired you originally- which Gary doesnt have Yes, the numbers show that sector is projected to grow by 12% next year. Also, I talked with the logistics team a couple of weeks ago about this, and they are ready to build more capacity into the system. Competitors havent ventured out there yet, so well be a head of the game.Boom. You now own it again. By supporting and expanding on the idea, its likely your original idea will emerge in bigger and better form- and youll end up with the credit.Yes, we all need to be good team players. The old adage Its amazing what can be accomplished when it doesnt matter who gets the credit is a powerfully true statement on how work is done in organizations.Also remember, however, that teams arent promoted individuals are. So, your mission is to be a great team player, but to have a firm grasp of the impact you made and smart strategies to share it with those who need to know.

How to Negotiate a Severance Package

How to Negotiate a Severance PackageHow to Negotiate a Severance PackageAs companies downsize, you may feel you are walking a tightrope at work. For every employee you see being laid off, you wonder if you might be next. Just getting called into the bosss office leads to thoughts of employment termination and getting a severance package. A severance package is defined as pay and benefits an employee can receive when her employment is terminated at a company or when she is forced to retire. Some items included in severance packages may include, but are not limited to Additional weeks of salary, sometimes based on your tenure at the employerPayment for unused vacation and sick daysA lump sum payment to account for lack of notice of employment terminationMedical or dental benefits or life insuranceRetirement or 401k benefitsStock optionsHelp to find a new job within or outside the company If you think your job may be in jeopardy, its wise to have a plan to properly negotiate aseverance package. Coming up with a Plan Ask yourself the following questions to come up with a severance package proposal that would be fair to both yourself and your employer. Have I been employed with the company for more than five, 10, or 20 years?What is my value to the company? If youre in a revenue-generating role, you should be able to put a number to your quarterly and annual contributions.If Im laid off, will they terminate my position or hire someone for a lower pay rate?How long will it take me to get a new job in this economic climate within my industry? Next, take the answers you came up with and create a severance package proposal. For example, if youve been at the company for 18 years and have been an integral member of the management team, your value to the company is high. In this case, youve put your time in at the company and you may want to propose at least a year-long severance package that allows you to collect your salary during this time while you find a new job. Formulating a Proposal Once you have an idea of how long it will take you to find a new job in the current economy, you can determine the length of time you need to collect severance pay. Some companies will pay you your full pay for a set period of time. Other severance packages will only allow for you to receive a percentage of your pay for a period of time. Some severance packages offer a lump sum of money when you leave a job. Obviously, its wise to ask for more weeks of severance pay rather than less. In some offices, you will be offered a particular type of severance package dictated by company policy. However, if you can document the reasons you deserve more financial cushion, you may be able to negotiate for a package with a longer length of time, or for full pay and benefits. Negotiating to Get the Best Severance Package If your employer proposes a severance package that is inferior to your proposal, take steps to negotiate a better deal. If your employer is offerin g fewer weeks than you desire, ask if it can be changed. If the number of weeks is based on your years of employment with the company and cant be changed, then try to negotiate a substitute like additional weeks for paid benefits before you are forced to go on COBRA. Another negotiating tactic is to make it appealing for your employer to give you the best severance package available at the company. For example, if you offer to come back to do per diem, freelance or outside consulting work, where it will save the company money in the transitional period, this could help your case for a better severance package.

Ten Steps Workshop for Unemployed Veterans Lessons Learned

Ten Steps Workshop for Unemployed Veterans Lessons LearnedTen Steps Workshop for Unemployed Veterans Lessons LearnedTen Steps Workshop for Unemployed Veterans Lessons LearnedKathryn Troutman, Federal Resume Guru, presented a two-hour program to ten anxious veterans who have been seeking a federal position for a couple of years.Below, Kathryn shares her experience We were at a conference table and the veterans all got to share their objectives and past federal job search experiences, since it welches a small group.Everyone in the class received a free copy of the Jobseekers Guide 7th Edition so that they could refer to the keyword lessons and Outline Format as they were working on their resumes.Problems and Myths Keeping Veterans from Landing Federal JobsEveryone got their resume out and showed me what they were using in their job search.Problems I saw with the resumes in the roomToo short (1 page)Too long (I saw a 14-page resume)Every job listed- even those that were short-term and i rrelevantShort sentences with bulletsAll resumes were NOT targeted with keywordsAll resumes did NOT include accomplishmentsfruchtwein of the resumes went back too far with the datesCritical resume myths we debunked during the classIts okay if resumes are 10 to 14 pages longIts okay if the resume is 1 pageIts okay to upload the resumeIts okay NOT include accomplishmentsIts okay to apply to ANY position in Baltimore just in caseStep 6 The Best Federal Resume Format, the Outline FormatI started the class with Step 6, to show the attendees the longer format with ALL CAP KEYWORDS and short paragraphs. They learned how to write a few more sentences about specific skills that are needed for the position.We shared accomplishments in the room, so that each veteran could add accomplishments to his or her resume.Alford A Future Success Story in the MakingAlford (in the photo above) is ready to go to work now. Alford was the first person in the classroom He brought his laptop and he pulled out his worn-out copy of the 5th edition of the Federal Resume Guidebook. That was a HUGE surprise since I was teaching- and I am the author of that book We both feel that this workshop will bring him luck- and maybe help from VRA, Schedule A, 30% or more Disabled hiring programs to help him work again. One of the main success factors for landing a federal job is PERSEVERANCE- and he showed that just by walking in the doorHe has been looking for positions that will use his administrative skills. When he was working, he owned and managed a successful construction business until the real estate downfall in 2008. And after that, he worked in a transportation firm until he needed to get full-time medical care. He is back on his feet and ready for work. His favorite part of the Ten Step class was Step 6 The Outline Format. He will be changing his short bullet format into the Outline Format with small paragraphs and keywords right away. Free Ebook OfferJobseekers Guide, 7th Editionby Kathryn TroutmanTen Steps to a Federal Job for Transitioning Military, Veterans and Military SpousesFREE PDF of the award-winning best seller is available toveterans, transitioning military, spouses . and career and employment counselors who advise these federal jobseekersAvailable Veterans daythrough Sunday November 13 at midnight.Request Your Copy HereVeterans Career Counselors and CentersBulk buchung Sale on Jobseekers Guide until November 21, 2016More Info and Ordering Kathryn Kraemer Troutmanis the founder and president of The Resume Place, Inc., a service business located in Baltimore, MD, specializing in writing and designing professional federal and private-sector resumes, as well as coaching and education in the federal hiring process. For the past 30 years, Troutman has managed her Professional Writing and Consulting Practice, Publishing and Federal Career Training business, and with her team of 20 Certified Federal Resume Writers, The Resume Place advises and writes more than 300 federal resumes per month for military, private industry and federal clients world-wide.